FIRE IN THE SKY

Yesterday morning, we were treated to one of Arizona's spectacular sunrises. It's almost as if the horizon was ready to burst into flames at any moment. At our winter home in Lake Havasu City, AZ., we frequently see similar, magnificent skies in the evening, as the sun sets to the west of the lake. Our weather changed for the worst last night, as we were awakened by rain and thunder. One of the things that we can count on when this happens, is our fearless beagle Sami, will be out of her dog bed on the couch, and onto our bed in the bedroom. So, last night, Gracie, our cat, had to share part of our bed with the scardy cat, dog. The forecast is for diminishing thunder showers, so hopefully, by the time the rodeo is ready to start it's final performance, at around noon, the worst of the weather will be gone. This is the last day of our almost 2 weeks at the Rodeo Grounds, here in Tucson. When it comes to "dry camping", this is the longest stretch that we park in one spot without hookups. Over the many years we have been doing this, we have learned a few techniques that not only save water, but also limit the amount of power we need to use in the evenings. With 3 large solar panels on the roof, we could easily go without running the generator, but the convenience of the microwave, and longer TV hours, sometimes requires the use of the generator. Starting tomorrow, our routine will revert back to the retirement mode, and we'll be heading west toward Lake Havasu City.

LAILA AT THE RODEO

One of the main reasons that we enjoy working the Tucson Rodeo each year, is it gives us the opportunity to see Marc, Chandra, and our Grandaughter, Laila. This picture was taken on Thursday, when Marc brought Laila to the rodeo, and a visit with Grandma and Grandpa. Unfortunately, the wind was a little colder than expected, so Grandpa bought Laila one of our kids sweatshirts, to warm her up a little. She always warms our hearts when ever we are together, and even though we didn't have a lot of time to visit, it was fun seeing her enjoy the action at the rodeo. We're down to the last 2 days of the Tucson Rodeo, and we hope the weather holds. The forecast calls for some rain tonight and into tomorrow. The only good thing about rain at this event, is it keeps the dust down. Since this is an outdoor arena, that seats about 11,000 people, unfortunately, when it rains, people just don't show up. Our sales numbers continue to be up from last year, so we'll keep our fingers crossed, that the weatherman is at least a little bit wrong.

TUCSON RODEO PARADE

Yesterday morning was all about the Tucson Rodeo Parade which started at 9am, and continued for just about 2 hours. Billed as the largest, non-motorized parade in the U.S., it ends at the Rodeo Grounds, and that's when the crowd transitions from the parade to the rodeo. Even though we open our trailer each morning at about 8:30, we aren't very busy until the public starts to arrive around 11am. The rodeo starts at 12:30, and is usually over by about 4-4:30. By the time the crowd filters out of the rodeo grounds, we typically close the trailer around 5:30 each day. So, the work hours are pretty good, and so far, our sales are up about 20% over last year. That's encouraging, that perhaps we have turned the corner on this economic recession. We have 3 more days of rodeo, then we have an appointment in Phoenix, to have a company that specializes in big rig alignment and suspension, try and diagnose why we keep wearing out front tires on the motor home. Then, it's back to Lake Havasu, and preparation for our Alaskan Reunion BBQ, which at last count, has almost 20 people coming to our house for a "get-together" on Saturday, March 6th. It will be nice to see some folks we haven't seen for a year, and in some cases much longer.

HORSE TECHNOLOGY

We all know that driving a motor vehicle, and talking or texting on a cell phone, are not compatible. I can recount many times when somebody did something rather stupid, while paying more attention to their cell phone conversation than to their driving. In fact, many states have now passed laws that make it illegal to do any combination of the above. Does that mean you should not be doing anything else while talking on your cell phone? I think not, but I kind of get a kick out of watching all of these cowboys riding their horses, and talking on their cell phones. It's a bit ironic that the horse represents the older method of transportation, and the cell phone is representative of the technology explosion that has been going on for several decades. Today starts the first of 4 days of rodeo, and this mornings huge, non motorized parade. The parade route has been shortened due to a lack of available police personnel. Just like most municipalities across the U.S., the cutbacks due to the recession are affecting even the most basic of government services. I could get on my soapbox, but I'll save that for another time.

RIDIN HORSES

Some of the kids we're watching on horseback, are too small to get on, or off the horse by themselves. The youngster in the black hat wasn't being led by Dad, he was riding the horse by himself, and looked to be about 4 years old. There are hundreds of competitors at this rodeo, and for many, it's a family affair. The last couple of days, the parking lot has been filled with horse trailers that are multi purpose. The back half is for the horse(s), and the front half is the living quarters. Some of these "Ranch RV's", are seriously expensive, and are typically pulled by at least a 1 ton dually pickup, but in a lot of cases, the motive power is much larger. While working the National Finals Rodeo at the Las Vegas Convention Center, some of these rigs have been on display. I've had the opportunity to check them out, and the RV part of the trailer is as nice as anything on the market. This is how most of the professional rodeo cowboys travel around the country, and many of them travel with their wife, and in some cases, their kids. These 2 photos represent a lot more youngsters, who we watch every day, here at the Tucson Rodeo.

YOUNG COWBOYS

From where our merchandise trailer is located, we watch not only the contestants going to and from the arena, but, we also have a view of the main pedestrian pathway around the rodeo grounds. Obviously, the central theme of a rodeo is horses, livestock, cowboys and cowgirls. It's nice to see that the younger generation still thinks that cowboys are cool, and these pictures are representative of the many kids wearing western attire here at the Tucson Rodeo. When I was a kid, and we got our first television, the cowboy shows were always my favorites. I know I'm dating myself, but I remember meeting the Cisco Kid at the Fresno Fair, and couldn't wait for his TV show to come on. Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger were also at the top of my list. When my friends and I got together, our play time consisted mostly of playing Cowboys and Indians. Watching some of these kids, particularly the youngsters throwing the rope at the cow horns on the bail of hay, brings back a few memories of my childhood. Yesterday, the weather turned colder, and Patty and I were bundled up, trying to stay warm. When the rains started in the early afternoon, the small crowd left, and we closed up for the day. Starting Monday, there are 3 days of what the rodeo calls "Slack Competition", and it's nothing more than 3 days of qualifying, to narrow the contestant field. These 3 days, there isn't much of a crowd, and we typically close early anyway. Thursday is the day of the big parade, and the rodeo performances start back up, and continue through the grand finale on Sunday.

A HORSE LANE

Most everyone has experienced a drive through, whether it be your fast food joint, or your bank, or perhaps something more exotic, like a drive through pharmacy. The world we live in is all about getting it quick, making it easy, and with drive through convenience, never having to get out of your car. At the Tucson Rodeo, our merchandise trailer is positioned between the arena, and an area where the cowboys warm up themselves and their horses. Every year, we have numerous customers who ride their horses up to our counter, and purchase something. Yesterday, this dad purchased a rope set for his young son, and he did it without having to get off his horse. I guess your might call it a "Ride Through". This is one of the many unique reasons why we like to work this event. Yesterday, word had spread that we might not be returning next year, and it was heart warming to hear from numerous people that they hoped it wasn't true. We certainly hope that MainGate finds a way continue doing this rodeo, despite their loss of the contract for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Vegas. Much of the merchandise we have for sale, is discounted from the NFR, and without it, I don't know if it will make financial sense for them to continue doing this event. If not, we will always have the great memories of providing customer service to cowboys and cowgirls on horseback.

A RAINY RODEO

Who says it doesn't rain in the desert? This picture was taken yesterday, from inside our trailer, after quite a bit of rain had already fallen. Even though the trailer has big doors, that provide some protection, we were constantly wiping the counter with towels, to keep the water out of the display cases. After about 2-3 hours of rainfall, the system passed, and the rodeo started right on time, at 2 pm. Judging from the photo I took, one can imagine what the rodeo arena looked like, especially with all of the horses mixing the water and dirt into a soupy mess called MUD! Glad I wasn't one of the contestants who had to try and wrestle a steer in those conditions. Despite the weather, our sales exceeded last years opening day, by about 20%. For a couple of hours, our rain ponchos, and umbrellas were the number one selling items. This is our 5th year at this event, and we've gotten to know quite a few people who are involved with the rodeo. It's kind of nice to be a small part of the family, and be recognized as more than just another vendor.
One down, and eight more days to go. Hopefully, the weather will be a little more cooperative, and sunscreen will become our best seller.

TUCSON RODEO

Today is the start of the 9 day Tucson Rodeo, the 85th edition of the "Fiesta de los Vaqueras", and the first big outdoor rodeo of the year. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Ass'n (PRCA) sponsors hundreds of rodeos around the country, leading up to the grand finale National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, just before the XMAS holidays. The new season is underway, and the Tucson Rodeo attracts most of the Rodeo stars, as it has a long history, and a large payout for those cowboys who do well in the competition. We started working the NFR in 2002, and have been working the Tucson Rodeo since 2006, but unfortunately, the company we contract with will not be involved with the Vegas Rodeo next year, and it's doubtful that they will want to do the merchandise for Tucson next year. So, our Rodeo merchandise careers may just about be over. It's been fun, and if we're back here next year, it will be just another excuse to visit Marc, Chandra, and Laila. Marc brought Laila over to the motor home, so she could play with her buddy Sami, and see Gracie for the second time. We also recorded this acrobatic trick that is new since we were last in Tucson a couple of months ago. We are parked on the rodeo grounds, which is convenient to our work trailer, and we will be here through Sunday the 28th.

2 WEEKS IN TUCSON

We arrived at the Tucson Rodeo grounds yesterday afternoon, and did a little bit of work, getting our mobile store ready for business, when the rodeo begins this Saturday. We left the house on Tuesday, and spent the night at Firebird Raceway, near Phoenix, where we met up with several of our "race friends". It gave us an opportunity to visit with Jim & Megan, Len & Ellie, Harold & Betty, Bob & Shirl, Kurt & Phylis, and Ken & Diana. Last night, we drove over to Marc & Chandra's, and were treated to steak sandwiches for dinner. Our Grandaughter, Laila had to show us some of her new toys, and Grandma gave her the magic pen set that she had purchased in Quartzsite. We were last in Tucson for the XMAS Holidays, and I'm always amazed at her intellectual growth during our absence. It's sometimes hard to believe that she's in pre-school now, and will be starting Kindergarten in less than a year. Where does the time go?

A SURPRISE PARTY

A week or so ago, Jeanette approached me and said that she wanted to have a little birthday party for Patty, whose birthday was yesterday. So, I made up an excuse to take Patty over to Bob and Jeanette's about noon, where this banner was prominently displayed on their garage door. Judy and Ron drove over from Kingman, and thanks Judy for a great job on the banner.
Jeanette baked a turkey and we had a nice afternoon meal on Bob and Jeanette's new patio. Thanks Jeanette for the party, you did a great job of keeping it a surprise! I got Patty a new Cannon digital camera, that she has 9 months to learn how to use before her trip to Greece in November. Today is our last day at home for a couple of weeks, as we leave tomorrow for Tucson. We haven't seen Marc, Chandra, and Laila since XMAS, so even though we'll be working the Tucson Rodeo most of the time, it will be good to see the kids.

PROJECT COMPLETED (REALLY)

After about a week of digging new irrigation trenches, building 2 new planters next to the shed, and just generally wearing out my body, I was going to wait till next year to build the 3rd planter adjacent to the fence. I should have known that just wasn't going to happen. With all of that extra block just sitting in the yard, it began to drive me crazy after only a day or so. The thought of having to look at an incomplete project for the next year, became an obsession to "get er done". So, off I went to Home Depot and Lowes, to pick up everything else I needed, and yesterday afternoon, this latest backyard/patio improvement project is complete. I must admit, it looks pretty good, and, as with any finished project, there comes a good feeling of seeing the fruits of ones labor. Now, the focus for the next couple of days will be to get the motor home and everything else ready for our trip to Tucson, and our annual 9 days of work at the Tucson Rodeo.

IT'S A WATER CAT

It doesn't take much to amuse Patty and I. Watching our cat Gracie discover water, and then try to catch it, is pretty entertaining. We first noticed that when we shower, she would try and catch the drops from the outside of the shower as they rolled down the glass. Whenever the shower goes on, she's right there, waiting for the water on the glass shower doors. A few days ago, she started jumping up near the sink, when she heard water coming out of the faucet. She now tries to catch the water either by swatting at it with her paw, or actually sticking her head under the faucet, and trying to bite the water stream. Now, I realize that some folks might wonder why we would even allow our cat to be on the counter near the sink in the first place. The reality, is that a young cat pretty much goes, and does exactly what it wants. Second, unless she is being destructive, (which she sometimes is), we really don't care where she goes. This fascination with water can be pretty fun to watch sometimes. I wonder if this means she will love to be bathed? Somehow, I kind of doubt it.

PROJECT COMPLETED

The pictures show 2 new planters, and about 70 square feet of patio pavers. With all of the trench digging for the new irrigation, this project took me about a week. By far, the hardest and most time consuming part was digging, and leveling this rock infested ground. If anyone is interested, the other half of the rock of Gibraltar, is now dug up, and in my back yard! I still have some block left, and I'll probably start a third planter next to the fence. When I run out, and I will, that will be it for this year. At least most of the digging is done.

BACKYARD BUILDING

Despite the rain, lightning, and general bad weather for a couple of days, I've been forging ahead with the backyard improvement projects around the shed. I feel like it would have been wise to have stock in Lowes and Home Depot, since I know we've boosted their bottom line considerably during the past week. Speaking of Lowes and Home Depot, they both have an unadvertised policy of giving a 10% discount to vets, well, sort of. At Lowes, with proof of service (DD214), there isn't any question, they automatically give the discount. At Home Depot, (at least the Lake Havasu store), it depends on who you talk to. While checking out at Home Depot yesterday, the cashier insisted that I had to have a picture ID, or no discount. With a military picture ID, one would have to be either active, or retired. The supervisor said my DD214 was acceptable, and I was on my way. Not sure exactly if Home Depot's policy is only active or retired military, or all vets, like Lowes. It may just be this local Home Depot, but it seems like I often have issues at that store. Since the new Lowes opened last year, I try to take most of my business in that direction. I'm trying to complete this project in the next few days, since we'll be leaving to work the Tucson Rodeo in about a week.

THE HOME PROJECTS

We've been home now for about 5 days, since camping in the desert near Quartzsite and Yuma, and I've been busy with a couple of projects in the backyard. When we purchased this new home in 2002, there was no landscaping, no perimeter wall, no concrete in the backyard, and no plants or trees. I finished the front yard several years ago, and have been seriously working on the backyard for about 4-5 years. It's about 90% done, and the most recent project was to paint the shed I had built last winter. Two coats of paint and the trim took about 2 days. From my days in the Army, where it seemed that painting was a second job, I've always said that I hate to paint. Actually, I kind of enjoyed this small project, especially seeing the fruits of my labor when the job was completed. Next, I started digging extension trenches for my irrigation system, which will allow some additional areas for plants and trees. I had almost forgotten how hard it is to dig in this ground, which is full of rocks, both big and small. After 2 days of digging, and the removal of one rock that I called the other half of Gibraltar, I finished the trenches yesterday afternoon. Today, I'll get the plastic irrigation pipe laid in the ditches, and start covering everything up. The next part of this project is to build a planter on the house side of the shed, and eventually, another planter next to the fence. If the old muscles hold out, I'm hoping to get all of this done, before we take off for Tucson, and our annual gig at the Tucson Rodeo.