October 8, 2013. Harper, Texas. Men at Work.

It was exciting watching the three young men raise the tent.   I missed it in Nova Scotia.  Today, I made sure I sat and watched every minute.

First they drove into the ranch in three vehicles all pulling a trailer.   Next all the posts were laid out on the ground which they connected together into a low lattice work.   Over the frame they pulled the three sections of the tent and connected the three pieces together.   The chandeliers had already been attached.

Using two winches, they raised the roof.  It was fascinating to see how flexible the frame actually was.   Posts were attached all around the tent as each section was raised.  Finally, the tent was tied down with stakes, using a good old fashioned sledge hammer.

When you look at the tent, all you see is a white tent, but I see those young men working very hard and diligently to erect the tent for our 55th.   It required a great deal of good old fashioned physical labour too.   I enjoyed the whole spectacle, even though it took three hours.  Now we are ready for the celebration.