Thought it was about time i posted some pics of the rodeo school. These were taken a month or so ago. Ive continued to go every week and am now riding out of the arena and on the verge of breaking into a gallop.....and no, i havent fallen off yet! The cowboy in blue is real life rodeo coach, Mark.

Looking a bit tense on this one but Peaches is a trusty steed.







The event taking place in the background here is calf-roping and from one week to the next i get to witness bronc-riding, team roping and steer wrestling.

How!!!..... These are the Kwahadi Indian Dancers, a troop of local kids who put on a great performance of traditional Native American dances. They are based in Amarillo and travel all over the place keeping the traditions alive. The costumes are based on traditional regalia, but as you can see they are typically "Tex-ed up" with plenty of bling and lycra!! The routines were quite gob-smacking and i took the chance to try yet another piece of headgear!

Today i went shopping on 6th Street, which is part of the Historic Route 66 that runs through Amarillo. It is full of 'antique' shops selling retro Americana collectibles. I was particularly taken by this collection of Barbies. A 1950's original sells for around $150!

This week i had 'LittleBritain' day where my merry bunch of kindergarteners dressed in their interpretation of British characters. As you can see i had a selection of Queens and princesses alongside soccer fans, school kids, a knight in shining armour and a highwayman!!

This weekend i traded in my cowboy hat for a banana (whoops, bandana!!)....which i wore under a helmet, dont worry! The Harley is the pride and joy of Tom, my massage therapist, who generously offered to take me on a ride out to the Palo Duro canyon. It was hot but fun.This canyon is the second biggest in the states after the grand canyon and only 30 miles away!

This is me with my friend Tom and a waitress known as 'Mum' (its written on her badge with a little GB flag). I went to find her this weekend as i'd been told about her being one of the few english people in Amarillo. Shes worked at this 'Waffle House' for eight years. I'm going to go in for a chat and a cuppa whenever i can!

Thanks for coming to my blogspot!.....a new experience for me, and as ive taken 2 months to get round to it i'll have to forget about recording the story so far..... however, we pick up the trail here at the chamber of commerce cook-off last week. as you can see i found a new drinking partner!!