Fall is here, so many changes...

Gracious, such a busy couple of months we've had.  We made the decision to move back to the Willamette Valley, and have relocated to Canby.  What a lovely place!

Cooling off...

Yay, the weather has broken it's 100F stranglehold on us for the last few weeks, living in a 1910 un-airconditioned house is a bit if a chore when the temps just don't drop enough to cool the house at night.  But it won't last, I notice that the weekend the forecast is 99 for a few more days...sigh.

Can't wait to start camping more down at the Oregon Coast, so much fun, so relaxing, and SO much cooler than the rest of the state at times.

Boy it's been a while...

Gosh, time certainly flies when you allow yourself to be distracted by your everyday life.  We are in the process of packing up our home to move back to the Willamette Valley, after being in Eastern Oregon for 7 years.  We miss our family so are boxing our treasures and memories and headed Westward.

Over the years I have saved countless images of things that have caught my interest (I have a knack of avoiding all types of housework!), and thought I might share them with you.  Since it is summer and high camping/picnic/travel season, why don't we start with vintage travel trailers...

I think what I like most about the vintage photos is how simple and easily transportable these little beauties are (not that there is anything wrong with the ginormous RV's out on the roads today, admit it, these are definitely cuter!).

I have a friend who's dad lived for the weekend, and as soon as he got home from work, he packed up the family in their little Shasta, and headed to the coast or the mountain (Mt. Hood usually), and in the summer, they planned one big road trip to a different state each year... how fun is that!

2013 Cattle Barons Invitation is posted on the Meetups!

Wow, it's that time of year again, the invitation is out on the Oregon and Washington Meetups, so if you are looking for a great excuse to slip away Mothers Day weekend, come join us!  We'd love to have you!

Cattle Barons Weekend 2013

It looks like Mothers Day weekend is still CBW's favorite weekend, so the dates for 2013 Cattle Barons Weekend is officially May 9, 10, 11, 12, 2013..............Mark your calendars, more information to follow!

Boy did we have a fun time - Thanks Cameo Cowgirl!

We had a great time, lovely weather, great antique cowgirl store within reach, a brew pub around the corner and wonderful Sisters to share it with!

What a Wonderful Time We Had!

So hard to say goodbye and load up the trailer and head home.  Thank you thank you Sisters for a great weekend - will post some pictures as soon as we unpack and flop our tired little selves on the couch!

Swinging in with your trailers

I found after bringing the trailer in early, that if you approach the "camp ground" from Dorion (turning left onto SE 3rd) you have a little more "swing" room than a hard right into the driveway... it's those little things that makes life easier.

It's a beautiful day!

This weekend has been lovely weather-wise, so maybe we've turned the corner and are headed into nicer weather, don't forget your blanky's though, the boys slept on the front porch last night in their down mummy bags, but woke to a crisp brisk sunrise and freshly mowed lawn.  I have a huge list of things to accomplish today, so I'd better get those grange tables hauled out and sanded, oilcloth found, flowers planted, trailer cleaned, coffee urn readied....

Off to Newberg...

Well, I'm headed out to go get the Milton-Freewater HS Choir to take down to Newberg, back late Friday night, then to an all day band practice in Tri-Cities...so only a couple of days to get all of the things checked off my list for Cattle Barons Weekend.  If I look a little frazzled on Thursday, just put another cocktail in my hand, I'll feel better.

Spring weather...

Isn't it always the case ~ the weather has been all over the map around here, so make sure you come prepared for everything.  We've had years of beautiful sunshine or breezy and cloudy.  We are hoping that the thunder, lightening and torrential rains are behind us, so we can camp in style for Cattle Barons Weekend.

Directions and such...

Directions to Cameo Cowgirl/Yahoo Buckaroo and the Prodigal Son Brew Pub campground:

From Portland: Take I-84 to exit 209, turn LEFT at the light onto 395, moving over into the right hand lane to follow City Center sign and swinging onto Frazer Ave.  Go past Main Street and turn LEFT onto SE 3^rd, passing Emigrant and Dorion (one way streets).  Once past Dorion you will turn LEFT into a well marked parking lot where you will unhitch your trailer, and we will tuck you into your space with a dolly or 4 wheeler, then decorate to your hearts desire.  Parking for tow vehicles will be out on the surrounding streets (Court, SE 2^nd, Dorion and SE 3^rd), and hopefully we will have the use of space behind a neighboring business so you can unload any items for your trailer prior to parking out on the streets.  If you wish to Google Maps the directions, use 206 SE Court Ave., Pendleton, OR 97801 as your destination address (look it up on the satellite image to get an overhead view of our parking lot too).

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=master+printers+pendleton+oregon&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7TSNF&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=VIaRT76iJ-vPiALoxdSgAw&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=3&ved=0CEgQ_AUoAg

From Spokane: We have found that when towing our trailers, the “shortcut” out past Pasco/Walla Walla and up Hwy 37 the back way into Pendleton is a bit twisty turny to say the least, although it is a more direct way than through Tri-Cities.  But,  coming through the Kennewick/Pasco area (head up 395 to I-82, then follow signs to I-84 East to Pendleton) is the recommended way for peace of mind and avoidance of blind corners and big agriculture spray rigs and farm trucks barreling your way.

We will have a room at the Relax Inn for a shower and flushing toilet, and a porta potty for easy access tucked in our camping area.  We haven’t exactly shared with the motel folks that our room will be used by us all, so mums the word.

Meals will be pretty informal, we will separate us out into meal teams for breakfast (lunch is on your own, and dinners we tend to go out), and supply the basics (eggs, bacon, coffee, bread, juices, jams etc…) for your culinary arts, that way you won’t need to pre-plan a big breakfast and haul those things with you, just your personal yummies and treats and maybe some fun hors d’oeuvres for cocktail hour(s), but I do know Linner has something cool planned for at least one breakfast. 

Now that it's just around the corner, we will be adding a few new things as they come up.  I've asked Hamley's to let us know if they are doing a concert that weekend up in the Slickfork Saloon (last year the concert was great), and when I find that out, will reserve a space for dinner at Prodigal Son one of our nights as a thank you for allowing us to kick them out of their parking lot.  We can't wait to see everyone!

It's March already!

Goodness, it's March already!  With the snow flurries and diabolical wind we've been having, it's hard to believe Spring is on its way (and the NWG in June).  Linner and I are huddled by the fire thinking warm thoughts, and soon we will see our sisters wheeling their trailers into town, ready for some camaraderie, shopping, laughing, fireside chats and exploring.  As we get closer, we will be posting directions and what not to ease your way our way.

                                      Linner has her new quilt to keep her warm in Betsy Ross!

Official Invitation for Cattle Barons Weekend 2012

Come camp Pendleton Style in the Real West with your Pendleton Sisters Linner #1276 and Margaret #23

We'll have shopping, art shows, gelding sale, bronc riding, roping and much much more...!

 Dear Sisters, you are cordially invited to spend the weekend of May 10,11 and 12 in our own cozy lot behind Cameo Cowgirl Antique Store and the Prodigal Son Brew Pub for dry camping (Cabela's style). “In the Company of Cowgirls” Art Show, Ranch Horse Contest, bucking broncs, western shopping to your hearts desire, tours of the Pendleton Underground, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Tamastslikt Cultural Museum available and oh so much more. Your trailer will need to be self sufficient as there are no individual hookups available at the site, and we've arranged for a shower and potty close by, and will have a community kitchen set up again.

Cost for this event is $80.00, to reserve your spot please send your payment to Margaret Farr Nickerson, P.O. Box 584, Pendleton, OR 97801. You will receive an email confirmation once we receive payment and updates on more fun as we get closer to the event. Please contact Margaret Farr Nickerson, Sister #23 at rodeobus@hotmail.com for more information.

This event is open to Sisters in good standing (dues paid). As per most SOTF events, Pets/children/husbands are not invited, but a brief visit will be accepted if need be. Let'Er Buck! Your Pendleton Sisters, Linner #1276 and Margaret #23

Cattle Barons 2012

We are currently working up fun for the 2012 Cattle Barons Weekend (May 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th, 2012) on Mothers Day Weekend.  Come spend a few days with us relaxing, shopping, chatting and laughing, as we're tucked away behind Cameo Cowgirl/Yahoo Buckaroo and the Prodigal Son Brew Pub in downtown Pendleton, Oregon.  Linner and I are coming up with a few quiet ways to unwind a little before summer hits.  We look forward to seeing you here!

Margaret and Linner

Had a wonderful time!

Had a great time gals!  See you at the NW Gathering!

Almost here!!!

Attempting to get things organised, you'll need to bear with me as it's been a little discombobulating at our house these last two weeks to say the least.  I will be travelling back and forth from my house to the campsite at the Convention Center as I don't have a cargo trailer to haul the tables and benches, so the kitchen will build slowly, but it eventually will happen.  Good thing this is a low key weekend with my Sisters!  Trailers will be drifting in the next two days, and Pam #79 brought her dolly so we can finesse the circle more easily.

Happy Trails and Safe Travels -

SOTF Article in the Appaloosa Journal

A must read for all Sisters!
Sisters on the Fly Article in the Appaloosa Journal

Itinerary (subject to fluctuate at the whim of the Sisters)

Thursday, May 19

Sale Gelding Check in

Sisters on the Fly trailers arrive (all day) at the Pendleton Convention Center

1pm – 6pm: “In the Company of Cowgirls” Art Show Opening (Hamleys)

7pm – 9pm Artists Awards Gala reception and Juni Fisher Concert

~ Tickets are $20 in advance or at the door (it sold out last year, so here is contact information to get a ticket:   http://www.inthecompanyofcowgirls.com/reception.htm  )

Friday, May 20

Cattlemen’s Day and Ranchers Challenge

Steer Jackpot

Breakfast, Coffee and Sister Camaraderie

9am – 9pm:  “In the Company of Cowgirls” Art Show

10am: Ranchers Challenge

9am – 5pm: Bit, Spur Buckle Maker Show Opens

12pm: Preview of Sale Geldings

12pm – 7pm: “Tradin Post” Trade Show opens at the Convention Center

3pm: National Cattlemens Beef Association Stockmanship Demonstration (Curt Pate)

Ranch Horse Contest

6pm: Calcutta

7pm: North American Stock Saddle Bronc Championship

Saturday, May 21

Breakfast, Coffee and Sister Camaraderie

11am BBQ Cookoff

12 pm – 1pm:  SOTF Trailer Tour (we can extend this however long we feel like, or start later)

12pm: Preview of Sale Geldings

1:30pm – 2:30pm: Live Art Auction with Stewart Severe, Auctioneer

2:45pm: BBQ Cookoff Awards

3pm: Western Select Gelding Sale

6pm: SOTF Cocktail hour

7pm: Dinner

7pm: Cattle Barons Team Branding Championship

Sunday, May 22

Breakfast, Coffee and Sister Camaraderie

Dinking in town at will

Heading homeward

SOTF BBQ team invited to participate on Saturday

If we wish to put a team together, we've been invited to participate in the BBQ competition:

"We will be set up near you at the convention center and was wondering if you have any SOTF members that would like to compete in our BBQ contest. It is a ton of fun and would only take up 8 hours of their day on Saturday 5/21. If you could forward this on to any interested parties it would be greatly appreciated. Any question comments or concerns about the event can and will be answered at our event email which is pcb.bbq@hotmail.com "

Decorating your site ~

We have tons of room to park our trailers and make the area our own, so bring your trailer bling and decorate to your hearts content, we may make it into the paper, so here's your chance to shine!

Welcome Sisters!

This site may help keep us organised at we get closer to our Cattle Barons Weekend shindig - I will do my best to keep us all updated as to the fun Linner, Corrin, Carolyn and I can pack into the weekend for us.

Stay tuned!

Margaret