Howdy All,

The first 3 months of 2017 are coming to a close.  At the beginning of March, Rick and I took part in the local Wetaskiwin’s Farmers Curling Bonspiel.  We may not have come out on top, but we sure did have lots of fun.  We  appreciate all the organizers of this event.  They put many hours into making it a success.

 

One of the prizes was a mini  “Team 23”  Chuckwagon.  Well this little fan was most ecstatic to have won it.  It became even more real when Rick had signed it for him.

 

As the season draws near, we wait in anticipation for the sun to shine and the snow to melt.  We don’t have tons of snow, but enough to hold us back a bit.  The horses are looking good, and have begun to shed their winter coats.

Every day that goes by becomes history.  Whether it is 1 day, 10 days, 1 month, 10 years or 100 years. or more.  There is so much to be thankful for,  appreciate, and remember.  The Grande Prairie Museum contacted us, as they were putting together a Chuckwagon display to run throughout the year.  What they did, is use one of Rick’s Go-pro YouTube video’s from the drivers seat, to assist in making a reality feel of what the driver see’s from start to finish during a race.  You get to sit on a seat, hold some lines and pretend you are the one driving the team.  How exciting is that?  If your in the Grande Prairie area, be sure to stop in and have a look.

 

And while we are on the topic of history,  the Grande Prairie Stompede is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.  We thought it would be fitting to donate Rick’s dad’s, (the late Dave Lewis) racing chuckwagon.  What a great way to add history to the area.  Committee members and others, are hard at work restoring the weathered piece.  We can hardly wait to see the finished product.

Dave was a fierce competitor, yet a very quiet and humble kind of guy.  He took home 3 Calgary Stampede Championships in 1982, 1988 and 1990.  He married Rick’s mom, Joan Dorchester in 1969.

Talking about the Calgary Stampede, we look at it, as the kickoff of the Chuckwagon Season.   It was held in Calgary, this past Thursday March 23rd on the Stampede grounds.  It’s always an exciting event, as all the drivers, potential sponsors, committee members, friends and family come together to see what sponsor purchases what driver for the Biggest Outdoor Show on Earth.

The afternoon/evening event comes and goes by so quickly.  But not before we get to chat with all the many friends we’ve made over the years.  Rod, is one of the Maverick’s group that sponsored us last year.  It was good to see him and all the others.  They have been consistent sponsor supporters for many years at the Calgary Stampede.

As there are many miles that separate all the 36 drivers on the Chuckwagon trail, we always are excited to see everyone.  Chatter is about how the family is doing, how the kids are growing, how much snow you have and what new ponies are in the lineup.  Evan Salmond and his wife Adriane hail all the way from Hudson Bay Saskatchewan.

This Big Black Beauty was on display.  This is the GMC pickup truck to which the driver with the fastest aggregate time wins after 8 days of running at the Stampede.  Need to put this on our vision board!

A few years back, outrider Eddie Melville, put together one of the highest award achievements of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association circuit.  It was to honor the athletes of the game, the horses.  Not long after it came to fruition, the Calgary Stampede adopted the award.  At the auction, the previous years winners are presented with their winning trophy, a beautiful hand engraved display halter.  We were fortunate enough to have our Right Wheeler “Law” take the title last summer.  Other recipients were Chad Hardens Right Leader “Wild”, Jason Glass’s Left Leader “Smokey”, Mitch Sutherland’s Left Wheeler “Boomer”,  Vern Nolin’s Outriding Horse “Power” and John Walters Outriding Horse “Whitey”.  Such a prestigious award to receive.

Over the winter months, we’ve enjoyed many days with our grandkids.  Because they are at such different ages, we do so many different things.  Coy has quite the imagination when it comes to creating clay beings.  He also loves to draw, cut and paste.  His mind is always on the go.

Our little Ryker turned 1 in February and is a going concern.  A bright and healthy boy keeps us all very busy.  He hasn’t quite learnt how to walk yet, but his crawling hasn’t slowed him down one bit.  This Nana is in seventh heaven spoiling the two of them.  After all…….that’s what we’re suppose to do, isn’t it?

As the racing season draws near, mark your calendar as to where we will be.  We would love for you to come and see all the action live, up-close and personal.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue with Rick too

P.S.  The person who has lived the most is not the one with the most years, but the one with the richest experiences.

Jean Jacques Rousseau