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Are you aware it is incorrect to say, “Koala bear?” A koala is a marsupial, not a bear. And do you know what the aborigines call a boomerang that doesn’t come back? A stick. What does all this have to do with the 2015 Midway USA & NRA Bianchi Cup? Read on….

For the past 36 years, around the 3rd week in May, a group a people from countries around the world gather in Columbia, MO. Although they all bring their pistols to compete in the four events of the prestigious match, it is so much more. The Bianchi Cup has become a reunion, a time to get together with friends you may only see once a year.

As with any get together, we reminisce about jokes and stories from previous years. When I see my friends from Barbados I will ask them to braid my hair and play the steel drums (no, they really don’t do that.) Also, the sharing of high quality spirits and fine cigars always takes place while we celebrate birthdays, including my son’s and Mark Christopher Larwence’s. Our usual trip to Larry’s boots will take place, where we always run into one or two people from Australia. Oh, and a word of advice, never mistake an Australian for a New Zealander or visa versa.

The rose given by Vera Koo.

During the evening of the western barbecue we overindulge in amazing food, to include a variety of delicious fruit pies. Most guests arrive dressed in boots, jeans, hats or some type of western shirt. Quite opposite of this event is the awards ceremony on the final evening, when everyone is dressed in their finest. Every year, Vera Koo presents each lady with a single rose. It’s a great event with cheers, giggles and applause.

Michelle’s collection of koalas.

So, what does all this have to do with three koala bears? Ever since my first year at the match, I received one of these adorable little guys from Clive, a gentleman from Australia. He only hands these out to the ladies, and they always come with a story. This was Clive’s final year of the Bianchi Cup, his last time traveling to the States. He will be missed and I admit, my tears flowed during the official announcement.

I guess if I had to answer what the Midway USA & NRA Bianchi Cup is to me, I would say, “A reunion of friends, from around the world, where we also shoot a little.”

Hopefully, the Bianchi Cup will remain a wonderful experience.

The ‘Simple Life’ Seems More Difficult

Often I hear people say, “Life was so much easier back then.” The particular time period referred to varies, depending on who is making the statement. Often, it’s before computers and the internet, other times it’s before television. This spring, as I bring my yard back up to par, I am reminded of a more simple time I’ve heard mentioned and remember just slightly. Back when I was in preschool, and my great grandparents, Busia and Jaja were still alive. They had a beautiful, well kept yard in a neighborhood outside the city.

Their driveway ran along the side of the house, to the unattached garage in the back. Even if we parked on the street, we always entered through the backyard. I can vividly recall stepping stones made of white marble leading to the back door. Snap dragons of various colors and roses lined the driveway and along the house. An apple, cherry and peach trees shaded the yard, and tall blueberry bushes engulfed the far side of the house. Along the side of the garage they planted a prosperous garden (from seeds) every year. Directly behind it, bordering their yard, grew a thick, long row of raspberry bushes.

Busia (Veronica, my great-grandmother), not only picked the fruit and vegetables, but also canned everything. They say she would pick an apple off the ground, bite out the worm hole and continue eating (or save it for a pie). Her flowerbeds were always spectacular and welcoming to birds and butterflies. And all this she did while wearing a house dress and apron.

As I venture into my own backyard, carrying store bought tomato and pepper plants, I can only hope Busia looks down on me and at least notices the effort. While she planted 20 or more tomato plants, I will have 5, with about 4 pepper plants. Perhaps I will add some lettuce, however, nothing will compare to her rows of carrots, lettuce and other vegetables. Last year, with valiant effort, I planted dwarf blueberry bushes. Unfortunately, this spring it seems a groundhog is enjoying snacking on them.

Perhaps I follow more in her footsteps with my flowerbeds. Various perennials begin blooming in early spring and the beds maintain a splash of color well into fall. Many years ago, I even planted a rosebush in her honor. To my surprise, year after year, it grows back with more blooms than ever. Wildlife is also abundant. All day I can hear the birds beautiful songs as they eat from the many feeders and build nests in the bird houses. Once again, the hummingbirds made their usual appearance on Mother’s Day. Likewise, the finch and woodpeckers returned to the feeder and the house wrens are busily adding sticks to the nest they are building.

Was life simpler back then? It doesn’t seem so to me. How did Busia have time to care for such and beautiful yard, maintain a garden and can her harvest? Did she ever sit in her yard and enjoy life? I honestly don’t know. One of my goals this year is to still have my beautiful flower beds and simple garden, but allow time to enjoy them. Hopefully Busia smiles down on me and is proud, even if I am wearing jeans.

Are you ready for the simple life?

A Yankee Learns about the Civil War

As an adult history intrigues. I love reading books about historical fiction even though I hated the subject in high school. Recently, while searching through my recommended movies on Amazon Prime, I found the PBS series, “Mercy Street“. The show’s online description said, “Inspired by real people and events, Mercy Street goes beyond the front lines of the Civil War and into the chaotic world of the Mansion House Hospital in Union-occupied Alexandria, Virginia.” Happily, although not quite the replacement for my beloved Downton Abbey, I found a new series to fill the empty space left when the series ended. If you have an interest in the Civil War, this is an eye opening series to watch. However, as I’ve mentioned before, I sometimes get a little obsessed when I find something interesting. So, my Civil War search began.

On a recent trip to Tennessee, a state rich in Civil War, my husband Chris and I visited the quaint town of Franklin, TN. To look it at now, the more than a century old buildings are well cared for, the shops are exquisite and the food is spectacular. It’s eerie to think what happened there, on the same grounds I walked, more than 150 years ago. On November 30, 1864 The Battle of Franklin, which only lasted barely 5 hours, began. In the end, 9,500 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured, or counted as missing. The Carnton home served as the largest field hospital in the area for hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers.

Even with the limited, we spent one morning walking the peaceful grounds of the Carnton Plantation. The grand home with it’s enormous columns is the centerpiece of the plantation. However, since time didn’t permit a tour of the home, we strolled through the confederate cemetery, a final burial place for nearly 1,500 Confederate of the soldiers killed during the Battle of Franklin. Just the short walk added more questions I wanted answered. Who is buried in the family cemetary? What is the significance of the pennies on the gravestones? Do family still visit? All more reserach for when I arrived home.

While pursuing the Carnton Plantation gift shop I found a beautiful display of books. Always in search of a great piece of historic fiction, I left the store with “The Widow of the South” by Robert Hicks. Although I haven’t finished reading it yet, it’s very entertaining so far.

Why am I telling you all this? I’m hoping to inspire you to search a little farther when you find something that interests you. If you are traveling, visit places that feed this interest. When there’s no time to travel, read and search for movies. Enjoy life and find your passions!

What are you favorite books or places to visit about the Civil War?

A Cup of Tea and a Shotgun

Downton Abbey, one of my favorite television series, came to an end recently after 6 spectacular seasons. Unlike most people, each evening as the show aired, I donned one of my many tiaras and sipped tea while becoming engrossed in the characters’ lives. During the first 3 seasons, I spent my Sunday evening ritual alone. However, on the fourth season, I allowed my husband (or dare I say, “Butler.”) to join me in the viewing, as long as he agreed to serve the tea.

As a fan of historical fiction, I find myself many times researching what I learn in movies or read in books. Did that really happen? Did this person really exist? Downton Abbey is no different. The book, “Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey” and “Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey”are two great reads. Both non-fiction books are about women who called Highclere Castle, (the setting for Downton Abbey), home.

I found more of my precious Downton Abbey to indulge in on the Masterpiece Theater website. From the short snippets of the cast sharing their favorite episodes, to the full length, “The Manners of Downton Abbey.” I found myself easily wrapped up in the family’s daily lives. I loved seeing the clothing and jewelry they wore, the furniture and decorations within the rooms, and the many places they visited. However, there is something that especially caught my attention, almost to the point of becoming an obsession. The scenes where the family is hunting and shooting are quite remarkable. Why? Well, the clothing of course.

Depending on what I’m shooting and when, I may be wearing anything from a team shirt and my Vertx pants, to jeans and a sweatshirt. Never, and I mean, never, would I consider myself looking classy. However, because of my infatuation with the hunting scenes of Downton Abbey, I began some online research about women across the pond that shoot. That is where I found, the Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club .

How fun does that sound? Take a look at their website. Follow them on Facebook. This lovely group of ladies not only have fun, but they look classy while they’re doing it. And when they finish shooting, they enjoy a cup of tea and dessert. How delightful would it be to have similar groups here, in the US? Perhaps someday I will find one. Until then, I will continue to peruse the Dubarry website and dream of someday shooting with my friends across the pond.

Cheers! Enjoy your cup of tea!

Soon the Woods may be Pretty in Pink

Let me begin by admitting I love color. If you walked into my basement, you would know right away what belongs to me in the sea of black. The rifle with the pink grips, the pistol with the sparkly purple back strap, and the pink ammo can, I can spot them all. Sure, this is a choice I made to find my items easily, but also to celebrate me, a woman. Did colorful hunting and shooting equipment entise me to begin my new life adventures? No. But it might make someone more excited about buying gear

Recently I read an announcement, “Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill allowing hunters to wear fluorescent pink instead of the traditional blaze orange.” Great! Not that I don’t like blaze orange, my bedroom wall is practically that color. I see this bill as creating a choice. Imagine my surprise when this was quickly followed by the slogan “No Hunt Pink” on the Women’s Hunting and Sporting Association of Wisconsin’s website. The group is fighting the bill calling it sexist and demeaning to women.

According to Professor Majid Sarmadi, a renowned color scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Human Ecology, “The human eye has three different types of cones (red, green and blue) but deer have only two (blue and green). Therefore, deer are dichromatic animals. Research at the University of Georgia indicates that deer can detect only greens, blues, yellows and UV.”

When testing blaze orange against florescent pink he said, “It is well known that blaze orange provides a very good contrast in the wooded areas in the spring and summer. However, when visually compared to the orange colors found in the fall leaves, blaze orange was harder to detect than the pink colors that were tested. The pink colors provided a better color contrast. Our spectrometric analysis indicated that the blaze pink that was tested had similar visibility to most blaze orange hats and was even better than a couple of them. Therefore, based on this small study, it can be concluded that the blaze pink we tested were as safe as the ‚orange blaze’ hunting hats.”

According to the Wisconsin government’s website, the proposal is designed to attract more women to hunting, encourage apparel manufacturers to partner with nonprofit groups working to get more people – men and women – interested in the sport, give hunters more clothing options and give apparel manufacturers a boost. Under current Wisconsin law, at least half of each article of clothing that gun deer hunters wear above the waist must be blaze orange. The bipartisan bill allows hunters to wear fluorescent pink as well.

Wondering what women in the shooting industry thought about this, I went to Facebook and created a poll. After 24 hours, these were the results:

• I’m glad there is now a choice, however, I will continue to wear blaze orange. 26

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect; however, the comments were quite eye opening. Here are a few:

So where do we go from here? Hopefully the manufactures won’t just change the color, but will adjust the fit and sizes for women. Me, I’m going to wear florescent pink when it becomes legal in Ohio. Not only will it be a safer alternative in the fall, but also I will be able to find my pink in the basement. Why cut off your nose to spite your face?

Are you ready to be, “Pretty in Pink?”

Texan Hospitality at Texas Triggers

Are you a fan of Top Shot? Would you love to shoot a variety of guns? Do you enjoy home cooking with Texas hospitality? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Texas Triggers is where you need to spend your next vacation.

Texas Triggers is located on a ranch in Sonora, Texas that was purchased by the Donaldson boys’ great-grandfather around 1926, as a cattle ranch. Most people thought Charles “Big Doc” McMillan was crazy for buying that dry, barren land until the oil companies came in. As the years go by though, there has been less & less ranching done on the property.

In 2011, Gay Donaldson, the granddaughter of Charles, began a new adventure with her boys Reid and Colby. It started when Colby realized the challenges from Top Shot were just wasting away in warehouses after their use. He contacted the show’s creators and found out he was able to purchase them. It was then that the Donaldson boys and their mother Gay, decided to bring the Top Shot experience to Southwest Texas.

My husband Chris is one of the experts at Texas Triggers. Luckily for me, I was able to join him on this trip. Upon arrival at the ranch Gay greeted us with a warm hug, sandwiches and a cold drink. Trying not to seem too nosey I glanced at the kitchen counter and saw there was a stack of handwritten recipe cards and a notebook that listed the menu for the next few days. I was excited about all the home cooking to come.

There are so many personal things I could tell you about our stay. How Gay gave us her room. How Clooney, Gay’s dog, happily greeted us every morning. Enjoying quiet mornings and dark evenings on the front porch, watching turkeys, jack rabbits and deer come to the watering hole near by. What I really need to tell you about though is the experience that their “company” had.

Yes, at the ranch, Gay refers to the clients as company. Her exact words were, “Looks like our company is here. Let’s greet them at the lodge.” The lodge is a beautiful, rustic building with a fireplace and long wooden table that seats 12. As the company arrived their eyes were drawn to that table which displayed all the weapons they would be shooting throughout their stay.

After introductions and safety briefings, we all headed down to the short range. The afternoon began with a lesson on the fundamentals by Chris, followed by the opportunity for everyone shoot various single action army revolvers, lever action rifles and modern day pistols. With targets at various distances, shooters engaged a variety of reactive and non reactive steel targets. It was all there including; falling plates, hostage targets, cowboy silhouettes, chest plates, dueling trees and the challenge from Top Shot Season 2, Cannon Ball Run.

The West wind carried a welcoming smell from the smoker outside the lodge…dinner! Smoked turkey, stuffing and cranberry salad followed by Oreo Smash was graciously consumed by all. After dinner, we all moved out to the front porch, complete with rocking chairs and a fully stocked bar for a relaxing evening.

The next morning we all met again at the lodge then went down to the short range. Homemade breakfast burritos were brought out as guests prepared to shoot competitions that were set up to pit them against each other. Two liter pop bottles hanging from ropes or on posts, shaving cream cans and steel targets. Lot’s of stuff to shoot and destroy! We had a lunch of chicken alfredo, salad and chocolate cake, then headed out to the long ranges. There was more competition with guests shooting AR style rifles on one side and the Barrett 338 Lapua and 50 out to one thousand yards on the other. The final challenge for the day was the Bagdad Beer Run. Using a short barreled AR15 they engaged knock down targets while being driven by Colby in a supped up electric off road cart. Most targets down won.

That evening we gathered on the lodge porch for appetizers, including Reid’s special bacon candy. Guests shot a crossbow at targets in the watering hole below. Slow cooked beef tenderloin with grape salad, party potatoes and chocolate cherry cobbler for dessert. Then it was back out to the porch for some friendly tomahawk throwing.

The last day was the gauntlet challenge. Everyone split into two teams and competed just like Top Shot. It even included Colby in the background announcing as guests hit, missed and tied while the teams moved along. The Zip Line across water was the Top Shot challenge for the day. Since Chris and I had an early afternoon flight we said our goodbyes. Sadly, we had to leave right as they brought out the variety of international full auto weaponry. Even the 50 BMG!

Gay packed us each a chicken salad sandwich and some homemade cookies for our ride to the airport. It was like leaving family after a weekend visit.

That is what Texas Triggers is all about.

The Awakening of the Woods

Sitting on the cold, damp floor of the woods, I listen. It starts with the “hoot, hoot” of the owls. Chatting back and forth, perhaps checking to see if everyone’s ready for bed. The scamper of feet, and rhythmic chewing draws my eyes into the grass. Scurrying past, an opossum returns home from his evening hunt. Soon, a pink glow appears in the east, the sun trying to break though the darkness. At first it’s slow to rise, taking it’s time, allowing the woods to slowly wake.

The birds are the first to rise. They begin flitting around from tree to tree, singing their sweet songs. As the sun rises higher in the sky, it’s rays skimming the tree tops, the squirrels awake from their deep slumber. The warmth of the sun’s rays convincing them it’s time to venture out. I’ve watched them play, a group of seven. They chase each other like a game of tag, usually jumping form tree to tree. Other times, when busy forging nuts, it’s every squirrel for himself. Staying very still, I see their faces and paws, covered in mud from scrounging on the dirt floor.

Did you know squirrels sometimes fall out of trees? First there is a thump, then, if you look fast enough, a startled squirrel scurries away from the scene. If it’s winter, a sure sign of this misfortune is the large scoop out of the snow near a tree, with squirrel tracks nearby.

Often I fall asleep. The soft breeze on my face has the same lulling affect as rocking in a rocking chair. It’s odd what wakes me. Sometimes it’s a sound, like when a woodpecker choses my tree to search for bugs. Other times it’s a feeling, like someone is watching me. As my eyes sleepily open, a buck comes into focus. Looking right at me, he stomps a few times, let’s out a snort, and casually walks away.

There are other animals in the woods, mice, turkey and chipmunks. However, there is one sight I doubt I will ever witness again. Sitting with my son Alex, we watched a beautiful red fox trot along the path below us. Sadly, soon after, a coyote came by, sniffing the ground, hot on its trail.

As the sun begins to set, the woods quiet down. Slowly, everything starts to turn grey. The trees which were once visible, disappear into the background. Eventually, it’s time to head back to the truck.

Is any of this familiar to you? If not, my guess is you’ve never been hunting. Unlike what many people believe, hunting is much more than the kill. It’s an experience with nature, where you have a front row seat to the movie,

“A Day in the Life of the Woods.”

The Unwritten Etiquette of 3-Gun

I’m not an advocate of team sports. Depending on other peoples’ abilities and having others depend on mine is way too much pressure for me. Growing up, many of my friends played sports in school. Frequently attending their games, I experienced firsthand how their parents and coaches would yell and correct them as they played. Once the game ended, the same parents would complain about the other team members and how bad they played. It didn’t take long for me to come to the realization that I would not be involved in team sports any time soon. I don’t do well being yelled at before, during or after I am competing, especially in front of a group of people. 3-Gun however, meets my minimal competitive needs. As a 3-Gun competitor, I set my own goals, create my own “plan of attack” and am responsible only for myself.

3-Gun is an individual sport, but unfortunately there are some competitors who take the individual part just a little to far. Yes, you compete as an individual, but you are also a member of a squad. You know the saying, “There is no “I” in team?” Well, the same thing goes for squad.

Prior to competing in 3-Gun, I was given the endearing title of” Squad Mom” by many competitors, both younger and older. Collecting and putting score sheets in order, making sure the person on deck was ready, and sometimes even passing out snacks, was part of what I did. Yes, I took care of my, “children” on the squad.

My 3-Gun experience began behind the scenes, watching range officers getting ticked off having to correct someone, and competitors giving dirty looks to other squad members that were smoking and joking when they were supposed to be setting steel and taping targets. With my background of knowledge through observation, I could be called The Emily Post of 3-Gun.

1. Always arrive at your stage on time, which usually means 30 minutes before the scheduled start. Be ready for your 5 minute walk through at the start time. A wise man once said, “If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late.” This definitely applies to 3-Gun. Do not make others wait for you!

2. If there are paper scores cards, make sure you have yours filled out and ready to hand to the range officer when you arrive at the stage.

3. The squad should agree on a shooting order, and someone needs to keep track of it.

4. Upon arrival at your stage, wait until the previous squad is finished before you start walking through. Not only does your interference slow down the squad in front of you, but you also are getting in the way of the next shooter making his plan of attack.

6. A five minute walk through is a five minute walk through! Don’t make your squad wait because you need to look just one more time.

7. As a member of the squad, you are expected to set up steel and tape targets for all other competitors. The only time you aren’t obligated to is when you are the on-deck shooter or you’ve just finished shooting.

8. After you shoot the stage, remember to sign your score sheet or confirm the program . Do not immediately walk to your car. Get your gear in order and sign that paper.

9. Always remain at the stage until your entire squad is finished. If for some reason you need to leave, let more than one person know you’re leaving and why. Support your squad.

10. A quick handshake and “Thank you!” to the range officers for volunteering their time is always appreciated.

11. Pick up any trash and make sure you have all your belongings before moving on.

12. Check with other members of your squad and make sure everyone has a ride. Also confirm the time for the next stage.

Hopefully my etiquette list gives you some information on participating in 3-Gun and helps alleviate any apprehensions you may have. If you’re still unclear, find someone on your squad that looks like they know what they’re doing and ask questions. You might also consider becoming a Squad Mom and learn from behind the scenes, like I did. Whatever you decide, know that there are always people out there willing to help you along.

What would you add to my 3-Gun etiquette list?

Chopped Salad: A Taste of Chicago

My husband and I travel quite a bit. Recently, while in Chicago, we had dinner with friends at Giordano’s where you can indulge in, “A Taste of Chicago.” As to be expected, we ordered a a few stuffed pizza pies. According the their menu, “It’s been verified in true Chicago tradition, our stuffed pies are 40% bigger than our top competitors’ deep-dish pizzas!” Yep, they were huge! We also ordered the chopped salad.

Surprisingly though, the hit of the meal was the Original Chicago Chopped Salad. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to create my own copy cat recipe. Remember though, as my Father in-law always says, “A recipe is just a guide.” Which means, feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes.

Giordanos’ Original Chicago Chopped Salad

Serves:

Ingredients:

• 8 cups of romaine lettuce. If you buy it by the bag, it would be about 2 bags. Give it some more chops.

• 2 cups of red cabbage, finely chopped. You can also make it easier and just buy the bagged lettuce with the cabbage already in it.

• 4 cups of cooked ditalini pasta. Cooled. I usually cook the entire box and use what I need, keeping any extra in the refrigerator for later.

• 1/2 cup cooked bacon. Make it crispy so you can crumble it. Also, depending on how much you like bacon, you may want to add a little more.

Instructions:

1 Toss lettuce with cabbage, scallions, bacon and pasta. Add enough honey mustard dressing to coat and toss a little more. Lightly toss in tomatoes, peas and crumbled blue cheese. If necessary, add more honey mustard dressing to taste.

Memories of the Bianchi Cup 2015