Happy 4th Rodeo Style

Happy 4th of July.

What a day!

It was HOT! Like 100 degrees hot. 

But I didn't care. I braved the heat! I tool our Light Rail to the next town called Folsom. It was the 54th Annual Folsom Rodeo. I so didn't want to fight traffic and find a place to park, etc. So I decided to take Light Rail. I like Light Rail. They do all the driving and I just sit back and relax. That's nice!

So off I go. It was about 6:30pm and the Rodeo started at 7:00pm. I figure it would take about 20 minutes to get there. Even though it was UPHILL all the way. 

Then I double checked the timetable about getting back home. Oh NO!!!!! The last train left at 7:09pm. How could I have overlooked this wrinkle? I was so screwed! Really. That is so not me. What happened? How am I going to get home?  I totally freaked. Then I remembered that I had a friend that was going as well. Luckily she would give me a ride back to my car. Whew! Crisis averted, I can enjoy the rest of the night.

Then off I go on my walk to the Rodeo Arena. I walk UP Sutter Street which is still in the old time west tradition. Quaint stores and some restaurants. You really feel like it's 100+ years ago. It's all up hill alright. I get the end (about 4 blocks) and I ask a passerby if the Rodeo Arena nearby. "Are you walking?" he asks. Well, ah, yes. You have  LONG walk ahead of you. Oh no, no, no. Did I do it again?  Well no help for it so just keep walking. Another 3 blocks then turn right for two more blocks then turn left for 3 more blocks. UPHILL! It's 100 degrees. By the time I got the Arena I was WET! 

But there I am. I am so excited.

I found my seat. It was concrete. Yes Concrete. Not even smooth concrete. It was rocky. If you put your hand down it scraped it. But it was a seat. The even was totally sold out. People everywhere. 

I drank my water bottle in 3 seconds flat. So off to get a soda now. I get back and there is someone sitting in my seat. 

Me:  Sir, I believe that is my seat.

Mr.:  Yeah well I am sitting here now.

Me:  But that is MY seat. It says so right here on my ticket.

Mr.:  Well you can find another seat. I am sitting here (grins). 

Me: (Staring at him in disbelief) Well I need to sit there. So you need to move.

Mr.:  Well you can sit there.

Me:  (Wimp that I am) I sit down and hope no one challenges me. 

So the Rodeo started.  It was fun. The sun finally bowed down on the horizon and there were bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing.

Sorry for the fuzzyness but they went by pretty quick. 

Then my battery started dying and well that was it for the photos. 

But I do need to tell you about the little mutton chop kids. They were so cute. They were between 6 and 8 years old and they had to ride a sheep. 

This one little girl hung on for dear life. She even won! Yeah for all the little girls out there. 

Then there were the swearing in of about 20 cadets into the Marine Corps. God bless them. I shed a tear.

Then came the Motocross. I didn't think I would like that very much. Boy was I wrong. That was COOOOLLLL!!!! Yep it was exciting. I felt like I was at an Evil Kneivel event. They were very exciting.

Then came the AWESOME fireworks. That was too cool. 

I found my friend and she game me a ride to my car. What a night. A really nice 4th of July. 

 

I love our Starbuck's

When I moved here 7 years ago, there was NOTHING here. It's a new subdivision and there was just alot of dirt, pipes, 2 x 4's, and the promise of something special.

Then came the little shopping center. I was so excited. Building of something coming. There was a rumor that there was going to be a Lowe's and a Chili's and a Starbuck's and a Panda Express and a Pandera's.  Ok,  I know that's a lot of "and a" but seriously the rumors abounded.

Pandera's just materialized (7 years later) and Panda Express just came across the freeway earlier this year. But the other 3 were the first. I was so excited when I saw the Starbuck's logo go up and couldn't wait for it to open. It was the first one in our part of town.

As time has gone on it is still one of my favorite places to go. I walk through the local park and down the street (which looks like Main Street USA) and take my computer and spend some serious quality time with my coffee and the internet.

Over the years I have gotten to know the baristas. They have changed over the years of course but I frequent the establishment enough that they all know me quickly.

I should also tell you that I have a pretty serious Starbuck's cup collection going. 

The purple one above just broke about 30 seconds after I took this picture. I really like that one too.

I love these huge cups for coffee and hot chocolate when it's cold and rainy out.

Of course I get the cups that celebrate my favorite cities. 

I love these pictures on this cup of San Francisco. 

And of course my Home Town.

Even has the statistics on the back of the cup. Cool.

But what I really love is the Cheer's feeling I get. You know that place where everyone knows your name. 

Plus they are so silly.

She knows my name. Should I be worried?

But this is something special that she did for me. Not only does she make my special drinks just the way I like it and encourages me to try something new but she kept my latest addition to my cup collection for me. 

It was a crazy day. There was a special on Fraps that day and I had the best time just watching these baristas work. 

This is what a part of the counter looked like.They used all these plus more during the time I was there. Whew!  

But I forgot my cup.

It was pretty. And a lovely addition to my collection for spring. 

Well this was easily a month ago and we kept missing each other. Finally yesterday she gave me my package. I had given it up for lost and now here it is. 

I LOVE MY STARBUCK'S!!!!!!

 

The County Fair! Lord it was HOT! Part 2

I had a blast at the Sacramento County Fair last weekend. 

But the real reason I went to the Fair was the Bull Riding event. It was only one night so it was Saturday or not at all.

After checking out the rest of the Fair and all the kiddos and their animals it was time to go to the Bull Riding. 

Now it was just Bull Riding. Not a full Rodeo. I actually like full Rodeos better. They have not only Bull Riding (ok the marquee event that it is) but also Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing and much more. The Bull Riding was really exciting too.

These were just as I was sitting down. Basically only half of the area is needed. 

It was HOT!!!! I mean really HOT!!!! 

Did you get the idea that it was hot?

No?

Well let me tell you straight out. It was HOT. There.

Now that we got that settled.

There was this little guy. He was adorable. He was having a great time all night. Dad was looking after him the whole time. It was so cute.

Of course there had to be a big truck somewhere.

There was a salute to our men and women serving our nation and memorial for all those who have given the ultimate price in that service. Very moving. I teared up. But I always do. I am mess at parades. I was saved that there wasn't a marching bank around. I would have been a total disaster.

There there was National Anthem sang by this cute young lady. She did a good job. But after she was finished and she started to walk back behind the shoot (or shute?) she was stopped. A nice young cowboy came out. She apparently knew him and waiting.

Then he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Awwwwweeeeee. Sniff. Sniff. She said "Yes". Of course.

I missed the actual proposal but I did get the good stuff. You can count on me to get the really important parts.

Then it came time to start all the bull riding. There were going to be 30 rides in the first go around (that is what they call first selection process) then a break, then the top six go for the top prize. Only the top six get any money. So alot of riders are going to need a ride home that night. 

So the first few all didn't last more than 3 seconds if that. 

Ouch!

Here we go!

Hunh?

That's gotta hurt.

 Where am I again? Oh yeah. Running!

Thank goodness the Bull Fighters (clowns) are there. They keep the bull occupied so the rider can get to safety. Wonder what their insurance rates are?

There there is this guy. He was a hoot. He was hilarious. He was funny. He was CRAZY!

It doesn't look like it here but he was all over this arena. Talking to the crowd and keeping everyone entertained in between the riders. It takes a while for the riders to get all situated on the bull. My guess it takes some talking oneself into even getting on the bull. Especially since they make that snort noise that is such a warning. Jeez.

For some reason the bulls just didn't want to go back into the pens. They had a heck of time getting them into the pens let alone to stay there. So as they were trying to get a bull that was just ridden in the pen two more escaped. I think they just wanted some more attention from the cowboys and the crowd. 

They must have know it was Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's wedding weekend so they wanted some of the limelight too. But that's just my theory. 

All in all there were only four bulls that were ridden. So they added two more that lasted the longest. These two almost got the 8 seconds. 

Speaking of 8 Seconds, has anyone seen that movie?  I loved it. But then Luke Perry is nice to look at.  But it is still a bit of tear jerker. If you get a chance, check it out. I was watching this movie with my mother and grandmother one night and they enjoyed it. Then it was at the end credits and they realized it was about a real person and they were mad at me. Why? Then they started really crying. So it is a real good movie.

At the break there was a bunch of kids that got an opportunity to ride a mechanical bull.

They were so cute!!! They got a water bottle as a prize and it could have been gold trophy. They held it up with pride they did. They ran all around and it was so cute. Did I tell you how adorable they were?  Well they were.
Now onto the final go-around. 

Let's just say that this picture is kind of what happened. The first five were all bucked off.

So it was left to only one rider. It was his to Win.

Well he did it. He stayed on the bull the full 8 seconds and he won the night. He was awarded $6,000 for his troubles. Not bad for 16 seconds (2 rides for 8 seconds, get it?) worth of work.

Oh and the rider that proposed earlier?  He was bucked off earlier. I guess he other things on his mind.

So there you go. It was a fun and exciting evening. I just might do it again.


     

The County Fair! Lord it was HOT!

Yep. I went to the Sacramento County Fair last Saturday. It was fun. I love seeing the all the little kiddos showing off their projects. Whether that be a cow or goat or horse or picture or horticulture. It is so cool to see what they can do. 

It was also 95 degrees!  Have I told you I don't do well in the heat? Well I DON'T! Seriously, I don't do well in the heat. 

I remember one time when it was a hot summer day and my mother and me were sitting out at the pool at our apartment (yes we were roomies back then.) We spent the entire day out there. Periodically dipping into the pool to get cool (me more often than my Mom for sure.) 

At the end of the day, we went in and were discussing what to eat for dinner. She was all hyped up and ready to conquer the world. The sun had really given her energy and she even wanted to go shopping. Now my mother HATES shopping. I can't tell you how much she hates it and she wanted to go shopping. Wow. How could I pass this opportunity up? But, here's the thing. The sun ZAPS me of all my energy. It was everything I could do to making on two feet to the bed for a nap. All I wanted was sleep. So off she went to the grocery store for food and off I went to the bed for sleep. 

Well it wasn't quite that bad that day at the fair. But I did  have one of the ladies manning a booth ask me how I handle the heat. I said you just make a decision that you are going to handle it. Look for cool areas and shade and take advantage when you can and just deal with the heat when you had too. 

So with that in mind I made a B-line straight the the air-conditioned tents where the vendors hawking their wares were. Yep I know how to beat the heat.

Also, the other air-conditioned tent had the exhibits.    

This was a cool Exhibit. All about camping in the 1940's and 1950's. They had those chairs that rocked and really cool vintage tables clothes and aprons. It was really interesting. With cooking demonstrations too. 

There were projects by kids with planting vegetables in wheelbarrows and then painting them. They were cute.

There was really cool photographs too. 

Then I went to the kiddos showing their horses in western handling. That was interesting. Some handled their horses really well. I loved seeing the sequin blouses and tops with black jeans and matching chaps. Also had to have the matching saddle blankets. But it was all about the horsemanship. Usually it's mostly girls but there were some boys this years too. Looking studly. 

Then I made my way over the barn area. I just made up my mind that I was going to deal with the heat. (And take advantage of each and every fan I could find. Sorry Mr. Pig but you have mud, I need the fan for a bit. Move over Ms. Cow. I NEED this cool air from your fan right now.)

I saw some cool judging with all the 4-H'ers. They look so cute in their white and green uniforms. 

I got to see some cute goats being judged. 

This kiddo had a bit of a time wrangling her goat.

Then I looked over and saw the turkeys. They were soooooooo cute. 

Then I saw this. Sorry it's blurry but it so surprised me. They leaned over and picked their turkeys up by their feet and held them there. What?! The girl at the end was having a hard time and couldn't hold her turkey poor thing

Finally she just put her turkey down and said I just can't hold him. But it was one of the more ... shall we say .... unusual things I had seen. 

Then it was over the cows. I like the dairy cows. They are big and pretty. Always seem to be calm. Must be something about being a mom I guess. 

Around and around they went. These were mostly teenagers. They were my size and had to be to handle the largess of these cows. But it was so cool to see how they handle them.

So after the judging they tied them up for a bit. I was up close and personal with little lady. She was trying to get me to milk her as she was pretty full but I resisted. I was mountain of strength and I said that it would soon be time. She just needed to wait a bit. There I told her. But isn't she just so cute?!!!!!

Ok I need to eat now. 

Yep. I found the corndog stand. Off I went to get as many calories as possible. 

There were the usual attractions. Like a really cool band was playing and I love to watch the hypnotist. I hope I didn't get hypnotized. Why am I screeching like an owl every time the phone rings? Nope. I wasn't hypnotized.

Then there was this attraction that I had a hard time with. Morally speaking. It was called Walk on the Wild Side. They had a several exotic species of cats. A tiger, and several others. 

So beautiful.

And this little guy/gal.

And this one too.

The issue I had was one of exploitation. Should these animals be put on display like this was my thinking. I finally came to the conclusion that they were there for teaching purposes. Some of the folks there had never seen these animals in any other setting than either a zoo or in a book or on National Geographic channel. It appeared they were taken care of so I went with the educational angle. Made me feel a little better anyway.

Then it was off to what I really wanted to see.

Bull Riding!!!!!!

Next time.

What summer means for my baby.

It's time to shed. That's what summer means. 

My baby sheds since he is a long-haired cat. 

Boy does he shed.

I need to brush him every night when it first gets warm. I keep thinking that I will  take all his hair out soon. But there is always more.

My poor baby just sits there and meows. He loves his brushing each night.

I need to get everywhere when I brush him. He just purrrrrrrrrs. And I if I stop . . . let's just say he lets me know when he is displeased. 

"You better not stop."

"You are so in trouble if you do."

"That's right. You better keep brushing if you know what's good for you."

I get tons of hair off him. It's sort of like cleaning when you haven't in a while You can really see where you have cleaned With him I can see that all my hard work is worth it. And it's hard work alright. My arm gets a workout. It's actually a sore I can hardly lift it. Ok not quite that bad but still.

This is a full brush each time. 

Also, HE dictates which side I get to brush. There is no holding him otherwise. If he doesn't want his right side brushed, we don't brush it. At least not without a fight. Just like kids. That's another reason why IS my baby.

I will tell you that if I don't give him this . . . I WILL be sorry. I will find a present the next morning.

Thank goodness he loves it.


And am thankful I have him. My baby!