Rodeo Pics, Part 3

Here are some rodeo facts:

The first Folsom rodeo was held in 1960.

The Folsom Pro Rodeo provides a nearly $1.6 million economic boost to the community. I know this is true, because the corndog stand was selling giant pickles for $5. That's right. Five dollars EACH.

Here is a shot of what I call "The Stern Man." It was his job to ride around the arena before the show, looking especially grumpy. I like him, though; he's got character.

Rodeo Pics, Part 2

Here's a shot of a cowboy riding bareback. According to the 48th Annual Folsom Pro Rodeo information booklet, the "pickup man" is a mounted cowboy who helps the rider off of a bronc when the ride is completed. The pickup man also removes the flank strap from the bronc and leads it out of the arena. Well, yes...if the horse is willing to go. (About half the time he's not, which makes the show all the more entertaining.)

Folsom Rodeo Pics

Here's a rodeo joke:

One clown says to another, "I don't know, Bobby. That bull looks really sick to me."

"Gosh, Bud, I think he looks just fine. Why do you think he's sick?"

"Because he just threw up a rider."

By the time the bulls came on last night, it was getting dark -- which means Steve wasn't happy with his bull pics, but here's a good photo of a cowboy preparing for a team-roping event.

Folsom Rodeo

Heading out to the Folsom Pro Rodeo in a few. Maya is going with us, and I'm willing to bet she shows up in jeans and Justin ropers. (I've got a pair of ropers too, but it's 95 degrees out; think I'll stick with my Birkenstocks.) Events include bull riding; bronc riding; bareback riding; steer wrestling;barrel racing; tie-down roping; and mutton-busting for the wee ones. Look for pics tomorrow!

Del Castillo is Coming to Davis!

Del Castillo, one of our fave Latin rock bands, will perform in Davis, California, at the Mondavi Center on Monday, July 28. DC's drummer, Mike Zeoli, goes way back with our family, as he went to high school in Texas with our oldest, Jena, and hung out for a couple of days with us when we lived in Virginia. Haven't seen him for years, but hope to say hey when we see him in Davis. Check out DC's website here.

Chiron Review

It's out -- Chiron Review's Summer 2008 issue, featuring my short story, "Little House on the Perry," which also took second place in a recent Writer's Digest writing competition (of nearly 3,000 entries!). Read the story here.