How cold was it? Well, there was snow on the side of the freeway driving up Sunday morning. And the wind was non-stop. When I got out of my car at the Roy Rogers Museum I knew I hadn't dressed warmly enough. Didn't bring my gloves. And this, after a lovely tour through all the scenic new subdivisions east of the turn-off to the musum. (After I doubled back to the freeway, a friendly native in the IHOP parking lot finally pointed out the big horse in front of the museum and I found it. Can't imagine why I missed that tiny little sign pointing to the left that said simply 'museum'.)

Despite the fact that it was almost 10:30 by the time I arrived they were still only in their first run. Anthony hadn't even mounted Hollywood to warm him up yet. So he came over and said "HI" and posed for some 'photo ops'. Showed off his lovely red shirt with the blue celtic designs. Also had on a wool vest and coat over that and a scarf. Pants, boots, gloves, hat. But I wonder if he wanted us to huddle for a picture for a little extra warmth as well.

Did I mention it was cold?

Saw Methos Watcher, Bright Girl, Brigit (who actually climbed on the motor home for pictures!), Barb Wire, Maureen Russell and Reolla. There was someone named Vicky from the ADLFC there but she left soon after I arrived and I didn't talk to her.

Anthony warmed up Hollywood and did his run. He missed a balloon and had the judge check his gun but it fired so points were taken off as it wasn't a defective cartridge. This happened to a number of riders.

Since there was some time between the first and second set-up some of us went inside the museum lobby to warm up. It was wonderfully warm. Watched some of the entertainment. Santa lassoed a few kids and gave out candy canes.

Then back outside again.

Have I mentioned the bitter cold?

Slightly different set-up. The balloons were still bobbing but at least the wind direction was consistent. This time Anthony not only made a clean run (the only one of the weekend I undestand) but also made his best time...25:26. He didn't hear so he had Mary go check and when she told him his face lit up. He was very excited. Asked again. Kept saying "Really?" Even Hollywood looked pleased. Anthony was a 'referree' for the remainder of the runs, in the corner signaling when the field had a green light for the next rider to go. There seemed to be more than a few mis-fired shells and balloons that either popped themselves or leaked air so badly they were flat. They decided to call it a day after only two sets...about 12:30. Just as well. The riders had to shoot without gloves and some of them even wore no coats when shooting so as not to interfere with drawing their pistols. Even the horses didin't like it.

Have I mentioned that the wind was VERY cold.

Anthony posed a bit more. Got out his whip and cracked it a bit. The wind wasn't working very well for the long one so he tried the shorter bullwhip. After some pics he put them away. Roy Rogers grandson, Dustin Rogers, did an exhibition run. Clean shoot, not the fastest time of the day but certainly competition.

Barb, Brigit, MW, BG, Me, Reolla and Maureen all went in to see the Museum. Very interesting.

Then the awards ceremony took place around 1:30. The trophys were custom made wrought iron sillouettes of Roy Rogers on rearing Trigger. Roy's son Dustin had had them made special. And because the guy making them was running late Dustin had had to go help finish them off. One of the large one's has become a perpetual trophy for the group. There is novice, intermediate and expert class. Each person is more in competition with themself, trying to improve, than with others in the group. They are very supportive of each other and recognize and congratulate each other on improvements. Anthony didn't win any award this time. But he did win a coffee mug and gift certificate in a raffle.

After the awards he talked to several of us who were milling around. There was a lady from the cruise with two small boys and he talked with them. Then he joined us inside the museum where there are some 'hobby horses' and dress-up hats for people to take pictures. I'm sure Brigit, Barb or Bright Girl will post suitable extortion material soon. BG's pictures might even be back today.

It was a wonderful, relaxing, fun day. The weather may have been cold but the friendships were warm and inviting. Anthony was, as always, the perfect gentleman, happy and welcoming, making everyone feel glad they came. And he thanked us all for braving the weather and coming to watch him and cheer him on.