Getting Ready For A Party

One would have thought the extravaganza in Alberta consisting of all the trials I went to would have classified itself a party in itself.  That my friends, was just a taste of what I have up my sleeve - the Alberta trip was just a practice type of endeavour, the major partying is yet to ensue.

The party where everyone is invited to is the Hilltop Stockdog Trial (and Hilltop Arena Trial, and Hilltop Cattle Trial) - the first time that the Triple Crown will all will be in one place. Now, in the early years (7 years ago to be in fact), we had a sheep field trial outside of Irricana, then a cattle trial at Airdrie (at Thorlakson's), and then an arena trial in Irricana, another year we had the cattle trial in Olds, and the field trial in Rockyford.  All that we were missing was the elephants for the circus we put on.  This year, for once, everything will be in one spot - like one stop shopping really.  But before we can get this going off the ground, there was some cleanup things to do.  I had high hopes of a grand garden this year - I did not know that portulaca could grow so fast!  I spent several nights removing the weeds, and found my crispy cucumbers (crispy since the sun cooked them), my tiny tomatoes, spindly carrots, lucky (to be alive) lettuce, going to seed spinach, squashed (but not quite dead) squash and my (barely) surviving swiss chard.  No awards will be won this year, but a valiant effort was made. 

Cleanup number two job was to rid ourselves of some vermin - I should have taken a picture- I am sorry, but the Annie Oakely in me had enough of Mrs. Racoon - one morning she must have brought her teenagers for a later breakfast, since I found them all in the shed, with ripped dog food everywhere.  Four shots rang out, and five bodies fell (yes, I am that good).  That was not the only vermin to get rid of.  Dora the Explorer had become the home of Mickey Mouse and his extended family.  I do believe they are all gone now...14 trapped.  I cleaned my poor little Dora and found the empty mouse nest - next to the jack of all things (the jack for the tires, not the Jack Russells).  Now she is more sparkling clean on the inside - also cleaned was the pounds of dust that was inside her due to the broken back window she had received on our way home.  Glass insurance has now been purchased.

I won't say that I have been a little disappointed in the numbers for the trial, but for those that are coming, a grand time will be held.  Signs have been posted (and re-posted - apparently some people like taking the posters so they don't forget about things) in all the post offices, and there should be a number of spectators for this weekend.  Today, I set up the course, bring your big girl panties competitors, it won't be a walk in Grasslands park!

As I was taking a picture, I caught something from the corner of my eye.

I was quite happy I was in the Gator when I saw his face.

I quickly went back and got my gun, but Mr. Badger had left the premises.

Man, with all the quarry I have in my back yard, I could get a hunting certificate on all my Jack Russells - a bronze medallion in an afternoon (for the non-JRT people, this is hunting three different species with the same dog).  I will have to check my calendar and see if I have time to do that.

And for those who think I sit around and eat bonbons all day - take a look....

....there they are - blisters.  As Chris says, only soft people get blisters.

I do believe I am getting harder.

Only a few more days left and the party will begin - few more things to do, one being to clean the house, but that will be the last of the things to be done.

I will also clean up the liqour cabinet, but I can do that during the trial.  

It's A Doggy Dog World

Actually, it's a dog eat dog world - where are these carnivorous beasts anyways? The whirlwind trip back to Alberta was a mini-tornado - but no hail damage was done. When I left McCord, I limped my way up to Wetaskawin to partake (or perhaps it was party) in the celebration of a wedding of an old workmate at the Wetaskawin Animal clinic.  Limping you ask - well you see I had attempted to kick something in the grass the night before and I did not see the metal stake present - the result was swelling around my knee - guess my ankle was tougher than the knee.  Ever try to put on socks with a sore knee?  How about underwear?  A very tough decision had to be made, and I decided that it would be a sockless day - but I did get my underwear on.  On my way to Alberta,  I had limped into a walk-in clinic in Swift Current since I did not think it was a large emergency- but of the 6 doctors on the list, not one was in.  Out golfing I suppose.  In the end I got myself a tensor bandage and travelled my way up to the wedding.  Theresa Knox and Steve Reminsky made a beautiful couple, and I would like to thank the new Mr. and Mrs. Knox for the fun time I had.  Thankfully, there were not many photos taken - due to a witness protection program than I am hoping to get into.  I witnessed the demise of too many bottles of wine.  No red solo cup for me - this was a classy affair.  They say friends don't let friends drive drunk - but why do they let them get drunk in the first place?  In my defence is was all self medication.

 The next day, the Shantz's made a lovely breakfast before I had to hightail it out to Trochu for the first dog trial I was to attend.  A nice leisurely morning was had, and because it started at 1 pm, I had lots of time to get there.  Or so I thought.  A text message asking me where I was at 10:30 jolted me in to the realization that my eyeglasses have to be checked - since the competition started at 11am.  Old Dora squealed her wheels to get there in time - thankfully they allowed me to run even though I was late (and the gods were watching out for me since there were no police on the road - they probably had gone to the wedding as well and they were sleeping it off).

It was not to be our day, the three amigos (Gin, Floss and Mitch) and I did not do anything amazing - we left that up to the likes of Jill Brodie and Ryder....

....Corey Perry and Ben....

 ....and Jimmy Walker and Soot.

I do believe Jimmy took some Canadian money home at par from the Trochu Arena Trial - don't forget to claim that when you go back home to Texas!

That night, I slept over at Jill Brodie's before I headed off to the Wildrose Classic in Bowden.  I saw that Jill doesn't train her dogs much - as evidence by the cobweb on her stocksticks.

The next stop would be at the Olds Arena Trial.  Once again, the sheep had the way with the dogs - only 1 person was able to get a pen for the go rounds.  I did happen to get chute times, and would have been in the finals, but due to time constraints, not as many could go to the finals as was advertised, and I along with a few others were given the bubble award.  In the end, the amazing Randy Dye and Tuck took home the prize.

 I guess my dogs didn't look too bad, the shortest dog deal in history was done - someone wanted to buy Mitch from me, and before I knew it I had two dogs and some sheep for him.  However, he being one of the last Fly progeny, and because I like him so much, the deal was to go south.  Perhaps one year he will give his half brother Tuck a run for his money.  I have some training to do on him before that happens.

A next day was a day of rest, and I made a quick trip into Calgary to get a cowboy hat that I had won last year at the Stampede with Gin - I wondered what the Stampede would bring us this year - time would tell.

The next day, the Wildrose Classic started, and as always, the trial was well organized and well run.  We even had entertainment from the hosts - Randy Dye and Don Grant in the form of pole dancing.

Being the safety guru as Randy is, the course was made with safety as the number one component.

The paparazzi was out in full force.

The weather was great, except for a short thunderstorm - seeing that Chris's life insurance was paid up, we allowed him to keep setting during the storm.

I found out that Floss doesn't mind thunder - it is either that or she has bad hearing and can't hear it.

I was pretty happy with Floss, this being her first year out in the open course.  She made the large outrun without crossing over, and we finished the course - I did find that I will have to check my eyes soon. Drive panels....what drive panels?

Mitch showed me humility - and I showed him I could race up the field with a bum knee when he wouldn't listen to me.  I also found that Gin couldn't hear - no, that is wouldn't hear.  When a dog doesn't want to listen to you, it doesn't bode well for stellar runs.  So stellar runs were not to be had by my crew that week.  However, a stellar time was had.

 

I helped to end the trial by judging novice and intermediate the last day - I didn't see any flat tires so I assumed I did not hurt too many feelings.

Now, it was time for the greatest show on earth - the Calgary Stampede.  With the increase in entry fees for the World Stockdog Championships, the handlers were shown nothing but the best.

The best morning gathering.

 Lots of coffee.

 And for some, added pleasure to your coffee.  International delight for sure.



The next two days would be full of running dogs and calling the Saddledome home.  I ran in the first part, and did get a pen with both Gin and Floss - a load off of my mind that is for sure. 

Our first day of running is always on the day of these majestic beasts.

We were happy that there was plenty of beer available as well.

 The dog is of course needed to guard the Budweiser.

On the Saturday night, the handler's supper was had - this is where I found that the ASDA president could eat his weight in beef.

By the end of the day, 25 out of 60 dogs had pens - it was to be sure that two pens were needed to get into the finals.  It wouldn't be an easy feat, and some whispering had to be done, but I was able to get two pens with Floss and Gin.

Whew, after pixie dust was thrown, and a horseshoe placed well, I got both of the girls in the finals!

While we waited for the finals, we watched other competitions, one being the Cowboy Up Challenge.  It was an obstacle event whereby anything could be asked of you - carrying eggs in a basket... 

walking on planks.....

dragging obstacles...

I am sure Chris could have taken his horse Dexter in to try. But alas, he is afraid of fiddles. Chris is that is, not Dexter.

We also watched team penning.

The winning team had a person on the team who supplied the cattle -I thought I heard him calling the cattle by name.

Finally our day in the sun would be had.  We were all introduced to the crowd in the order of our runs - slowest accumulated time to fastest - I was to run with Floss third, and Gin second last.

Every year, a trailer is given out to a handler for sponsor's choice award. this year, Princess Louanne Twa received it.  This was not to be the only price she got this year.

I guess I forgot to fill up my pixie dust container - having two dogs in the final does not guarantee you anything.  My penning quota was full, and I was unable to pen the sheep in the final.

But there were masters among us who could pen.

In the end, Dale Montgomery and Zip was Champion, and Louanne Twa and Meg was Reserve Champion.  I hear there was a celebration of sorts.

So with the fireworks, that would conclude the 2012 Alberta trip.  Back home to McCord I would go, with a list of things to do, since in a few weeks the Hilltop Trial will be going on.  On my way home, another thing was added to the list - that is to fix Dora's back window.  A rock flew up and hit the back window, shattering it.  A trip to the autobody and a day of cleaning dust is now on the growing list of things to do. Oh, and did I mention the trap line I have inside of Dora?  To date, twelve mice have been caught. Thank you Ken-L Ration for your amazing bait.

And God, did you really have to sacrifice one of my best ram lambs with the electronet?  Really now.

Flying By The Seat Of My Pants

After a week of doing a locum at Nanton, Alberta, it was time to head back home...but wait, there was a few things that had to be done first. First of all, I went to Chris's sister Marie's wedding - her new husband is Pedro. It was a nice garden wedding.

 Then I made a quick trip to the Tchetter Colony and met up with Leanne, where I had to meet the new and upcoming that would be coming to her place in few weeks.

Tip would be bringing along his sister for her to become a McCordian. 

Now, I know you all have a crink in your neck looking at this picture - not planned at all.  It appears that I did not have an option to rotate the picture (after trying an hour to make it fit).  We are planning to call her Nan - and you may ask, is not the other pup you got the week before called Nan?

Yes, this one is Nan as well (you have a crink in your neck again, don't you?)  She is an aunt to the other Nan. Cripes, Chris can have two nephews called Chris, we are just carrying on a tradition.  That way birthday cards can be reused. 

As Leanne played with her phone (I thank her for taking the pup pictures)... 

..... Jake worked some of the dogs he had.

 This lovely Suffolk was a cranky old bat.  There was a time I wish I had a bat.

 After all the training was done, then I headed back to McCord.  A quick work week was done, whereby a lot of crap was dealt with...really, it came from the backend of bulls.  One particular day, I went to do fourteen bulls, and like a fool I thought, "This is going well!"  Immediately, a bull was let out of the chute as I was about to fondle, I mean examine his testicles, when the back gate fell on top of my head.  Could this have been the way Newton felt with the apple?  He probably didn't get an egg shaped lump on his head like I did. Then shortly after that, a bull was let out with my probe still in his butt, which did not bode well for the probe. And then the shit hit the fan - no I guess it hit my face when the bull had a slight temper tantrum.   A quick trip back to the clinic (one hour round trip) was done to get a new machine, all the while noticing large muddy dog prints in the front seat of Dora - guess the rancher's dog wanted a trip to town. 

Now I would have thought that was enough excitement for one week - but in a few days would be the yearly branding - after work the next day I went to get groceries (3 hour round trip) expecting a large crew for the weekend.  I had it all planned, which was changed at the grocery store when they didn't have the coleslaw that I wanted.  So many bags of lettuce were bought, as well as macaroni (for yet more sald) and beans, for the planned chili - Branding 2012 was going to take place in a mere 8 hours-I had to sleep really fast.

The next day, we travelled to the south ranch to brand the calves.  I would have to say it was the smoothest branding ever - we didn't even have to be there - in fact we weren't.  I started making the dinner, and found out we had no water (it would have even made Martha Stewart say a few choice words) and Chris did some running around to get the water going.  The water was put back on, and my second in command in the kitchen came (my sister Sandy and her husband Ken).  When all was well on the kitchen front, I finally made it to my own branding. 

The momma cows waited patiently for their calves. 

 For those neophites to brandings, here is the step by step procedure.

1. Rope the calf - preferably by two hind legs

2.  Ensure that the portable gate works well in keeping the other calves from escaping.

3. Drag the calf to the crew.

 4. The calf will have vaccinations, a brand, dehorning, castration and implanting done by the experts.

 5. The use of the Northfork is optional (this is contraption which holds the head of the calf while the roper holds the heels).

 6. If no Northfork is available, then get your arse dirty and do some wrestling.

7. It is required that the young folk study -one day soon they will be part of the crew.

 8. Cowboy attire is optional.

 9. A good branding pot is essential.  Pot bellies are also optional (Hi Kelsey and Daryl!)

 10. When the job is done, it is necessary to wet the whistle with a cool beverage.

 So after we were done the first group (250 calves in 2 1/2 hours - you do the math), we picked up to go to another field to do a few more calves.

"You've been cowboying long?"

My cooking was not done - the prairie oysters had to be prepared.  Martha Stewart, call me anytime and I will give you my recipe (which didn't include beer as in the picture, that was for purpose of soothing a dry throat). 

 When the job was done, the steeds stood around.

 My fear of not having enough food was unfounded.  Everyone had a belly full.  I do believe I could have had 50 extra people around and there would have been still food left over.  At the moment, we are on a lettuce diet.  Next year I will buy only one package...not six.

 Branding 2012 was done - all that was left was to pack things up and head back home.

This is a road less travelled - but on June 23rd, it turned out to be a major road in cow country.