We’re in Calgary to visit my inlaws. We got here last Saturday, and it’s largely been cloudy and wet. Today, however, the city is glistening in all its summer glory: from the condo, I enjoy a vista of snow-capped mountains surrounded by lush greenery and the pastoral Elbow River. It’s the kind of natural beauty that really is lacking in my urban Toronto ‘hood.
I attended my first rodeo today at the Calgary Stampede. It was, really, far from what I expected. The event was a highly civilized social occasion centered around a few, varied horse and bull-themed sporting events. The bull riding was my favourite – it was apparent that the riders had immense skill and endurance, and the mere physicality of the bull’s presence cast an aura of imminent danger and drama. I’ve got pictures that I will post when I’m back on my own computer.
Embracing the spirit, my husband and I went shopping for cowboy hats today and wore them sportingly to the rodeo! I’ve kind of grown fond of mine, and am considering wearing it on my next jaunt for groceries in Toronto!
My kids are enjoying the no-rules environment thoroughly and watching much too much TV. I’m pretty focused on keeping the Baby happy; she doesn’t adapt easily to new people and places, so she’s mostly with me or my husband. We’ve been going on lots of walks, visiting with family and friends, and having lots of down-time in the condo. I’ll post one more time from Calgary, and give you the scoop on our overnight trip to Canmore to attend a wedding.
There is nothing better for walking the dog in the rain than a cowgirl hat.