Count Sandor, SASS #74075

Absolutely agree - after watching my dad suffer with stenosis for many years, nearly becoming wheelchair bound, my wife and I were finally able to convince him to go for the surgery. Eight hours "on the table" made a new man out of him - started driving again and hanging out with his buddies for morning coffee. Love the "erector set" comment - Dad was a machinist and self-taught engineer/fabricator...He kept the post-op scans of his back and would happily show them off to anyone who was brave enough to see and listen to a detailed explanation of how "all that titanium and stainless" worked to put him back on his feet! CS

A common and continuing occurrence in the elementary and junior highs in the district where my wife and I taught. She was "Mrs. H" and I was "Mr. H" - the surname being only nine letters and pronounced with three syllables. Being addressed by the initial is generally seen as a sign of comfort and acceptance by the kids. We both retired in the early 2000's, but in 2022 when my wonderful daughter-in-law began working as a classroom aide in another local district, she almost immediately became known as "Mrs. H." Interesting (or not) aside - while cleaning out the house before moving out of state, I came across my wife's old school district nylon jacket, monogrammed with "Mrs. H." I didn't even get it off of the hanger before my daughter-in-law claimed it! CS

Both Iowa and Illinois have that law. Our range is in Illinois, and we yearly have a "Purple Paint Day" wherein volunteers follow the property line, renewing the purple paint. I haven't been available to work any of those days yet, so I can't say for sure exactly what or how many items are actually painted. The range itself covers 90 acres, is mostly hill land and has large, forested areas - I hear it takes a while to get the job done. CS

And after it spent the afternoon baking in the sun it was even worse the next morning when we went down to rake up the shattered cans - iron clad rule from my wife: "DO NOT even THINK about getting in my car before you hose off your shoes!" CS

The Illowa Irregulars and the Illinois River City Regulators are sad to report that our long-time friend and competitor, Will Dunn., aka Robert Gauley, passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Will was a highly competitive shooter, who posted wins in every category in which he competed, often dropping down to a better-supported category, just to take on - and often beat - the "youngsters," even when he was eligible for "El Patron." He was always ready with a good story, or joke -or three- and was hardly ever seen without a smile on his face. An accomplished amateur gunsmith, Will was always available to help solve a problem for any other competitor, and quietly mentored many of the new shooters who came into our sport. His laugh, smile, and firm handshake will be missed by all of us. The photo was taken at Gunsmoke, 2017, when Will won his Regional Championship. He is pictured with his long-time traveling companion, Fillmore, who passed away in 2019. Obituary is available at https://www.wheelanpressly.com/obituary/Robert-Gauley Count Sandor, T.G.

My son, Colonel Kit Coyote...anyone remember the source of the alias?

Finally! The photo really I wanted to include back in Post #5 - found the thumb drive lurking in the bottom of my travel bag! Also, adding a photo of Bookworm Sandy, who passed away a few years ago.

Alias: Count Sandor SASS # 74075 From: Rock Island, IL Shooting: 10 years

My diploma reads "Bachelor of Science in Education in Geography." That meant that I would spend the first eight years of my career teaching only literature, grammar, spelling, and anything else that was covered by my minor in English. The rules were such that both the major and minor fields were covered by the "in Education" part. Of course, I taught a number of other subjects, but had to have more than 1/2 my class load in the major/minor fields. CS

Creeker: This past September, the theme for our annual, Fall Round-Up, was "New School vs. Old School." Half the stages incorporated some things we don't usually do much any more. According to the surveys I received, the "Old School" stages were well received. One example: a full sized cutout of "Little Johnny," the brat who tormented you all through grade school. Shooter started standing in school house doorway with an old fashioned felt chalkboard eraser in one hand, ready for revenge. Starting line..."Hey, Johnny!" At the beep, toss the eraser at Little Johnny, step forward and retrieve rifle. etc. I awarded a 3 second time reduction for the stage for a "hit" on the brat - about the same amount of time it took to react, throw, and actually start shooting. Most everyone hit Johnny, but some of the misses were monumental, and provided some interesting "talking points" at the socials. CS

Thanks again, UB.

Will be done as soon as we get everything taken care of. I really appreciate the site, but it seems to me I have had to make too many submissions in the last couple of years. CS

I have seen them successfully used with APP. Nothing there to keep the fouling soft with Holy Black, so not a good idea, IMHO. CS

BTT for info. in original post.

We have just learned that the Illowa Irregulars' former TG Trader Dave passed away this morning after a long illness. Dave was my mentor when I first came into Cowboy Action. He took me under his wing, introduced me to "the power of the darkside," and eventually passed the TG baton to me. Although he hasn't been able to shoot in a while, his presence has been felt at every match, as he was the driving force behind the construction of Camden Mills, our cowboy town. Arrangements are pending. I will post them as they become available. ******************************************************************************* I have added a link to Dave's obituary and visitation information. http://www.wheelanpressly.com/notices/David-CatherSr I think perhaps it would be appropriate to consider a "yellow shirt day" in honor of Trader Dave at the Illowa Irregulars' first monthly shoot in April '17. We can discuss this at our annual cowboy meeting Jan. 15. CS