Good Company and Pink Lightning

I already shared with you the business end of my trip to Oklahoma and Kansas so I think it is only fair that I share with you the rest of my adventure.  I have great friends and colleagues that are always coming up with ways to entertain, so there was never a dull moment!

Rodeo Announcers Shop Talk- Justin McKee, Me, Wayne Brooks

I helped Justin and Jeannie McKee gather cows on Thursday and Friday mornings.  On Friday, I had just hopped off my horse and was getting ready to hit to road to Gas, KS when Wayne Brooks pulled up.  Wayne is a former PRCA Announcer of the Year and was in the area to work the State Fair rodeo.  He had the morning off and decided to drive up to see Justin.  It was a pleasant surprise on both ends to run into each other.  The three of us, Wayne, Justin and myself, stood around and talked announcer shop for a while before I hit the road.  It never ceases to amaze me how small the World is some days.

 Friday evening was enjoyed with good company and lots of laughs.  Thanks to the always entertaining Andrew!

The Bird Hunting A Team- Charly, Me, Blaine, Mike

 Saturday morning started with a hearty breakfast at the Copan, OK truck stop.  We then headed off pheasant hunting.  Brian Little, our host, along with the rest of the participants all decided to add some friendly competition to the hunt and place a wager on the team that could bring in the most birds.  My team consisted of Charly Cummings, cattle buyer Mike Lotz and his son Blaine.  Sadly, I had to leave the hunt early in order to catch a plane in Wichita, KS.  However, our team still won the competition!  I don’t know if that shows how good Charly, Mike and Blaine are or how the rest of the boys need a little more practice…hmmm?!

 

 I want to give a quick shout out about Blaine Lotz.  He is a hard work young man and an aspiring auctioneer.  I first had the pleasure of meeting him when he was a student at the Western College of Auctioneering last year.  He is currently President of his FFA Chapter and is active in the livestock industry.  He was at the sale Thursday helping his dad buy cattle.  It is great to see young people so involved with the livestock marketing industry.  I look forward to hearing about his continued accomplishments.  Hats off to you Blaine!

 Finally, the story of my trip would not be complete without mentioning Jay Romine and his pink moped.  I thought my rental car was small until I saw him on Pink Lightning!

Jay Romine on Pink Lightning

Just a reminder that next Saturday, October 23 is the second of the 2011 WLAC Quarterfinal events.  It will be in Ponoka, Alberta Canada and will start at 10:00 AM GMT.  As always, the contest will be broadcast live on LMAAuctions.  You will not want to miss this event as it will be a true World showcase of Livestock Auctioneers.  There will be contestants from the US, Canada and Australia competing!