Mutton Bustin'

Last weekend Jonathan and I went to the Star of Texas Rodeo Austin which was so fun that we bought tickets to the finals this weekend. One of the events they have at this particular rodeo is called Mutton Bustin' and it was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Basically, they put 5 year old kids on the backs of sheep and the winner is the kid who stays on the sheep longest. My fabulous friend Whitney (white shirt, back to the camera in the photo below) was volunteer at this event. Her job was to pick the kids up after they fell off the sheep (they ALL fall off) and get them out of the way after their turn was over.



At first I thought that sheep-riding was just a bizarre idea but then I almost peed my pants laughing when I saw these kids hanging on for dear life onto the sheep. I kid you not...it was a riot to watch. First of all, they put hockey helmets on these little kids. Second, the kids are actually lying down on the back of the sheep and sort of holding on to their legs. One little girl actually slipped all the way around and under the sheep and was hanging onto the sheep's neck before she bit it. The incredible thing was that none of the kids seem to cry even when the sheep stomped on them after they fell off. They must be tough kids. That or maybe they give them a valium before strapping them on the sheep.

I was laughing too hard to take photos so Jonathan took a bunch of pictures of the sheep and Whitney but, sadly, only one photo (the one shown above) came out. Ah, the fun we have in Texas.

I Love Martinis

I was just reviewing my list of possible blog topics from yesterday and considering which of the thought provoking topics is most blog-worthy today. But then I realized that what I am really most passionate about at the moment is the tasty beverage that I am consuming as I write this post. I am drinking a dry Tito's vodka martini straight up and I love it.

Tito's vodka is made in Austin, Texas, not an area of the world normally associated with premium vodka. http://www.titos-vodka.com/ You have to taste Tito's to believe how good it is. When we moved to Austin two years ago I was strictly a Grey Goose (or maybe Absolute or Kettle One in an emergency) gal. I remember that the first time I tasted Tito's was at a comfort food restaurant called Hoover's here in Austin. I was waiting at the bar for some take out and got to talking to the bartender about vodka. He gave me a taste of Tito's and I was hooked. Tito's has a lovely flavor and smooth finish and I have been drinking Tito's ever since my first taste.

It's smooth, great tasting, and much less expensive than other premium brands. At least in Austin it is. I purchased some Tito's in Chicago and it was pretty much the same price as Stolichnaya or Absolute. If you are hankering for a martini I would recommend that you give Tito's a try. It's delicious and I plan on drinking at least two (well maybe three) of them tonight!