Howdy All!
I was pretty excited to have Rick come down to the barns this morning. You see, Rick and I had always talked about how neat and special it would be to have many rose bouquets outside our barn, to look and feel a little like the Kentucky Derby. It was always just a dream. Well I decided that it would be a dream no more. I got our daughter Amy to pick up 20 dozen roses from Costco and arrange them accordingly.
Our Kentucky Derby
Amy and her husband Chris, along with friend Seairra, stayed up after midnight making the display beautiful. I wanted it, so when Rick came down in the morning it would be a great surprise. Well it was a surprise indeed he said.
I too thought they looked beautiful. And also, I am a little bit partial to them as the color red is my favortie.
A Special Little Visitor
After chores, I hurried on over to an appointment I had in Calgary with a friend. It was a much needed time. While I was away, Amy sent me this photo of a little butterfly that stopped by our barn I like to think that it was my dad dropping in to say hi.
A little lovin goes a long way. Our worker Kim from New Zealand gave Louie a really good massage by doing this for him.
A Sign of Respect\
Each night before the races, the Army Helicopter fly’s by our grand Canadian Flag flying below. The band on the stage and the people in the stands sing our national anthem freely, proud and strong. Back behind the chutes, the outriders take off their helmets, and stand and recognize the free country that we live in.
The Top of One
We had the coveted one barrel tonight. Just before the races, a major wind storm flew in and the temperatures dropped. We see all kinds of weather here in the city all due because it is so close to the Rocky Mountains.
Our hook tonight was Spirit on the Left Lead, Ranger on the Right Lead. Jim on the Left Wheel and Sporty on the Right Wheel. Chanse Vigen and Ryan MacNeill rode Ed and Andy. The team started pretty good, but Rick said he didn’t make the prettiest turn. But you know what? He made it around the barrels in a clean manner, and ran the race in a 1:12.06, which in turn was fast enough to get us into the top eight for the semi-final Saturday. Our “Team 23” Crew were pretty happy with that.
Friends
Night number 8 was a good one to celebrate with just one drink. Our friend and relative Tammy, arrived before the races. We decided we after the dust settled it was time to make that happen. A little bit of red wine doesn’t hurt anybody. So that is what it was.
From the Travelin Trailer
Sue, with Rick and “Team 23”
Sue
P.S. Very little is needed to make a happy life: it is all within yourself. In your way of thinking.
Good morning Sue , The horses ran so well last night Wow !! You and Rick have to be so proud of them all ..The front of your barn was beautiful I’m very sure Rick loved it I would as well .
Sad to see you guys retire, but glad you could make that call on your own terms. I only met Rick once, a few years ago at Dewberry, when I was an aspiring wagon announcer. I was treated like family, and he had some amazing memories that he shared when he found out where I lived.
Now, as a bit more of a wagon guy, I respect your passion, and all that you have given to the sport. I hope to meet you all some day again.
Keep a post going once in awhile so we don’t lose track of you.
Best of health and safe travels.
Sent from my iPhone
What a beautiful idea you had with the roses good luck the rest of the way for team 23.
Hi Carol
Thank you. Rick and I had always talked about doing that some day. And that day came. He loved it! and so did I!
Thank you for following along on my chuckwagon journey.
Cheers
Sue
Thinking of you today! And, good luck tonight!!!
Thank you Joanne for your note. I am behind answering all my comments, but I know it is important. Thank you for following along on my journey. I have enjoyed hearing from folks like you.
Cheers
Sue
Sue, my prayers to you and your family in the passing of your father. Such a sad time. Best of luck to you and Team 23 as you begin a new road to travel. I have so enjoyed your pictures and stories the last few years. Look forward each morning to reading your blog during wagon season. Only the best to you and your family.
Janet
Thank you for following along. And thank you for thoughts of my father. A sad time, but yet a joyous time celebrating his great life. It will be a Stampede to remember for sure. It was the way it was supposed to be and that is just fine.
Cheers
Sue
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!!! GOOD LUCK ON YOUR RETIREMENT, iM SURE THERE WERE A FEW TEARS TOBNIGHT AFTER YOUR FINAL RUN…I KNOW I HAD A FEW….BEST OF LUCK
Hello Candy
At home and trying to catch up with things on the Ranch and paperwork. We had a very memorable last Stampede on many levels. Thank you for following along on our journey.
Cheers
Sue