Sunday, August 1, 2010

Old pictures.

I must first apologize to all my friends and Blogger buddies. I am sorry I have fallen so behind in all my emails and Blog reading. I just can't seem to catch up and keep getting further and further behind. Someday when all these projects slow down, maybe I can catch up.  I do enjoy your emails and updates very much, so please don't write me off.  I won't always be this busy.  Chuck, I really worry about you, and hope you're OK. Bruce, thanks for your thoughts, they mean a lot to me.
My Cousin, Jackie McFall Montgomery, whom I haven't seen or heard from for over 50 years, suddenly showed up on Facebook and gave me this picture of her Father, my Uncle Harry. This is a picture taken right here in Custer, SD in 1947 of Uncle Harry riding a saddle bronc. He was a professional Rodeo Cowboy and my idol. Harry was in his prime right about this time and I was just a 12 year old kid.  Two years later in 1949, he was recognized by the Rodeo Cowboy Association (RCA) as one of the top Saddle Bronc riders in the USA. Who knows, I could be one of those kids on the fence watching.. 
Jackie also posted this old photo of the 3 McFall brothers. That's Uncle Harry on the left, my Dad, Fred, in the middle and Uncle Herb on the right. I don't know what the date was when this was taken, but it sure brings back the memories. These boys didn't have an easy childhood and had to work hard for everything but they had a great life and did well. They had quite a reputation as they grew up and didn't ever miss any excitement. I always heard that you couldn't whip just one of them in a fight, you had to whip them all. They stuck together. They are all gone now, but their memories will be with us forever. My Dad was the last to pass on and he has been gone over 8 years.

Jackie didn't give me this picture, but I thought it is a perfect example of the way the Indians used to live in this area.
This is a local Cowboy riding herd many, many years ago..

I was out riding my Harley in Custer State Park the other day and spotted several of the baby Buffalo. I always thought they were so neat. This Momma is telling me not to get any closer to her Baby or I'll be sorry.  I ran into a herd of almost a 1000 head.....biggest heard I have ever seen all in one spot, except at Roundup time.  I love this Park. I will say that my 9 years of working there was one of the most favorable work times of my life. I think Ms Pat will agree.

I think this Big Old Bull wants to play some basketball with someone, I am not willing to volunteer!!!



We are continuing to enjoy our summer up here in this beautiful part of the country that we have chosen over all the other great country we have seen while RV'ing for the last 15 years. As the Dry Wall contractor finishes up his end of our ongoing project that we are now officially calling the "Summer Cabin", we all get to take a little break. Yesterday, we took Rocky and Sheri out on a little 4 wheeler expedition. We traveled 30 miles and saw some great scenery.

This morning it's off to church, then back to work. We want to get all the sheeting installed on the top of our "Summer Cabin". It gets rather HOT up there, but it's cloudy and cool right now. Lets hope it stays that way.

Stay tuned and come back Wednesday for more on our project, as it is moving along quite nicely.  Rollie and Gina's Blog will have updates, too.

It was a GREAT WEEK!!!!

Mike

This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday..

7 comments:

All Because Two People Fell In Love said...

Great Photo's!! As the saying goes I'm sure "those were the times". I agree that I like "Summer Cabin" Apartment just didn't fit.

Love Y'all,
Your Kids

Weldon and Sandy said...

Great post Mike. Love those pictures. One question how does that drywall contractor get up and off those stilts. Simply amazing.....

Happytrails said...

Mike/Pat,
Great photos of times now gone. It appears you have quite a history in that area of the country. I agree with Rollie and Gina.. "those were the times."
Your summer cabin is really coming together and we are so happy for you guys. What a grand place to spend the summer months.
Take care and God bless!
Mike & Gerri

Rick said...

Great old photos, Mike. It's sure great to hear a story like yours and remember that our folks all had things a lot tougher than we've ever had it.

The new digs are really starting to come together now - get out the paint and brushes!

Rod Ivers said...

Folks from SD were always a little tougher than most, and your pictures bear this out quite nicely!

Al Bossence said...

Love the quality in those old black & white photographs. Sure is a different world now from the old days. I guess in keeping with the old days theme you won't be putting any heat, electric, or plumbing in the summer cabin eh:))

Carol said...

Boy, I sure do know what you mean about not being able to stay on top of it all! Finally getting a chance to see what you two are doing...and you are staying busy as well. Hugs to both of you from both of us! :)+