Cowboys and camels

 In your next historical western, does your hero or heroine come across a camel? It could happen! 

  Having recently been given the surprising opportunity to ride a camel, I was encouraged to do a little research regarding dromedaries (one hump camels). 

 Their cloven hooves are huge, facilitating walking on sandy typed surfaces. I trim my goats' hooves, but these could be a challenge! 

The gear was equipped with bars to hold onto, for which I was thankful as the standing up and getting down movement of this big guy was quite tipsy. 

The folks who rescued these two camels, occasionally load them up in horse trailers and take them to Arizona for desert camping. Apparently the animals really enjoy these treks. 

   Now to the cowboys and camels part. The United States Army experimented with using camels as pack animals in the American Southwest in the mid-1800s. Their attempt to replace horses and mules who struggled in the region's extreme temperatures, became known as the U.S. Army Camel Corps, 

  Using them for mounted cavalry failed pretty miserably, primarily because the structure of the camel's nose impeded breathing during hard exertion, reducing their ability for sustained speed. Their size also made them ineffective in close-quarter situations. But most importantly, the camels were greatly disliked by soldiers and other animals because of their odor and their disturbing habit of biting, spitting, or explosively defecating on anyone who tried to discipline them. They also required constant care to prevent a very contagious and difficult to treat form of mange. 

   As pack animals, however, the camels excelled. During numerous experiments, they successfully carried packs twice as heavy as could be carried by horses or mules, more easily tolerated the desert heat, required less water and food, and were able to traverse deep streams and mountain trails with ease. However, the Union ultimately considered the camels a liability and chose not to use them. 

   The last camel mission before the Civil War broke out was directed by Robert E. Lee. This reconnaissance mission traveled over some of the harshest terrains in the United States. Still, the camels once again performed well, and none of the animals were lost.

   But the Camel Corps was just not meant to be, as everybody had more important things to focus on when the war broke out. 

    After the war was over, the camel was more or less rendered obsolete especially owing to the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. 

    The remaining camels were sold off to private parties, or sadly  abandoned. Many of them ended up in circuses, where they entertained audiences for decades.

The Texas Camel Corps was founded in 1997 to educate the public about the use of camels in 19th century America, and sometimes visits historic sites like the Alamo for reenactments. 

  So you see, in your next historical western, your H and H could very well come across a camel.

Here is an interesting Youtube Doug Baum's Texas Camel Corp

 

My stories: 

Western Romance: Break Heart Canyon * Undercover Outlaw * Cowboys, Cattle and Cutthroats * A Cowboy’s Fate * Special Delivery. 

Contemporary Romantic Thriller: Fatal Recall

Medieval Romance: The Dragon and The Rose * Iron Heart                                 *Promise Me Christmas. 

Victorian Romance: Lady Gallant * Victorian Dream 

Fantasy: The Fae Warriors Trilogy: Solace * Bliss * Portence 

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Katherine Slaughterback AKA Rattlesnake Kate

   

 I've been in Colorado over 50 years. I lived in Keenesburg near Hudson, and I've visited Greeley several times, yet only recently did I learn of Rattlesnake Kate. 

   There is a museum and a huge amount of information "out there" on Kate, so I'll hit the amazing highlights, which I'm sure will spur you on to doing more reading and research. 

  Kate (1893-1969) was an independent lady, and progressive for the time. Married and divorced several time, she loved shooting guns and working hard, and had been a trained nurse and taxidermist. Rumor has it that she was also a bootlegger.

    On October 28, 1925, Katherine McHale Slaughterback  was out with her 3-year old adopted son Ernie. They were on horseback and headed toward a lake near her farm in Hudson, Colorado 

                                       (restored residence)
   She'd heard what sounded like hunters, and was riding to a pond with Ernie, to gather any wounded ducks left by hunters so they could have them for dinner.

 Climbing down from her horse to unlock the gate, she saw the first snake. Hundreds of migrating rattlesnakes followed. Kate fired her .22 Remington rifle until no bullets remained. Having disturbed and agitated the snakes, they soon surrounded Ernie, Kate and her horse.

   Out of ammunition and terribly worried about Ernie and her horse, Kate grabbed a nearby sign—ironically it’s believed to have been a “No Hunting” sign. Equipped only with this wooded weapon, she began killing the rattlesnakes, one-by-one, until all were dead.

     According to Kate, “I fought them with a club not more than 3 feet long, whirling constantly for over two hours before I could kill my way out of them and get back to my faithful horse and Ernie, who were staring at me during my terrible battle not more than 60 feet away."

 

 A neighbor saw her soon after she got home. She had blisters on her hands and her face was swollen from the heat. The neighbor went back to the pond with Kate. The battle had been a tough one, and they picked up 140 snakes collected in three large washtubs then hung on a line to dry.

    The neighbor told other people about Kate's adventure. Soon reporters came to hear Kate's experience which made her famous. Newspapers carried the story all over the world. the story was retold for many years and she was known as the world champion rattlesnake killer.

   Handy at taxidermy, Kate knew how to cure animal skins so they could be kept. She used over 50 of the skins to make a flapper style dress. You may see the dress on display at the Greeley City Museum. She also used snake skins for a pair of shoes and a neck band.

   

  But it wasn't all killing snakes and no fun out there on the prairie. There was a long distance romance in her life, the other party being Buckskin Bill Randolph, the poet of the plains.

They might not have shared the touching romance of his poetry, but they did share a friendship through correspondence that spanned almost 40 years. 

       There came a 23 year silence between them when WWII came about. Buckskin Bill married and was a guard at the Rock Island Arsenal. Kate became a Red Cross nurse stationed in Pusan, Korea and Nagasaki, Japan. Later, Bill attempted to write a biography of Kate, and seal a place for her in the history of the Wild West.

    Kate would wear the dress to many functions. She later kept it inside a trunk where curious family members would sneak peeks at it. She would not allow it to be photographed because she thought it would lessen the dress' value.

   In 2022, a play about her premiered at the Wolf Theater in Denver, and quickly became a global sensation. 

   Three weeks before she died, at age seventy-five, she left her dress to the Greeley Museum along with other artifacts related to her rattlesnake legacy. By request, she's buried in Platteville, Colorado.  

Here is the share link to Greeley museum information.                                                        

Visitors can see the original dress,

 which is kept in an air-tight, 

climate and light controlled case 

at the Greeley History Museum.

 714 8th Street, 

Tale of a mule tail

                              

    In military terms a Shavetail usually refers to a Second Lieutenant who is not very experienced in Army matters.  

   The saying came from the practice in the army of shaving the tails of newly broken pack mules to distinguish them from seasoned ones. Good to know an animal's ability when you were singling one out from the herd. 

Bell Sharps is another grading system, 

and another whole fashion statement!

  As the mules were trained and passed muster for performing various duties, their achievements were noted by again altering their tails. When needed, the soldier knew which animal to chose for which specific task. 
  One bell was a pack mule, two bells was pack and ride, three meant he'd pack, ride, and drive.

In this image, it appears the one on the left is training the one on the right as to the proper etiquette of driving. 

    Bell Sharps is not to be confused with Bellwether, 

               literally a whole different animal. 

                                       

   Originally, the bellwether goat would be the one to lead the other animals back to the barn at night. Today, a bellwether is a person who actively leads or establishes a trend that is taken up by others. 

   The word is formed by a combination of the Middle English words belle (meaning “bell”) and wether (a noun that refers to a male sheep or goat who has been castrated).This usage first appeared in English in the 15th century and has remained in the language ever since. 

   

                           My Bellwether, Cowboy. 

                  This big boy was rescued from a petting zoo.

                                       Miss you sweetie.

Western Romance: Break Heart Canyon * Undercover Outlaw * Cowboys, Cattle and Cutthroats * A Cowboy’s Fate * Special Delivery. 

Contemporary Romantic Thriller: Fatal Recall

Medieval Romance: The Dragon and The Rose * Iron Heart                                 *Promise Me Christmas. 

Victorian Romance: Lady Gallant * Victorian Dream 

Fantasy: The Fae Warriors Trilogy: Solace * Bliss * Portence 

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Promise Me Christmas takes home the Bronze!

              

                My little romantic Medieval Christmas story won      

Third place at 

                       NATIONAL EXCELLENCE

                        IN STORY TELLING

           Available here ...https://books2read.com/u/mKVOwE

Blurb:  The nights are growing longer and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.  

Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.  

As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle. 

On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety. 

                          

                            https://books2read.com/u/mKVOwE

                                          

Don't miss 99 Cent Sale

            

Last weekend to chillout with

Promise Me Christmas.

Colorado Authors' League finalist.

On sale for Christmas in July.

                                 https://books2read.com/u/mKVOwE

  The nights are growing longer and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.  

   Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.  

    As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle. 

    On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety. 

****

   Promise Me Christmas is a heartwarming story of love and honor and keeping one’s promise, all wrapped in a medieval adventure sprinkled with humor and sweet romantic moments.

****

Between The Pages--Still Moments Magazine: I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. 5 Stars Reviewed by Darlene

****

 Promise Me Christmas is a Medieval sensuous heat level romance, with a dollop of history and adventure, and a respectful nod to PTSD. With Castle Darkenwald under siege, and an enemy housed within, my characters must work together to survive, yet they are able find a bit of humor along the way. As an added twist, my hero and heroine are already married, but their love and passion for one another has only grown stronger since saying “I do”.  As Yule approaches they must outsmart the enemy attempting to take over the castle. And when a battle to the death ensues, Lady Vespa’s hope for a festive holiday, turns to a prayer for the safety of her beloved. 

https://books2read.com/u/mKVOwE

Christmas in July 99 Cent Sale and $100 Giveaway

Chillout this July with a 

5 star Medieval Romance  

"Promise Me Christmas"

Finalist Colorado Authors' League 

best novella 2024

Available here only 99 cents  

  Enter $100 giveaway here

(Scroll down)

   The nights are growing longer and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.  

Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.  

   As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle. 

5 Stars/Mistress of Book Reviews Promise Me Christmas is a heartwarming story of love and honor and keeping one’s promise, all wrapped in a medieval adventure sprinkled with humor and sweet romantic moments.

5+ Stars N.N. Light/I love medieval romance and this medieval holiday romance spoke to my heart. Brilliant from start to finish, Promise Me Christmas took my breath away. The descriptive narration is poignant and draws the reader into the story. The setting is historically accurate. The world-building is immersive. The characters, though, are what make Promise Me Christmas a book worth reading this holiday season. Even with the threat of war, their love is unwavering. I can honestly confess it’s a gem and a reread. 

5 Stars Between /The Pages

This medieval historical romance was a captivating read. I enjoyed the twist of having the main characters married. Their lives were already intertwined, but during war-filled times, they had to always be prepared to defend their home and livelihood, which created a distance they longed to fill. The plot and characters were well-developed, giving the story a smooth reading flow. The author has a great descriptive voice that places you in the scenes. Guy listening and taking Vespa’s ideas into consideration on how to help defeat the enemy shows his love, devotion, and respect for his wife, which strengthens their relationship, and makes this story a perfect holiday read. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. 

  

Available here only 99 cents  

  Enter giveaway here

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What's in your Pocket?

 There are hot pockets, pill pockets, even Lacrosse pockets, but what about the ones in your clothing? 
                   

I'm so glad pockets are finally more routinely included in women's clothing. Still always use more of them, and the idea started long ago with the pouch-pocket theory. 

 

    Ancient people used leather or cloth pouches to hold valuables, the forerunner of the pocket. Even Ötzi (also called the "Iceman"), who lived around 3,300 BCE, had a belt with a pouch sewn to it that contained a cache of useful items: a scraper, drill, flint flake, bone awl, and a dried tinder fungus.

     According to historian Rebecca Unsworth, it was in the late 15th century that pockets became more noticeable. The pockets began by being hung like purses from a belt accessible through a slit in the outer garment. Being concealed beneath a coat or jerkin, help to discourage pickpocketing. 

The word pocket appears in Middle English, and is taken from a Norman diminutive of Old French poke, pouque, or pouch. The form "poke" is now only used in dialect, or in such proverbial sayings as "a pig in a poke".

   Historically, the term "pocket" referred to a pouch worn around the waist by women, as mentioned in the rhyme Lucy Locket. In these pockets, women would carry items needed in their daily lives, such as scissors, pins and needles, and keys.

Lucy Locket lost her pocket.

Kitty Fisher found it;

Not a penny was there in it,

Only ribbon round it.

  The rhyme was first noted by James Orchard Halliwell in 1842 (Some accountings hint at Lucy and Kitty being rival courtesans of the time of Charles II", making it a much older and more interesting nursery rhyme)  

   In the 17th century, pockets began to be sewn into men's clothing, but not women's. In more modern clothing, women still sometimes have a Potemkin pocket, which is a fake slit sewn shut.

    A watch pocket or fob pocket is a small pocket designed to hold a pocket watch, in men's trousers and waistcoats and found in traditional blue jeans.

                                Thank you Reader's Digest 

   A besom pocket or slit pocket is cut into a garment instead of being sewn on. often with reinforced stitching. Besom pockets are found on a tuxedo jacket or trousers and may be accented with a flap or button closure.

  Camp pockets or cargo pockets are sewn to the outside of the garment. They are usually squared off and are characterized by seaming.

During Prohibition hip pockets became a handy place for hiding flasks and this practice contributed to the curved shape of the vessel to fit snuggly against the body and be less obvious. Supposedly, people who wore hip flasks became known as hipsters and thus the term was born. 

Like people, pockets come in all shapes and sizes. Hopefully there is one just right for you!

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