Doc

After breakfast, it was time for my first ever horseback ride.  The wrangler and her helpers got me settled into the saddle on "Doc".  Here's the money shot of Doc and me.

After about 1/2 hour, I was ready to call it enough for a first ride.  Went to the room to post the photo.  In the afternoon, I again rode Doc - this time for a hour-long riding lesson.

After the lesson, I was feeling a little more comfortable riding.  Learned more of the way to guide the horse, getting him to go where I wanted him to go.

After a shower and changing into my evening wear, I settled into a stool on the bar in the saloon.  Was a little hungry.  Had some bar-food washed down with pints of Kilt Lifter.  Later, we moved into the card room to learn how to play Texas Hold-um.

Tired. I headed to my room about 10pm.  Had an order of deep-fried cheese curds and some fries as food.  Foir pints of beet, and a couple hours of practice poker..  Unfortunately, I was so wired, I had problems getting to sleep.  It was an awesome day.

New Western Style Sport Jacket

My suit(s) did not fit me. Forgot to pack my blazer when I moved. Today I headed out to Cavenders Western Store and picked up a jacket. I think it will go well with my cats (black, brown& and straw, with various western shirts, and blue, black, or beige jeans. And the option of bolo tie or sans tie.

Iowa and Packing

Before leaving New Mexico, I stopped by Boot Barn for some summer season western dud.

I made in back to Iowa just before Memorial Day.  Spent nearly a month sorting and deciding things I wanted to move to New Mexico.  One of my Omaha friends came out a couple times to help me sort, pack, and load the moving POD.

The packing was slow going.  As the weather heated up and the humidity came up, I found it difficult to keep motivated. Kept up my routine of Saturday breakfast at Super Saver and coffees Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at Panera Bread.

The month was also filled with final visits to my health care providers in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area.  I had become friends with many of them, having been with them for many years.  

Soon enough, it was getting close to a month where I needed back to New Mexico to pick up mail, pay bills, and see my new family doctor.

Cowboy Wear

When in Rome...   New Mexico is a western state with a rich cowboy/rancher heritage.  It does not hurt that I like to wear western gear.  The clothes I have at home currently do not fit me.  So, headed out to the Boot Barn on San Mateo. 

First on the shopping list was a decent pair of boots.  The western boots I have worn, are not the best boots - generally from discount retailers.  This time I wanted to buy a pair that fit me comfortable and are a pleasure to wear, not as a fashion statement.  Tyler (sales clerk) helped me select a pair of Durango boots with a walking heel. 

Next were a shirt and a belt.  Boot Barn had a good selection of Wrangler western shirts with snap closure in my size.  This was surprising, being the best fit was 2XT (double X Tall).

I have many western belts at home, all to short to me at this time.  We found a belt with some design in the leather, and no large trophy buckle.  Had to get some supplies for the boots - boot jack, boot hooks, and leather conditioner.

Was a successful shopping trip.