They Call The Thing Rodeo

It’s not too late to blog about something that happened almost a month ago, right? I mean,  I figure it’s much like thank you cards for a wedding–if you get them out within a year, you’re good to go! As a side note, I fully intend on exercising this right of tardy posts.. I’ve had one I’ve been meaning to put up since October but just can’t seem to get around to taking nice pictures yet! Hey, at least it’s something for you all to look forward to. As another side note, who decided that it’s ok to send a thank you card an entire year after a wedding!? And as a final side note (I promise), I really wish it was common practice to use the Interrobang. First off it’s just plain awesome to say, and second I think it creates a pretty terrific ligature, wouldn’t you agree?

Alright, now that I’ve officially gone off on multiple tangents, it’s time to reign it in–and let me tell you, the pun was most definitely intended!

A few weekends ago, I was invited by one of my favorite friends ever to go to the Sisters Rodeo in central Oregon (read about my previous Sisters adventures here). As I’m sure you all know by now, I have a serious crush on Sisters, but what you may not know about me yet is that my love for rodeos runs deep. As a matter of fact, one of my claims to fame is my appearance (I use that term loosely, you couldn’t actually see me at all) in a crowd scene in the movie 8 Seconds. Maybe it’s childhood nostalgia from growing up in Colorado where the cowboys are as rugged as the mountains. Or maybe it’s the fact that Garth Brooks will forever be one of my favorite country singers. Who knows. What I do know is, I love me some rodeos.

For me, the Sisters Rodeo is the start of summer. They call it “The Biggest Little Show In The World” which I think is quite adorable. It is relatively small, but most rodeos on the west coast are. I can’t really say for certain what it is that gives this particular rodeo it’s immense charm: maybe it’s the fact that it is nestled in a place where it’s literally city ordinance to have all the buildings look like old west saloons. Or maybe it’s because pretty much everyone in the city of Sisters comes out for the show. Whichever the case,  it’s wonderful.

The day started with the annual parade. This parade consists of mainly rodeo queens and old-time cars. Awesomeness for sure.

Then, after a quick lunch back at the house, we were rodeo bound.

I have to say my favorite part of this particular rodeo, though, was the after party. If you are over 21, it’s pretty much mandatory to go out after the evening show to one of Sisters’ two bars. Last year, we went to Bronco Billy’s but decided this year to try out the new Hardtails. Both places were similar in that they had an excellent live band, dance floor and relatively cheap drinks. Hardtails wins in the end with the mechanical bull. Also, the people watching this year was beyond compare.

We spotted many a character, some of whom we’ve lovingly dubbed Romo, Tape Measure Guy, and Old Make Out Couple. There were guys in bolo ties, girls in fringe galore, tight jeans, cowboy boots and more. My favorite guy of the night was sporting what I could only describe as a Pendleton jacket. I know we had a name for him too but I can’t remember what it was! Alfonso? I don’t know but it was something European sounding.

The best character of the night by far was Tanya Harding herself.. riding the mechanical bull. Yes, that really happened. Amy even got a video of it as proof.

All in all, it was another fantastic weekend.

And now, a little Garth Brooks to lead you out. You’re welcome. Shockingly, it’s surprisingly hard to find the original Garth Brooks Rodeo on the internet. But I’m gonna keep trying for you all because reading this post with that playing in the background is a thing to be experienced. Stay tuned!

A Man And His Daughter

Dad likes to play golf. Actually, saying he likes to play golf is a little bit of an understatement. He watches golf on tv; can remember how he shot on a particular hole, on a particular day, on a particular course better than he can remember his address; and last year (or was it two years ago!?) he took a trip to Scotland to play four or five courses as well as partake in many a Hendricks & Tonic (with cucumber of course). I honestly think it was his ‘Trip of a Lifetime’. Mine? Lounging on the Greek Isles while handsome men feed me olives and wine. That sounds pretty nice right about now. But I digress.

To recap: Dad. loves. golf.

So when my brother moved away to Boston, Dad was especially sad not only to be losing his only son to the East coast, but also because Cam is the one in the family who can actually keep up with the old man on the golf course. But as it was Father’s Day on Sunday, and as I actually do enjoy playing golf, I decided to treat him to an easy round of 9 on our local course. It was a perfect day for golf: warm, but mostly overcast and a slight breeze so I dusted off my old clubs and away we went.

There’s something about golf that seems terribly civilized, isn’t there? And it’s not just the mandatory collared shirts or golf etiquette. I love the sound the club makes when you’ve hit a really great drive off the tee–the kind of drive where you don’t even feel the ball connecting with the club. I love the finely manicured grass, the flapping of the flag, the ‘plunk’ of the ball as it falls into the hole and the way that–once you get home–you just smell like the outdoors. But mostly, the thing I love about golf, is that my dad loves golf. I may not be the best player (ha!) but when it’s just me and Dad, out there in the middle of it all, it really is something quite special.

And after golf: root beer floats.

I hope you all were able to spend time with your dads doing something he loved!