Well, it's bulls and blood...It's dust and mud...It's the damned old RODEO!!

It's been a very busy week, and this one coming up will be even more fun, as well as MUCH warmer! I have all the windows and doors open today, after a long cold spell in the "Sunshine State".....


It was a full of week of bowling, bingo and the usual activities. Last night we went, along with the Maras, Harts, and Starchers to the Silver Spur Rodeo in Kissimmee. We stopped first at the Rodeo Diner....I thought I would pass on these pictures of the plaques on the Ladies and Men's
rooms for Debbie, so she can see how we are leading her parents astray..... Only at a small town Rodeo Diner.....

Here we are (except me of course, as I am the photographer) having a bite to eat before heading over to the arena.

Always one of my favorite events....the young kids (this little guy is 6) square dancing on horseback....SO cute!

Here is Little Miss Rodeo Queen and her court......

And the queens from many of the states, each displaying their state flag....

You will notice that all the participants were wearing "pink"....the theme last night was "Tough Enough to Wear Pink"....in the continuous effort to support breast cancer research.

These guys are the ones who pick up the riders and keep the bulls, broncos out of the rider's way while he gets back on his feet.......

Steer wrestling....I am always amazed some jerk from PETA isn't in the crowd protesting!!! Believe me the steer don't get thrown around as much human wrestlers....LOL

Between events, the "main" clown had some activities for the kids. This was a dance contest, and was a hoot. They were doing everything from twisting, jumping, to half way decent break dancing.....They were dancing for a "cash" reward!

Bronc riders......

calf roping.....

Phil and Yuvon enjoying the show.......at least I think Phil was...he actually looks like he might he afraid of my camera!!

Loved this.....live monkeys riding sheep dogs as they herded a bunch of goats into a corral and then into a truck. Funny!!!!!

And ALWAYS one of my favorites....all the children (who wanted to) between the ages of 6 and 10 were called into the arena to chase 3 calves with pink ribbons tied to their ears. The ones who grabbed the ribbons won a prize. CHAOS....

Barrel racing.....It's SO hard to get decent pictures at a rodeo as all the events run like lightening.....

And of course, everyone loves the rodeo clowns!!! Could I have fun with this costume....I think YES!!!

While the weather was cool, Salt and I decided to do some shopping and redecorate the bath and bedroom....(OK, I decided, and he went along with it).

Betty sent along this picture of our Princess/Tomboy Emma, fishing with her Uncle Brian. They are on winter break this week and absolutely hating the fact that there is not enough snow to snowmobile, sled, etc. and the ice is not solid enough to cross on snowmobile or 4 wheeler. I guess they will have to come South to get some snow!!!

Our friend Doug Rowe spent some time in Waterman Hospital this week, after a flu and then a bout with pneumonia. He is home now and feeling better.

We were also sadened to hear that Ron Bloom is undergoing Chemo for lung cancer. You are in our prayers Ron!!

We are off to Leesburg this afternoon/evening for their Mardi Gras celebration. Tomorrow to Weirsville to the archery on horseback competition. Life is good!!!