Monday — Yogurt, Bulls, and a Surprise Win

Waking up to a day without major commitments was a nice treat—and the weather even seemed to agree. We kicked things off with coffee and yogurt bowls, a surprisingly cheerful way to start the morning. (Also—happy birthday, Candace!)

Since Britt was out of Harley food and our truck was parked at the infield, Sheldon and I made a quick trip infield. He unhooked the truck and headed to his production meeting, while I zigzagged through Chuckie Ville to Britt's to collect Harley. Once she’d been fed back at the trailer, we enjoyed a little downtime before the day picked up.

The chuckwagon races ran first at 12:30, so we packed our snacks and cooler and joined Mel at the back track gate for some front-row action yet again. 

Then it was a quick change into my cowgirl gear for the rodeo performance. Barrel start the rodeo and here is a USA gal and one of Britt's friends and fellow 4-Her Kate doing a barrel run.

By 4:00, dark clouds circled, from drizzle to dump buckets during end of calf roping and the ladies’ breakaway roping. I had dashed back earlier to grab rain gear, so we were ready—but wet jeans still manage to find your cold spots.

Once the rodeo wrapped, we tackled banner duty—taking down sponsor signs, cutting away a mountain of zip ties, tossing them in the ranger, then unloading at the rodeo office. Harley got her evening outing, we enjoyed a drink at Mel and Bev’s trailer, and then headed to the volunteer supper.

Here’s where the night took a twist—this year they decided to give out “Best Volunteer” awards for each committee… and I won for Running with the Bulls! My prize? A $50 merchandise or event gift certificate. Which S said I could get him a hat :)

Afterward, the party shifted to the big tent. Sheldon stayed until 2 a.m. yet again, while I walked Harley, popped in for a quick visit and watched his flip cup games, and then returned to the trailer to wind down with my show. He came in just as I was wrapping up, fell asleep in minutes, and I had to laugh—because if anyone had earned a prize for “Most Committed to the After-Party,” it would’ve been him.