WHISKY AND COWBOYS

Last week I was on vacation. That word used to mean a destination, flying or driving somewhere towards new adventures.  I haven't been anywhere since October 2019 when we took a family trip to Costa Rica. Since COVID struck last year, my vacation time has been spent reading books, watching Netflix, and dreaming of white sandy beaches. The plus side of being off work for a week is not wearing a mask for the duration of a 12-hour shift. 

 

St. Patrick's Day came and went with limited celebration for the second year in a row. Four years ago, I was in Belfast celebrating with Jameson (no green beer in sight). Three years ago, I was in Mexico celebrating with Jose (no green beer here either). This year, I donned my green t-shirt and shamrock socks, opened a bottle of Jameson and started watching Netflix's, The Ranch. 

I'd heard good reviews about this series so decided to dive right in. After getting past the pilot with its laugh track and the surprise of Sam Elliott cursing out Ashton Kutcher's UGGs, I delved into the show with its great cast and storyline. 

Mammas don't let your babies grow up to be Cowboys....

The intro song was stuck in my head the entire week. I know you can click 'Skip Intro' on Netflix but I liked singing along to it. My country taste in music has thus far been limited to Kenny Rogers' The Gambler and a bit of Dolly Parton. I know the odd Garth Brooks song but sadly, that's all. There is something extremely catchy about the intro song and I find I'm still humming it even though I finished the show five days ago. 

The series was enjoyable although it was dark at times, primarily when Danny Masterson's character, Rooster, was written off the show. For a couple of seasons, the main characters were limited to Ashton Kutcher, Sam Elliott and Elisha Cuthbert. Dax Shepard stepped in for a recurring role and Debra Winger returned for the final season. The show was witty and funny but also sad at times. No matter what was happening on the ranch, it was always a pleasure staring at Elliott's moustache while listening to his dry humour.  

After finishing the series I felt a bit desolate. I found myself reflecting on the show and sad it was over (much how I feel after finishing a great book). I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the Bennett family. Then a friend recommended Yellowstone. 

Could I do another series about a family and their ranch so soon after? Turns out I was capable and had no problem taking the plunge. Kevin Costner plays John Dutton, a patriarch to a large, complicated family of ranchers. Yellowstone is a drama filled with corrupt politicians, murder and conflict. Although it's not humorous like The Ranch, it is equally entertaining. I binged Season 1 in a day and have started Season 2. Unfortunately, my vacation ended and I had to return to work, putting a hold on this series. I look forward to see what awaits. 

The past year has been a kick in the ass for many. Covid arrived and flipped our worlds upside-down . Some have lost jobs, some have lost loved ones and all of us have had to learn a 'new normal'. While I look forward to the day when I line up to board a plane again, overpaying to check my luggage and pray for an aisle seat, I'm grateful for the Internet and Netflix to offer some sort of escape. Sitting with my trusted companion Kirby, sans-mask, getting caught up in the lives of these cowboys while sipping on Jameson has certainly made me forget about Covid, even for just a little while. 

Be safe. 

~MT