homecoming

I'm in Phoenix for Rodeo this weekend. Sometimes rodeos feel like a homecoming - and Phoenix can be one of those. A lot of that is because of the time and place - with it coming so soon after the holidays and at a time when a lot of the country is often dealing with a cold winter, the Phoenix rodeo is a welcome break; and that has made it one of the bigger and better rodeos. Unfortunately, it may be the last year for that. The date is being moved to February - a lot of guys say they won't come then (especially since it conflicts with another annual event that pulls in the same crowd). It's hard to know if that's true or if others will replace them, we will have to see; but I have a hunch that this is the end of Phoenix being a major rodeo. Regardless, tonight was a mix of meeting up with some of my closest friends, running into others that are favorites but don't get to see that often, as well as meeting new friends and unexpectedly running into recent ones (like some I met in New Orleans over New Years). Really a lot more fun than I expected. I couldn't ask for a better way to start out the weekend (or the week - which holds a lot in store), much less the year.