Closing In

Bridget and Star going places

With the finals just weeks away, we're getting down to the finer points here in Carbondale, and in the midst of a big push to finalize everything. Fund-raising continues, so if you have not sponsored a dog, bought a hat, a jacket, or otherwise made a donation of some kind to your finals, now is the time.


Star in class

Volunteers are still needed for lots of jobs from exhaust to backup scribe. Check out the website for more info on that. Star, Bridget and I were at the Roaring Fork High School yesterday demonstrating how much fun a sheepdog trial can be, and trolling for youthful help. They put us on the soccer field, and I could have demonstrated in bare feet. We used 20 kids to make 2 sets of panels, and the Principal for a post. With a little variation, Star hit everything, made a nice turn, and they liked us! 

Work to be done

The hay is off both trial fields, and work there has begun in earnest. Snow fence is going up at set-out, panels are arriving for exhaust, and the committee has begun charting placements. I am on more than 1 schedule for pickup and delivery of trailers, and generators, and work has begun in the area of the practice field. Thank goodness for Octavio, ranch hand extraordinaire. He sneaks around and gets a lot done when no one is looking, and he is one helluva nice guy. If you spot him running around on his Gator or ATV, I recommend you take time to say thanks.   

A line at the Movie

 Did I mention that we are still raising money? Bridget took a risk and rented the movie, Sweetgrass, to be shown at the Crystal Theatre in old town Carbondale. I'm happy to report that it paid off, and we almost sold out for both showings. The beautifully restored venue only seats 120 or so, and it was gratifying to see the town turn out and fill all but a handful of seats each day. The townsfolk are good people, and they're clearly excited about our finals.

Omnipresent

I showed up yesterday at the theatre to pass out finals programs, while Bridget worked the window. Theatre owners were raking it in hand over fist selling popcorn and drinks, and were quite happy to be our hosts. This was a innovative idea, and I was glad to see it bear fruit. Preparing for a jumping clinic at the ranch today, Bridget did the high school demo in the morning, readied the clinic, then sped off to sell movie tickets. The girl is a whirlwind of activity, and I just manage to trail behind.

I'm on my way to Marianne Sasak's Steamboat Springs Sheepdog Trial this weekend, leaving Thursday. With hope I'll have cell service and i-net capability. If so, I'll check in with you. It's my first time to this one, and I'm looking forward to it. I'll be thinking of my friends over at SoHo, and I wish for them another hugely successful trial, and for us good weather. In the meantime the work continues.