Back so soon...?

Wow. It's been just five days since the last post.

I must be improving--or the reminders are too strong to ignore.

Interesting interview today, with the realtor handling the sale of Roy Rogers' Double R Ranch in CA.

It's about 67 acres, in the hills northeast of L.A. near Victorville. Roy bought the place in 1965, primarily for breeding and raising Thoroughbreds. It includes a half-mile track.

I won't spoil the article too much. But Roy's son Dusty sold it to a friend after his dad died. The friend then sold it to the current owners in 2002. And they've pumped big bucks into the place, restoring things to their condition when Roy and Dale lived there. I've seen pix, and it looks wonderful. Not that I'm interested in buying; a $12 million plus pricetag is a bit out of my league.

This is the second interview I've done that had a Roy Rogers aspect. I talked with trainer and bit maker Dave Robart a couple of months ago. His father trained Roy's racehorses, I think at Roy's earlier ranch at Chatsworth. Dave knew Roy very well, since the old cowboy came around each Saturday morning for a visit--and to bring a bunch of candy for the kids. Roy apparently was a gentle and kind man who lived his Christian faith. Not a bad role model for all those youngsters who watched him in the '50s and '60s.

I certainly remember seeing Roy and Dale on TV. Those were the days when so many prime time shows were Westerns. I have tremendous memories of watching many of them with my dad. That certainly is the genesis of my fascination with all things Old (and increasingly New) West.

Cripe. I can hear myself now--"Well, back in my time..." Must be old age rapidly creeping on me.

Or not.

More later.