This is my first foray into the Blogoshere. Is it like jumping into a large lake or a fast flowing river? Do I hold my breath and close my eyes? Do I use a snorkle or will I be needin' a more sophistcated breathing apparatus? Since I've just jumped in I reckon I'll find out---won't I?

I'm a-hopin' folks won't mind the rambles of an ol' cowpoke and his trusty steed Avalanche. Ol' 'Lanche is right skeptical of all this nonsense and as usual isn't given to sayin' much. He did say he don't want folks to think he's a palomino---no sir! He'd like folks to know he's particular fond of McIntosh apples and he don't mind the peel still on 'em but don't bring any carrots unless you put a bit of Mustard on 'em. I reckon I've never knowed a hoss thet was partial to mustard---he just nudged me as I set here writin' this and said stone ground Brown mustard is best... ...now don't thet beat all?! Ol' 'Lanche and I done been together for nigh onto 17 year now and I never heard him mention thet before...

If you don't find ol' 'Lanche and I ridin' off somewheres over the ranch then you just might find us at the ranch hoose. 'Lanche'll be munching on what ever edible lookin' vegitation there is nearby and a-cogitatin' on what ever hosses cogitate on. I'll be perched on my ol' rocker on the front porch with my feet up on the rail with my hat pulled down over my face givin' the appearance of bein' asleep---but I ain't---I'm just reflectin' a mite...

Well, I reckon I better roust myself up and lend a hand to theLady of the house. I espy her a-comin' up the road on the ol' buckboard from town with the week's supply o' groceries. If I help her out unloadin' it goes a ways toward keepin' her in a reasonable amiable like state of mind---I prefer thet to the alternative...

Ya'lls be sure to smile when you think of it---it mostly makes a feller easier to look at...