RIDERS IN THE SKY

at the Minnesota State Fair

Howdy Cyberpals!

Well, I'm home! All good things have to come to and end --- as did this RITS spree, -- but the memories will last FOREVER!!! There is not much in life that makes this cowgirl happier than sitting in the audience listening to our Cowboys, and after five days of shows, I can still honestly say that ---- "I could listen to them FOREVER"

When it comes to RITS, there is a magnitism that I will never even try to resist. I am willingly drawn back time and time again by their musical talents - their wonderfuls senses of humor, - the whole western mystique of their music, but perhaps most of all by the looks on the faces of the little children who are likewise captivated by "our cowboys".

Having grown up with a love for Roy Rogers that consumed my childhood, I can go back and touch that wide-eyed innocent love at every RITS concert. My inner child is not only alive and well, but riding the trail in total contentment with her cowboys. The songs and the hats may be the same but each show has it's own unique personality, - and while I am approaching my 50th concert, ---- and still cannot foresee ever passing one up!!!

Individual reviews will be upcoming in the future, - but for now I will just hit a few of the hightlights -- the main one coming the second day at the Minnesota State Fair when Woody Paul sang "What Would I Do Without You" for yours truly, - but that was followed closely by hearing him sing "The Arms of My Love" for the first time at the Wisconsin Opry in Baraboo! And two sessions of "Kids on Stage with RITS" in Minnesota were absolutely priceless! JOEY - a recent inducted into the Minnesota Polka Hall of Fame - was with RITS!!! That was a VERY pleasant surprise!!!!!!

Seeing Ranger Doug's daughter Grace, and her mom Dianne was also a special treat. Grace is a really beautiful little girl, - and Ranger Doug's eyes and smile are plainly visible on her young face! School had already started in Tennesee, so unfortunately the other families were unable to attend. Bert and Alice, and Teresa with Casey and Caitlen were greatly missed by all of the regulars at the MN State Fair!!! There is a "family" feel to the shows, and part of that family was obviously missing. I feel very fortunate to have attended two years ago, when all three families were present!!

One of the nicest parts of the Minnesota shows is that there is time over the course of the four days, to request songs normally don't get to hear. Woody does not do "What Would I do Without You" in concert, -- and the fulfillment of my request for it was one of the highlights of our trip! "Blue Shadows on the Trail" was sung the first day, - and even songs that they DON'T sing were requested, and performed, such as "Harbor Lights"! And even I had never heard Woody Paul play his EAR!! Slim, on his face, and Woody, on his ear, gave a short rendition of "Turkey in the Straw"!

Al and I had front row seats all but the first day in Minnesota, and in Baraboo "front row" means you are close enough to rest your feet on the stage, -- and the guys are only about three feet away. TRUELY close-up!!

While I have an insatiable thirst for "RITS" which I know will never be quenched, the last week was very satifying -- at least for the moment. I may have a chance to see them again next Saturday. ---- I've got my fingers crossed!!!

That's about all I have time for, for now. I'll get some pictures up on the webpage soon, and will ad further details as I think of them! -- It was a WHOLE lot to try and remember!!!!