Rodeo Butts and Boots

This rodeo set-up was different than the Deadwood rodeo where I could wandered behind the scenes as the cowboys arrived and prepared for their events. This was the best I could do.

On the other hand, I had a very good position for getting boot photos.

boots of a rodeo queen

some patriotic boots

the kid wearing these boots posed for me

Thus ends the 2019 version of Butts and Boots,

rodeo stock next...

Rodeo Action

As I said earlier in the week, I'm finally caught up on projects and have the time to look back through the rodeo photos I took earlier this month at the Sioux Empire Fair, a week-long county fair. The rodeo was a two session affair, Saturday afternoon and evening. Not knowing the set-up or logistics, I did not bring my big camera for the afternoon session, but since we live about 2 miles from the fairgrounds, I went home between sessions and grabbed my trusty old camera. Some of the photos are from my phone and others using the camera. You'll know which is which.

I have three posts planned: Rodeo Action, Butts and Boots, and Rodeo Stock. They will be posted every other day after this post.

We had heard from one of Hubby's cousins the rodeo clown/entertainer would be the son of her sister. We had seen him perform at Hart Ranch at their rodeo. He had gifted the G'Kids with T-shirts and an autographed poster. Scot's name was not listed in the program so we weren't certain if he would be there.

When we saw the chicken come into the arena, we knew Scot was the entertainer for the Saturday rodeo. See the post from summer 2017 here.

his other acts were new to us

a visit after the afternoon performance

his other job is a PE teacher

he said he'd be seeing the chiropractor

and getting a massage the next week

bareback event

bareback riding

saddle bronc

saddle bronc

a little air between the rider and the saddle

steer wrestling

another steer wrestler

this isn't how it is supposed to be done!

the steer is to be on the ground, not on the cowboy

As rodeo entertainer and clown, one of Scot's duties is to be in, around, near the barrel during the bull riding event to distract the bull should the cowboy be thrown, hurt, or trying to get out of the arena safely. I do not remember seeing as much bull and barrel interaction as we saw at this rodeo.

or on the barrel watching the action

Scot is in the barreling as the bull charges

the bullfighter is checking to make sure Scot is OK

as the bull charged the barrel and Waldo, the stick figure

this one did not want to leave

the pick-up men tried to rope him and get him out,

but not very successfully

Scot is peeking out of the barrel

the rider just doing his thing for 8 seconds

rider down, bull fighters move in to protect him

and to distract the bull

Butts and Boots next...

The 90th Birthday Party

Family and friends gathered on an August Saturday afternoon to celebrate my Mother's 90th birthday. They came from North Carolina, Arizona, Nebraska, Minnesota and across the border from North Dakota to visit and eat birthday cake and ice cream.

3 large cakes

Miss W and great-grandma

the birthday gal sat at the guest book so she could

greet and visit with everyone 

photos spanning a life of 90 years

lots of hugging

a dirt pile just perfect for 5 of the great-grandsons

3 of the great-granddaughters enjoying 

some lemonade outside

14 of the 19 great-grands

(one more due in November!)

the children, grandchildren and great-grands

Mom and 4 of her 5 siblings

the 97 year-old sister had left before family dinner  & photos

A great weekend of sharing and remembering, honoring and celebrating the life of my Mother.

And a New School Year Begins

It is the latter half of August and that means another school year is beginning. We have been fortunate to be around for all the open houses of the grandkid's school. year.  It is fun to tag along, take photos without having any of the concern and stress that goes with a new school year.

organized pandemonium

putting the school supplies in their labeled 

community tubs

our second grader

the fourth grader meeting her teacher

her classroom has options for movement

while seated

the school mascot

Prior to Tuesday's open house at school, the kiddos were at our house for the day. In the morning M and I did shopping for baking supplies. In the afternoon Miss W and I baked some nutritious options for school morning breakfasts.

some of our purchases

snipping the spinach and peppers

no onions allowed!

Scrambled Egg Breakfast Muffins

we forgot to add the cheese, so we added it after baking

Breakfast Oatmeal Cupcakes To Go

a hit because of the mini chocolate chips

Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

easy and tasty

(it would look prettier with the called for

dried cranberries)

The last fun day with the grandkids for the summer!