Projects...

Hank and I got another big load of trimmings to the landfill today. My tarping skills leave a lot to be desired, and I've had to relearn the Truckie hitch.  Hank and I have made so many trips to the landfill that the nice lady in the scale house weight station, slides open her window, and before I can say anything, says "Good Morning, Red Bluff, yard waste, OK, pull through". LOL, I don't even have to give her my info any more.

MySean

As Sean and I were talking the other day, he mentioned that he had gotten a ski boat so he and Amy could take the kids out.  He said they had it on the water last weekend, and it ran, but not well, and he needed a new project anyway. So a tune up is in it's immediate future, and they plan to be back on the water this weekend. Sean doesn't know the meaning of small project, and always has to be working on something. Amy sent a photo of his project! 

(I think, it's time for me to dig out the Maherajah slalom and hit the water while I'm up there!)

Wedding

Granddaughter Ali has posted a bunch of photos from the wedding. I won't show all 581 of them, just a few.

Ali and Tyler's wedding reception

two of my favorite kids (by other mothers)

my nieces, Marymine, me, my brother in laws, and sister in laws

Perservering...

It was a beautiful evening last night, much cooler, slight breeze, with a few thunder boomers in a Vivaldi sky.

My grandson has been taking some great night photos. You can check out his photos on his website.

http://www.blackshield.photography/

photo by http://www.blackshield.photography/

 House...

No assessors report yet, so everything else is in a holding pattern. Hopefully it will be at my attorney's this week. I'm just kinda trudging along waiting for the next bomb to drop. I really have to be on point, cause sure as the sun is going to come up, my brother and/or his wife are going to launch another knife to the back. Even my attorney has said he's glad he doesn't have people like this in his family. Well, that's comforting as all get out. Enough whining already.

 MySean...

There will be a gathering of the clan, My Sean is getting married the end of this month. 

To see him happy,  and with someone that we all love, is so good. He's been through a lot the last few years.  I'm looking forward to driving up and spending a few days with them, the rest of the extended family, and possibly will get in some house hunting, as well. 
Just got a call from him, he has been head hunted again, so a new job starts two days after the wedding, to start with a 20% increase in salary, 40% increase in benefits, doesn't have to move, and doing something he loves. Yay Sean!

Dad...

The plan is for T to fly Dad & I up to hunt'n camp late in Sept.  Dad has been pretty quiet about being stuck in the den all this time, but then he's surrounded by flight logs, maps, pictures, and airplanes. Sure miss his hugs, quick mind, dry humor zingers, and advise.

Marymine...

Marymine called the other day, and as we were chatting away, she said to someone in the background. "It's nanny."  Then said, "here mom someone needs to talk to you." 

The masculine voice of a 26 year old came on and simply said, "I love you."  I am so humbled and blessed by those around me.

 

Way out West...

Only in the West are you sent home from your attorney's office with bumper stickers for Hank, Rav, & the frig that read...

No hint there that he's also a cowman...

No need to breakout the sewing machine. Got my dress for granddaughter, Ali's, wedding later this month. Marymine ordered two dresses for herself and both were the wrong color, she sent one back, but the other one, she said might work for me. Tried it on and it fits, so that is taken care of.

Navy blue, my favorite color. Now all I need are some kick ass heels to go with it.

 When I teasingly asked Ali if it was Ok to wear my cowboy boots with my dress, Marymine immediately piped up and said, "Ali, do not encourage her!"  

Granddaughter Ali

This is going to be such a fun wedding!

MySean is on a little 1,200 mile bike ride with his  fiance and a group of friends this weekend. Yes, she is little, but she's mighty, and we all love her. 
(Sean says I gave him those gray hairs, I can't believe that is true, can you?)

 The whole group took time to stop and visit the Cowman & Maxwell, the wonder cowdog.

The Cowman & Max's place.

I'm on the look out for a much more gun & tax friendly state in the West, for when Dad's estate is settled.  I love the immense natural beauty of Northern California, but I simply can't afford to live here any longer.   Thoughts on possibles?

Rounding Up Memories...

It's that Red Bluff Round-Up time of year. 

 The Round-Up is a big deal in these parts, it brings in a great deal of revenue to the local businesses. 

The Cowman's dad & uncle were directors for many years, back in the day. The Cowman and his brothers worked the ground crew in the timed events chute. A thankless job, as it was either pouring rain or hotter'n hell, and they worked all the slack as well as all the performances. They all volunteered their time and effort to make it happen.  

Most of the old founding families are still active in producing the Round-Up.

  

Back in the day, at the end of each day's performance, was the Wild Horse Race.  They ran out a bunch of horses with a halter and lead rope on them. The wild horse race started with a shotgun blast, just to make sure they had the audiences attention, and spook the horses.Then each three man team had to hold on to their horse, get a saddle on it, one man had to mount up, and ride around the track back to the finish line to win the prize money.  Sounds rather simple, it's not, these were not gentle horses, they were wild horses. The Cowman, his older brother and a friend miraculously never got stomped into a pulp, bit, kicked, or bucked down like some teams.  The tough thing was hanging on to the horse long enough to get'm saddled and headed down the track in the right direction.  All this happened just feet away from the grandstand and we were lucky enough to have box seats to watch the action. 

Most of the teams were locals that we all knew, so the competition among them was pretty stiff.  I had a vested interest in those days, really didn't need a busted up husband, but we sure could have made good use of that prize money. 

They don't have the Wild Horse Race these days... But the Wild Ride competition at the last performance is great fun to watch.  The riders dress up in costumes and come out of the chute on a bronc for a Wild Ride.

Tonto & the Lone Ranger out of the chute

 My BIL still has the family box, and a ticket with my name on it, so I might just make a performance this year.
 

  

A Blessed Christmas...

Celebrating the season in our small town church. It is nice to know that I'm not the only one who likes unadorned trees.  The Latin is John 14:6.

The family news: 

We have a new member in our extended family via my niece, Rachel.  Welcome to the clan, Emet James.

My Sean and his adorable Amy having a good time on the slopes. (You would not believe how much he looks like his dad.)  When did my son get old enough to have grey hairs instead of giving them...

The Gingerbread house wars are on at Marymine's. Though I must admit I didn't quite get the aliens coming home to the pyramids at first. Yes, we have an outside the box thinker!

Marymine and crew are coming here for Christmas! Dad doesn't know, so keep it under your hat.

Dad said he didn't want a Christmas tree, not even the small one, stored in a box in the garage.  I don't always listen to what he says, as much as what he doesn't say..

So, instead of getting a new rug shampooer, that I had been saving for, I went and got an 8' lighted Christmas tree. Didn't tell Dad, til I got it setup in the living room window. Plugged it in, and watched Dad's face light up as bright as the tree.

"It's Beautiful, Sis!"

Made my Christmas.

Wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas.

Fish'n & Fry'n...

Monday morning, loaded up Dad and headed to Lake Shasta to spend the day on the Oregon brother & sis-in-law's houseboat. Another BIL & SIL where staying with them, so plenty of help with Dad.

The BILs met us at the marina and away we went to a beautiful cove they had tied up the houseboat in.  

It has been awhile since I've been on the lake when it was this high. There weren't many other boats in the area, and the water was perfect. 

While the guys got the poles rigged, I slathered Dad in sunscreen and had him cinch down his lucky fish'n hat. I really need to find a new feather for his hat, cause the mangy look'n goose feather it has does not befit a fisherman of Dad's caliber.

Away they went to fish the day away. All my BIL's are super about taking Dad fishing, they like having him along. He has stories.

two of my six SILs

While the guys where fishing, my SILs and I put together the makings for an early dinner, filled our wine glasses, blew up the floats, and hit the water. None of us are as young as we used to be... I got catywampus on the boat ladder, and had to swim for my float, didn't spill a drop of wine.  Getting on the float in open water, holding a glass of wine was a tiny bit dicey, berserker skills were called into play.  No wine was lost, and we spent most of the day floating around the wine cooler, laughing and telling stories about, well never mind...
 I got a tad sunburned, but I'm old enough to know better, so no excuses.

The guys came in for dinner. Dad was a little tired, but in good spirits as he had caught fish! 

After a great dinner of BBQ'd tri-tip, salad, tomatoes,  & sweet corn, and a few tall tales, we hugged goodbyes. The guys took us back to the marina, helped me load up Dad, and we were on our way home.

It was a perfect day on the water, with family. 

Today, I'm taking Dad to Sunday breakfast at the airport cafe so we can eat pancakes and drool over planes.

After the rain...

We have sunshine!  Good morning Mt Lassen.

                                  

*** 

A great weekend with Marymine; full of family, kids, dogs, green tutus, and lots of laughter!

SIL Jane and I gett'n ready for the start of the Shamrock'n 5K in Sac on Sat. Windy and Colder than all getout, but the rain had stopped. Them darn tracking devices on the numbers are so you can't cut through the back streets, who knew! Just so all is straight, it was probably not me that might have tripped that ol guy with the T that read, "You've just been passed by a 70 yr old man"...
 and the wind resistance on a tutu, geez!

Travel Log: part 3

With Wyoming in our rear view mirror, we made good time across the prairie of S Dakota. It was lush with yellow clover blossoms this time of year.  Giving no hint to how cruel the winters can be... 

One hundred and twenty miles of grassland and one lone abandoned homestead. I always wish these places could tell their stories.

Then, we were topping a rise and looking over the Cheyenne River and the ranch headquarters.  

A warm welcome awaited us.  These are the people that make the world right. They are smart, they work hard, and they play hard. They are doing their utmost to see that those traditions that matter are continued, at the same time they are looking forward.  I love'm, Oh, and the smell of grass, horses, cattle, and history...

  "Kick off your boots and stay a while..." 

Simple Traditions...

Do you have a family holiday tradition that is your favorite?

I have several but one of the best at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and the 4th of July is that after dinner was over the guys put on their aprons and did the dishes and all the clean up.  

Memory doesn't tell me when we started this. I do know that it was one Thanksgiving when we were all gathered at my mother and father in laws Song of the River house. It may have started with the losing of a poker bet to the Cowman's card shark grandmother... 

There were a lot of us, as the Cowman was one of seven children. At the time we were all married and had small children. Those of us who married into the clan, brought our mothers, fathers, siblings, and any friends that didn't have a place to go. It was a darn good thing that they had a big open rambling house. 

Over time it became tradition for the guys to do clean up, and let the women folk rest after days of cooking.  So as we retreated to the living room with classes of wine, and savored the moment, the guys could be heard over in the large open kitchen.  We would occasionally be consulted on how to handle china, stemware, or where a pan went.  They were actually very good at it and funny with it.  There were so many of them that it all was done in no time with much teasing banter and laughter. When they had finished, they would join us and the banter and laughter carried on...

Now we are scattered far and wide, and seldom get the chance to all be together. Some of us still carry on the tradition, but it's not the same...    

Blessed...

Giving thanks with...

for the many 

that are my family and friends,

 and that I finally found pie tins the same size as Costco pies...

Well Spit...

 I seem to collect rocks and feathers... does that mean I'm flighty but grounded?

Spent yesterday on the river chasing salmon with Dad and (his friend) D. I get very leery about the chances of a successful outing when the only trailers at the ramp are gov guys. I won't get into the prelaunch: dead battery, the travel to D's house to get another, the fact that D's place needs to be dozed...

  Drove ol Ugly up and down all the hot spots. The river is really low, which means you have to go really really fast to plane over the gravel bars. Yee Haw!

recent catch on SacRiverGuide.com boat

  

Dad was frustrated that he was not even getting a bump, with salmon jumping all around us, D didn't seem to care.  Though D wasn't real happy to have to get in the river with me, to help lift the motor out of the water to unplug the weeds from the intake, twice. 

Dad is really pushing it lately! Dad, D, and I were talking about shotguns and bird hunting while waiting for a damn salmon to jump into ol Ugly, when Dad says to D, "If you'll take Brig pheasant hunting down at the range, I'll pay for all the birds."  Which embarrassed the heck out of me, and I think D as well...

D stuttered... "aaah sure, I aaah can take her, I guess!"   Really, what could the poor man say, he's in Dad's boat, in the middle of the river, with me at the helm.  Dad is getting way too into his scheming, I have no interest in D, and I suspect D feels the same about me.  He knows Trouble when he sees it.

My granddaughter, Lauren, played HS volleyball up here yesterday evening. So I got to see her and Marymine. Yeah!  Lauren, calls'm as she sees'm, is a really good player, and a hoot to boot.

part of the WINNING team, Lauren on the R

Gathering laughter...

I've pretty much healed up from the LV trip... Who knew you could get laughing moon burn in a hot tub!

The day we left home, in the rush to get out the door at O dark thirty, I put my cell phone in my everyday purse (which I did not take). Didn't even realize it, til I went to scan my boarding pass, thank goodness I had printed a confirmation copy and stowed it in my carry on. I didn't take even one pair of cowboy boots, the cowcamp honor was upheld as Marymine and granddaughter Ali both wore theirs.

All of us arrived at McCarran airport about the same time and traveled to the house we rented. It took about five minutes before there were twelve of us, (with wine in hand) in the hot tub. 

We had a great time, saw some interesting stuff, did some interesting stuff, ate at the house for the most part (there are some fantastic cooks in the family), drank a lot (there are a few in the family that worked their way thru college as bartenders), and we spent a lot of time laughing.

Never had any problems, but then it was a "very" well armed group of ladies.

the younger part of the crew, (between the lettering is the family brand in bling)

Some of us hadn't seen each other since we scattered the Cowman's ashes up at the fort, so we got to catchup on hugs, and tall tales, and laughter.

Marymine said I was, unusually, very well behaved. She only had to grab and hold me back once, and that was on the late night flight home. A balding, full of himself man, was setting behind me and hustling hard on some hoochy gals across the isle from him... which was entirely his business, except that he was very loud. Geez, I was just going to whisper in his ear:Sierra-Tango-Foxtrot-Uniform

We all had a great time, and have made plans to do it again, soon.  The next time we are going to the coast, and bringing our men!  Well, they are bringing their men, and I'm bringing myself and a kayak...

Endless Possibilities...

Four sister-in-laws, five nieces, my daughter, my granddaughter, and I...

flying to LV from all over the West, to spend four days together. 
What could happen? There are endless possibilities...

Together...

An accounting of sorts. 

I started this blog to tell the stories of granny's life to her grandchildren.  I have gotten side tracked more than once... I'm a long way from telling it all, and that is probably a good thing.  For now a small reminder to myself... 

 daughter Mary, me, son Sean

To my Awesome Grandchildren,

 

Together we have made The Best mud pies, flubber, and milkshakes.  Together we have searched far and wide for heart rocks to add to our collection. Together we have planted seeds of food and hope.  Together we have rode horses, picnicked in meadows, and swam in everything from irrigation ditches to oceans.  Together we have built forts and teepees out of the most unlikely things in some unlikely places.  Together we have camped out in the back of beyond and in cowcamp. Together we have blown bubbles from the highest knoll, and watched meteor showers from the bed of an ol pickup.  Together we have hunted, fished, skipped rocks, and stomped in puddles.  Together we have been to your recitals, games, and performances. Together we have been on road trips and seen some wondrous things. Together we have danced, and sang, and read.  Together we have cried and hugged and laughed and Loved. Together.  

Veterans Day

Thank You Veterans for your service. 
Very proud of my crew who have and are serving our country:

Dad:  AAF pilot

brother Buzz: USN jet driver

 daughter Mary: USN VP-47

grandson Cody: USN Corpsman (active duty)