Cowboys and Indians

Actually it was Indians who came first as on Friday at Fort Whoop-up, our local fort just behind Tegan's school, a Native Festival Day was held. Some of the parents who are on the school council organised the afternoon for the children with parents allowed to also come and watch. The weather was great at 28 degrees although the Indians looked extremely hot in their traditional costumes. One of the Indians was the storyteller explaining the meaning of each dance followed by either one or two of the Indians then performing the dance. Each dance was performed to the beat of a drum and lots of chanting. Tegan and Fraser thought it was great especially the costumes which were amazing and very intricate. Unfortunately there was supposed to be a raising of a Tee-Pee but the guys had an accident on the highway driving to Fort Whoop-up and the Tee-Pee was in bits across the Trans Canada Highway. A great way to end a week at school for Tegan.

Saturday was spent 'under construction' at the Leonard's house. Chris had Saturday afternoon off and instead of putting his feet up to watch sport he was out in the garden building the trampoline, garden table and gazebo. So we are nearly there just a picnic table to build for the kids and a BBQ to buy. I went out with some girls on Saturday night to a 70/80's night in the Prairie Rose club which is in 'the village' and often hosts events for everyone living here. Not owning a fancy dress costume for either decade I borrowed Jeanette's husbands outfit - however the pigtails are mine. It was a good laugh and I new the words to all the songs which was great.

Now for Cowboy time - Sunday afternoon we all went into Medicine Hat to watch the annual Chuckwagon Races. Chris and I weren't too sure what to expect but it was great and really exciting. Chuckwagon racing has been going on in Canada since the 1920's and everyone was very competitive. Each team has a wagon with driver and 4 horses and then 2 out riders. It all starts with the 2 out riders on foot, 1 infront of the 4 horses and 1 behind the wagon who on the sounds of the hooter throws a barrel into the wagon, the driver has to steer the wagon round a figure of eight and then all 3 teams are charging round the track followed by their outriders who have to mount their horses and gallop after them, all this happens very quickly with lots of dust and cheering. Fraser was a little scared and sat on the floor between Chris's legs whilst the races were on but he did like the 2 tractors who came to smooth out the track every so often. As we left the stadium Fraser announced that he really liked it and wanted to go again - odd.