Hi folks, my name is Gary Cooper and my wife is Lupe. I am from Mabank Texas. I was a race horse jockey throughout the 1970's at tracks in New Mexico, Louisiana, Texas and New York. I'm going to tell you a little secret here; somehow at the tracks I got this nickname-yuhdog. It use to bother me alot. Kind of like the boy named Sue. But, I'm not in my twenties anymore; I think it's pretty funny now. You sure don't hear it anywhere. So, if I hear it. I know somebody's talking about me!

When I couldn't make weight any longer I went to work as a HVAC technician in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. I had taken up a technicial school at one point when laid up with a broken leg from racing. I sure was a sight to see hobbling around on crutches, books and a full length cast. I knew I wouldn't always be able to ride race horses. Plus being married and kids; it just wasn't too smart any longer.

About five years ago old racing day injuries came back to haunt me. Knee replacement this time. While recovering Lupe and I took our part-time candle business on the road. Turned into full time candlemakers at that point. We traveled with the Country Peddlers, set up at Malls, Convention Centers, Flea Markets, etc. Today we have various websites, love to market on eBay and eventually bring our candles to eBay if time permits.

We enjoy networking with people all across the globe. Don't travel too much anymore with the candles. I guess you might say, not as young as we use to be! We enjoy time with our sons, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. On ocassion we'll take in a concert or try and find some treasures from garage sales for eBay shoppers.