That's no bull.....

There are two sports that Randy and I like to watch on TV together - football and bull riding. This weekend it was bull riding.

The industry is taking a step into the 21st century by testing some new technology and we had the privilege of getting a preview this weekend. A patch is placed on the bull that electronically measures the forces of kick and spin. By virtue of a weighted calculation the result is what they are calling an “Xtreme” score. The rides this weekend were being judged the normal way for the competition but were also issued the Xtreme scores. It was all very interesting.

The MOST interesting thing however for any bull riding competition is what happens around the shoot - normally when the bull - rider atop - rushes out in a jumping whirl of power while the cowboy tries to stay on for 8 seconds.

This weekend we got a "2 for". Not only did we get to watch the competition, but our favorite commentator was on the show - Don Gay. Now for those who aren't familiar with the sport, imagine the ability of Babe Ruth, the excitement of Harry Caray and the words of Yogi Berra all tied up in one bundle - that is what Don Gay is to bull riding.

We can be sitting around, watching a normal bull ride when suddenly something out of the ordinary happens. Don will get all excited and out will come one of his famous "Gay-isms". We were not disappointed this weekend.

A bull was in the shoot - cowboy atop - waiting for the command that would open the door. All of a sudden the bull got spooked and started bucking in the shoot. It is always scary when this happens because in a tight space like a shoot if the bull jumps he could crush the legs of a rider. Fortunately the rider was ok but during the moment Don let loose a zinger...

“Hair trigger in the buckin' shoot!!”

Randy and I hit the floor laughing!

Let’s just ponder what other circumstances might be appropriate for that particular “Gay-ism”.

You are keeping your 2 year old grandchild and just fed him a bowl of chocolate ice cream topped with Hershey’s kisses when his parents arrive to take him home.

“Hair trigger in the buckin' shoot!!”

You lost your beloved hound dog a few months back and your daughter feels like you need a new canine companion. She arrives with a dog carrier filled with a yapping little chihuahua.

“Hair trigger in the buckin' shoot!!”

And that's no bull....
Rhonda