Sept. 3 – continued:
• Bart & Clifford – these 2 have progressed all during camp with Clifford doing a very good job – starting to run big off horseback and he's very independent but hunts with purpose. Bart , more immature but still doing nicely.
Bird work later – now getting caught up with things and some work too I hope. No sign of the horse and Tess is still looking not quite prime so we're not too worried about her being bred. Got to keep a close eye on her though.
Still no sign of Toby, Bonnie's horse. We've been looking all over the place and no signs or sightings. We'll keep looking but it's very strange.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008 continued: we are definitely winding down but still fixing 1st class meals. Bob did some great pork tenderloin roasts – got to get that recipe!! Jason's new home moved onto it's site by the old homestead. Got it on the pad today and Jason & Heather are really excited about their new place.
Ed took all the puppies out and ran them on the prairie.
POTD – ( Ed's for 'Pup of the Day) was Stryker – just out there running all over with class ( tail going like crazy and straight up all the time) – quite exciting for Ed as all the pups did pretty good. Striker had one classy point that he held as a bird flew away and that really set him off.
Thursday, September 4, 2008 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY – TOM – our son Tom's birthday and he's working on projects on the east coast so he only gets to celibrate with Patty ( His Clint/Patti – bitch) but still has enjoyed his couple of trips to Ainsworth.
H.O.T.D. – Hero of the Day - goes to Ed because while he was roading a string of dogs he spotted Toby ( the horse) in Richardson's pasture south of the corn circle next to us. He was agitated but appeared in good shape. Ed came back to camp and Bob saddled up and I grabbed a truck and went to the pasture. He was't too sure of anyone or anything at this point – his Fear & Flight buttons kicking in. Bob rode our a way and got off his horse and just waited. In a few minutes Toby made up his mind and came running to Bob who hooked him up and brought him back to camp. No serious injuries but multiple strips of barb wire cuts. He'd been through a few fences. Just glad to get him back.
We left messages for Bonnie and hoped she'd be able to hear them while off on a Elk Hunt with Denny and crew. Roger will take care of Toby until they can get back here and pick him up.
Roading:
• Erin, Mariah, Brie & Inde – very solid 52 minutes. All four were pulling and leaping in their harnesses, probably thinking they were going to do bird work when Ed stopped the ATV to try and call Toby in. Erin broke his harness in all the excitement.
Meadows:
• Stryker, Teaqui, Dani & Rio – all run on the meadows by Ed, Ron & Annie with Teaqui being puppy of the day. Lot's of hunt, put head and nose in the air and followed scent about 20 yards until she found a dead bird. She had plenty of range. The pups have had a good camp.
Ron, Annie, Ed with supervision from Linda got all the dogs trimmed up and nails cut. They had quite the production line set up. Bob and I went north with Bob stopping at Painter's helping Sonja with some software for her computer. I went to get some medicine – my cold progressed to a constant cough and my ribs are getting sore – got to shake if before I go home.
Great dinner with fajits's ( thanks Lee!!!!!!) and really good sweet corn. We're on the downside of sweetcorn season but we've had the best the last 2 night.s
Ron installed a new door knob that Linda bought at a garage sale from the Painter's pastor. Starting to collect stuff and get ready for the great pack up.
Friday, September 5, 2008 – another very cool night. Some light rain just to freshen things up. 40 degrees during the night and high about 70 today – great day for working dogs. We're going to road dogs out to Robbie's Turkey Hollow and then bird work the team, load them on the truck then road the next brace back to Turkey Hollow. Should get a lot done. Drizzly and overcast.
Roading:
• Erin, Mariah, Lea & Robbie – 20 min.
Birdwork: -- a west wind let us use the gap in the big woods, could park the dogs where they knew what was going but couldn't see the work unless a bird flew towards them which a couple did. They were all on their tiptoes.
• Robbie – with collar still on she worked nicely and hunted the edges – hit the scent and established a nice point. about 10 o'clock style but easily stroked all the way up – good manners on the flush(Hun) and shot.
• Lea – cool and crisp – ran fast and jammed the bird w/ excellent style – perfect manners and ending camp on a very high note.
• Mariah – smooth and working the edge – a very stylish point with perfect manners – a good camp but not as much improvement on pattern as I'd like but progress being made.
• Erin – very good move to bird and hard/tight point. Handled flush but broke on shot and caught and corrected.
Bob & Ed did most of the work as my cough and wheezing is catching up with me.
Roading:
• Lilly, Brie, Shauna & Sorrel – 35 min.
Birdwork: worked in the same area.
• Midge – she is still on the IR list with a swollen gland in her throat but took her out for birdwork. Collar off waist and on her neck – haven't had to use it at all lately. Got a classy, high tailed point and she was mannerly throughout – just a solid piece. She's had a good camp – needs more polish in pattern and some good experiences in trials to really turn her on but I'm happy with the progress.
• Sorrel – kind of ran over the bird and it flushed and spooked him – came back to me – not sure what is going on – another bird and he looked good but settled on the flush – corrected and finished on a positive note. He's in great shape and getting there on birds but just don't want to push too hard – he's got the tools to be a great one, we just have to get him finished out. Steve will have some frustration but tons of fun when he's right.
• Lily – cast off she pointed a hot spot but sent on and got a good point and clean for the flush on a Hun – very nicely done. Great camp for this young dog – big future.
• Brie – Bob has had a good camp with her and taking her home and bringing her back has been good for both of them. Nice, stylish point with perfect manners.
• Shauna – a bit too much hot scent around and kinda got her confused but ended up clean on a Hun – she's got all the tools on the ground and should make Bob one heck of a good young one.
Went to the next group and decided to move our location to the Seidel Loop. Need some fresh ground.
Roading:
• Brenna, Inde, Annie & Suzie 30 min. – all dogs were fresh after their roading – none were even breathing hard and got real worked up on the rig.
Birdwork:
• Brenna – cover a bit thick where we started and couldn't get bird to fly – finally shot and went on – she did fine.
• Inde – worked her the same way and got a solid point but not much style – a very long flushing attempt and couldn't get bird out of grass – shot and went on – she did fine.
• Annie – worked her on the North fence line and got a nice solid point – wanted to move somewhat but Ed flushed without a solid whoa and she had some movement but took correction very well. Finished on a positive note.
• Suzie – worked the north line also and had a mannerly stylish piece of work. Best of this group & right now I'm thinking I've seen progress with Suzie.
This was an extremely productive morning and put all the dogs in a good frame of mind. Back at camp Ed was planning on doing some young pups. I decided that this cough was not good to leave untreated so I had Linda get me an appointment and I went in to have it checked out. It turns out that I have pneumonia and need some good medication to knock it out of me. Glad that I went today. Met Bob & Ed at the Circle to say good-bye to some of the folks we know. Bob got a cowboy hat to with his Matador attire – maybe that hat will make him treat his next bull with a bit more respect.
Ed had brought a slab of New York Strip steaks and we cooked up a bunch for us and Roger & Janet – a little home made pasta and some good wine and were very content. Last night in town for Annie & Ron – they needed a nice relaxing trip. I had to tell them that Neely wasn't going to make the final cut. We'll work her one more time and see if the switch has gone on but right now she just isn't a field trial dog. She's got plenty of energy and is a real sweetheart. We'll find a nice pet/hunting home for her.
Saturday, September 6, 2008 – cool morning and I slept pretty well ( not that Linda did – my wheezing had to keep her up ) – cough medicine seemed to be working. It was supposed to be a drizzly day – good for the ranchers and bird dogs. Bob & Ed were ready to work dogs as Devin was coming over to help. The ran 2 braces in the hills and meadows and had a real good time. Ron & Annie hooked up and were pulling out at the time the brace was going to break away. I think they enjoyed the visit and the opportunity to just do some serious R & R. They're off to tour the Midwest and should have a great time.
Hills:
• Suzie & Brie – up through the Seidel pasture to the north these too worked with Suzie making up her own course. She handled a covey of chickens well and then just raised her stickiness to new levels – Brie was rolling around the hills with an excellent find and then Huns in Turkey Hollow – a strong forward race with great eye appeal and speed. She is really fit and finished very strong. Suzie blew a back on Brie and really got hard to handle – left everyone and went her own way – new whistle or not – she just wouldn't respond – guys had to come back and get the jeep and the atv – Bob ran around her with the jeep and she still wouldn't come – finally Devin got her. 55 min. lots of birds: chickens and our released Huns which are very wild now.
• Shauna & Mariah – Shauna big and out front – a STF w/manners but need some encouragement – then another STF with Mariah – good manners by both. Mariah was hunting and in the cover – shorter in range but a nice solid GD while Shauna was a solid SD. Great stamina & desire. 50 min.
An overcast day – more bird work this afternoon and packing up has begun. We ended up doing more packing and putting things together for the trip. Lot's to do – all the bird houses were closed up and birds taken to camp for final birdwork on Sunday. Made our final trip to the dump ( not a highlight of camp but has to be done. Toby's scratches are healing up and he seems no worse for the air.
My crew is still stuck in Houston and we're trying to get them done so they can work their way up here and paint some more fence for Roger. Roger's back at it – running the tractor and out fixing fence when needed. He's tough and enjoys what he does – it shows!!!!!!!!!
Ed took out puppies – Striker, Dani, Rio & Tequi – all got around birds with several good finds, bumps and chases. All 4 are focused
Finished up a bunch of food and had a good bottle of wine – we don't run out of wine at this camp. Dogs are getting moved up close. We enjoyed the rain – nice and starting to be needed again.
Sunday, September 13, 2008 – cool and damp from the rain – good morning to work birds. Took all the young ones out and worked our remaining birds.
Meadows:
• Mariah – clean and stylish find – she's working birds well – still needs more pattern work but that will come with fall trials & Paw Paw.
• Brenna – backed Mariah on the 1st find with manners and a checkcord – then a nice solid point –level style – sent on relocate she hit the cover and pointed with great style in the cover – good job.
• Sorrel – hit with style but collapsed on flush – bird that hit him in the face yesterday shook his confidence. Worked him on another one with a cord and he did fine with lots of praise.
• Midge – great job – collar on her neck but haven't used in an age – very stylish, mannerly find -- that's what we need – still needs pattern to the front.
• Shauna – good, clean crisp find with style. She's looking very good on her game and plenty of run. Check corded back with manners.
• Lily – very into the program and a nice clean find – good job and pattern is showing some maturity.
• Annie – a bit more aggressiveness around game and pointing nicely but to break but no softness -- big improvement on her part. She shows a lot of improvement from last year.
• Robbie – back plugged in and she handled her bird nicely and styled up after crowding a bit.
• Bart & Clifford – both these young dogs are showing lots of promise – Bart got into several quail and chased with great desire – no solid points but lots of fun- Clifford attacts the cover and had a awesome point on a quail that lit in a tree – he waited, waited, waited and then leaped into the air and grabbed the quail about 8' up in the tree. He found several more, pointed and managed to catch another one – enough of this but the desire on both young dogs is great.
The end of training camp for 2008. We now went back to packing and putting things away for next year. We left the ATV and Gazebo here for next year. A nice dinner, early night and tomorrow we hit the road.
Monday, September 13, 2008 – overcast and cool but dry. We got everything together and all headed out around 12:30 - saw Roger and Jason this morning to say goodbye. Now it's time to hit the trial circuit and see if our training program worked.
See ya next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Water misters for the dogs in the heat.
We installed these mist - ers all along the row of dogs and in the middle of the day we can put a fine mist out that cools the dogs off considerbly.
Hunting Irish Setter - Prairie Training - Aug. 30- Sept. 3
Saturday, August 30, 2008 continued: Bob G. left home early this morning and is due in camp this afternoon. He called as he passed Stan heading home and shortly after, near the Nebraska border, Stan told him his truck was struggling with the hills and making strange noise. Not a good sign. Our gut feeling in camp was the Trubo was going out. He continued and hoped to limp home. Tough call but he had horses and dogs and needed to travel to NYC on Monday so not a lot of options.
Bob rolled in around 4:00 PM and got back in the groove. Wind blowing at 40 mph most of the day and plenty warm. We needed to use the spray mist to cool the dogs down in the heat. We made sure the birds were fed but the rest of the day consisted of light roading & long naps.
Roading:
• Mariah, Lea, Sorrel & Lily - 27 min. and just hot with cactus all over the place.
The County Fair & Rodeo is on this weekend and we plan to wait till Monday and Linda is counting on making it but the wind right now is not pleasant.
Bonnie is due back on Sunday night along with Ed M. hitting camp for the 2nd time. The dogs have had a balaned week with roading , meadows and birdwork. Robin showing a lot of promise to Stan & me. Now a couple days of roading and we'll see how she does.
Bob spent the day with Roger, Jason & Heather at a quarter horse auction near Valentine. Jason bought a young palamino but Bob couldn't find anything the owners would guarantee ' bull proof '. We're not sure what that means but Bob keeps spreading his bull ? stories and admit's it wasn't his smartest move. We'll keep looking though.
Sunday, August 31, 2008 – we heard that Stan made it in and Charlie came down on Ernie to give him some sound medical attention on his foot. Stan's truck later proved to have a damaged Turbo and he had if fixed under warranty – not a bad deal. Charlie felt that Ernie had a lame shoulder but is doing fine a few days later. So the crew is intact.
Winds blew all night – stuff thrown around camp, garbage cans, crates and misc. stuff. All night long and very windy in the morning. Loaded upa a crew to road.
Roading:
• Erin, Brie, Inde & Annie - solid group 54 min. but getting warm already at the end. Took it easy on everyone else.
We put Lea on the IR list with tender pads and Tess is on the 'Do Not Disturb List' as she came in Season. Bart & more seriously Sorrel have made attempts to talk her into something but I think she's resisted so far! We'll see!
Bonnie got here around 5:00 and we had got chores complete. You almost have to lean into the wind to work. Wind is blowing extremely hard. No way a dog can even smell a bird. Bonnie was up in Sioux Falls, SD observing a NAVHDa hunt test put on by the local club with Jean & Joe Rodriguez the hosts. Jean and Joe are very good friends of yours as we all trained together back in the 70's in the west suburbs of Chicago. Joe and Jean had 3 children and we had 4 and raised our young families together. We both owned our first field dogs from Tony Baron's stud dog Norab's Duke. I finished Patti and Joe had Penny who we ended up co-owning as Joe worked for the airlines and couldn't keep it up. There goal was to live somewhere they could fish and hunt and moved to Minnesota and then South Dakota. Great friends that we miss all the time but everytime we talk or visit it's just like yesterday. So when Bonnie comes into our house – here's a care package from our friends. Fresh Tamales - Joe's Mom had come to our house years ago and we all spent the day making fresh Tamales and it's still a wonderful memory in all our minds.
Joe and I have planned a hunting trip for this fall and hopefully a couple of mature ( like that choice) hunters can show these kids and grandkids ' how it's supposed to be done'. I can't wait.
Ed got into camp this afternoon after a successful stop in Reno along the way. He had a smile on his face and twinkle in his eye – must've been a real good trip. Bonnie was pooped but ready to load up in the morning and head home and onto Elk Camp. Dennis has a crew going bow hunting, including Bonnie's son and my son. It's a 1st for my son Bob – he's very excited.
Monday, September 1, 2008 -- Labor Day – Rodeo Day. Still very windy and in the 90's.
Roading:
• Mariah, Suzie, Brenna & Sorrel – solid 60 min for this crew but the wind was ugly. At least we can road.
Back to camp, Bonnie almost loaded up – just getting horses. I went out to check on her and she comes with 2 but the grey is out of the shelter belt and in with the bulls. Not a good sign – Bonnie says they all broke out and Toby is still missing. This ain't good. Search parties were established and off we go – about 8:00 am – 2 of the horses had barb wire slices but none real serious.
We ended up in 2 trucks and 1 atv with Linda maining the radio at camp. By 2:00 pm we had called off the search – no sign of Toby. Bonnie packed up and headed out and we planned on some random searches until he showed up. We doubt that's it's serious but he could be hurt. It appears a herd of cattle from the north broke into a meadow next to us and Roger's bulls decided to check it out and the horses were stuck next to both groups – must've made them a bit nervous – the boys are geldings but not naïve.
We skipped the rodeo –not a fun day anyhow with 35 – 45 mph winds.
Bonnie made it home okay. Ron and Annie due in tomorrow & we're invited to cook – out at McBrides' should be a fun day.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 – no horse as of this morning.
Roading:
• Erin, Lea, Brie, Inde – kinda backing off – the wind is much better. 30 min at a fast pace.
• Blitz, Midge, Shauna & Robbie – 35 min – just Robbie's 2nd day roading but she's doing fine.
Birdwork:
• Erin – good, stylish find w/ a big hope – corrected but looked good. Trying to keep his confidence up – little softness on point.
• Brenna – good point with manners
• Inde – solid level tail w/good manners.
• Sorrel – couldn't get the bird pointed – a borderline bump & a no find.
• Shauna – styled up and good find w/class
• Annie – got a decent picture and a pretty good find – definite progress.
• Suzie – can't make out her hearing. I believe she can hear but can't tell direction very well. High pitch whistle helping on the course. Had an okay find with average style ( not her typical) but mannerly.
• Lily – good point w/manners – a little low in front but handled.
• Clifford & Bart - both are doing good but Clifford is showing his age difference and really starting to roll. He likes birds, hunts hard and reaches front – this is one nice pup.
Ron & Annie rolled in around 5:00 and they got set up and off to dinner. What a night – just a great meal and lots of stories with some great Music by Joe along with some singing from Rea'Ann and Whitley – then an awesome desert. Just a fun time.
Still no sign of the horse – you keep driving into camp expecting him to show up – Bob and Ed took some trips looking and went up through the Graf pastures looking for him but no luck so far.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON!!!!!!!!! cool this morning – actually cooled off yesterday evening and need to put the small heater on in the trailer. Light patches of frost on the ground and 40+ degrees at best – what a difference – the wind had dropped bigtime. It sure is great to have Annie and Ron in camp. First time in 3 years. They're taking a bit of R & R trip and just enjoying life.
Roading:
• Suzie, Brenna, Lily & Midge - 52 minutes of strong run – all but Lily enjoying herself. She just can't find her best spot but she's trying.
Meadows:
• Mariah & Robbie – well Robbie did surprise – no birds but she rolled – very nice speed and drive & big but immature race. This dog has a leg – Stan and Charlie are going to have fun with her. Mariah – in the cover showing lots of hunt and needs front a bit but she's close. 27 min.
• Sorrel & Annie – Annie showing some signs of improvement but Sorrel was flat today and way too many pit stops – not up to his usual performance. No birds under ideal conditions but his head just not into it. 28 min.
Bird work later – now getting caught up with things and some work too I hope. No sign of the horse and Tess is still looking not quite prime so we're not too worried about her being bred. Got to keep a close eye on her though.
Bob rolled in around 4:00 PM and got back in the groove. Wind blowing at 40 mph most of the day and plenty warm. We needed to use the spray mist to cool the dogs down in the heat. We made sure the birds were fed but the rest of the day consisted of light roading & long naps.
Roading:
• Mariah, Lea, Sorrel & Lily - 27 min. and just hot with cactus all over the place.
The County Fair & Rodeo is on this weekend and we plan to wait till Monday and Linda is counting on making it but the wind right now is not pleasant.
Bonnie is due back on Sunday night along with Ed M. hitting camp for the 2nd time. The dogs have had a balaned week with roading , meadows and birdwork. Robin showing a lot of promise to Stan & me. Now a couple days of roading and we'll see how she does.
Bob spent the day with Roger, Jason & Heather at a quarter horse auction near Valentine. Jason bought a young palamino but Bob couldn't find anything the owners would guarantee ' bull proof '. We're not sure what that means but Bob keeps spreading his bull ? stories and admit's it wasn't his smartest move. We'll keep looking though.
Sunday, August 31, 2008 – we heard that Stan made it in and Charlie came down on Ernie to give him some sound medical attention on his foot. Stan's truck later proved to have a damaged Turbo and he had if fixed under warranty – not a bad deal. Charlie felt that Ernie had a lame shoulder but is doing fine a few days later. So the crew is intact.
Winds blew all night – stuff thrown around camp, garbage cans, crates and misc. stuff. All night long and very windy in the morning. Loaded upa a crew to road.
Roading:
• Erin, Brie, Inde & Annie - solid group 54 min. but getting warm already at the end. Took it easy on everyone else.
We put Lea on the IR list with tender pads and Tess is on the 'Do Not Disturb List' as she came in Season. Bart & more seriously Sorrel have made attempts to talk her into something but I think she's resisted so far! We'll see!
Bonnie got here around 5:00 and we had got chores complete. You almost have to lean into the wind to work. Wind is blowing extremely hard. No way a dog can even smell a bird. Bonnie was up in Sioux Falls, SD observing a NAVHDa hunt test put on by the local club with Jean & Joe Rodriguez the hosts. Jean and Joe are very good friends of yours as we all trained together back in the 70's in the west suburbs of Chicago. Joe and Jean had 3 children and we had 4 and raised our young families together. We both owned our first field dogs from Tony Baron's stud dog Norab's Duke. I finished Patti and Joe had Penny who we ended up co-owning as Joe worked for the airlines and couldn't keep it up. There goal was to live somewhere they could fish and hunt and moved to Minnesota and then South Dakota. Great friends that we miss all the time but everytime we talk or visit it's just like yesterday. So when Bonnie comes into our house – here's a care package from our friends. Fresh Tamales - Joe's Mom had come to our house years ago and we all spent the day making fresh Tamales and it's still a wonderful memory in all our minds.
Joe and I have planned a hunting trip for this fall and hopefully a couple of mature ( like that choice) hunters can show these kids and grandkids ' how it's supposed to be done'. I can't wait.
Ed got into camp this afternoon after a successful stop in Reno along the way. He had a smile on his face and twinkle in his eye – must've been a real good trip. Bonnie was pooped but ready to load up in the morning and head home and onto Elk Camp. Dennis has a crew going bow hunting, including Bonnie's son and my son. It's a 1st for my son Bob – he's very excited.
Monday, September 1, 2008 -- Labor Day – Rodeo Day. Still very windy and in the 90's.
Roading:
• Mariah, Suzie, Brenna & Sorrel – solid 60 min for this crew but the wind was ugly. At least we can road.
Back to camp, Bonnie almost loaded up – just getting horses. I went out to check on her and she comes with 2 but the grey is out of the shelter belt and in with the bulls. Not a good sign – Bonnie says they all broke out and Toby is still missing. This ain't good. Search parties were established and off we go – about 8:00 am – 2 of the horses had barb wire slices but none real serious.
We ended up in 2 trucks and 1 atv with Linda maining the radio at camp. By 2:00 pm we had called off the search – no sign of Toby. Bonnie packed up and headed out and we planned on some random searches until he showed up. We doubt that's it's serious but he could be hurt. It appears a herd of cattle from the north broke into a meadow next to us and Roger's bulls decided to check it out and the horses were stuck next to both groups – must've made them a bit nervous – the boys are geldings but not naïve.
We skipped the rodeo –not a fun day anyhow with 35 – 45 mph winds.
Bonnie made it home okay. Ron and Annie due in tomorrow & we're invited to cook – out at McBrides' should be a fun day.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 – no horse as of this morning.
Roading:
• Erin, Lea, Brie, Inde – kinda backing off – the wind is much better. 30 min at a fast pace.
• Blitz, Midge, Shauna & Robbie – 35 min – just Robbie's 2nd day roading but she's doing fine.
Birdwork:
• Erin – good, stylish find w/ a big hope – corrected but looked good. Trying to keep his confidence up – little softness on point.
• Brenna – good point with manners
• Inde – solid level tail w/good manners.
• Sorrel – couldn't get the bird pointed – a borderline bump & a no find.
• Shauna – styled up and good find w/class
• Annie – got a decent picture and a pretty good find – definite progress.
• Suzie – can't make out her hearing. I believe she can hear but can't tell direction very well. High pitch whistle helping on the course. Had an okay find with average style ( not her typical) but mannerly.
• Lily – good point w/manners – a little low in front but handled.
• Clifford & Bart - both are doing good but Clifford is showing his age difference and really starting to roll. He likes birds, hunts hard and reaches front – this is one nice pup.
Ron & Annie rolled in around 5:00 and they got set up and off to dinner. What a night – just a great meal and lots of stories with some great Music by Joe along with some singing from Rea'Ann and Whitley – then an awesome desert. Just a fun time.
Still no sign of the horse – you keep driving into camp expecting him to show up – Bob and Ed took some trips looking and went up through the Graf pastures looking for him but no luck so far.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON!!!!!!!!! cool this morning – actually cooled off yesterday evening and need to put the small heater on in the trailer. Light patches of frost on the ground and 40+ degrees at best – what a difference – the wind had dropped bigtime. It sure is great to have Annie and Ron in camp. First time in 3 years. They're taking a bit of R & R trip and just enjoying life.
Roading:
• Suzie, Brenna, Lily & Midge - 52 minutes of strong run – all but Lily enjoying herself. She just can't find her best spot but she's trying.
Meadows:
• Mariah & Robbie – well Robbie did surprise – no birds but she rolled – very nice speed and drive & big but immature race. This dog has a leg – Stan and Charlie are going to have fun with her. Mariah – in the cover showing lots of hunt and needs front a bit but she's close. 27 min.
• Sorrel & Annie – Annie showing some signs of improvement but Sorrel was flat today and way too many pit stops – not up to his usual performance. No birds under ideal conditions but his head just not into it. 28 min.
Bird work later – now getting caught up with things and some work too I hope. No sign of the horse and Tess is still looking not quite prime so we're not too worried about her being bred. Got to keep a close eye on her though.
Blitz - Hunting Irish Setter - 6 years old - For Sale
Blitz is a very stylish 6 year old Irish Setter male. Conditioned all summer in the Sandhills and worked on birds - he's a classy, stylist that will be a real buddy. Contact us - only qualified families considered. He'll be your Hunting Dog, your Hunting Buddy and Friend.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Hunting Irish Setter - Prairie Training - August 27-30
August 27th continued
The afternoon was mild and we're planning on hitting the hills early on Thursday. Doug in camp and Stan is preparing his famous Tenderloin on the grill and dinner was a big hit. Most of the Painter's made it but Janet. We sat out and visited and had a fun night. Got real cool and it looks to be great out tomorrow. We'll be ready.
Thursday, August 28, 2008 - cool crisp morning and we're planning on going north and do the look across Seidel's pasture and over to the loop the back way. Should be a good day for dogs.
Hills: ran on the pasture just south of the bull pen – had good birds last week.
• Annie & Buck - Bonnie's and Betty's dogs – Buck strong and front with a very good find on a nice bunch of chickens. Annie reached for birds and was near them but never in the exact right place to work them. A big running , smooth going and fun to watch. Buck just a class dog and a force to be reckoned with on the SD circuit. 45 min. Seen a minimum of 20-25 birds and pointed 1 bunch.
• Lea & Baily – while this was a fun pasture 10 days ago – the cactus and sandburs were out in force and these dogs just had a tough time staying with it. Baily a nice improvement from her 1st time on the hills but not up to her owner's expectations. Lea tried but was having cactus catching up in her already tender feet and not a great day. A STF on some sharptails and a non productive for Baily – maybe 20 – 25 chickens and grouse in 4 different flushes but nothing really well defined. Hit the meadows at 34-40 min and Lea hit it like a pro with a strong finish on much more friendly ground. Baily got her 2nd win and the dogs finished with heart. 50 min. Lea will miss a turn or 2 with pads worn raw. Getting hot now.
Meadows: Getting hot so we took the easy country.
• Bart & Bonnie's pups – not as good as yesterday – dogs had a few moves but never really got it going in a big way.
It was getting warm and we called it a morning and decided to lay low and birdwork later. We all visited and got our chores done. Around 6 we took out some dogs for birdwork.
• Sorrel ( wanted a staunch dog for Baily to back and she came out and backed with very good manners but not a lot of style. She was mannerly for the flush and shot on Sorrel's very nice piece of work.
• Annie – on a checkcord just to get her to know there are birds here – she worked in as the breeze was almost still and got a solid flash point before the bird broke and she chased – shot over and now the chase was on. It took a bit to gather her up but 'mission accomplished'.
• Ross's English Setter – was cut loose and hunted out of the box. A very well handled and stylish point for this dog – she was steady until the flush which was what he expected. A good piece for this one.
We had a very nice evening and Ross & Betty headed out to a field trial on their way home to Tennessee – good trip for them but quite exhausting. We'll see Betty in Booneville.
Friday, August 29, 2008 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her 5 day reign with me as the oldest one in camp was over – we're back on the same year – for 360 days. We had a easy going day for her but she's improving consistently now and she has hopes of making the rodeo this weekend. Go Linda!
A cool morning with the promise of heat later. Bonnie packing up and heading to a retriever trial and a NAVHDA test for the weekend. She's a busy lady. Does a great job for AKC .
Hills: - decided on hitting the meadow around Hitchcock's lake. We haven't been there all year. Stan, Doug and I headed out.
• Erin & Brenna – cut them loose and worked the big meadow nicely with Erin working the mots in a consistent reaching pattern – Brenna hunting but not with the same pattern. We say some deer, then more deer and more deer. The dogs didn't appear to chase but we were in heavy cover and heard Brenna off barking – not a good sign. We almost walked our horses on some deer and this brace just didn't get the job done. Grounds too overgrown in some spots and no birds seen except a few hundred ducks. We decided to move on. 37 min.
• Midge & Shauna - ran the Triple Gate pasture and had a full load of cactus. These 2 started out nicely but not as smooth as they could be with the grounds – Shauna observed under a chicken and corrected – Midge a turtle find and NP – Shauna tried but the weather was now warm and cactus just giving us fits. 30 min.
• Robbie – Stan's 1st horseback brace with her – ran her on the meadows and got a nice forward pattern with good hunt and drive. Took her around the meadow and had her hit what was formerly named " Hun Alley" - she worked into the cover with scent in her face and established a stylish find when a hen Turkey and 4 young flushed – she broke and was lightly corrected but very good for this young dog. We renamed this area –Robbie's Turkey Hollow – at least for a day or two. She finished hunting nicely. 25 min.
Doug stayed around and we went out and checked the johnie houses and found the turkey had come back to the same spot. Hadn't seen them all summer and now they're here – go figure. Doug packed up and left and Stan spent the afternoon packing up for his trip home. He's taking Jimmie and Mary's new horse –Bart_ home and I'm taking the others. Stan will also have Ernie – Charlie will be able to take better care of his foot which is looking much better at this point.
We made pizza ( Lou Malnalti's ) for Linda's birthday and Stan, Linda and I had a very relaxing night. Robbie put on the string and she wasn't too happy about that. Stan's off at 6:00 am and it will very quiet here tomorrow.
Saturday, August 30, 2008 – Stan called me early – the horses didn't want to load into a strange dark trailer – but we got them and he got off by 6:30 – should be a real nice day for traveling.
The afternoon was mild and we're planning on hitting the hills early on Thursday. Doug in camp and Stan is preparing his famous Tenderloin on the grill and dinner was a big hit. Most of the Painter's made it but Janet. We sat out and visited and had a fun night. Got real cool and it looks to be great out tomorrow. We'll be ready.
Thursday, August 28, 2008 - cool crisp morning and we're planning on going north and do the look across Seidel's pasture and over to the loop the back way. Should be a good day for dogs.
Hills: ran on the pasture just south of the bull pen – had good birds last week.
• Annie & Buck - Bonnie's and Betty's dogs – Buck strong and front with a very good find on a nice bunch of chickens. Annie reached for birds and was near them but never in the exact right place to work them. A big running , smooth going and fun to watch. Buck just a class dog and a force to be reckoned with on the SD circuit. 45 min. Seen a minimum of 20-25 birds and pointed 1 bunch.
• Lea & Baily – while this was a fun pasture 10 days ago – the cactus and sandburs were out in force and these dogs just had a tough time staying with it. Baily a nice improvement from her 1st time on the hills but not up to her owner's expectations. Lea tried but was having cactus catching up in her already tender feet and not a great day. A STF on some sharptails and a non productive for Baily – maybe 20 – 25 chickens and grouse in 4 different flushes but nothing really well defined. Hit the meadows at 34-40 min and Lea hit it like a pro with a strong finish on much more friendly ground. Baily got her 2nd win and the dogs finished with heart. 50 min. Lea will miss a turn or 2 with pads worn raw. Getting hot now.
Meadows: Getting hot so we took the easy country.
• Bart & Bonnie's pups – not as good as yesterday – dogs had a few moves but never really got it going in a big way.
It was getting warm and we called it a morning and decided to lay low and birdwork later. We all visited and got our chores done. Around 6 we took out some dogs for birdwork.
• Sorrel ( wanted a staunch dog for Baily to back and she came out and backed with very good manners but not a lot of style. She was mannerly for the flush and shot on Sorrel's very nice piece of work.
• Annie – on a checkcord just to get her to know there are birds here – she worked in as the breeze was almost still and got a solid flash point before the bird broke and she chased – shot over and now the chase was on. It took a bit to gather her up but 'mission accomplished'.
• Ross's English Setter – was cut loose and hunted out of the box. A very well handled and stylish point for this dog – she was steady until the flush which was what he expected. A good piece for this one.
We had a very nice evening and Ross & Betty headed out to a field trial on their way home to Tennessee – good trip for them but quite exhausting. We'll see Betty in Booneville.
Friday, August 29, 2008 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her 5 day reign with me as the oldest one in camp was over – we're back on the same year – for 360 days. We had a easy going day for her but she's improving consistently now and she has hopes of making the rodeo this weekend. Go Linda!
A cool morning with the promise of heat later. Bonnie packing up and heading to a retriever trial and a NAVHDA test for the weekend. She's a busy lady. Does a great job for AKC .
Hills: - decided on hitting the meadow around Hitchcock's lake. We haven't been there all year. Stan, Doug and I headed out.
• Erin & Brenna – cut them loose and worked the big meadow nicely with Erin working the mots in a consistent reaching pattern – Brenna hunting but not with the same pattern. We say some deer, then more deer and more deer. The dogs didn't appear to chase but we were in heavy cover and heard Brenna off barking – not a good sign. We almost walked our horses on some deer and this brace just didn't get the job done. Grounds too overgrown in some spots and no birds seen except a few hundred ducks. We decided to move on. 37 min.
• Midge & Shauna - ran the Triple Gate pasture and had a full load of cactus. These 2 started out nicely but not as smooth as they could be with the grounds – Shauna observed under a chicken and corrected – Midge a turtle find and NP – Shauna tried but the weather was now warm and cactus just giving us fits. 30 min.
• Robbie – Stan's 1st horseback brace with her – ran her on the meadows and got a nice forward pattern with good hunt and drive. Took her around the meadow and had her hit what was formerly named " Hun Alley" - she worked into the cover with scent in her face and established a stylish find when a hen Turkey and 4 young flushed – she broke and was lightly corrected but very good for this young dog. We renamed this area –Robbie's Turkey Hollow – at least for a day or two. She finished hunting nicely. 25 min.
Doug stayed around and we went out and checked the johnie houses and found the turkey had come back to the same spot. Hadn't seen them all summer and now they're here – go figure. Doug packed up and left and Stan spent the afternoon packing up for his trip home. He's taking Jimmie and Mary's new horse –Bart_ home and I'm taking the others. Stan will also have Ernie – Charlie will be able to take better care of his foot which is looking much better at this point.
We made pizza ( Lou Malnalti's ) for Linda's birthday and Stan, Linda and I had a very relaxing night. Robbie put on the string and she wasn't too happy about that. Stan's off at 6:00 am and it will very quiet here tomorrow.
Saturday, August 30, 2008 – Stan called me early – the horses didn't want to load into a strange dark trailer – but we got them and he got off by 6:30 – should be a real nice day for traveling.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Hunting Irish Setters-Prairie Training -Aug. 24 - 27
Sunday, August 24 - good sleeping night – 1 outburst at 4:00 am but it quit and then another as the skunk walked through camp ( never observed but we know he was there ) no spray so we're lucky.
Ernie is still sore, maybe putting his foot down some but not much. Mary bought a real nice horse from Dennis. She should do great with him. She has to leave this morning at 8:00 am to catch a plane home. She's got an open house at their business next weekend and lots of visitors. She's a hard worker and a real asset in camp and we sure will miss her. We're planning on importing a couple of more dogs this year and see what develops with some crossing. Our lone male out of Clint and our Norwegian import is a very solid dog. Muscular, nice gait and loves birds – hard pointing with good high style and lots of class. We're going to breed him this year sometime.
Betty and Russ arrived in time for Dennis to Betty fixed up with a trusty stead. We had 4 braces on the schedule and want to beat the heat.
Hills:
• Annie & Ritha – Annie not into a big run but able to get her into some chickens and actually got a clean point, flush and she chased – then she showed more run and a desire to hunt followed by a clean STF. After this she got into cactus and shut down. Ritha just not her normal self today – ran but never really got it together. Terrible day for cactus and sandburs so it's tough to blame dogs. 40 min.
• Sol & Midge- not a good brace – both dogs were shut down with the cactus today and never really showed what we expected. Saw 15 -20 birds but no dog work even though they appeared accessible. 32 min.
• Buck(Denny's dog) & Baily (Betty's dog) - Baily her first time on the hills and the cactus and sandburs really shut her down. We circled back at 22 and then Betty walked her down the meadow fence – got her confidence back and opened up. Buck was huge and handled nice. Over 30 birds seen but not with dogs. A nice race for Buck but scenting must've been real bad since he couldn't get them pointed – did have a bit of turtle work. 44 min.
• Shauna and Hope(Ross's dog) - Hope a big running puppy that had a great way of going but a little rough on handle ( what you expect with a good running young dog) Shauna was fast and big with good application to start. After 2 or 3 very good moves she hooked the rear and needed a correction – got her front and she was tentative for a bit then opened up. Birds in the air by the pond but didn't catch the dog in the act. Hope headed to camp and I ran Shauna around the loop. She showed moments of slow ups when I hacked but she learned to respond and ended up reaching nicely and showing great stamina ( roaded yesterday) and a desire to hunt but erratic application.
Birdwork: simple planted bird work near the hun pond. Using chukar.
• Midge – very nicely done with a collar still on but no need to use – stylish and good manners.
• Lily – good piece – a little low in the front and I was worried she was going to break but she marked slightly but no error.
• Shauna- a nice stylish fine with good manners.
• Robbie – checkcorded in as she's just back from being broke – nice solid point and mannerly for flush. Good 1st session.
• Rhett – Lee's young Inde pup smelled the bird and chased – in the process she knocked 5 or 6 Huns – good for her.
A lazy afternoon planned. We headed over to Painter's to celebrate Janet's B-day. Then we came back To camp. Our kids and my Mom got together and sent us Lou Malnatti's Pizza for our birthday and we made 2 of them for my B-Day dinner along with an awesome bottle of Silver Oak – great party and a fun day. Linda had a string of balloons all over the camp and in the truck to remind me what day it was!!!!!!!! as if she would let me forget! Just Lee, Stan, Linda and I in camp. Dennis had packed up at noon and headed out w/Bonnie due home and then back to camp on Tuesday.
Monday, August 25 – cool morning and we plan to concentrate our efforts on the meadows working edges and pattern work. Along with some controlled bird work.
Meadows:
• Hank & Mariah – Hank not getting with the program at all – just going through the motions. Mariah showed good speed and desire but not good application – way too much looping and hanging back – that's what this week is for. No bird work. 30 min.
• Katie & Susie – Katie improved quite a bit and showed the ability to go front, Susie was hooked up with a new Hi pitch whistle. I used a regular whistle, a high pitch about 5 seconds later and then a short tap. She would show shortly after and come towards me until I pointed her front. Seemed to work. She ran the last shelter belt to the chukars then birds in the air and her coming out – I yelled to whoa and she needed reinforcement to stop – which she got – and waited patiently for me. ( big winds already kicking in) but a solid course for both dogs – 28 min
• Inde & Sorrel – Inde 2 big opening moves and then she left to run the course the old way- Stan had to collect. Sorrel was with me most of the time and more work on pattern today – he's learning and showing good conditioning. Inde ran out of gas and we swung in with Sorrel still hitting it but not into the wind. 23 min.
Birdwork: Regular work at the johnie houses are depleting the birds but we need to get the young dogs worked.
• Mariah – couldn't really get her into a clean bird. She was trying to do it right.
• Sorrel – good stylish find on single
• Midge – sharp and crisp – long flush that she handled.
• Robbie – 2nd time – clean w/level style – dragging a cord.
Called it a day.
We had a great fajita dinner courtesy of Lee and he packed and hit the road home. Had to get home on Tuesday night for a big project on Wednesday. A little disappointing overall for Lee with Hank not showing him much. Ritha and Katie were okay but not what he hoped for – he's hoping they gel at Paw Paw.
Tuesday, August 26 – well Lee is gone and Bonnie due in this afternoon. Ross & Betty are working over in Basset and birds appear to be a bit thin and a long drive to good spots to work . They'll be back on Thursday. We've got Tess who just came into heat and Ernie still on the IR list with some improvement. Hope we can get him healed and on the ground before we leave.
Roading: Stan manning the ATV for roading today – found it took a bit to get used to 4 dogs and all their quirks as he road.
• Mariah, Brenna, Sorrel & Suzie – 45 min. – solid & hard working
• Erin, Lea, Shauna & Midge - 46 min – they get the edge. Strong & solid.
• Blitz & Robbin – 27 min. – Blitz very solid – Robbin's gas tank empty at 25 min but they finished 27.
A very easy afternoon- I hit town for a much, much needed haircut and trim. Stan and I went and shot the .410 pistols and .45 calibur pistol – we're pretty darn good up to 15' – they're not as accurate as one would think. Great with shotblast for varmints but not target guns by any means.
A nice dinner with just Linda, Stan & I and Bonnie coming in after dark – a bit tired but glad to be in camp.
Tomorrow, Doug is coming in along with the Painter clan for Tenderloin dinner. Wow! looking forward to Stan's feast.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 – cool with a slight overcast morning. We're running meadows today.
Meadows:
• Erin & Annie – Annie showing signs of enjoying herself w/some nice run – Erin slows and can really get with program but too many birds in air and him moving to say anything good about him. Needs polish – had a point – soft and ready to break – relocate but nothing good. 31 min.
• Brenna & Lily – again Lily showing more application – working on the puttering and overall – an okay course with some very good moments. Brenna an improvement but still not her best. 26 min.
• Bart & Bonnies 2 pups – all are the same age but Pal is the most independent but all had some hunt and some moves – good for 7 month old pups.
• Clifford – shows some good hunt and since he's the oldest I would like a bit more application –still they all had moments w/Cliff and one of bonnie's showing chase on a wild flush bird. 20 min.
Birdwork: went to work quail at the Seidel loop.
• Blitz – let him drag a cord and got a nice solid point. Steady for flush and shot. He's really gotten into shape and he'll make someone a fine hunting dog. He's 6, in his prime and stylish on birds. A very good nose and I'm sure some exposure to wild birds will make him one fine dog.
• Lily – worked in and a nice point – a hard flush back over her but only a minor mistake. She's getting it.
• Robbie – no cord, just a bit of juice and a solid find on a single with above level style and good manners.
• Erin – he was solid where the bird was – had to relocate and then a solid point with a wild flush behind him – gave him credit and ended on a positive note.
The afternoon is here and we've had some good work accomplished. Seems like chores are next on the horizon.
Ernie is still sore, maybe putting his foot down some but not much. Mary bought a real nice horse from Dennis. She should do great with him. She has to leave this morning at 8:00 am to catch a plane home. She's got an open house at their business next weekend and lots of visitors. She's a hard worker and a real asset in camp and we sure will miss her. We're planning on importing a couple of more dogs this year and see what develops with some crossing. Our lone male out of Clint and our Norwegian import is a very solid dog. Muscular, nice gait and loves birds – hard pointing with good high style and lots of class. We're going to breed him this year sometime.
Betty and Russ arrived in time for Dennis to Betty fixed up with a trusty stead. We had 4 braces on the schedule and want to beat the heat.
Hills:
• Annie & Ritha – Annie not into a big run but able to get her into some chickens and actually got a clean point, flush and she chased – then she showed more run and a desire to hunt followed by a clean STF. After this she got into cactus and shut down. Ritha just not her normal self today – ran but never really got it together. Terrible day for cactus and sandburs so it's tough to blame dogs. 40 min.
• Sol & Midge- not a good brace – both dogs were shut down with the cactus today and never really showed what we expected. Saw 15 -20 birds but no dog work even though they appeared accessible. 32 min.
• Buck(Denny's dog) & Baily (Betty's dog) - Baily her first time on the hills and the cactus and sandburs really shut her down. We circled back at 22 and then Betty walked her down the meadow fence – got her confidence back and opened up. Buck was huge and handled nice. Over 30 birds seen but not with dogs. A nice race for Buck but scenting must've been real bad since he couldn't get them pointed – did have a bit of turtle work. 44 min.
• Shauna and Hope(Ross's dog) - Hope a big running puppy that had a great way of going but a little rough on handle ( what you expect with a good running young dog) Shauna was fast and big with good application to start. After 2 or 3 very good moves she hooked the rear and needed a correction – got her front and she was tentative for a bit then opened up. Birds in the air by the pond but didn't catch the dog in the act. Hope headed to camp and I ran Shauna around the loop. She showed moments of slow ups when I hacked but she learned to respond and ended up reaching nicely and showing great stamina ( roaded yesterday) and a desire to hunt but erratic application.
Birdwork: simple planted bird work near the hun pond. Using chukar.
• Midge – very nicely done with a collar still on but no need to use – stylish and good manners.
• Lily – good piece – a little low in the front and I was worried she was going to break but she marked slightly but no error.
• Shauna- a nice stylish fine with good manners.
• Robbie – checkcorded in as she's just back from being broke – nice solid point and mannerly for flush. Good 1st session.
• Rhett – Lee's young Inde pup smelled the bird and chased – in the process she knocked 5 or 6 Huns – good for her.
A lazy afternoon planned. We headed over to Painter's to celebrate Janet's B-day. Then we came back To camp. Our kids and my Mom got together and sent us Lou Malnatti's Pizza for our birthday and we made 2 of them for my B-Day dinner along with an awesome bottle of Silver Oak – great party and a fun day. Linda had a string of balloons all over the camp and in the truck to remind me what day it was!!!!!!!! as if she would let me forget! Just Lee, Stan, Linda and I in camp. Dennis had packed up at noon and headed out w/Bonnie due home and then back to camp on Tuesday.
Monday, August 25 – cool morning and we plan to concentrate our efforts on the meadows working edges and pattern work. Along with some controlled bird work.
Meadows:
• Hank & Mariah – Hank not getting with the program at all – just going through the motions. Mariah showed good speed and desire but not good application – way too much looping and hanging back – that's what this week is for. No bird work. 30 min.
• Katie & Susie – Katie improved quite a bit and showed the ability to go front, Susie was hooked up with a new Hi pitch whistle. I used a regular whistle, a high pitch about 5 seconds later and then a short tap. She would show shortly after and come towards me until I pointed her front. Seemed to work. She ran the last shelter belt to the chukars then birds in the air and her coming out – I yelled to whoa and she needed reinforcement to stop – which she got – and waited patiently for me. ( big winds already kicking in) but a solid course for both dogs – 28 min
• Inde & Sorrel – Inde 2 big opening moves and then she left to run the course the old way- Stan had to collect. Sorrel was with me most of the time and more work on pattern today – he's learning and showing good conditioning. Inde ran out of gas and we swung in with Sorrel still hitting it but not into the wind. 23 min.
Birdwork: Regular work at the johnie houses are depleting the birds but we need to get the young dogs worked.
• Mariah – couldn't really get her into a clean bird. She was trying to do it right.
• Sorrel – good stylish find on single
• Midge – sharp and crisp – long flush that she handled.
• Robbie – 2nd time – clean w/level style – dragging a cord.
Called it a day.
We had a great fajita dinner courtesy of Lee and he packed and hit the road home. Had to get home on Tuesday night for a big project on Wednesday. A little disappointing overall for Lee with Hank not showing him much. Ritha and Katie were okay but not what he hoped for – he's hoping they gel at Paw Paw.
Tuesday, August 26 – well Lee is gone and Bonnie due in this afternoon. Ross & Betty are working over in Basset and birds appear to be a bit thin and a long drive to good spots to work . They'll be back on Thursday. We've got Tess who just came into heat and Ernie still on the IR list with some improvement. Hope we can get him healed and on the ground before we leave.
Roading: Stan manning the ATV for roading today – found it took a bit to get used to 4 dogs and all their quirks as he road.
• Mariah, Brenna, Sorrel & Suzie – 45 min. – solid & hard working
• Erin, Lea, Shauna & Midge - 46 min – they get the edge. Strong & solid.
• Blitz & Robbin – 27 min. – Blitz very solid – Robbin's gas tank empty at 25 min but they finished 27.
A very easy afternoon- I hit town for a much, much needed haircut and trim. Stan and I went and shot the .410 pistols and .45 calibur pistol – we're pretty darn good up to 15' – they're not as accurate as one would think. Great with shotblast for varmints but not target guns by any means.
A nice dinner with just Linda, Stan & I and Bonnie coming in after dark – a bit tired but glad to be in camp.
Tomorrow, Doug is coming in along with the Painter clan for Tenderloin dinner. Wow! looking forward to Stan's feast.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 – cool with a slight overcast morning. We're running meadows today.
Meadows:
• Erin & Annie – Annie showing signs of enjoying herself w/some nice run – Erin slows and can really get with program but too many birds in air and him moving to say anything good about him. Needs polish – had a point – soft and ready to break – relocate but nothing good. 31 min.
• Brenna & Lily – again Lily showing more application – working on the puttering and overall – an okay course with some very good moments. Brenna an improvement but still not her best. 26 min.
• Bart & Bonnies 2 pups – all are the same age but Pal is the most independent but all had some hunt and some moves – good for 7 month old pups.
• Clifford – shows some good hunt and since he's the oldest I would like a bit more application –still they all had moments w/Cliff and one of bonnie's showing chase on a wild flush bird. 20 min.
Birdwork: went to work quail at the Seidel loop.
• Blitz – let him drag a cord and got a nice solid point. Steady for flush and shot. He's really gotten into shape and he'll make someone a fine hunting dog. He's 6, in his prime and stylish on birds. A very good nose and I'm sure some exposure to wild birds will make him one fine dog.
• Lily – worked in and a nice point – a hard flush back over her but only a minor mistake. She's getting it.
• Robbie – no cord, just a bit of juice and a solid find on a single with above level style and good manners.
• Erin – he was solid where the bird was – had to relocate and then a solid point with a wild flush behind him – gave him credit and ended on a positive note.
The afternoon is here and we've had some good work accomplished. Seems like chores are next on the horizon.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Hunting Irish Setters -Prairie Training -August 16 - August 23
Saturday, August 16, 2008 – nice cool sleeping night and a clear day on the horizon. We're hooking up and getting ready to do some training. The crew has the chore of packing up today as Phil is leaving early Sunday morning with all the kids and Bob is going home also but he'll be back.
Roading
• Suzie, Hank, Kate & Sorrel – very solid 34 min. and this crew is ready for a jump.
Hills
• Erin & Midge – Last morning for the kids so we have most of them out here riding and helping. Erin out the box into a nice flowing forward race – while Midge bouncing around. Too much back and had to get on her. Both go over a hill and 10 and bust birds and off to the races……… Took awhile but I had her attached and we got her back & Luke got Erin and we corrected. Sent on they hit the front and Midge a bit better – Erin winded and head up a hill, pointing nicely with Midge crowding and busting and both going w/chickens. Once again we corrected and sent on. Erin the better race all the way and both need some polish on birds. 45 min. -5 or 6 chickens.
• Lea & Brenna – Brenna still a flake with back casts and puttering – Lea worked nicely and consistently forward with wide casts and thoughtful application. She crossed in front and established nicely with me calling Brenna in and getting a command back as birds flushed. I fired and more birds flushed in front of Brenna and all toll there were 17 sharptail flushed – awesome piece for Lea with class and perfect manners. 40 min. Lea the clearcut DOD and Brenna on the list & that's not the good list.
• Shauna & Lily – Bob going to attempt to handle this brace. We ran them on the meadows after releasing several Huns and moving them around. Lily got lost for a good bit in the Seidel loop and Shauna just rock and rolled – lots of speed and forward application but no good birdwork. In the area of some released bird but couldn't connect. Lily came in too and they hunted the shelter belt only to have all kinds of birds in the air and no dogs standing still. Young dogs – 28 min.
Birdwork – took 4 down to the pond and worked birds for basic manners. All work on very good flying Huns.
• Erin – Luke cut him loose and he tried to sent the birds I had but then went down the line and pointed solidly though not with a real high tail. Good manners for the flush and shot.
• Midge- fast and snappy, pointed a long way off and while intent, not much style but good manners for the flush and shot.
• Brenna – worked well and got very close and then pointed solidly but with a level tail – touch of styling and she looked great.
• Sorrel – bang out to the box and down the line and a very stylish point with perfect manners. Real good for this guy. Seems to be focusing again.
A very nice morning with all dogs getting the desired work. Back to camp to continue the big pack up job for the kids. The afternoon was spent with Phil's crew getting ready and heading to the Niobrara River for the afternoon. The rest of us will meet them in Valentine for dinner at the Cedar Canyon and the rodeo at 7:30. Linda is not going to make the trip – just too much of that bumpy road ( worse after all the rain this week) and she'll hold down the fort. Bob is still sore but he managed to at least handle one and getting up was a pretty good sign that nothing was broken.
Off to the Rodeo. We meant John Rabidou at Young's Western store. He's feeling good and and enjoying his new place in Nebraska. Suzie Shaitel was with him and enjoying the sandhills.
A good dinner at the renamed restaurant and a big rodeo. It wasn'a over to 11 pm and we didn't make it home till after midnight. Lots of good rides and plenty of action in the wild horse ride. The kids really enjoyed that part.
Sunday, August 17 – Phil's crew up at 5 am and they were looking good by 6:30 to 7 – on the road about 7:30 with 3 vehicles, Jetta, Jeep and the Rig!!! Phil not really happy with him rig – lots of little things making him think twice about his 1 ton Ford. We'll see what happens.
Joe, Rhe'Ann and Whitley came over this morning to help out and see the dogs work. We got them catching our mounts and getting them used to saddling a whole different type of saddle and bit. They caught on quick.
We decided to run the Meadows and started with a couple of A-Team dogs or at least they were until today.
Meadows:
• Ernie & Lea – off they went with Ernie trying to run south when I wanted to go west – finally got him turned with Lea hanging to the front – doing a nice job. Ernie with power but no power steering. We lost him in the back loop going west on a line I needed him to go east on and then lost Lea in the cover – must've been buried in on the loop. Saw a couple of nice mule deer in the loop but no dogs with them. Got Lea going front but no Ernie. We hunted for the dogs to the Hun House and still no dogs - finally had Lea coming out and my scouts were in the middle of the big part of the meadow when he saw Ernie grab the east end going north then across camp and back to the center island and then zero in on a spot where 6 huns landed, geezelled them and then rolled out of site with no intent of handling. Lea had gotten charged up and this beautiful 58 degree morning was heating up as my blood started to boil. We collected Lea – then got Ernie to come with and put this group away. 40 minutes – very cool
Well, Joe and the kids got a good idea of how much ground 'out of control' dogs and fast stepping horses could cover'. It was fun though.
• Clifford & Tess – we new where a bunch of Huns had flushed so we took off with these two. Tess still lingers at the rear and putters with ground sent just too much. I had hoped wild birds would help but she needs to get out front to get the. Clifford is steady – not extremely fast but very consistent and always to the front. Responds well when I call. He almost snagged another tweety bird but missed and kept on hunting. He was steady all the way around and was my DOD. 30 minutes with warming temps.
Roading: got Whitley hooked up to run the rig and he roaded one brace for me – in between braces as we took a break. He's an experienced ATV operator and good with animals so no problem.
Road:
• Erin & Mariah –these 2 were all business – solid and fast 30 min.
•
That was it for the day – Linda busy in the house getting things cleaned and organized and I did the same outside. A big nap was in order and a bit of just relaxing and watched a couple of old Cary Grant flicks. Then time for chores – the crew was diminished and we missed them but we got them done. Everybody is looking good. We'll look at their food intake and check them over thoroughly to make sure everyone is fine at the ½ point.
Had our dinner inside watching the rest of the movie and hit the hay for a great nights sleep.
Monday, August 18, 2008 – A quiet night and cool morning.
Roading:
• Kate, Ritha, Sorrel & Lily – Lily broke away and slipped her harness – 5 months to catch – got her set up and started again –now Tess was loose and got Lily to slip again. Got Tess caught but Lily wouldn't come so I just ran her with the ATV for about 10 minutes till she came to water and hooked her up. Fine after that but she's still new to roading.
Now I need to do some work and a few chores although Linda managed to take care of most things. Got my saddles and stuff set back up and then loaded garbage to the dump and we had a bunch plus I had a 1:00 truck appointment to check out the transmission. Made my stops and got the truck. They said it appears to be okay – we'll test her out and see if it really is okay!
Now back to camp and afternoon work. The dogs will be getting a bit of a break until we get a bit more help – reinforcements due in a few days.
We hear that Phil and then crew got in about midnight. Bob broke down west of Sioux City. Lucas and his bunch stayed with Bob while he arranged a tow. Sounds like front drive train problems. Bob got a room in Sioux City and Lucas went on and caught the rest of troops. Shows the importance of traveling with somebody when possible. Bob found out on Monday morning that it was front end problem and would be ready on Tuesday.
Chore time!!!!!!!!
AND BY THE A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BRO -- STAN'S BIG DAY IS TODAY!!!! WE'LL CELEBRATE THIS WEEKEND BRO!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 19th
The Blog will be rather thin this week. Just Linda and I at camp with about 30 dogs, 6 horses and birds to take care of, we have a pretty full schedule.
Tuesday ended up being an 'off day' no dog work at all today. More office stuff and trip to town for supplies, mail etc.
Wednesday, August 20th
Weather has gotten cooler at night and mild during the day, barely reaching 80 at camp. Roger is moving around some – saw him in a truck in town. Looked a bit guilty – thought maybe I knew his doctor. I managed to make it a pretty good morning to road.
Going to be windy today and for a few days.
Roading:
• Erin, Mariah, Lea & Midge – 41 min. – great morning – damp and cool – dogs pulled hard from beginning to end. Saw a big whitetail – 12 point – balanced & wide going south in the home meadow heading to the big meadow.
• Ernie, Suzie, Hank & Ritha –solid roading group until Suzie ( right front) dive to the left after a tweetie bird and got herself run over by the ATV – had to back off her and no signs of damage. – 40+
• Katie, Ritha, Sorrel & Shauna – solid crew with good effort – Sorrel not the best at getting into the water and cool himself off. Seems like his stamina is doing and the treatment for lyme's appears to be working. He's down to his last few days of treatment.
The reinforcements are coming – Mary due in on Thursday AM and Lee and Stan both are driving out and should in by lunch. Dennis was leaving Thursday after work and should be in to run on Friday. Yea Team!!!!!!!!!! Getting more birds on Friday morning. We've gotten rid of the raccoon but our quail have never gotten over the stress of shipping and the loop hasn't been hayed so no opportunity to birdwork there. Next week will be lots of birdwork.
Thursday, August 21st - good night sleeping –Mary called and she'd be in about ten or so. Picking up things if we needed anything. Still trying to get caught up with work.
Roading:
• Inde, Tess, Lily & Annie – Annie and Inde did fine – Tess not as excited and Lily just didn't want to road – had to tie her in the front. (Tess has become the consummate stake puller. She get's her stake out of the ground many if not most nights. She comes right to you dragging the stake and this usually happens at about 4:00 am - I'm sure you realize that the dogs all have to get up and let us know that Tess is loose. We're looking at a cement truck to fix the problem!!!!
Mary showed up and we're doing some catch up chores. Ernie appears to be tender in the front left foot. Can't find a specific spot but no swelling or heat. He's on the IR list.
Friday, August 22, 2008 – Dennis showed up last night and ready to work today. Stan showed up 1st and Lee a bit later on Friday. I picked up birds in town and then got some shopping done. The group was busy getting set up in camp. I stopped and visited Roger and he seems to be making big gains. I was going to the vet but Charlie suggested we wait till Monday and see how he is before we do the x-ray thing.
We took out a road crew and worked on the bird pen – fixed all the wire holes that the coon had done when he was attacking the Huns. Only 12-15 huns left – pulled them out and transferred to the pond Hun house. Hopefully we can drag some birds back to that area.
We loaded the chukar in the bird house for planted bird work and filled the 2 quail houses on the Seidel loop with quail. Hope we get some action at these spots for the last 2 weeks of camp.
Friday afternoon, Dennis took Mary on a couple of braces working Sol & Buck. He was pretty happy with Buck but Sol wasn't handling birds. They saw a 30 bird covey of Huns and 3 bunches of chickens but no positive bird work. Mary road some horses and was enjoying the selection process.
We now decided to make a good dinner and get ready for friends to drop by. Devin, Shannon, Jason, Heather and Sonja(back from her summer in California and week in Australia) all stopped by and later Joe & Lorie with Whitley and a friend came by and visited. Whitley is going to try and do some roading for us tomorrow if his friend is around. We had a fun night listening to music and telling stories out in the gazebo. This makes the nights so pleasant when you can sit out and not have the bugs carry you away.
A cool night is forecast – down in the 50's.
Saturday, August 23 - dogs when crazy about 4:00 am – somebody loose but not sure how – just one dog then for quite awhile. Great weather for sleeping but too damn noisy.
No change in Ernie yet – still holding paw up and doesn't want to put weight on it.
Roading: Whitley made it down and Linda set him up to road.
• Lea, Suzie – 40 min. – very solid pair
• Tess & Shauna – Tess 20 min. – just didn't want to do it – Shauna 40 min.
Hills: Today we have Stan, Lee, Dennis & Mary is back ( hoping to find a horse from Dennis this weekend. We road to Triple Gates and got the show on the road.
• Erin & Kate – Kate did a decent job – wide and good speed and drive – in the area of some birds and had a STB -- Then a STF and a good find on a single. Course was okay and bird work – impoving. Erin, the bigger on the ground with another solid race. He had two opportunities to point and got a knock and chase with correction. Plenty of birds but no cigar for Erin. 43 min.
• Brenna & Gus – Gus has drive ( pointer) range and independence – the other tools are open to question until Denny gets him handling but tons of potential. Brenna was oink of the day. Just got into cactus and never put it together.
• Hank & Sorrel – Hank wasn't with the program today – he was rather short and not hitting a lick. Sorrel showed the range and drive with a NP at the beginning and one opportunity around birds but nothing handled. 41 min.
• Bart & Clifford - worked the meadow and did a nice job, both hunting and going front. No birds observed. 25 min.
The afternoon just begged for a nap. Linda & Mary made it to town with Linda going in Mary's car. That made the trip bearable for Linda but she's at least got to town. She's doing her exercises and doing better but it's a slow process.
Roger , Janet & the whole family are coming to dinner for Lee's famous ribs, corn and beans. Should be a fun night. We got things ready and visited with our good friends the Painter's. Lots of stories and many discussions about " Bob's future as a rodeo clown" or "Matador" is going to turn out. We have definitely determined that there is some real truth to the axiom: ' you can't teach and old dog new tricks' -- did you get that Bob?
It was also decided that both Linda's and Roger's injuries were the result of going above and beyond the call of duty!!! Bob's injury was the result of ……………………. need to change my ink!
Bob will be back Labor Day and we'll need to discuss this somemore. Stan, Dennis, Mary and Lee all agreed that Bob's bull fighting days were OVER!!!!!!!!!
Time to call it a night!! Betty Shearhouse and her friend Russ are due in camp tomorrow and we're taking them to the hills.
Saturday, August 16, 2008 – nice cool sleeping night and a clear day on the horizon. We're hooking up and getting ready to do some training. The crew has the chore of packing up today as Phil is leaving early Sunday morning with all the kids and Bob is going home also but he'll be back.
Roading
• Suzie, Hank, Kate & Sorrel – very solid 34 min. and this crew is ready for a jump.
Hills
• Erin & Midge – Last morning for the kids so we have most of them out here riding and helping. Erin out the box into a nice flowing forward race – while Midge bouncing around. Too much back and had to get on her. Both go over a hill and 10 and bust birds and off to the races……… Took awhile but I had her attached and we got her back & Luke got Erin and we corrected. Sent on they hit the front and Midge a bit better – Erin winded and head up a hill, pointing nicely with Midge crowding and busting and both going w/chickens. Once again we corrected and sent on. Erin the better race all the way and both need some polish on birds. 45 min. -5 or 6 chickens.
• Lea & Brenna – Brenna still a flake with back casts and puttering – Lea worked nicely and consistently forward with wide casts and thoughtful application. She crossed in front and established nicely with me calling Brenna in and getting a command back as birds flushed. I fired and more birds flushed in front of Brenna and all toll there were 17 sharptail flushed – awesome piece for Lea with class and perfect manners. 40 min. Lea the clearcut DOD and Brenna on the list & that's not the good list.
• Shauna & Lily – Bob going to attempt to handle this brace. We ran them on the meadows after releasing several Huns and moving them around. Lily got lost for a good bit in the Seidel loop and Shauna just rock and rolled – lots of speed and forward application but no good birdwork. In the area of some released bird but couldn't connect. Lily came in too and they hunted the shelter belt only to have all kinds of birds in the air and no dogs standing still. Young dogs – 28 min.
Birdwork – took 4 down to the pond and worked birds for basic manners. All work on very good flying Huns.
• Erin – Luke cut him loose and he tried to sent the birds I had but then went down the line and pointed solidly though not with a real high tail. Good manners for the flush and shot.
• Midge- fast and snappy, pointed a long way off and while intent, not much style but good manners for the flush and shot.
• Brenna – worked well and got very close and then pointed solidly but with a level tail – touch of styling and she looked great.
• Sorrel – bang out to the box and down the line and a very stylish point with perfect manners. Real good for this guy. Seems to be focusing again.
A very nice morning with all dogs getting the desired work. Back to camp to continue the big pack up job for the kids. The afternoon was spent with Phil's crew getting ready and heading to the Niobrara River for the afternoon. The rest of us will meet them in Valentine for dinner at the Cedar Canyon and the rodeo at 7:30. Linda is not going to make the trip – just too much of that bumpy road ( worse after all the rain this week) and she'll hold down the fort. Bob is still sore but he managed to at least handle one and getting up was a pretty good sign that nothing was broken.
Off to the Rodeo. We meant John Rabidou at Young's Western store. He's feeling good and and enjoying his new place in Nebraska. Suzie Shaitel was with him and enjoying the sandhills.
A good dinner at the renamed restaurant and a big rodeo. It wasn'a over to 11 pm and we didn't make it home till after midnight. Lots of good rides and plenty of action in the wild horse ride. The kids really enjoyed that part.
Sunday, August 17 – Phil's crew up at 5 am and they were looking good by 6:30 to 7 – on the road about 7:30 with 3 vehicles, Jetta, Jeep and the Rig!!! Phil not really happy with him rig – lots of little things making him think twice about his 1 ton Ford. We'll see what happens.
Joe, Rhe'Ann and Whitley came over this morning to help out and see the dogs work. We got them catching our mounts and getting them used to saddling a whole different type of saddle and bit. They caught on quick.
We decided to run the Meadows and started with a couple of A-Team dogs or at least they were until today.
Meadows:
• Ernie & Lea – off they went with Ernie trying to run south when I wanted to go west – finally got him turned with Lea hanging to the front – doing a nice job. Ernie with power but no power steering. We lost him in the back loop going west on a line I needed him to go east on and then lost Lea in the cover – must've been buried in on the loop. Saw a couple of nice mule deer in the loop but no dogs with them. Got Lea going front but no Ernie. We hunted for the dogs to the Hun House and still no dogs - finally had Lea coming out and my scouts were in the middle of the big part of the meadow when he saw Ernie grab the east end going north then across camp and back to the center island and then zero in on a spot where 6 huns landed, geezelled them and then rolled out of site with no intent of handling. Lea had gotten charged up and this beautiful 58 degree morning was heating up as my blood started to boil. We collected Lea – then got Ernie to come with and put this group away. 40 minutes – very cool
Well, Joe and the kids got a good idea of how much ground 'out of control' dogs and fast stepping horses could cover'. It was fun though.
• Clifford & Tess – we new where a bunch of Huns had flushed so we took off with these two. Tess still lingers at the rear and putters with ground sent just too much. I had hoped wild birds would help but she needs to get out front to get the. Clifford is steady – not extremely fast but very consistent and always to the front. Responds well when I call. He almost snagged another tweety bird but missed and kept on hunting. He was steady all the way around and was my DOD. 30 minutes with warming temps.
Roading: got Whitley hooked up to run the rig and he roaded one brace for me – in between braces as we took a break. He's an experienced ATV operator and good with animals so no problem.
Road:
• Erin & Mariah –these 2 were all business – solid and fast 30 min.
•
That was it for the day – Linda busy in the house getting things cleaned and organized and I did the same outside. A big nap was in order and a bit of just relaxing and watched a couple of old Cary Grant flicks. Then time for chores – the crew was diminished and we missed them but we got them done. Everybody is looking good. We'll look at their food intake and check them over thoroughly to make sure everyone is fine at the ½ point.
Had our dinner inside watching the rest of the movie and hit the hay for a great nights sleep.
Monday, August 18, 2008 – A quiet night and cool morning.
Roading:
• Kate, Ritha, Sorrel & Lily – Lily broke away and slipped her harness – 5 months to catch – got her set up and started again –now Tess was loose and got Lily to slip again. Got Tess caught but Lily wouldn't come so I just ran her with the ATV for about 10 minutes till she came to water and hooked her up. Fine after that but she's still new to roading.
Now I need to do some work and a few chores although Linda managed to take care of most things. Got my saddles and stuff set back up and then loaded garbage to the dump and we had a bunch plus I had a 1:00 truck appointment to check out the transmission. Made my stops and got the truck. They said it appears to be okay – we'll test her out and see if it really is okay!
Now back to camp and afternoon work. The dogs will be getting a bit of a break until we get a bit more help – reinforcements due in a few days.
We hear that Phil and then crew got in about midnight. Bob broke down west of Sioux City. Lucas and his bunch stayed with Bob while he arranged a tow. Sounds like front drive train problems. Bob got a room in Sioux City and Lucas went on and caught the rest of troops. Shows the importance of traveling with somebody when possible. Bob found out on Monday morning that it was front end problem and would be ready on Tuesday.
Chore time!!!!!!!!
AND BY THE A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BRO -- STAN'S BIG DAY IS TODAY!!!! WE'LL CELEBRATE THIS WEEKEND BRO!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 19th
The Blog will be rather thin this week. Just Linda and I at camp with about 30 dogs, 6 horses and birds to take care of, we have a pretty full schedule.
Tuesday ended up being an 'off day' no dog work at all today. More office stuff and trip to town for supplies, mail etc.
Wednesday, August 20th
Weather has gotten cooler at night and mild during the day, barely reaching 80 at camp. Roger is moving around some – saw him in a truck in town. Looked a bit guilty – thought maybe I knew his doctor. I managed to make it a pretty good morning to road.
Going to be windy today and for a few days.
Roading:
• Erin, Mariah, Lea & Midge – 41 min. – great morning – damp and cool – dogs pulled hard from beginning to end. Saw a big whitetail – 12 point – balanced & wide going south in the home meadow heading to the big meadow.
• Ernie, Suzie, Hank & Ritha –solid roading group until Suzie ( right front) dive to the left after a tweetie bird and got herself run over by the ATV – had to back off her and no signs of damage. – 40+
• Katie, Ritha, Sorrel & Shauna – solid crew with good effort – Sorrel not the best at getting into the water and cool himself off. Seems like his stamina is doing and the treatment for lyme's appears to be working. He's down to his last few days of treatment.
The reinforcements are coming – Mary due in on Thursday AM and Lee and Stan both are driving out and should in by lunch. Dennis was leaving Thursday after work and should be in to run on Friday. Yea Team!!!!!!!!!! Getting more birds on Friday morning. We've gotten rid of the raccoon but our quail have never gotten over the stress of shipping and the loop hasn't been hayed so no opportunity to birdwork there. Next week will be lots of birdwork.
Thursday, August 21st - good night sleeping –Mary called and she'd be in about ten or so. Picking up things if we needed anything. Still trying to get caught up with work.
Roading:
• Inde, Tess, Lily & Annie – Annie and Inde did fine – Tess not as excited and Lily just didn't want to road – had to tie her in the front. (Tess has become the consummate stake puller. She get's her stake out of the ground many if not most nights. She comes right to you dragging the stake and this usually happens at about 4:00 am - I'm sure you realize that the dogs all have to get up and let us know that Tess is loose. We're looking at a cement truck to fix the problem!!!!
Mary showed up and we're doing some catch up chores. Ernie appears to be tender in the front left foot. Can't find a specific spot but no swelling or heat. He's on the IR list.
Friday, August 22, 2008 – Dennis showed up last night and ready to work today. Stan showed up 1st and Lee a bit later on Friday. I picked up birds in town and then got some shopping done. The group was busy getting set up in camp. I stopped and visited Roger and he seems to be making big gains. I was going to the vet but Charlie suggested we wait till Monday and see how he is before we do the x-ray thing.
We took out a road crew and worked on the bird pen – fixed all the wire holes that the coon had done when he was attacking the Huns. Only 12-15 huns left – pulled them out and transferred to the pond Hun house. Hopefully we can drag some birds back to that area.
We loaded the chukar in the bird house for planted bird work and filled the 2 quail houses on the Seidel loop with quail. Hope we get some action at these spots for the last 2 weeks of camp.
Friday afternoon, Dennis took Mary on a couple of braces working Sol & Buck. He was pretty happy with Buck but Sol wasn't handling birds. They saw a 30 bird covey of Huns and 3 bunches of chickens but no positive bird work. Mary road some horses and was enjoying the selection process.
We now decided to make a good dinner and get ready for friends to drop by. Devin, Shannon, Jason, Heather and Sonja(back from her summer in California and week in Australia) all stopped by and later Joe & Lorie with Whitley and a friend came by and visited. Whitley is going to try and do some roading for us tomorrow if his friend is around. We had a fun night listening to music and telling stories out in the gazebo. This makes the nights so pleasant when you can sit out and not have the bugs carry you away.
A cool night is forecast – down in the 50's.
Saturday, August 23 - dogs when crazy about 4:00 am – somebody loose but not sure how – just one dog then for quite awhile. Great weather for sleeping but too damn noisy.
No change in Ernie yet – still holding paw up and doesn't want to put weight on it.
Roading: Whitley made it down and Linda set him up to road.
• Lea, Suzie – 40 min. – very solid pair
• Tess & Shauna – Tess 20 min. – just didn't want to do it – Shauna 40 min.
Hills: Today we have Stan, Lee, Dennis & Mary is back ( hoping to find a horse from Dennis this weekend. We road to Triple Gates and got the show on the road.
• Erin & Kate – Kate did a decent job – wide and good speed and drive – in the area of some birds and had a STB -- Then a STF and a good find on a single. Course was okay and bird work – impoving. Erin, the bigger on the ground with another solid race. He had two opportunities to point and got a knock and chase with correction. Plenty of birds but no cigar for Erin. 43 min.
• Brenna & Gus – Gus has drive ( pointer) range and independence – the other tools are open to question until Denny gets him handling but tons of potential. Brenna was oink of the day. Just got into cactus and never put it together.
• Hank & Sorrel – Hank wasn't with the program today – he was rather short and not hitting a lick. Sorrel showed the range and drive with a NP at the beginning and one opportunity around birds but nothing handled. 41 min.
• Bart & Clifford - worked the meadow and did a nice job, both hunting and going front. No birds observed. 25 min.
The afternoon just begged for a nap. Linda & Mary made it to town with Linda going in Mary's car. That made the trip bearable for Linda but she's at least got to town. She's doing her exercises and doing better but it's a slow process.
Roger , Janet & the whole family are coming to dinner for Lee's famous ribs, corn and beans. Should be a fun night. We got things ready and visited with our good friends the Painter's. Lots of stories and many discussions about " Bob's future as a rodeo clown" or "Matador" is going to turn out. We have definitely determined that there is some real truth to the axiom: ' you can't teach and old dog new tricks' -- did you get that Bob?
It was also decided that both Linda's and Roger's injuries were the result of going above and beyond the call of duty!!! Bob's injury was the result of ……………………. need to change my ink!
Bob will be back Labor Day and we'll need to discuss this somemore. Stan, Dennis, Mary and Lee all agreed that Bob's bull fighting days were OVER!!!!!!!!!
Time to call it a night!! Betty Shearhouse and her friend Russ are due in camp tomorrow and we're taking them to the hills.
Roading
• Suzie, Hank, Kate & Sorrel – very solid 34 min. and this crew is ready for a jump.
Hills
• Erin & Midge – Last morning for the kids so we have most of them out here riding and helping. Erin out the box into a nice flowing forward race – while Midge bouncing around. Too much back and had to get on her. Both go over a hill and 10 and bust birds and off to the races……… Took awhile but I had her attached and we got her back & Luke got Erin and we corrected. Sent on they hit the front and Midge a bit better – Erin winded and head up a hill, pointing nicely with Midge crowding and busting and both going w/chickens. Once again we corrected and sent on. Erin the better race all the way and both need some polish on birds. 45 min. -5 or 6 chickens.
• Lea & Brenna – Brenna still a flake with back casts and puttering – Lea worked nicely and consistently forward with wide casts and thoughtful application. She crossed in front and established nicely with me calling Brenna in and getting a command back as birds flushed. I fired and more birds flushed in front of Brenna and all toll there were 17 sharptail flushed – awesome piece for Lea with class and perfect manners. 40 min. Lea the clearcut DOD and Brenna on the list & that's not the good list.
• Shauna & Lily – Bob going to attempt to handle this brace. We ran them on the meadows after releasing several Huns and moving them around. Lily got lost for a good bit in the Seidel loop and Shauna just rock and rolled – lots of speed and forward application but no good birdwork. In the area of some released bird but couldn't connect. Lily came in too and they hunted the shelter belt only to have all kinds of birds in the air and no dogs standing still. Young dogs – 28 min.
Birdwork – took 4 down to the pond and worked birds for basic manners. All work on very good flying Huns.
• Erin – Luke cut him loose and he tried to sent the birds I had but then went down the line and pointed solidly though not with a real high tail. Good manners for the flush and shot.
• Midge- fast and snappy, pointed a long way off and while intent, not much style but good manners for the flush and shot.
• Brenna – worked well and got very close and then pointed solidly but with a level tail – touch of styling and she looked great.
• Sorrel – bang out to the box and down the line and a very stylish point with perfect manners. Real good for this guy. Seems to be focusing again.
A very nice morning with all dogs getting the desired work. Back to camp to continue the big pack up job for the kids. The afternoon was spent with Phil's crew getting ready and heading to the Niobrara River for the afternoon. The rest of us will meet them in Valentine for dinner at the Cedar Canyon and the rodeo at 7:30. Linda is not going to make the trip – just too much of that bumpy road ( worse after all the rain this week) and she'll hold down the fort. Bob is still sore but he managed to at least handle one and getting up was a pretty good sign that nothing was broken.
Off to the Rodeo. We meant John Rabidou at Young's Western store. He's feeling good and and enjoying his new place in Nebraska. Suzie Shaitel was with him and enjoying the sandhills.
A good dinner at the renamed restaurant and a big rodeo. It wasn'a over to 11 pm and we didn't make it home till after midnight. Lots of good rides and plenty of action in the wild horse ride. The kids really enjoyed that part.
Sunday, August 17 – Phil's crew up at 5 am and they were looking good by 6:30 to 7 – on the road about 7:30 with 3 vehicles, Jetta, Jeep and the Rig!!! Phil not really happy with him rig – lots of little things making him think twice about his 1 ton Ford. We'll see what happens.
Joe, Rhe'Ann and Whitley came over this morning to help out and see the dogs work. We got them catching our mounts and getting them used to saddling a whole different type of saddle and bit. They caught on quick.
We decided to run the Meadows and started with a couple of A-Team dogs or at least they were until today.
Meadows:
• Ernie & Lea – off they went with Ernie trying to run south when I wanted to go west – finally got him turned with Lea hanging to the front – doing a nice job. Ernie with power but no power steering. We lost him in the back loop going west on a line I needed him to go east on and then lost Lea in the cover – must've been buried in on the loop. Saw a couple of nice mule deer in the loop but no dogs with them. Got Lea going front but no Ernie. We hunted for the dogs to the Hun House and still no dogs - finally had Lea coming out and my scouts were in the middle of the big part of the meadow when he saw Ernie grab the east end going north then across camp and back to the center island and then zero in on a spot where 6 huns landed, geezelled them and then rolled out of site with no intent of handling. Lea had gotten charged up and this beautiful 58 degree morning was heating up as my blood started to boil. We collected Lea – then got Ernie to come with and put this group away. 40 minutes – very cool
Well, Joe and the kids got a good idea of how much ground 'out of control' dogs and fast stepping horses could cover'. It was fun though.
• Clifford & Tess – we new where a bunch of Huns had flushed so we took off with these two. Tess still lingers at the rear and putters with ground sent just too much. I had hoped wild birds would help but she needs to get out front to get the. Clifford is steady – not extremely fast but very consistent and always to the front. Responds well when I call. He almost snagged another tweety bird but missed and kept on hunting. He was steady all the way around and was my DOD. 30 minutes with warming temps.
Roading: got Whitley hooked up to run the rig and he roaded one brace for me – in between braces as we took a break. He's an experienced ATV operator and good with animals so no problem.
Road:
• Erin & Mariah –these 2 were all business – solid and fast 30 min.
•
That was it for the day – Linda busy in the house getting things cleaned and organized and I did the same outside. A big nap was in order and a bit of just relaxing and watched a couple of old Cary Grant flicks. Then time for chores – the crew was diminished and we missed them but we got them done. Everybody is looking good. We'll look at their food intake and check them over thoroughly to make sure everyone is fine at the ½ point.
Had our dinner inside watching the rest of the movie and hit the hay for a great nights sleep.
Monday, August 18, 2008 – A quiet night and cool morning.
Roading:
• Kate, Ritha, Sorrel & Lily – Lily broke away and slipped her harness – 5 months to catch – got her set up and started again –now Tess was loose and got Lily to slip again. Got Tess caught but Lily wouldn't come so I just ran her with the ATV for about 10 minutes till she came to water and hooked her up. Fine after that but she's still new to roading.
Now I need to do some work and a few chores although Linda managed to take care of most things. Got my saddles and stuff set back up and then loaded garbage to the dump and we had a bunch plus I had a 1:00 truck appointment to check out the transmission. Made my stops and got the truck. They said it appears to be okay – we'll test her out and see if it really is okay!
Now back to camp and afternoon work. The dogs will be getting a bit of a break until we get a bit more help – reinforcements due in a few days.
We hear that Phil and then crew got in about midnight. Bob broke down west of Sioux City. Lucas and his bunch stayed with Bob while he arranged a tow. Sounds like front drive train problems. Bob got a room in Sioux City and Lucas went on and caught the rest of troops. Shows the importance of traveling with somebody when possible. Bob found out on Monday morning that it was front end problem and would be ready on Tuesday.
Chore time!!!!!!!!
AND BY THE A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BRO -- STAN'S BIG DAY IS TODAY!!!! WE'LL CELEBRATE THIS WEEKEND BRO!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 19th
The Blog will be rather thin this week. Just Linda and I at camp with about 30 dogs, 6 horses and birds to take care of, we have a pretty full schedule.
Tuesday ended up being an 'off day' no dog work at all today. More office stuff and trip to town for supplies, mail etc.
Wednesday, August 20th
Weather has gotten cooler at night and mild during the day, barely reaching 80 at camp. Roger is moving around some – saw him in a truck in town. Looked a bit guilty – thought maybe I knew his doctor. I managed to make it a pretty good morning to road.
Going to be windy today and for a few days.
Roading:
• Erin, Mariah, Lea & Midge – 41 min. – great morning – damp and cool – dogs pulled hard from beginning to end. Saw a big whitetail – 12 point – balanced & wide going south in the home meadow heading to the big meadow.
• Ernie, Suzie, Hank & Ritha –solid roading group until Suzie ( right front) dive to the left after a tweetie bird and got herself run over by the ATV – had to back off her and no signs of damage. – 40+
• Katie, Ritha, Sorrel & Shauna – solid crew with good effort – Sorrel not the best at getting into the water and cool himself off. Seems like his stamina is doing and the treatment for lyme's appears to be working. He's down to his last few days of treatment.
The reinforcements are coming – Mary due in on Thursday AM and Lee and Stan both are driving out and should in by lunch. Dennis was leaving Thursday after work and should be in to run on Friday. Yea Team!!!!!!!!!! Getting more birds on Friday morning. We've gotten rid of the raccoon but our quail have never gotten over the stress of shipping and the loop hasn't been hayed so no opportunity to birdwork there. Next week will be lots of birdwork.
Thursday, August 21st - good night sleeping –Mary called and she'd be in about ten or so. Picking up things if we needed anything. Still trying to get caught up with work.
Roading:
• Inde, Tess, Lily & Annie – Annie and Inde did fine – Tess not as excited and Lily just didn't want to road – had to tie her in the front. (Tess has become the consummate stake puller. She get's her stake out of the ground many if not most nights. She comes right to you dragging the stake and this usually happens at about 4:00 am - I'm sure you realize that the dogs all have to get up and let us know that Tess is loose. We're looking at a cement truck to fix the problem!!!!
Mary showed up and we're doing some catch up chores. Ernie appears to be tender in the front left foot. Can't find a specific spot but no swelling or heat. He's on the IR list.
Friday, August 22, 2008 – Dennis showed up last night and ready to work today. Stan showed up 1st and Lee a bit later on Friday. I picked up birds in town and then got some shopping done. The group was busy getting set up in camp. I stopped and visited Roger and he seems to be making big gains. I was going to the vet but Charlie suggested we wait till Monday and see how he is before we do the x-ray thing.
We took out a road crew and worked on the bird pen – fixed all the wire holes that the coon had done when he was attacking the Huns. Only 12-15 huns left – pulled them out and transferred to the pond Hun house. Hopefully we can drag some birds back to that area.
We loaded the chukar in the bird house for planted bird work and filled the 2 quail houses on the Seidel loop with quail. Hope we get some action at these spots for the last 2 weeks of camp.
Friday afternoon, Dennis took Mary on a couple of braces working Sol & Buck. He was pretty happy with Buck but Sol wasn't handling birds. They saw a 30 bird covey of Huns and 3 bunches of chickens but no positive bird work. Mary road some horses and was enjoying the selection process.
We now decided to make a good dinner and get ready for friends to drop by. Devin, Shannon, Jason, Heather and Sonja(back from her summer in California and week in Australia) all stopped by and later Joe & Lorie with Whitley and a friend came by and visited. Whitley is going to try and do some roading for us tomorrow if his friend is around. We had a fun night listening to music and telling stories out in the gazebo. This makes the nights so pleasant when you can sit out and not have the bugs carry you away.
A cool night is forecast – down in the 50's.
Saturday, August 23 - dogs when crazy about 4:00 am – somebody loose but not sure how – just one dog then for quite awhile. Great weather for sleeping but too damn noisy.
No change in Ernie yet – still holding paw up and doesn't want to put weight on it.
Roading: Whitley made it down and Linda set him up to road.
• Lea, Suzie – 40 min. – very solid pair
• Tess & Shauna – Tess 20 min. – just didn't want to do it – Shauna 40 min.
Hills: Today we have Stan, Lee, Dennis & Mary is back ( hoping to find a horse from Dennis this weekend. We road to Triple Gates and got the show on the road.
• Erin & Kate – Kate did a decent job – wide and good speed and drive – in the area of some birds and had a STB -- Then a STF and a good find on a single. Course was okay and bird work – impoving. Erin, the bigger on the ground with another solid race. He had two opportunities to point and got a knock and chase with correction. Plenty of birds but no cigar for Erin. 43 min.
• Brenna & Gus – Gus has drive ( pointer) range and independence – the other tools are open to question until Denny gets him handling but tons of potential. Brenna was oink of the day. Just got into cactus and never put it together.
• Hank & Sorrel – Hank wasn't with the program today – he was rather short and not hitting a lick. Sorrel showed the range and drive with a NP at the beginning and one opportunity around birds but nothing handled. 41 min.
• Bart & Clifford - worked the meadow and did a nice job, both hunting and going front. No birds observed. 25 min.
The afternoon just begged for a nap. Linda & Mary made it to town with Linda going in Mary's car. That made the trip bearable for Linda but she's at least got to town. She's doing her exercises and doing better but it's a slow process.
Roger , Janet & the whole family are coming to dinner for Lee's famous ribs, corn and beans. Should be a fun night. We got things ready and visited with our good friends the Painter's. Lots of stories and many discussions about " Bob's future as a rodeo clown" or "Matador" is going to turn out. We have definitely determined that there is some real truth to the axiom: ' you can't teach and old dog new tricks' -- did you get that Bob?
It was also decided that both Linda's and Roger's injuries were the result of going above and beyond the call of duty!!! Bob's injury was the result of ……………………. need to change my ink!
Bob will be back Labor Day and we'll need to discuss this somemore. Stan, Dennis, Mary and Lee all agreed that Bob's bull fighting days were OVER!!!!!!!!!
Time to call it a night!! Betty Shearhouse and her friend Russ are due in camp tomorrow and we're taking them to the hills.
Saturday, August 16, 2008 – nice cool sleeping night and a clear day on the horizon. We're hooking up and getting ready to do some training. The crew has the chore of packing up today as Phil is leaving early Sunday morning with all the kids and Bob is going home also but he'll be back.
Roading
• Suzie, Hank, Kate & Sorrel – very solid 34 min. and this crew is ready for a jump.
Hills
• Erin & Midge – Last morning for the kids so we have most of them out here riding and helping. Erin out the box into a nice flowing forward race – while Midge bouncing around. Too much back and had to get on her. Both go over a hill and 10 and bust birds and off to the races……… Took awhile but I had her attached and we got her back & Luke got Erin and we corrected. Sent on they hit the front and Midge a bit better – Erin winded and head up a hill, pointing nicely with Midge crowding and busting and both going w/chickens. Once again we corrected and sent on. Erin the better race all the way and both need some polish on birds. 45 min. -5 or 6 chickens.
• Lea & Brenna – Brenna still a flake with back casts and puttering – Lea worked nicely and consistently forward with wide casts and thoughtful application. She crossed in front and established nicely with me calling Brenna in and getting a command back as birds flushed. I fired and more birds flushed in front of Brenna and all toll there were 17 sharptail flushed – awesome piece for Lea with class and perfect manners. 40 min. Lea the clearcut DOD and Brenna on the list & that's not the good list.
• Shauna & Lily – Bob going to attempt to handle this brace. We ran them on the meadows after releasing several Huns and moving them around. Lily got lost for a good bit in the Seidel loop and Shauna just rock and rolled – lots of speed and forward application but no good birdwork. In the area of some released bird but couldn't connect. Lily came in too and they hunted the shelter belt only to have all kinds of birds in the air and no dogs standing still. Young dogs – 28 min.
Birdwork – took 4 down to the pond and worked birds for basic manners. All work on very good flying Huns.
• Erin – Luke cut him loose and he tried to sent the birds I had but then went down the line and pointed solidly though not with a real high tail. Good manners for the flush and shot.
• Midge- fast and snappy, pointed a long way off and while intent, not much style but good manners for the flush and shot.
• Brenna – worked well and got very close and then pointed solidly but with a level tail – touch of styling and she looked great.
• Sorrel – bang out to the box and down the line and a very stylish point with perfect manners. Real good for this guy. Seems to be focusing again.
A very nice morning with all dogs getting the desired work. Back to camp to continue the big pack up job for the kids. The afternoon was spent with Phil's crew getting ready and heading to the Niobrara River for the afternoon. The rest of us will meet them in Valentine for dinner at the Cedar Canyon and the rodeo at 7:30. Linda is not going to make the trip – just too much of that bumpy road ( worse after all the rain this week) and she'll hold down the fort. Bob is still sore but he managed to at least handle one and getting up was a pretty good sign that nothing was broken.
Off to the Rodeo. We meant John Rabidou at Young's Western store. He's feeling good and and enjoying his new place in Nebraska. Suzie Shaitel was with him and enjoying the sandhills.
A good dinner at the renamed restaurant and a big rodeo. It wasn'a over to 11 pm and we didn't make it home till after midnight. Lots of good rides and plenty of action in the wild horse ride. The kids really enjoyed that part.
Sunday, August 17 – Phil's crew up at 5 am and they were looking good by 6:30 to 7 – on the road about 7:30 with 3 vehicles, Jetta, Jeep and the Rig!!! Phil not really happy with him rig – lots of little things making him think twice about his 1 ton Ford. We'll see what happens.
Joe, Rhe'Ann and Whitley came over this morning to help out and see the dogs work. We got them catching our mounts and getting them used to saddling a whole different type of saddle and bit. They caught on quick.
We decided to run the Meadows and started with a couple of A-Team dogs or at least they were until today.
Meadows:
• Ernie & Lea – off they went with Ernie trying to run south when I wanted to go west – finally got him turned with Lea hanging to the front – doing a nice job. Ernie with power but no power steering. We lost him in the back loop going west on a line I needed him to go east on and then lost Lea in the cover – must've been buried in on the loop. Saw a couple of nice mule deer in the loop but no dogs with them. Got Lea going front but no Ernie. We hunted for the dogs to the Hun House and still no dogs - finally had Lea coming out and my scouts were in the middle of the big part of the meadow when he saw Ernie grab the east end going north then across camp and back to the center island and then zero in on a spot where 6 huns landed, geezelled them and then rolled out of site with no intent of handling. Lea had gotten charged up and this beautiful 58 degree morning was heating up as my blood started to boil. We collected Lea – then got Ernie to come with and put this group away. 40 minutes – very cool
Well, Joe and the kids got a good idea of how much ground 'out of control' dogs and fast stepping horses could cover'. It was fun though.
• Clifford & Tess – we new where a bunch of Huns had flushed so we took off with these two. Tess still lingers at the rear and putters with ground sent just too much. I had hoped wild birds would help but she needs to get out front to get the. Clifford is steady – not extremely fast but very consistent and always to the front. Responds well when I call. He almost snagged another tweety bird but missed and kept on hunting. He was steady all the way around and was my DOD. 30 minutes with warming temps.
Roading: got Whitley hooked up to run the rig and he roaded one brace for me – in between braces as we took a break. He's an experienced ATV operator and good with animals so no problem.
Road:
• Erin & Mariah –these 2 were all business – solid and fast 30 min.
•
That was it for the day – Linda busy in the house getting things cleaned and organized and I did the same outside. A big nap was in order and a bit of just relaxing and watched a couple of old Cary Grant flicks. Then time for chores – the crew was diminished and we missed them but we got them done. Everybody is looking good. We'll look at their food intake and check them over thoroughly to make sure everyone is fine at the ½ point.
Had our dinner inside watching the rest of the movie and hit the hay for a great nights sleep.
Monday, August 18, 2008 – A quiet night and cool morning.
Roading:
• Kate, Ritha, Sorrel & Lily – Lily broke away and slipped her harness – 5 months to catch – got her set up and started again –now Tess was loose and got Lily to slip again. Got Tess caught but Lily wouldn't come so I just ran her with the ATV for about 10 minutes till she came to water and hooked her up. Fine after that but she's still new to roading.
Now I need to do some work and a few chores although Linda managed to take care of most things. Got my saddles and stuff set back up and then loaded garbage to the dump and we had a bunch plus I had a 1:00 truck appointment to check out the transmission. Made my stops and got the truck. They said it appears to be okay – we'll test her out and see if it really is okay!
Now back to camp and afternoon work. The dogs will be getting a bit of a break until we get a bit more help – reinforcements due in a few days.
We hear that Phil and then crew got in about midnight. Bob broke down west of Sioux City. Lucas and his bunch stayed with Bob while he arranged a tow. Sounds like front drive train problems. Bob got a room in Sioux City and Lucas went on and caught the rest of troops. Shows the importance of traveling with somebody when possible. Bob found out on Monday morning that it was front end problem and would be ready on Tuesday.
Chore time!!!!!!!!
AND BY THE A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BRO -- STAN'S BIG DAY IS TODAY!!!! WE'LL CELEBRATE THIS WEEKEND BRO!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 19th
The Blog will be rather thin this week. Just Linda and I at camp with about 30 dogs, 6 horses and birds to take care of, we have a pretty full schedule.
Tuesday ended up being an 'off day' no dog work at all today. More office stuff and trip to town for supplies, mail etc.
Wednesday, August 20th
Weather has gotten cooler at night and mild during the day, barely reaching 80 at camp. Roger is moving around some – saw him in a truck in town. Looked a bit guilty – thought maybe I knew his doctor. I managed to make it a pretty good morning to road.
Going to be windy today and for a few days.
Roading:
• Erin, Mariah, Lea & Midge – 41 min. – great morning – damp and cool – dogs pulled hard from beginning to end. Saw a big whitetail – 12 point – balanced & wide going south in the home meadow heading to the big meadow.
• Ernie, Suzie, Hank & Ritha –solid roading group until Suzie ( right front) dive to the left after a tweetie bird and got herself run over by the ATV – had to back off her and no signs of damage. – 40+
• Katie, Ritha, Sorrel & Shauna – solid crew with good effort – Sorrel not the best at getting into the water and cool himself off. Seems like his stamina is doing and the treatment for lyme's appears to be working. He's down to his last few days of treatment.
The reinforcements are coming – Mary due in on Thursday AM and Lee and Stan both are driving out and should in by lunch. Dennis was leaving Thursday after work and should be in to run on Friday. Yea Team!!!!!!!!!! Getting more birds on Friday morning. We've gotten rid of the raccoon but our quail have never gotten over the stress of shipping and the loop hasn't been hayed so no opportunity to birdwork there. Next week will be lots of birdwork.
Thursday, August 21st - good night sleeping –Mary called and she'd be in about ten or so. Picking up things if we needed anything. Still trying to get caught up with work.
Roading:
• Inde, Tess, Lily & Annie – Annie and Inde did fine – Tess not as excited and Lily just didn't want to road – had to tie her in the front. (Tess has become the consummate stake puller. She get's her stake out of the ground many if not most nights. She comes right to you dragging the stake and this usually happens at about 4:00 am - I'm sure you realize that the dogs all have to get up and let us know that Tess is loose. We're looking at a cement truck to fix the problem!!!!
Mary showed up and we're doing some catch up chores. Ernie appears to be tender in the front left foot. Can't find a specific spot but no swelling or heat. He's on the IR list.
Friday, August 22, 2008 – Dennis showed up last night and ready to work today. Stan showed up 1st and Lee a bit later on Friday. I picked up birds in town and then got some shopping done. The group was busy getting set up in camp. I stopped and visited Roger and he seems to be making big gains. I was going to the vet but Charlie suggested we wait till Monday and see how he is before we do the x-ray thing.
We took out a road crew and worked on the bird pen – fixed all the wire holes that the coon had done when he was attacking the Huns. Only 12-15 huns left – pulled them out and transferred to the pond Hun house. Hopefully we can drag some birds back to that area.
We loaded the chukar in the bird house for planted bird work and filled the 2 quail houses on the Seidel loop with quail. Hope we get some action at these spots for the last 2 weeks of camp.
Friday afternoon, Dennis took Mary on a couple of braces working Sol & Buck. He was pretty happy with Buck but Sol wasn't handling birds. They saw a 30 bird covey of Huns and 3 bunches of chickens but no positive bird work. Mary road some horses and was enjoying the selection process.
We now decided to make a good dinner and get ready for friends to drop by. Devin, Shannon, Jason, Heather and Sonja(back from her summer in California and week in Australia) all stopped by and later Joe & Lorie with Whitley and a friend came by and visited. Whitley is going to try and do some roading for us tomorrow if his friend is around. We had a fun night listening to music and telling stories out in the gazebo. This makes the nights so pleasant when you can sit out and not have the bugs carry you away.
A cool night is forecast – down in the 50's.
Saturday, August 23 - dogs when crazy about 4:00 am – somebody loose but not sure how – just one dog then for quite awhile. Great weather for sleeping but too damn noisy.
No change in Ernie yet – still holding paw up and doesn't want to put weight on it.
Roading: Whitley made it down and Linda set him up to road.
• Lea, Suzie – 40 min. – very solid pair
• Tess & Shauna – Tess 20 min. – just didn't want to do it – Shauna 40 min.
Hills: Today we have Stan, Lee, Dennis & Mary is back ( hoping to find a horse from Dennis this weekend. We road to Triple Gates and got the show on the road.
• Erin & Kate – Kate did a decent job – wide and good speed and drive – in the area of some birds and had a STB -- Then a STF and a good find on a single. Course was okay and bird work – impoving. Erin, the bigger on the ground with another solid race. He had two opportunities to point and got a knock and chase with correction. Plenty of birds but no cigar for Erin. 43 min.
• Brenna & Gus – Gus has drive ( pointer) range and independence – the other tools are open to question until Denny gets him handling but tons of potential. Brenna was oink of the day. Just got into cactus and never put it together.
• Hank & Sorrel – Hank wasn't with the program today – he was rather short and not hitting a lick. Sorrel showed the range and drive with a NP at the beginning and one opportunity around birds but nothing handled. 41 min.
• Bart & Clifford - worked the meadow and did a nice job, both hunting and going front. No birds observed. 25 min.
The afternoon just begged for a nap. Linda & Mary made it to town with Linda going in Mary's car. That made the trip bearable for Linda but she's at least got to town. She's doing her exercises and doing better but it's a slow process.
Roger , Janet & the whole family are coming to dinner for Lee's famous ribs, corn and beans. Should be a fun night. We got things ready and visited with our good friends the Painter's. Lots of stories and many discussions about " Bob's future as a rodeo clown" or "Matador" is going to turn out. We have definitely determined that there is some real truth to the axiom: ' you can't teach and old dog new tricks' -- did you get that Bob?
It was also decided that both Linda's and Roger's injuries were the result of going above and beyond the call of duty!!! Bob's injury was the result of ……………………. need to change my ink!
Bob will be back Labor Day and we'll need to discuss this somemore. Stan, Dennis, Mary and Lee all agreed that Bob's bull fighting days were OVER!!!!!!!!!
Time to call it a night!! Betty Shearhouse and her friend Russ are due in camp tomorrow and we're taking them to the hills.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Hunting Irish Setter - Prairie Training - August 13 - August 15.
Wednesday, August 13 – continued The rains keeps on going and before you know it we have a full fledged rainday. We wanted to get things done but no such luck. We went out and checked birds for food and water and our trap to make sure we didn't have anymore varmint attacks but all was quiet.
Roger still in the hospital and now looks to be coming home on Thursday. Jason running things right now and Bob has been traveling around helping him collect Bulls. He's having fun and things are going pretty good.
We've got our friends , the McBrides coming by for dinner tonight and I plan on making a fresh batch of spaghetti sauce – it takes most of the day so I start very early. I really like to have about 6 hours of cooking to really get it right & we brought Italian Sausage from Illinois along with special sauces and cheese. We can't wait!!!!!!!
Spent sometime working and in town getting things for dinner – then back to camp. Haven't seen Bob since early so he's out chasing the bulls.
About 6:00 PM in rolls Bob with Jason & Heather and he's looking pretty rough. He lifts up his shirt and one side looks like about a 2 foot skid mark on pavement – the kind of sidewalk burns you learn to appreciate growing up in the city only 10 times worse. It appears that he was helping Jason trying to get a bull to head north ( there about 8 miles south of camp at this point) and not only did the bull not want to head north – he didn't want to move – Jason and Bob harassed the poor bull but they antagonized him till he couldn't take anymore and decided to have a piece of the guy waving at him. Opppps !!!
Bob was now the target and off he came –Bob made the mistake of looking back ( he couldn't believe he could still run this fast to out run that bull) and he was right – bull caught up and sent him on a less then graceful trip about 10 feet down the way and only Jason's counterattack with a pipe kept Bob from being further adjusted. He bounced up (his reaction not mine) & swiftly moved out of the path of this madman bull – dodging with grace and speed! I might be slightly paraphrasing him but you get the jest!!!
Bob, better known as Cowboy Bob had met his match and now even he was 2nd guessing his choice to coax this 2000lb hunk while on foot and with only his swift, lean body as a means of protecting himself. Some things never change – some just need to happen but it all makes for great stories !!!!!!!!!!
Bob made it in time for dinner along with Heather and the McBrides all got here just before the storms. Getting to be a nightly deal here as of late. We decided to skip the gazebo and eat in the house – couldn't jam the music but there some very interesting questions regarding Bob's current state of soreness and how it all happened. I'm sure we'll see his(Bob's) point of view so let's here it directly form the horses mouth !!!!!!!! if you know what I mean.
Joe was suggesting to Bob that he buy one of those rodeo boy's vests with Kevlar that deflect the pain of the bullfighter & Bob wanted to know " deflects the pain where ?" That put the crowd into a roar & we laughed until Bob was ready to cry – seems he has discovered some new sore spots. The rains still hammered away and we have a great dinner with our friends and some real good laughs at Bob's expense. Fun night. They're going to join us on the hills this weekend and see what the dogs are all about! Rene' made us awesome apple pies and Rhe'ann ( Joe & Lori's daughter) made a great oriole cookie treat for dessert! The kids all played games while we told stories and let the rain rip!
Thursday, August 14, 2008 - damp, cool and a good morning for dogs. We're up and moving with Lucas taking over the roading chores for a few days. I had several discussions on what to do with my transmission after we heated it up on the hills – now to figure out the right plan.
Roading:
• Erin, Suzie, Sorrel & Shauna – 34 min. – seasoned crew w/ a couple of good young ones – nice solid workout.
Hills:
• Lea & Brie – Bob saddled up and got on his horse – he lasted about 5 steps and got off and walked back no riding for him for awhile—we went north over the adjacent ranch and worked down to gates that lead into our regular meadow land. Both dogs slow to start and showing the signs of summer conditioning – still Lea the stronger but each applying them as nice GD's - no complaints a beautiful stand for Brie at 22 – Lea a gorgeous back and me unable to produce birds – she's a good 35 yards below the crest of a hill – I worked and finally let her relocate – up and over the hill – pointing as a 7 bird covey of chickens took flight – good – no 'very good' piece of work for Brie – both continued on – Brie kicked it up a notch after the very mannerly find – Lea still more consistent but both were fun and Lea rolled on w/Phil. I took Brie to the limits and she got too close to our birdpen area and knocked birds near the cage – no way the dog can look good on this one. We finished with her going with us after that and a hunting dog finish. 47 min for Brie – 45 for Lea.
• Midge & Brenna - 20+ min on the ground and both were oinks – couldn't get their heads into – took them back to camp and hooked them in the roading harness for 20 more minutes and at least get some conditioning – just not there day.
• Clifford & Bart – w/Kelly & Corrine in charge had some good hunt but Clifford caught a baby tweety bird – not a pretty sight – oh well at least he's birdy and both dogs showed more pattern and hunt. 21 min.
• Neely w/ Whitney and Katherine at the helm and I drove the dog wagon – dropped her off at the Seidell loop – still didn't want to go front or show much interest in anything other then what was behind her – the girls tried but no luck today – we'll keep plugging away.
The girls had plans for the river this afternoon & Linda and I ventured into town for Linda's hair appointment. I did some major phone calls and talked to the Ford dealer about my transmission. Plan is to monitor it's fluid levels and see how it does the next couple of weeks. Change the fluid and filter and check out the condition of the old stuff. He thinks it would be fine based on my experience the last few days.
Got chicken for the grill tonight – got to test our new acquisition. The teenagers did Pizza Hut and bowling. Phil went with Heather, Jason and shot Jason's new .223 rifle.
Quite a nice gun – Phil and the kids got some good target shooting in – both pistol and rifle. Great place to learn proper handling of firearms.
A very cool and pleasant night. nice to just sit out for dinner and only a slight drizzle later on. Winding down for the kids – they all will be leaving on Sunday morning so just a couple of more days left. The rain picked up and we had steady rain on and off all night.
Friday, August 15, 2008 - rain on and off most of the night – even a bit inside our trailer but we survived. Supposed to be clear shortly but our radar indicated that might be a wrong forecast. We got breakfast and the rain started and has been going on with thunder, lightning and lots of rain, lakes and rivers all over camp – looks like a rainout this morning – have to hope for the best this afternoon.
Roading:
• Mariah, Inde, Ritha & Tess - 35 solid minutes
………………… and the rain goes on – not downpours but very regular rain and rain and
rain—just a small break and then more rain. I don't see getting much done and everyone in a lazy mood.
Went to town and found some good sweet corn – finally coming in – pork tenderloins on the grill w/ Bob G's special potatoes! Hmmmmmmmmmm! good!! Saw Joe and looked at his adjoining building for upstairs space – almost room for a dance!
Stopped and visited Roger on my way back to town. Bob was there along with Katherine and Whitney. Roger was having visitors all day long and had himself all set up in his reliner next to his hospital bed. He's got a few months of recovery and plenty of black and blue marks to remind him of that HORSE RIDE!!! I guess he won't be entering the wild horse contest in Valentine this weekend. Bob & Roger can share aches and pains – maybe even there own brand of pain medicines -Bob's is definitely different that Rogers.
Phil took on all challengers in chess – Owen won one and Devin stalemated – a good rainy day game. Got the dinner cooked in between raindrops but then it cleared up and we got the music going and ate outside. A cool night with light clouds and no rain. We enjoyed and while the week was rainy we still got conditioning done. Dogs are in tune with camp and the majority are quiet at night. Phil was meeting Devin in town for some pool and snooker and the young adults, Kelly & Corinne were the chaperone's or driver and body guard depending how you look at it. We hit the hay and had a great sleeping night.
Roger still in the hospital and now looks to be coming home on Thursday. Jason running things right now and Bob has been traveling around helping him collect Bulls. He's having fun and things are going pretty good.
We've got our friends , the McBrides coming by for dinner tonight and I plan on making a fresh batch of spaghetti sauce – it takes most of the day so I start very early. I really like to have about 6 hours of cooking to really get it right & we brought Italian Sausage from Illinois along with special sauces and cheese. We can't wait!!!!!!!
Spent sometime working and in town getting things for dinner – then back to camp. Haven't seen Bob since early so he's out chasing the bulls.
About 6:00 PM in rolls Bob with Jason & Heather and he's looking pretty rough. He lifts up his shirt and one side looks like about a 2 foot skid mark on pavement – the kind of sidewalk burns you learn to appreciate growing up in the city only 10 times worse. It appears that he was helping Jason trying to get a bull to head north ( there about 8 miles south of camp at this point) and not only did the bull not want to head north – he didn't want to move – Jason and Bob harassed the poor bull but they antagonized him till he couldn't take anymore and decided to have a piece of the guy waving at him. Opppps !!!
Bob was now the target and off he came –Bob made the mistake of looking back ( he couldn't believe he could still run this fast to out run that bull) and he was right – bull caught up and sent him on a less then graceful trip about 10 feet down the way and only Jason's counterattack with a pipe kept Bob from being further adjusted. He bounced up (his reaction not mine) & swiftly moved out of the path of this madman bull – dodging with grace and speed! I might be slightly paraphrasing him but you get the jest!!!
Bob, better known as Cowboy Bob had met his match and now even he was 2nd guessing his choice to coax this 2000lb hunk while on foot and with only his swift, lean body as a means of protecting himself. Some things never change – some just need to happen but it all makes for great stories !!!!!!!!!!
Bob made it in time for dinner along with Heather and the McBrides all got here just before the storms. Getting to be a nightly deal here as of late. We decided to skip the gazebo and eat in the house – couldn't jam the music but there some very interesting questions regarding Bob's current state of soreness and how it all happened. I'm sure we'll see his(Bob's) point of view so let's here it directly form the horses mouth !!!!!!!! if you know what I mean.
Joe was suggesting to Bob that he buy one of those rodeo boy's vests with Kevlar that deflect the pain of the bullfighter & Bob wanted to know " deflects the pain where ?" That put the crowd into a roar & we laughed until Bob was ready to cry – seems he has discovered some new sore spots. The rains still hammered away and we have a great dinner with our friends and some real good laughs at Bob's expense. Fun night. They're going to join us on the hills this weekend and see what the dogs are all about! Rene' made us awesome apple pies and Rhe'ann ( Joe & Lori's daughter) made a great oriole cookie treat for dessert! The kids all played games while we told stories and let the rain rip!
Thursday, August 14, 2008 - damp, cool and a good morning for dogs. We're up and moving with Lucas taking over the roading chores for a few days. I had several discussions on what to do with my transmission after we heated it up on the hills – now to figure out the right plan.
Roading:
• Erin, Suzie, Sorrel & Shauna – 34 min. – seasoned crew w/ a couple of good young ones – nice solid workout.
Hills:
• Lea & Brie – Bob saddled up and got on his horse – he lasted about 5 steps and got off and walked back no riding for him for awhile—we went north over the adjacent ranch and worked down to gates that lead into our regular meadow land. Both dogs slow to start and showing the signs of summer conditioning – still Lea the stronger but each applying them as nice GD's - no complaints a beautiful stand for Brie at 22 – Lea a gorgeous back and me unable to produce birds – she's a good 35 yards below the crest of a hill – I worked and finally let her relocate – up and over the hill – pointing as a 7 bird covey of chickens took flight – good – no 'very good' piece of work for Brie – both continued on – Brie kicked it up a notch after the very mannerly find – Lea still more consistent but both were fun and Lea rolled on w/Phil. I took Brie to the limits and she got too close to our birdpen area and knocked birds near the cage – no way the dog can look good on this one. We finished with her going with us after that and a hunting dog finish. 47 min for Brie – 45 for Lea.
• Midge & Brenna - 20+ min on the ground and both were oinks – couldn't get their heads into – took them back to camp and hooked them in the roading harness for 20 more minutes and at least get some conditioning – just not there day.
• Clifford & Bart – w/Kelly & Corrine in charge had some good hunt but Clifford caught a baby tweety bird – not a pretty sight – oh well at least he's birdy and both dogs showed more pattern and hunt. 21 min.
• Neely w/ Whitney and Katherine at the helm and I drove the dog wagon – dropped her off at the Seidell loop – still didn't want to go front or show much interest in anything other then what was behind her – the girls tried but no luck today – we'll keep plugging away.
The girls had plans for the river this afternoon & Linda and I ventured into town for Linda's hair appointment. I did some major phone calls and talked to the Ford dealer about my transmission. Plan is to monitor it's fluid levels and see how it does the next couple of weeks. Change the fluid and filter and check out the condition of the old stuff. He thinks it would be fine based on my experience the last few days.
Got chicken for the grill tonight – got to test our new acquisition. The teenagers did Pizza Hut and bowling. Phil went with Heather, Jason and shot Jason's new .223 rifle.
Quite a nice gun – Phil and the kids got some good target shooting in – both pistol and rifle. Great place to learn proper handling of firearms.
A very cool and pleasant night. nice to just sit out for dinner and only a slight drizzle later on. Winding down for the kids – they all will be leaving on Sunday morning so just a couple of more days left. The rain picked up and we had steady rain on and off all night.
Friday, August 15, 2008 - rain on and off most of the night – even a bit inside our trailer but we survived. Supposed to be clear shortly but our radar indicated that might be a wrong forecast. We got breakfast and the rain started and has been going on with thunder, lightning and lots of rain, lakes and rivers all over camp – looks like a rainout this morning – have to hope for the best this afternoon.
Roading:
• Mariah, Inde, Ritha & Tess - 35 solid minutes
………………… and the rain goes on – not downpours but very regular rain and rain and
rain—just a small break and then more rain. I don't see getting much done and everyone in a lazy mood.
Went to town and found some good sweet corn – finally coming in – pork tenderloins on the grill w/ Bob G's special potatoes! Hmmmmmmmmmm! good!! Saw Joe and looked at his adjoining building for upstairs space – almost room for a dance!
Stopped and visited Roger on my way back to town. Bob was there along with Katherine and Whitney. Roger was having visitors all day long and had himself all set up in his reliner next to his hospital bed. He's got a few months of recovery and plenty of black and blue marks to remind him of that HORSE RIDE!!! I guess he won't be entering the wild horse contest in Valentine this weekend. Bob & Roger can share aches and pains – maybe even there own brand of pain medicines -Bob's is definitely different that Rogers.
Phil took on all challengers in chess – Owen won one and Devin stalemated – a good rainy day game. Got the dinner cooked in between raindrops but then it cleared up and we got the music going and ate outside. A cool night with light clouds and no rain. We enjoyed and while the week was rainy we still got conditioning done. Dogs are in tune with camp and the majority are quiet at night. Phil was meeting Devin in town for some pool and snooker and the young adults, Kelly & Corinne were the chaperone's or driver and body guard depending how you look at it. We hit the hay and had a great sleeping night.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Evidence of getting stuck 8-aug
Per Bob's comment of the events on Friday August 8th, it is true that Bob's Jeep Grand Cherokee came to the rescue and pulled out Ken's F350 Diesel. We had to unhook the trailer, so this falls in the category of 'stuck' not just 'delayed'. !I have attached a pic and a short video(no sound).
Ainsworth Prairie Training -Aug.9 -Aug.13
August 9, Continued.......
It proved to be a great afternoon for a nap & I took advantage of the opportunity. Bob & Brett still out helping the Painter's move bulls and then Bob went down south with Jason & Heather. Two bulls got into it and headed south taking down 3 fences as they went. It took to almost 6:00 pm before they got back and had everything fixed.
Jason and Devin heading down to visit Roger tomorrow – surgery scheduled for Monday and he's going to be laid up for several weeks to months.
We started to make dinner – some of those savory beef from Imboden's – grill went out so I changed bottles and it did it again – took it apart and it was corroded through – no way we're getting another meal out this old Weber we bought back around the early 1990's. You know you been at summer camp along time when you realize that you've had at least 3 refrigeratiors, 3 washing machines ( 1 this year) new stoves, couple of freezers, multiple air conditioners, dishwasher, new septic system, and more sump pumps than you can count, and now a 2nd propane grill ( one of those that last forever). 20 years on the prairies – working mainly hunting Irish Setters. We've sure had fun watching the kids and the dogs growing up and evolving over time. We now have some of the real young grandchildren that are riding and working dogs, like Katherine, Daniel, Owen and cousin Whitney – all not yet teenangers but getting close. What a thrill to watch them handle a dog and take those young puppies for those long evening walks that start the pups out right.
We went and saw Owen perform at the Country Music Festival. He did a great job with Joe backing him up. There was only 3 entrants in his class but he still did a fine job. Back to camp and a nice evening. Dogs have settled quite a bit and most of the night is peaceful.
Sunday, August 10 – a nice morning. We had planned to birdwork and road today. Everyone was looking for an easy day. I have to follow up with the transmission on my truck and make sure all all is okay.
Roading: cool and light almost mist when I started.
• Erin, Mariah, Brenna & Kate – very solid and fast paced – no one hardly wanted water. 35 min.
• Brie, Hank - Linda thought Brie might be limping a bit and she was holding a rear leg up when I checked her but Bob walked her around and she seemed okay. She roaded just fine. – 32 min.
• Inde, Ritha, Blitz & Midge - once again solid and fast – warming some but still very nice and no one hardly wanted water. 36 min.
Bob and Brett came back from feeding the birds and found that a varmit had found our bird house and tore open one side with many Huns getting loose and he took our 5 of our Huns. We had to do something so I went to town ( planning on seeing Owen's 1:00 pm performance) and got some wire, a trap and a new grill, then some shopping as Owen was delayed until 3:00 PM – back to camp and Linda went back with Phil and the crew. Owen did a fine job and took 2nd in the competition. GOOD JOB, OWEN!!!!!!!!!! We're very proud of you. Coming into camp about 5:30 was Lucas with his girlfriend Chelsea and Jenny's friend Rene. Had a good dinner and told some stories about camp and dogs.
Talked to Jason and his Dad is doing good but getting surgery on Monday. Good luck Roger.
Monday, August 11 – plans for early rise and get to the hills quickly – we did pretty good and were leaving by 7:30 – nice cool breezy morning that promised to be great for the dogs. Brett on the roading machine early after going out and checking the trap. Some varmit got into our trap and managed to get our bait and drag the trap off 20 or 30' and get away. That's not a good sign.
Roading:
• Suzie, Lea & Sorrel – 28 min.
• Annie, Kate,& Tess – 35 min.
Hills:
• Ernie & Shauna – had high hopes for this brace but just didn't get it done. Shauna a pretty good race and 1 point only to chase as chicken left. Ernie just did have his head into it today –loopy and not purposeful like his last time down but he had a mannerly STF at 18 and a point @ 21 – I thought turtle and pushed him on – he took 2 steps and out came the chicken - ok my fault – went on he had another STF and was mannerly and finished make a decent move hunting. 45 min and 10 or so chickens.
• Mariah & Lily – kind of a medium ranging GD for both dogs – w/ Mariah having birds getting up 40 yards ahead of her which she never say or smelled – then what should have been a STF and turned out to be a bump and chase then a so so STF – overall a boring brace. 30 min & 6 or 7 chickens.
• Neely, Clifford & Bart – Neely went directly back to camp and shows virtually no desire to go anywhere but camp. Clifford and Bart are both showing signs of improvement with Clifford showing better focus.
Monday afternoon was a trip to the vet with Lightning – some kind of skin issue on her back but nothing too serious. Phil did a big dump run and disposed of the old grill. We had a good dinner planned and watched as a serious storm rolled in. Cranked up the new grill and couldn't get it to work or stay lit – not good – Storm is brewing and getting closer- all radars are showing Tornado watch & we 're set with everyone in the house. Devin called us with updates and so did Jason – Tornado warning to the south and we got a rock and roll hit as the wind blew, rain poured and no tornado sightings in camp.
Not a night to eat outside. Bob had set a trap down by the Hun House – hoping to catch the varmit eating our birds.
Hit the hay with the skys still cloudy and our hopes for Perciad were minimul. Linda set the alarm and we found clear skys - awesome – went around waking folks up to see the meteor shower. Linda, Sue, Chelsey, Phil, Daniel and myself all got up to see the star shower – a bit hay but at least 20 – 30 meteors in about an hour – some really brite with long tails – it was wonderful.
Big day planned for Wednesday at the Niobrara – going tubing. Let's get a bit more sleep.
Tuesday, August 12 – clear but damp morning. I needed to do some work prior to heading out to Valentine so the crew ran dogs and got us packed up. Brett checked our trap set up and we had raccoon caught up. He'll be transported beyond any hope of making it back to camp.
Roading:
• Brie, Inde & Hank - 34 min.
• Brenna, Blitz & Midge - 36 min.
Meadows:
• Erin & Ritha – Erin a mind of his own and Phil had to go get him and tell him he needed to go with us. Ritha a solid out front performance. Thought we'd get some Huns for sure but no such luck. 35 min.
• Ernie & Lea – Ernie was big again today and had him focus back – Lea a solid independent race. No birds again but good runs of almost 30 minutes.
Bob G. had got up early and left to help Jason vaccinate calves at a couple of different ranches. They planned to do it all and Heather was out there helping also. Roger's surgery went good and he's coming home on Wednesday – he'll be laid up a bit but he'll be okay when he's heeled up.
Most of the crew (13 in all) with Linda and Susan staying home at camp. We all hit the Niobrara just after noontime and were set for an afternoon on the river. 13 tubes all lashed together and one for the cooler and food. We drifted the river and stopped at about 2 hours at Smith Falls and on for another 2 hours—enjoying the great scenery and rock formations along the way – many different types of trees. A beautiful day on the river – hardly a cloud in the sky – upper 80's to low 90's and good water levels – very relaxing afternoon. No cell phones – no chores – just enjoying.
We finished up and jockied people around and went to Young's at Valentine. Phil wanted to help the Valentine economy also. Then across the street to what used to be the Peppermill but was now known as Cedar Canyon – same good food and service. A very enjoyable evening. Left for home about 8:30 only to see a huge storm brewing and making it's way towards Ainsworth. We arrived in camp before the storm and the wind was blowing. We got some rain but the majority of it missed us and we just had a short downpour. Great day and the ladies in camp enjoyed the peach and quiet. Bob got back late and they got some help from Heather and got all the animals fed.
Wednesday, August 13 – woke to lightning in the west and radar showing it bearing down on us. Looks like we'll be delayed this morning. Jenny, Renee, Sue and Brent all head home today. They all have things to do so it will be a driving day.
It proved to be a great afternoon for a nap & I took advantage of the opportunity. Bob & Brett still out helping the Painter's move bulls and then Bob went down south with Jason & Heather. Two bulls got into it and headed south taking down 3 fences as they went. It took to almost 6:00 pm before they got back and had everything fixed.
Jason and Devin heading down to visit Roger tomorrow – surgery scheduled for Monday and he's going to be laid up for several weeks to months.
We started to make dinner – some of those savory beef from Imboden's – grill went out so I changed bottles and it did it again – took it apart and it was corroded through – no way we're getting another meal out this old Weber we bought back around the early 1990's. You know you been at summer camp along time when you realize that you've had at least 3 refrigeratiors, 3 washing machines ( 1 this year) new stoves, couple of freezers, multiple air conditioners, dishwasher, new septic system, and more sump pumps than you can count, and now a 2nd propane grill ( one of those that last forever). 20 years on the prairies – working mainly hunting Irish Setters. We've sure had fun watching the kids and the dogs growing up and evolving over time. We now have some of the real young grandchildren that are riding and working dogs, like Katherine, Daniel, Owen and cousin Whitney – all not yet teenangers but getting close. What a thrill to watch them handle a dog and take those young puppies for those long evening walks that start the pups out right.
We went and saw Owen perform at the Country Music Festival. He did a great job with Joe backing him up. There was only 3 entrants in his class but he still did a fine job. Back to camp and a nice evening. Dogs have settled quite a bit and most of the night is peaceful.
Sunday, August 10 – a nice morning. We had planned to birdwork and road today. Everyone was looking for an easy day. I have to follow up with the transmission on my truck and make sure all all is okay.
Roading: cool and light almost mist when I started.
• Erin, Mariah, Brenna & Kate – very solid and fast paced – no one hardly wanted water. 35 min.
• Brie, Hank - Linda thought Brie might be limping a bit and she was holding a rear leg up when I checked her but Bob walked her around and she seemed okay. She roaded just fine. – 32 min.
• Inde, Ritha, Blitz & Midge - once again solid and fast – warming some but still very nice and no one hardly wanted water. 36 min.
Bob and Brett came back from feeding the birds and found that a varmit had found our bird house and tore open one side with many Huns getting loose and he took our 5 of our Huns. We had to do something so I went to town ( planning on seeing Owen's 1:00 pm performance) and got some wire, a trap and a new grill, then some shopping as Owen was delayed until 3:00 PM – back to camp and Linda went back with Phil and the crew. Owen did a fine job and took 2nd in the competition. GOOD JOB, OWEN!!!!!!!!!! We're very proud of you. Coming into camp about 5:30 was Lucas with his girlfriend Chelsea and Jenny's friend Rene. Had a good dinner and told some stories about camp and dogs.
Talked to Jason and his Dad is doing good but getting surgery on Monday. Good luck Roger.
Monday, August 11 – plans for early rise and get to the hills quickly – we did pretty good and were leaving by 7:30 – nice cool breezy morning that promised to be great for the dogs. Brett on the roading machine early after going out and checking the trap. Some varmit got into our trap and managed to get our bait and drag the trap off 20 or 30' and get away. That's not a good sign.
Roading:
• Suzie, Lea & Sorrel – 28 min.
• Annie, Kate,& Tess – 35 min.
Hills:
• Ernie & Shauna – had high hopes for this brace but just didn't get it done. Shauna a pretty good race and 1 point only to chase as chicken left. Ernie just did have his head into it today –loopy and not purposeful like his last time down but he had a mannerly STF at 18 and a point @ 21 – I thought turtle and pushed him on – he took 2 steps and out came the chicken - ok my fault – went on he had another STF and was mannerly and finished make a decent move hunting. 45 min and 10 or so chickens.
• Mariah & Lily – kind of a medium ranging GD for both dogs – w/ Mariah having birds getting up 40 yards ahead of her which she never say or smelled – then what should have been a STF and turned out to be a bump and chase then a so so STF – overall a boring brace. 30 min & 6 or 7 chickens.
• Neely, Clifford & Bart – Neely went directly back to camp and shows virtually no desire to go anywhere but camp. Clifford and Bart are both showing signs of improvement with Clifford showing better focus.
Monday afternoon was a trip to the vet with Lightning – some kind of skin issue on her back but nothing too serious. Phil did a big dump run and disposed of the old grill. We had a good dinner planned and watched as a serious storm rolled in. Cranked up the new grill and couldn't get it to work or stay lit – not good – Storm is brewing and getting closer- all radars are showing Tornado watch & we 're set with everyone in the house. Devin called us with updates and so did Jason – Tornado warning to the south and we got a rock and roll hit as the wind blew, rain poured and no tornado sightings in camp.
Not a night to eat outside. Bob had set a trap down by the Hun House – hoping to catch the varmit eating our birds.
Hit the hay with the skys still cloudy and our hopes for Perciad were minimul. Linda set the alarm and we found clear skys - awesome – went around waking folks up to see the meteor shower. Linda, Sue, Chelsey, Phil, Daniel and myself all got up to see the star shower – a bit hay but at least 20 – 30 meteors in about an hour – some really brite with long tails – it was wonderful.
Big day planned for Wednesday at the Niobrara – going tubing. Let's get a bit more sleep.
Tuesday, August 12 – clear but damp morning. I needed to do some work prior to heading out to Valentine so the crew ran dogs and got us packed up. Brett checked our trap set up and we had raccoon caught up. He'll be transported beyond any hope of making it back to camp.
Roading:
• Brie, Inde & Hank - 34 min.
• Brenna, Blitz & Midge - 36 min.
Meadows:
• Erin & Ritha – Erin a mind of his own and Phil had to go get him and tell him he needed to go with us. Ritha a solid out front performance. Thought we'd get some Huns for sure but no such luck. 35 min.
• Ernie & Lea – Ernie was big again today and had him focus back – Lea a solid independent race. No birds again but good runs of almost 30 minutes.
Bob G. had got up early and left to help Jason vaccinate calves at a couple of different ranches. They planned to do it all and Heather was out there helping also. Roger's surgery went good and he's coming home on Wednesday – he'll be laid up a bit but he'll be okay when he's heeled up.
Most of the crew (13 in all) with Linda and Susan staying home at camp. We all hit the Niobrara just after noontime and were set for an afternoon on the river. 13 tubes all lashed together and one for the cooler and food. We drifted the river and stopped at about 2 hours at Smith Falls and on for another 2 hours—enjoying the great scenery and rock formations along the way – many different types of trees. A beautiful day on the river – hardly a cloud in the sky – upper 80's to low 90's and good water levels – very relaxing afternoon. No cell phones – no chores – just enjoying.
We finished up and jockied people around and went to Young's at Valentine. Phil wanted to help the Valentine economy also. Then across the street to what used to be the Peppermill but was now known as Cedar Canyon – same good food and service. A very enjoyable evening. Left for home about 8:30 only to see a huge storm brewing and making it's way towards Ainsworth. We arrived in camp before the storm and the wind was blowing. We got some rain but the majority of it missed us and we just had a short downpour. Great day and the ladies in camp enjoyed the peach and quiet. Bob got back late and they got some help from Heather and got all the animals fed.
Wednesday, August 13 – woke to lightning in the west and radar showing it bearing down on us. Looks like we'll be delayed this morning. Jenny, Renee, Sue and Brent all head home today. They all have things to do so it will be a driving day.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Ainsworth Training Report - Aug 9
Saturday, August 9, 2008 – Puppies were now on stakeouts and Clint moved into the living quarters – he was happy with that. Bob & Brett got out early and we saddled up and got ready for work on the meadows. I roaded early and put some Huns out to see how they were working. Cool morning with a hint of cloud cover.
Roading:
• Erin, Brenna & Suzie - solid 30 min.
Meadows:
• Lea & Sorrel – this started out strong with Sorel very big but bouncing some –I got him the other day for chasing tweety birds and it showed – his pattern was quite erratic! Lea was all business – from the very beginning it was one move to next and each one properly finished. This is the quickest I've seen a bitch pop back after puppies – boy is she fun to watch. Got around the Seidell loop and back to the Hun Alley area and found her standing stylishly. A great find with perfect manners. Had Sorrely a command back and that was good. Sent on we finished the move and found her standing again, dragged Sorrel back for the back and he did fine. Lea was again perfect throughout – sent on both went front and Lea finished applying herself – Sorrel decided to go back and we needed to have a bit of a talk – don't want to overdo the pressure but he has to go with us. 28 min.
• Tess & Lily – not a good pairing – Tess regressed some today while Lily was immature but handled—Tess too much putter - got around with Lily the better race but she was observed under a Hun and given a slight correction which she handled well. I was quite upset with Tess but got her running down a shelter belt line when she hit point. I said "Whoa" and she was solid as more Huns flushed in 3 flushes 7 or 8 good flying birds and Tess handled well. She seemed to pick it up a notch after the good contact with lots of praise. 22min and getting hot.
• Bart & Clifford – Clifford stretched across the meadow and showed some real good range and application. He was working in the woods when a Hun flushed and he stopped as the girls yelled whoa – he really liked that and finished hunting hard and to the front. Bart is showing improvement also – starting to be fun for both of them. 15 min.
Tonight is County Music Festival and Owen is working on his music. I decided on a world record setting nap for this Saturday afternoon's top priority.
Roading:
• Erin, Brenna & Suzie - solid 30 min.
Meadows:
• Lea & Sorrel – this started out strong with Sorel very big but bouncing some –I got him the other day for chasing tweety birds and it showed – his pattern was quite erratic! Lea was all business – from the very beginning it was one move to next and each one properly finished. This is the quickest I've seen a bitch pop back after puppies – boy is she fun to watch. Got around the Seidell loop and back to the Hun Alley area and found her standing stylishly. A great find with perfect manners. Had Sorrely a command back and that was good. Sent on we finished the move and found her standing again, dragged Sorrel back for the back and he did fine. Lea was again perfect throughout – sent on both went front and Lea finished applying herself – Sorrel decided to go back and we needed to have a bit of a talk – don't want to overdo the pressure but he has to go with us. 28 min.
• Tess & Lily – not a good pairing – Tess regressed some today while Lily was immature but handled—Tess too much putter - got around with Lily the better race but she was observed under a Hun and given a slight correction which she handled well. I was quite upset with Tess but got her running down a shelter belt line when she hit point. I said "Whoa" and she was solid as more Huns flushed in 3 flushes 7 or 8 good flying birds and Tess handled well. She seemed to pick it up a notch after the good contact with lots of praise. 22min and getting hot.
• Bart & Clifford – Clifford stretched across the meadow and showed some real good range and application. He was working in the woods when a Hun flushed and he stopped as the girls yelled whoa – he really liked that and finished hunting hard and to the front. Bart is showing improvement also – starting to be fun for both of them. 15 min.
Tonight is County Music Festival and Owen is working on his music. I decided on a world record setting nap for this Saturday afternoon's top priority.
Ainsworth Training Report - Aug 4 - Aug 8
Monday, August 4 – daylight broke with fog and humidity – not super cool but better than it's bid. Lost my roader as Ed Meyer headed to home – he'll be back. Going to train Brett ( Jenny & Phil's nephew) later today. We still needed to get a move on and it sometimes takes a bit more effort with young adults but not this group, they are giving it there all.
Roading
• Ernie, Mariah, Suzie & Lea – this group are very experience – a solid 30min with drive from beginning to end.
• Erin & Brenna – got Brett set up after we ran the hills and he is a quick study. 16 min.
• Inde & Kate – Inde dragging a bit – 16 min.
Hills:
• Brie & Hank – both dogs ran considerably better than their last time down. After the fog burned off, it was warming quickly. No pointed birds or even a STF but they just couldn't smell birds this morning. Right in the middle of them (Brie) had birds flush all around – 12+ good size chickens. Hank had birds go behind him – still no luck but a very pleasing race & stayed with me at the end. 30 min.
• Tess & Shauna – same scenerio as last brace. Tess in the middle of birds coming off a hillside and barely acknowledged their existence. She still get's sticky but overall her biggest race off horseback –not ready to get on her for getting stuck but I will have to eventually. Shauna – the best young dog race in a long time. Flowing and front – good speed, style and pattern. Dropped her nose like a turtle in the area and as Bob told her to get out of there – the 1st chicken left and then 2 more. A slight stop, then a mandatory stop and light correction. More birds as we road – maybe 10-12 at least that brace. 40min & Shauna DOD.
Meadows:
• Bart & Clifford – ran these two but they hooked up playing a bit today and had a rather boring application on the meadow. Getting hot didn't help. 15 min.
Almost noon time and a trip to the dump was in order. Jenny, Sue went the shopping route and Bob & I did the dump route with stops to John Seidel ( didn't get him but
talked to him to make sure we could run on the loop) and so Joe at Ranchland and Kip at lunch.
Backed to camp and checked the birds, quail not doing the best but Huns are great and some movement back to the recall pens. All the kids set up games in the yards and had
a nice afternoon – the misters worked well and even developed a few lakes that the dogs have been excavating. A nice dinner planned, Phil got the stereo system up and running and Lee Sienkowski and his buddy Tom stopped on their way from a remote fishing trip – water too high to fish. It turned out to be a pleasant night.
Tuesday, August 5 - a cool overcast morning. We got word that violent storms hit Sycamore, DeKalb and places east. 100 mph winds – lost a branch at our place but Luke says a lot more damage in town. We looked on the radar and a storm was heading for camp so we held off running. ( big mistake) It stayed cloudy and threatening all morning so we just did birdwork. and roading.
Roading:
• Ritha, Annie & Sorrel – solid group – 30 min. no problems – Ritha
• Lilly, Dolly & Clint – only 10min. as Clint was stressed and not up to roading.
Birdwork:
• Midge – very good handle and a nice, stylish, well mannered find – lots of praise.
• Lily – 1st time down – worked well - listened and had a well handled piece of bird work w/great style.
• Shauna – listened and hunted well – did a good job w/manners and style.
• Brie – she's just gotten into such a habit of ignoring Bob and we're working on getting her polish back. She got several corrections & finished understanding what we wanted.
Went back to camp and got another load of dogs. These were the ATeam dogs.
• Lea & Brenna –hunted those two together around the pond at Hun Pond and couldn't get either one on birds.
• Mariah – worked her around and got a STF that she stepped on as I walked to her not pretty but we took it easier on her – the next one was more of a knock on 2 but I couldn't prove it.
• Sorrel – long story but more of the same – a very stylish NP that he eventually tried to self relocate and then ended on a bump only to do the same thing on the next one.
None of the crew could scent the birds – just too green and their not acclimated enough to turn up the scenting capacity on their noses. We said that was enough. Back to camp and we'll see how it is later.
Afternoon brought one of those great napping days – just a good day. Phil is still locked in the little room – working on a major project. The little room has become command central and he's plugging away – he won't be at camp until at least Wednesday.
The afternoon was peaceful and rather warm but not the blistering heat we had recently.
A good dinner and we finally had the music fixed outside ( Brett & Phil got it running) and we could jam a bit. Rain in the forecast for later tonight.
Had a nice friendly discussion on how we are supposed to evaluate what kind of a presidential candidate a person will be based on whether or not he paid $400 for a haircut. It sounds like Mr. Geddeis could be turning into a liberal. We gladly showed him the error in his logic.
Wednesday, August 6 – Rain started seriously at about 3:30 and continued well into the morning – alternating from light to heavy and putting a big dent in our work. Phil finishing up his project today and we all spent time on the computers. Linda is still struggling with the injury but she keeps on smiling and having a good attitude. She's able to do a few exercises and hopefully that will help. Kids counting on a big dinner in town to night – celebrating the lack of time spent in front of the tube or the computer.
Roading: - rain stopped and cool so we got started roading!
• Mariah, Lea, Ernie & Suzie -- lots of standing water and this group just charged the course for 30 solid minutes.
• Brie, Kate, Hank & Tess – Tess getting with the program ( still have the front lead on her but barely need it. 30 min. – No problems
• Brett took over:
• Lily, Shauna & Annie – 20 min –Annie not real sure.
That was it for birdwork. Bob G. went to get some medicine for the quail –not doing real well. He also had some rabis shots done. I did a a lot of work on the computer and phone – tried to get caught up.
Phil &Jenny took the kids to town. Linda, Bob and I had a nice quiet evening planned and we added to that enjoyment when Joe & Laurie and their daughter came over for a nice visit. We hadn't really had a chance to visit with them so this was great. Joe might even play with Owen in the competition as her accompanist. Great to see them and they bought another business in town – used to be Kathy's Closet so she was really busy.
Thursday, August 7, 2008 – cool, dry morning – time to get moving. We got everyone on the run- going to Richardson's. Moving down the road by 7:30 not perfect but still much improved. We dropped a fence down south of the circle and got the show on the road.
Roading:
• Inde, Shauna & Annie - all coming along nicely – 30 min.
Hills:
• Erin & Brenna - only 1 chicken seen but both had solid GD races – good coverage and front. Erin more forward then Brenna but both were good. Erin a Jackrabbit chase that really stretched him out. A solid 29 min. brace with more left for both dogs.
• We got a call from Brett on the walkie talkie's – he was stuck on the south side of the home hay meadow. Phil took the truck and a tow strap and went to get him out. We waited so he could run his dog. Brett found one of those soft spots and got it buried pretty good. Got the call on the walkie talkie – got him free!!
• Lea & Midge – Midge a little slow starting but with a little help from Lea she got going. We saw 3-4 jack rabbits all in one area but the dogs missed them. A big move for both down along the CRP - going, going – gone – they reached a ½ mile front and north staying on course but really stretching. Nice solid race but no birds – Lea didn't want to quit and hooked some tweety birds at the end- guess the old dog was just too bored – Phil &Bob got her and had a talk then put the lead on her. A fun brace! 32 min.
• Lily & Sorrel – headed these two back to camp with the girls taking the rig home. Sorrel really showing some huge moves –took a dicky bird for a ride but I caught him – Lily a few spots with her nose down but overall a nice job - crossed the fence into the home meadow and sent them down Hun Alley – Sorrel ran over a bird in deep grass and was a bit spooked with Lily also knocking and chasing. Put them both on a cord – put a bird out and got Sorrel pointed with Lily backing – good stylish piece with good manners. Walked them quite a ways then cut them loose and finished nicely. 28 min. Improvement for these green brokes.
• Bart, Neely & Clifford – Neely still very unsure – stays by the horses . Bart opened up some and Clifford ran a solid puppy race – forward and hunting. 15 min.
That was the whole day as it was starting to heat up. We had a couple of horses go down in some holes – Sue on Ben who hit the deck – she rolled off gracefully and no worse for the wear! Eb tried to shake me up but I didn't let him off the hook . Back in camp –
Country Music Festival this weekend so the Phil & Jenny crew went to town and Owen met with Joe and practiced his songs for the contest.
Sue ran some more clothes line to the south fence and doubled our drying space – my wife informed me that this was a major improvement – when I was a bit to unimpressed with the innovation. Power went out in the mid afternoon – a car accident on Pine St just south of the commentary knocked a pole and that caused it. about 3-4 hours to get if fixed.
Whitney and Katherine took puppies for their nightly ( almost) walk in the meadow. What a great place for puppies. The two Lea pups ( Stryker & Tequi) are starting to climb over the pen – time to switch to a stake out.
Friday, August 8, 2008 – a bit overcast and Roger is planning on moving bulls – we're out early to meet them and help but run a brace 1st – that was the plan. We were up, motivated & loaded early and off to the south pastures. Hit the 3rd pasture and Roger had mowed a bundh of the early flatland – missed my turn and headed west – got delayed on one hill – had to unload the horses but we got them out – the next one wasn't so good. We got STUCK – not delayed – but real stuck. Finally decided to unhook the trailer and try from a different angle – also decided to send out a brace while we worked on it.
Hills:
• Brie & Kate -- Both dogs best time on the ground – strong, forward and going with the crew – Bob saw 6 chickens in the air and went charging up the hill and found Brie standing with great style. As he road to her another got up and more as he dismounted – 6 or 7 more that she had pinned. Great piece – no birds for Katie but a good race – getting hot and the girls showed stamina. 40 min.
• Meantime – Phil and I unhooked and moved for a side approach – couldn't get it right –and then we had smoke coming out of the engine. Got it moved and found a trail of red
• fluid – looked to be auto trans. fluid. It was and eventually, we couldn't even get it to move -- - not good. We waited for the crew to come and decided to head to camp – put 2 dogs in Bob's Jeep – sent the brace out and Phil & I went to camp – Phil went to town for transfluid and a funnel plus his truck. I went back to get dogs at Triple gates before they got too hot.
• In the meantime, we met Devin and Heather – looking for bulls – told him what was up & he would tell Roger & Jason.
• Ernie & Ernie – Mariah a very solid performance but no birds. Ernie – dog of the day and probably dog of camp at this point. Big race – 2 – 3 hill in front – got turned around when a young scout pointed him off the wrong way by mistake and Bob went to him and got him front – only to loose him again. As they rode looking they saw a single and went over the hill and spotted him to the front on point – they rode to him and got off to flush & birds left all around and he had to duck on a couple of them but he was perfect in style and manners – about a dozen birds pinned – great find. Sent on, he continued to roll with no let down on the ground and a very solid 30 min. race.
I came and got the dogs – back to camp and unloaded and here came Roger into camp in his pick-up – a bit peekid – it turns out he roped a bull and got sideways with his horse who blew up and gave Roger a big bucking ride – he stayed on the full 8 seconds plus some – but eventually took a big hit. Sounds like ribs and maybe more. I suggested the hospital but he wasn't too keen on that idea. He headed home and later we found out he did go and they're transporting him to Kearny – appears he has hip damage. Not good for Roger. Bob went down and helped with the bulls. Devin came into camp with some bulls and then helped up put up the pen for our horses and put the bulls in the secure pen.
Roading: Sometime during the day, Brett got to road some dogs.
• Ritha, Hank & Annie - 30 min.
Phil, Brett & me went back to the truck with Transmission fluid, house jacks and a plan. We started with the truck and 2 qts of fluid later, it was fine – just boiled the fluid out, we'll have to wait and see if it did any long term damage.
Got the jacks going and got the rubber matts under the jack and dragged it over the bad spots but still couldn't get hooked. Only one jack worked well - drove my truck and the jeep back for another jack – dropped the young girls off and got Bob to go with us. Forgot to bring Phil a cold beer – we just were off all day long. Now with 2 jacks we were able to get it high enough for hooking to Phils . Got it unstuck but should've taken off his tailgate before we tried – a bit of a crunch !!!!!!!!! Bob led the way and we tried to find flatland ( in the sandhills!!!!!!!!!) to keep from damaging the bed anymore – we made it but not exactly a pretty site. Once we hit the good trail we were okay but the damage was done. Oh well – at least we got it done but it was 4:00 pm already and time for serious Irish Whiskey !!!
Hear that Roger was not feeling too good. Looks like he might need surgery to fix the ball and socket – maybe even some metal. He's not real happy. Bob and Brett were heading up Johnstown tomorrow to help Devin, Jason with the bulls up there. We were going to get some seious dog work done.
A great night for hamburgers and a movie and everyone watched " August Rush " a real good movie especially for folks that like good music.
Roading
• Ernie, Mariah, Suzie & Lea – this group are very experience – a solid 30min with drive from beginning to end.
• Erin & Brenna – got Brett set up after we ran the hills and he is a quick study. 16 min.
• Inde & Kate – Inde dragging a bit – 16 min.
Hills:
• Brie & Hank – both dogs ran considerably better than their last time down. After the fog burned off, it was warming quickly. No pointed birds or even a STF but they just couldn't smell birds this morning. Right in the middle of them (Brie) had birds flush all around – 12+ good size chickens. Hank had birds go behind him – still no luck but a very pleasing race & stayed with me at the end. 30 min.
• Tess & Shauna – same scenerio as last brace. Tess in the middle of birds coming off a hillside and barely acknowledged their existence. She still get's sticky but overall her biggest race off horseback –not ready to get on her for getting stuck but I will have to eventually. Shauna – the best young dog race in a long time. Flowing and front – good speed, style and pattern. Dropped her nose like a turtle in the area and as Bob told her to get out of there – the 1st chicken left and then 2 more. A slight stop, then a mandatory stop and light correction. More birds as we road – maybe 10-12 at least that brace. 40min & Shauna DOD.
Meadows:
• Bart & Clifford – ran these two but they hooked up playing a bit today and had a rather boring application on the meadow. Getting hot didn't help. 15 min.
Almost noon time and a trip to the dump was in order. Jenny, Sue went the shopping route and Bob & I did the dump route with stops to John Seidel ( didn't get him but
talked to him to make sure we could run on the loop) and so Joe at Ranchland and Kip at lunch.
Backed to camp and checked the birds, quail not doing the best but Huns are great and some movement back to the recall pens. All the kids set up games in the yards and had
a nice afternoon – the misters worked well and even developed a few lakes that the dogs have been excavating. A nice dinner planned, Phil got the stereo system up and running and Lee Sienkowski and his buddy Tom stopped on their way from a remote fishing trip – water too high to fish. It turned out to be a pleasant night.
Tuesday, August 5 - a cool overcast morning. We got word that violent storms hit Sycamore, DeKalb and places east. 100 mph winds – lost a branch at our place but Luke says a lot more damage in town. We looked on the radar and a storm was heading for camp so we held off running. ( big mistake) It stayed cloudy and threatening all morning so we just did birdwork. and roading.
Roading:
• Ritha, Annie & Sorrel – solid group – 30 min. no problems – Ritha
• Lilly, Dolly & Clint – only 10min. as Clint was stressed and not up to roading.
Birdwork:
• Midge – very good handle and a nice, stylish, well mannered find – lots of praise.
• Lily – 1st time down – worked well - listened and had a well handled piece of bird work w/great style.
• Shauna – listened and hunted well – did a good job w/manners and style.
• Brie – she's just gotten into such a habit of ignoring Bob and we're working on getting her polish back. She got several corrections & finished understanding what we wanted.
Went back to camp and got another load of dogs. These were the ATeam dogs.
• Lea & Brenna –hunted those two together around the pond at Hun Pond and couldn't get either one on birds.
• Mariah – worked her around and got a STF that she stepped on as I walked to her not pretty but we took it easier on her – the next one was more of a knock on 2 but I couldn't prove it.
• Sorrel – long story but more of the same – a very stylish NP that he eventually tried to self relocate and then ended on a bump only to do the same thing on the next one.
None of the crew could scent the birds – just too green and their not acclimated enough to turn up the scenting capacity on their noses. We said that was enough. Back to camp and we'll see how it is later.
Afternoon brought one of those great napping days – just a good day. Phil is still locked in the little room – working on a major project. The little room has become command central and he's plugging away – he won't be at camp until at least Wednesday.
The afternoon was peaceful and rather warm but not the blistering heat we had recently.
A good dinner and we finally had the music fixed outside ( Brett & Phil got it running) and we could jam a bit. Rain in the forecast for later tonight.
Had a nice friendly discussion on how we are supposed to evaluate what kind of a presidential candidate a person will be based on whether or not he paid $400 for a haircut. It sounds like Mr. Geddeis could be turning into a liberal. We gladly showed him the error in his logic.
Wednesday, August 6 – Rain started seriously at about 3:30 and continued well into the morning – alternating from light to heavy and putting a big dent in our work. Phil finishing up his project today and we all spent time on the computers. Linda is still struggling with the injury but she keeps on smiling and having a good attitude. She's able to do a few exercises and hopefully that will help. Kids counting on a big dinner in town to night – celebrating the lack of time spent in front of the tube or the computer.
Roading: - rain stopped and cool so we got started roading!
• Mariah, Lea, Ernie & Suzie -- lots of standing water and this group just charged the course for 30 solid minutes.
• Brie, Kate, Hank & Tess – Tess getting with the program ( still have the front lead on her but barely need it. 30 min. – No problems
• Brett took over:
• Lily, Shauna & Annie – 20 min –Annie not real sure.
That was it for birdwork. Bob G. went to get some medicine for the quail –not doing real well. He also had some rabis shots done. I did a a lot of work on the computer and phone – tried to get caught up.
Phil &Jenny took the kids to town. Linda, Bob and I had a nice quiet evening planned and we added to that enjoyment when Joe & Laurie and their daughter came over for a nice visit. We hadn't really had a chance to visit with them so this was great. Joe might even play with Owen in the competition as her accompanist. Great to see them and they bought another business in town – used to be Kathy's Closet so she was really busy.
Thursday, August 7, 2008 – cool, dry morning – time to get moving. We got everyone on the run- going to Richardson's. Moving down the road by 7:30 not perfect but still much improved. We dropped a fence down south of the circle and got the show on the road.
Roading:
• Inde, Shauna & Annie - all coming along nicely – 30 min.
Hills:
• Erin & Brenna - only 1 chicken seen but both had solid GD races – good coverage and front. Erin more forward then Brenna but both were good. Erin a Jackrabbit chase that really stretched him out. A solid 29 min. brace with more left for both dogs.
• We got a call from Brett on the walkie talkie's – he was stuck on the south side of the home hay meadow. Phil took the truck and a tow strap and went to get him out. We waited so he could run his dog. Brett found one of those soft spots and got it buried pretty good. Got the call on the walkie talkie – got him free!!
• Lea & Midge – Midge a little slow starting but with a little help from Lea she got going. We saw 3-4 jack rabbits all in one area but the dogs missed them. A big move for both down along the CRP - going, going – gone – they reached a ½ mile front and north staying on course but really stretching. Nice solid race but no birds – Lea didn't want to quit and hooked some tweety birds at the end- guess the old dog was just too bored – Phil &Bob got her and had a talk then put the lead on her. A fun brace! 32 min.
• Lily & Sorrel – headed these two back to camp with the girls taking the rig home. Sorrel really showing some huge moves –took a dicky bird for a ride but I caught him – Lily a few spots with her nose down but overall a nice job - crossed the fence into the home meadow and sent them down Hun Alley – Sorrel ran over a bird in deep grass and was a bit spooked with Lily also knocking and chasing. Put them both on a cord – put a bird out and got Sorrel pointed with Lily backing – good stylish piece with good manners. Walked them quite a ways then cut them loose and finished nicely. 28 min. Improvement for these green brokes.
• Bart, Neely & Clifford – Neely still very unsure – stays by the horses . Bart opened up some and Clifford ran a solid puppy race – forward and hunting. 15 min.
That was the whole day as it was starting to heat up. We had a couple of horses go down in some holes – Sue on Ben who hit the deck – she rolled off gracefully and no worse for the wear! Eb tried to shake me up but I didn't let him off the hook . Back in camp –
Country Music Festival this weekend so the Phil & Jenny crew went to town and Owen met with Joe and practiced his songs for the contest.
Sue ran some more clothes line to the south fence and doubled our drying space – my wife informed me that this was a major improvement – when I was a bit to unimpressed with the innovation. Power went out in the mid afternoon – a car accident on Pine St just south of the commentary knocked a pole and that caused it. about 3-4 hours to get if fixed.
Whitney and Katherine took puppies for their nightly ( almost) walk in the meadow. What a great place for puppies. The two Lea pups ( Stryker & Tequi) are starting to climb over the pen – time to switch to a stake out.
Friday, August 8, 2008 – a bit overcast and Roger is planning on moving bulls – we're out early to meet them and help but run a brace 1st – that was the plan. We were up, motivated & loaded early and off to the south pastures. Hit the 3rd pasture and Roger had mowed a bundh of the early flatland – missed my turn and headed west – got delayed on one hill – had to unload the horses but we got them out – the next one wasn't so good. We got STUCK – not delayed – but real stuck. Finally decided to unhook the trailer and try from a different angle – also decided to send out a brace while we worked on it.
Hills:
• Brie & Kate -- Both dogs best time on the ground – strong, forward and going with the crew – Bob saw 6 chickens in the air and went charging up the hill and found Brie standing with great style. As he road to her another got up and more as he dismounted – 6 or 7 more that she had pinned. Great piece – no birds for Katie but a good race – getting hot and the girls showed stamina. 40 min.
• Meantime – Phil and I unhooked and moved for a side approach – couldn't get it right –and then we had smoke coming out of the engine. Got it moved and found a trail of red
• fluid – looked to be auto trans. fluid. It was and eventually, we couldn't even get it to move -- - not good. We waited for the crew to come and decided to head to camp – put 2 dogs in Bob's Jeep – sent the brace out and Phil & I went to camp – Phil went to town for transfluid and a funnel plus his truck. I went back to get dogs at Triple gates before they got too hot.
• In the meantime, we met Devin and Heather – looking for bulls – told him what was up & he would tell Roger & Jason.
• Ernie & Ernie – Mariah a very solid performance but no birds. Ernie – dog of the day and probably dog of camp at this point. Big race – 2 – 3 hill in front – got turned around when a young scout pointed him off the wrong way by mistake and Bob went to him and got him front – only to loose him again. As they rode looking they saw a single and went over the hill and spotted him to the front on point – they rode to him and got off to flush & birds left all around and he had to duck on a couple of them but he was perfect in style and manners – about a dozen birds pinned – great find. Sent on, he continued to roll with no let down on the ground and a very solid 30 min. race.
I came and got the dogs – back to camp and unloaded and here came Roger into camp in his pick-up – a bit peekid – it turns out he roped a bull and got sideways with his horse who blew up and gave Roger a big bucking ride – he stayed on the full 8 seconds plus some – but eventually took a big hit. Sounds like ribs and maybe more. I suggested the hospital but he wasn't too keen on that idea. He headed home and later we found out he did go and they're transporting him to Kearny – appears he has hip damage. Not good for Roger. Bob went down and helped with the bulls. Devin came into camp with some bulls and then helped up put up the pen for our horses and put the bulls in the secure pen.
Roading: Sometime during the day, Brett got to road some dogs.
• Ritha, Hank & Annie - 30 min.
Phil, Brett & me went back to the truck with Transmission fluid, house jacks and a plan. We started with the truck and 2 qts of fluid later, it was fine – just boiled the fluid out, we'll have to wait and see if it did any long term damage.
Got the jacks going and got the rubber matts under the jack and dragged it over the bad spots but still couldn't get hooked. Only one jack worked well - drove my truck and the jeep back for another jack – dropped the young girls off and got Bob to go with us. Forgot to bring Phil a cold beer – we just were off all day long. Now with 2 jacks we were able to get it high enough for hooking to Phils . Got it unstuck but should've taken off his tailgate before we tried – a bit of a crunch !!!!!!!!! Bob led the way and we tried to find flatland ( in the sandhills!!!!!!!!!) to keep from damaging the bed anymore – we made it but not exactly a pretty site. Once we hit the good trail we were okay but the damage was done. Oh well – at least we got it done but it was 4:00 pm already and time for serious Irish Whiskey !!!
Hear that Roger was not feeling too good. Looks like he might need surgery to fix the ball and socket – maybe even some metal. He's not real happy. Bob and Brett were heading up Johnstown tomorrow to help Devin, Jason with the bulls up there. We were going to get some seious dog work done.
A great night for hamburgers and a movie and everyone watched " August Rush " a real good movie especially for folks that like good music.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
