Saturday, June 20, 2009

It's country livin' these days for old Sandman. Rhubarb's thick. Summer has arrived.

Thursday I went to the Dunn County Historical Society meeting. Helen McMahen retired as secretary. In honor of her thirty years of service, they served Koolaid and cake and gave her a plaque.

Friday I partook in a Burnin' Daylight Adventure at Ted and Dawn Kupper's ranch. After a meal of burgers and beans, Shawn Goodall, with his girlfriend Laci's help, loaded sixteen of us into a sturdy wagon hitched to his Belgian draft horses, Ram and Rod. We rode for two hours through some of western North Dakota's most breathtaking breaks and badlands. Laci got the gates. Upon return to camp, I sang songs such as "Home on the Range" and "She'll Be Comin' Around the Mountain" next to the campfire, while the little kids made s'mores. [Plug: you should join us on one of these adventures--they are very affordable. A wagon ride alone is priceless. Click on the above link for more info.]

Yesterday I performed at the annual Pit Barbeque in Manning in exchange for supper and a rugby-sized chunk of buffalo meat. The meat was wrapped in denim and bound in wire. It was dragged out of a dirt pit full of dozens of other denim-wrapped, wire-bound hunks of cooked pork, beef, and bison. A highlight of the event for me was having Grandpa join me with his harmonica on "I Ride an Old Paint."

Happy Father's Day, Dad (pictured), and Happy Solstice, everyone!

7 comments:

Flying Mermaid said...

"In honor of her thirty years of service, they served Kool-Aid and cake and gave her a plaque." This statement made me very happy. As did the picture -- it's you and your dad?

Chris Sand said...

That is me and Pops. It's a thundering and lightening here, Emily! Exciting!!

Charlene said...

Dang, Sandman...you are the spittin' image of your dad!

I love your stories of life up there in the wild country. So idyllic and real. You have quite the diverse and fascinating life, indeed.

Unknown said...

Chris: You were awesome at the campfire. We are getting two groups together before you leave. Are you available on the 1st. Fayleen

Unknown said...

Thanks Chris. We are putting two groups together for this week. Are you available on the 1st?

Chris Sand said...

Hi Fayleen--I was considering leaving that day, but could probably just as easily leave on the 2nd. Count me in.

Charlene--the funny thing is, my Sand relatives think I look more like my Mom's side.

Anonymous said...

you do look more like your mom's side if you ask me but damn if you didn't get your daddy's bow legs!