Day 16 - February 16. We got up early as the girls had school and I had a radio interview. Luckily it was recorded (and not live) as we had to "pause" when the airforce jets were flying overhead. The girls worked the mares and then we went and hung out with the team ropers while they practiced. They were so very nice and welcoming. The girls each got to score two "slow" steers - they are hooked! We turned the mares out and then got ready for the barrel race at Buckeye. Montan and Gin knocked the first barrel, but Matlayn and Pippa were 2nd in the 4D. Breezy and Matalyn also had a nice time only. 

My Uncle Bruce and Aunt Gai came to watch again as did my friend and colleague from the University of Arizona, Betsy. Uncle Bruce brought us some fresh oranges and grapefruit from his in-law's trees - always a wonderful treat! Besty and I grabbed a bit to eat while the girls dog sat Weezy, her Jack Russel Terrier puppy (don't worry, we brought them back dinner). Betsy and I then took the truck and fueled up since we need to hook the trailer up in the morning. She then headed back to Tuscon.    

Funny story - I was chatting with one of the team ropers and I asked him what I should do. He responded, "just rest your elbow on the saddle horn, and watch, you'll fit right in". As I looked down the line of horses, sure enough - that's what they were doing! As we were leaving, I told him it was fun hanging out with them and he smiled and said "no one ever wants to hang out with us"! 

Day 17 - February 17.  We got up this morning, hooked up the trailer, and headed over to Liz and Wayne's arena for a lesson with Sue. But, not before I had a15 minute fight with my nemesis the sewer hose - that thing is so hard to get off! It has not rained since we got here, so the barrel patch in the yard was getting pretty hard and Wayne and Liz have a nice arena close by. They were predicting high winds this afternoon (guests up to 40 mph), so it's good we worked the mares in the morning. We found out the high winds are called haboobs and are usually associated with sand and dust storms (like the one we were in at Maricopa). Fortunately, the winds were not as strong as predicted today.  

We came back to Buckeye and I worked and the girls got caught up on school. It was an easy and enjoyable afternoon and evening. I fished up the day with a walk and the girls practiced roping. 

Two interesting observations - it gets so hot here in the summer, that the PVC poles "warp". I do think a Minnesota summer and Arizona winter go very well together! At Liz and Wayne's, they also had circular "bubble levels" screwed to the top of each barrel to ensure they were sitting square. What a great idea!