Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Catching Up

This past weekend, DH and I made our annual trek to Amarillo for the WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo. It's a 4 day affair, but DH and I only go for 2 days. It's like a family reunion for us. We look forward to it all year, but by noon on Saturday, it gets REALLY crowded and DH and I have exceeded our ability to socialize so we make our escape and head back to the ranch.

It is SO good to catch up with lifelong friends from all over the country. I spent 2 1/2 hours visiting with one friend as we confiscated 2 chairs and tucked them into a quiet corner to catch up. We're both hermits, but we manage to squeeze in a year's worth of visiting in our allotted time. I treasure the time we get to spend with so many dear friends.

For those of you that don't know, WRCA stands for Working Ranch Cowboy Association and it's just that. It's a wonderful organization that promotes ranching and supports the working ranch cowboy. They organize ranch rodeos which is are very different from regular rodeos and they have built a Foundation that presents scholarships and supports working ranch cowboys and their families in time of need. Part of the foundation is a crisis fund that helps ranching families when there is an injury or sickness, or hardship. Each year, during the World Championship Ranch Rodeo, they have an auction and raise money to help support the foundation. I think a few quilts are in order to contribute for next year.

Cowboys don't make a lot of money. They certainly don't do it for the money. It's not WHAT they do, it's WHO they are and these folks dig deep to help each other out.

There is a huge trade show with vendors that are geared toward the working ranch cowboy. It's not as glitzy as Cowboy Christmas at the NFR in Vegas, but it's more down to earth. And this is the most popular booth:


The Happy Toymaker. He makes metal trucks, trailers, and pens...ranch kids toys that are expensive, but coveted and made to last and be passed down for generations.


Children are everywhere and it's one of the things I love about the ranching industry. Folks TAKE their kids. Ranching is very family oriented and it's nice to see parents juggling and herding and carrying little ones who are tuckered out. I remember those days. I miss those days.

DH did a little shopping:


This is the best place for him to pick up tools that he uses every day...a cinch, saddle pad, and latigos. Made in the USA. Handcrafted by folks who cowboy and ranch for a living too.


Monday was another 11 hour day at the sale barn. I made Chicken Tortilla Soup on Sunday to leave for DH:


It was 10:30 when I got home. I took a shower and put together dinner for Tuesday in the crockpot since I'd have a few extras. We sold some cattle and gathered a trap, ran them through the chute for preg-testing and branded them for the new owners.

I made a salad, roast and beans in the crockpot, and a corn casserole:


With cast iron apple crisp and ice cream for dessert


Progress is being made on the new scale project:


 And today, I may even do a little sewing. Hope I remember how!

9 comments:

Shelly said...

You are so right! It's not what they do, it's who they are. Even if the day comes My Cowboy can't get in his saddle any more, he'll always be a cowboy. The heart and mind will always be cowboy, even if his body quits cooperating.

Sherrill said...

I don't think you ever really catch up, do you? I'm always amazed!

Tired Teacher said...

Thrilled to hear you were able to visit with old friends and purchase some needed items while at the gathering. The handmade toys are fabulous. I can see why they are such a hit.

Gwynette in NW Arkansas said...

Great post explaining WRCA and loved the photos. Your roast and beans look good! I'm using one of our last roasts to make Mongolian Beef and rice for "supper" tonight. Hope you got to sew!!

Janet O. said...

Sounds like a trade show for real cowboys, not the rhinestone kind.
I just came in to warm up with some hot chocolate after 3 hours of hanging Christmas lights, and after reading this I realize I have no excuse for feeling tired!

Ruth said...

I've been watching and waiting to see what "y'all" have been up to. WRCA sounds like a wonderful organization. I remember taking my in-laws from Washington state, and my family from Fort Worth, and going to the Fair there in Ft. W. There weren't any homegrown exhibits, just fancy vendors and I was so disappointed.

Dorian said...

Looks like a wonderful event Karin. I love those toys! lol I'm glad you stopped in to catch up, I always enjoy your posts.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Don't laugh but your first statement - Exceeded our ability to socialize -... I totally understand that - I have been in seclusion for 3 days trying to adjust - ha ha -

Someday we will meet you there ! I went when I was a salesperson a few years in a row and absolutely had a blast... I want to go back!!!

Glad you had a great time - and yumm - great food!

Pauline said...

What a wonderful trip! So glad you got away for a diversion and got to
see old friends. Nice to find your equipment and to see such cute toys.
Hope you can settle down to some sewing now.

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