Green Smiley Monday
This is a green smiley today - though a very tired one.
I am not sure if you know about the Calgary Stampede. Calgary is an oil city in the midst of cattle ranched. 101 years ago they started an agricultural exhibition and rodeo. It has ballooned to be what Calgarians like to call "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" with rodeo, chuckwagon races, pancake breakfasts all over town, a parade to kick it off, a midway etc. I detest rodeos so I have avoided it except for once about 8 years ago - I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I didn't go to the the rodeo part, but did attend the chuckwagon races - a team of 4 with driver and a guy who jumps on at the back and 2 out riders. They begin the race by going around pylons and then around the track. It is exciting but occasionally they have accidents and a horse needs to be euthanized. At the end of the night they have a grandstand extravaganza with fireworks. The stampede lasts for 10 days.
Well this is all getting to the fact that we went last night with our neigbours. I was hesitant because it is horrendously expensive and the last time I went, the grandstand show was long and boring. The Stampede grounds were under water 3 weeks ago and there was a question as to whether they would have to cancel. Our mayor, from the beginning said "Not a chance". With crews working around the clock, they amazingly got it cleaned up and ready for the party. Our friends suggested we go to support the amazing effort. So we did.
We were pleasantly surprised. The chucks were as exciting as ever - I was upset when a horse fell down but luckily it got up and raced in the next heat. And the grandstand show was amazing. it is put on by "The Young Canadians", a group of talented young people with some guests. Well, the show was a bit of broadway, a bit of Cirque de Soleil with incredible aerial work e.g. a stage with a piano and singer suspended high in the air. And of course, the fireworks were stunning!
We started the day walking around the midway and watching people. Then to a nice restaurant near the grounds for a lovely dinner and then back for the chucks and grandstand. We got home after midnight (way past our bedtime). I thought of Lisa a lot because she loved the Stampede - well the midway anyway. She was a bit of a daredevil.
Lorraine is slowly improving but still not on a regular ward.
Today is is wet and blustery - luckily the weather was perfect yesterday.
So I can smile today and then go for a nap!
Have a great week!
I am not sure if you know about the Calgary Stampede. Calgary is an oil city in the midst of cattle ranched. 101 years ago they started an agricultural exhibition and rodeo. It has ballooned to be what Calgarians like to call "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" with rodeo, chuckwagon races, pancake breakfasts all over town, a parade to kick it off, a midway etc. I detest rodeos so I have avoided it except for once about 8 years ago - I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I didn't go to the the rodeo part, but did attend the chuckwagon races - a team of 4 with driver and a guy who jumps on at the back and 2 out riders. They begin the race by going around pylons and then around the track. It is exciting but occasionally they have accidents and a horse needs to be euthanized. At the end of the night they have a grandstand extravaganza with fireworks. The stampede lasts for 10 days.
Well this is all getting to the fact that we went last night with our neigbours. I was hesitant because it is horrendously expensive and the last time I went, the grandstand show was long and boring. The Stampede grounds were under water 3 weeks ago and there was a question as to whether they would have to cancel. Our mayor, from the beginning said "Not a chance". With crews working around the clock, they amazingly got it cleaned up and ready for the party. Our friends suggested we go to support the amazing effort. So we did.
We were pleasantly surprised. The chucks were as exciting as ever - I was upset when a horse fell down but luckily it got up and raced in the next heat. And the grandstand show was amazing. it is put on by "The Young Canadians", a group of talented young people with some guests. Well, the show was a bit of broadway, a bit of Cirque de Soleil with incredible aerial work e.g. a stage with a piano and singer suspended high in the air. And of course, the fireworks were stunning!
We started the day walking around the midway and watching people. Then to a nice restaurant near the grounds for a lovely dinner and then back for the chucks and grandstand. We got home after midnight (way past our bedtime). I thought of Lisa a lot because she loved the Stampede - well the midway anyway. She was a bit of a daredevil.
Lorraine is slowly improving but still not on a regular ward.
Today is is wet and blustery - luckily the weather was perfect yesterday.
So I can smile today and then go for a nap!
Have a great week!
Replies
So glad you had a wonderful time and I\'ll bet Lisa was walking the Midway with you :)
Will continue to keep Lorraine in my prayers.
Love and Hugs
Doris
you do such fun things!!!!!
Sounds like fun! And I agree, you do so many fun things and have such great adventures! Now, nap time!
I hope the nap is refreshing. I\'m so glad you had a good time.
((hugs))
Getting to smile today... then a nap.....doesn\'t get much better that that. :)
Sounds like a fun day. Just to show you how naive I am, I didn\'t realize Canada had that sort of wild west thing, I thought that was strictly a Western U.S. kind of thing.
Hugs,
Terry
We are sometimes called the Texas of the North. The old west is still alive and well here in Alberta - at least for 10 days in July!
Sounds like you had a great time. Sometimes you have to give things a second and even third chance and they improve. Now that I\'m an empty nester, I\'ve been doing a lot more (when possible) things I wouldn\'t normally do when the kids were home. I find myself staying up past my bedtime too...lol. Love to you. Robin
Believe it or not, this little Florida girl has heard of the Calgary Stampede! It sounds like fun and was glad to hear you enjoyed it.
XOXO, Debbie
Wow, what an experience indeed! Glad you could attend and now rest up.
Continued healing thoughts for Lorraine.
The one time I watched the Kentucky Derby after years not the horse fell and had to be euthanized. That was the last time I ever watched it so I understand your feelings about the horses. My mom used to have to limit my Lassie watching time on TV because I\'d be such a wreck when anything happened to that poor dog.
Love your way dear Marlene and looking forward to a (((hug))) soon!
XO Joanie
In Belle Glade FL we have a rodeo 2x a yr. I love it when the little 4 yr olds get out with their ropes and chase little lambs and try to wrestle the piglets. To me that is the best part. The rest is good the kids are so cute......
To fun times
hugs Penny