I'd like to share a story I heard a while back:
A man lay in his hospital bed one day. He had been there quite some time, and for the most part wasn't getting any better. His nurse walks into the room. He looks her straight in the eyes and asks, "I'm dying aren't I?" The nurse hesitates a split second, wondering whether or not she should say the truth or talk around it. She realizes that she would want the truth told to her, and after taking care of this gentleman as long as she has, she also knows he wants the truth as well. So she responds, "Yes."
The man shifts a tad in his bed, lets out a small sigh, and then looks back at his nurse. A small smile comes to his face. There are no tears. The nurse sits down in a chair next to the bed and asks him, "Are you ok with that?" The man responds, "I've lived a good life. I married a wonderful woman who I had the good fortune of spending my entire adult life with. We raised kids who went on to be successful themselves and raise kids of their own. I never truly wanted. I also had friends and family to turn too, and I was able to experience most days without hardship. If it's time to go, then I'd like to think I leave this place a little better than when I started out, and I'm thankful for everyone who experienced it all with me."
This story has stuck with me ever since I heard it. I like to think this is how I go about things. While it's true that my life has given me scars both mentally and physically to this point, I've had a great run so far. I look forward to many many more years. And with a son who seems to be thriving and another child on the way, and a wife who has stood by me through thick and thin without so much as blinking, I have much to be thankful for. I'm also thankful for the fact that tomorrow the hardest decision I'm gonna have to make is what to load the plate with as far as food goes instead of wondering where I'm gonna eat, if I'm gonna eat, or whether I'll lose it all tomorrow.
I don't need a holiday to remind me of what I'm thankful for. I can look at my family or to my friends whenever I want and be reminded of my big picture. I hope all you reading this have much to be thankful for as well.
Happy Thanksgiving All!!! If you are out and about today or tomorrow, travel safely!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Snap, Crackle, Pop!
Last weekend I, like many many other people, was out in the woods in pursuit of deer. I saw nothing. Plenty of signs, but with the warm weather they were moving at night and staying good and hidden during the day. Anyhow, one of the things I really like about hunting is the quietness of it all (until you unload your gun at something). But going for deer is different than my other passion of duck hunting. Going for ducks, you can and are noisy. You see ducks in the distance, you start railing on your call to entice them. And forget about worrying about scent control while duck'n. You bring all kinds of snacks and drinks and what not and sit and keep a look out.
But not when going for deer. Scent control is crucial. Not as much as when bow hunting, but even with a rifle in hand you have to be mindful of the wind and you need to use the scent killer and what not. You can bring some snacks with you, but forget about the big tasty stuff. And you want to stay still and silent. Deer both smell and see very well, so the less you move the better.
Which brings me to this last weekend. There I was in the woods up North without another soul around. Sitting on a stump waiting for a deer to come on by, I went into heightened sense mode. Being still and quiet amplifies everything else around you. Birds fluttering between trees, leaves rustling on the ground. At first it's kind of overwhelming with all the subtle noises, but then after a little bit it all becomes normal white noise and you can tune in to your surroundings and not be distracted by all of it.
But then you almost subconsciously pick out some small noise. Something wasn't right with that last sound you heard. It was different. But before you can completely process it, it's gone. But somehow you are looking in the direction it came. Focusing on that area, you now hear another sound. Yup, not leaves or birds, but definaetly something that normally isn't there. Was that a twig snapping? That sounds like footsteps. Big, not a grouse walking around, and not a little bird fluttering on the ground. But something actually taking steps and moving closer. You don't bring the scope up yet cause you can't see it, but you are gripping the gun with both hands now, ready to shoulder it should the target present itself. Your heart rate quickens because you have now eliminated any doubt in your mind that you're hearing things. Another twig moves or breaks. The sound is getting closer and closer, until finally it's right on the other side of the brush you're hunting by. Your mouth is dry from excitement, you're trying to control your breathing so you can keep a steady shot when you bring the rifle up, and just when you are about to explode with anticipation, the sound emerges into full sight.
And it's the biggest squirrel you've ever seen.
This scenario played out a handful of times for me when I was out there. The last time I almost shot the squirrel out of frusturation. But it's one of the things I like most of hunting. You never know what you are gonna get. Sometimes I get lucky, most times I don't. It's all part of the sport, and it's the X factor that keeps waking me up those mornings and groggily going out in the field.
But not when going for deer. Scent control is crucial. Not as much as when bow hunting, but even with a rifle in hand you have to be mindful of the wind and you need to use the scent killer and what not. You can bring some snacks with you, but forget about the big tasty stuff. And you want to stay still and silent. Deer both smell and see very well, so the less you move the better.
Which brings me to this last weekend. There I was in the woods up North without another soul around. Sitting on a stump waiting for a deer to come on by, I went into heightened sense mode. Being still and quiet amplifies everything else around you. Birds fluttering between trees, leaves rustling on the ground. At first it's kind of overwhelming with all the subtle noises, but then after a little bit it all becomes normal white noise and you can tune in to your surroundings and not be distracted by all of it.
But then you almost subconsciously pick out some small noise. Something wasn't right with that last sound you heard. It was different. But before you can completely process it, it's gone. But somehow you are looking in the direction it came. Focusing on that area, you now hear another sound. Yup, not leaves or birds, but definaetly something that normally isn't there. Was that a twig snapping? That sounds like footsteps. Big, not a grouse walking around, and not a little bird fluttering on the ground. But something actually taking steps and moving closer. You don't bring the scope up yet cause you can't see it, but you are gripping the gun with both hands now, ready to shoulder it should the target present itself. Your heart rate quickens because you have now eliminated any doubt in your mind that you're hearing things. Another twig moves or breaks. The sound is getting closer and closer, until finally it's right on the other side of the brush you're hunting by. Your mouth is dry from excitement, you're trying to control your breathing so you can keep a steady shot when you bring the rifle up, and just when you are about to explode with anticipation, the sound emerges into full sight.
And it's the biggest squirrel you've ever seen.
This scenario played out a handful of times for me when I was out there. The last time I almost shot the squirrel out of frusturation. But it's one of the things I like most of hunting. You never know what you are gonna get. Sometimes I get lucky, most times I don't. It's all part of the sport, and it's the X factor that keeps waking me up those mornings and groggily going out in the field.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Ahhh Democracy...
Did you miss me?
There is no good excuse for my absence. True I have been sick for approximaetly 47 years now, but that wasn't the reason. I was just lazy. I had plenty of ideas, but again, I was just lazy. But the urge returned and we're gonna run with it.
Lets talk politics shall we? If you didn't involuntarily groan just now with that statement, something is wrong with you.
What happened to politicians? If the founding father's could see the circus that is Gov't now-a-days, they'd go back overseas to the King. Whenever election season comes around, it's all I can do not to punch a puppy. It's nothing but all the candidates saying how much the other candidates suck. If you follow the logic to the letter, than we shouldn't vote for anyone since everyone sucks.
Ever notice how it is exceedingly hard to find the views of the candidate? It's buried because you have something along the lines of 2,429 different websites for each candidate all claiming to be the official one. Even if you do find the official one, it so loaded with useless shallow info that all you get is whether or not the candidate supports some major thing. Nevermind why, apparently that isn't worth our time. And forget about smaller issues. They don't have time for those.
Whatever happened to actually campaigning? Going out there and expressing your views. Ignore the other candidates. Your voice should be that of how you play the game. But that's not how it is. Now we repeatedly here that this candidate supports big oil, this one gave himself a failing grade in office, this one wants to use kittens as an alternative fuel source. Enough I say. It's the age old saying: worry about yourself. I'm not saying knowing whether or not a candidate supports big oil isn't an important thing to know. I'm saying let us figure it out for ourselves. And how would be do that? By having you morons running for office use all that airtime for negative garbage politics and telling us about yourself. Forget about your rival, let your platform do the talking.
Seriously, if any candidate came along and didn't say one bad thing about the other candidates, didn't even so much as say their names, clearly stated their views and didn't give the other candidates the time of day, I would vote for them instantly. I wouldn't necessarily care about their stances because that's the type of person I want representing me.
Unless it's someone like that nutcase Michelle Bachmann. Seriously, what's wrong with you people over in the 6th?
There is no good excuse for my absence. True I have been sick for approximaetly 47 years now, but that wasn't the reason. I was just lazy. I had plenty of ideas, but again, I was just lazy. But the urge returned and we're gonna run with it.
Lets talk politics shall we? If you didn't involuntarily groan just now with that statement, something is wrong with you.
What happened to politicians? If the founding father's could see the circus that is Gov't now-a-days, they'd go back overseas to the King. Whenever election season comes around, it's all I can do not to punch a puppy. It's nothing but all the candidates saying how much the other candidates suck. If you follow the logic to the letter, than we shouldn't vote for anyone since everyone sucks.
Ever notice how it is exceedingly hard to find the views of the candidate? It's buried because you have something along the lines of 2,429 different websites for each candidate all claiming to be the official one. Even if you do find the official one, it so loaded with useless shallow info that all you get is whether or not the candidate supports some major thing. Nevermind why, apparently that isn't worth our time. And forget about smaller issues. They don't have time for those.
Whatever happened to actually campaigning? Going out there and expressing your views. Ignore the other candidates. Your voice should be that of how you play the game. But that's not how it is. Now we repeatedly here that this candidate supports big oil, this one gave himself a failing grade in office, this one wants to use kittens as an alternative fuel source. Enough I say. It's the age old saying: worry about yourself. I'm not saying knowing whether or not a candidate supports big oil isn't an important thing to know. I'm saying let us figure it out for ourselves. And how would be do that? By having you morons running for office use all that airtime for negative garbage politics and telling us about yourself. Forget about your rival, let your platform do the talking.
Seriously, if any candidate came along and didn't say one bad thing about the other candidates, didn't even so much as say their names, clearly stated their views and didn't give the other candidates the time of day, I would vote for them instantly. I wouldn't necessarily care about their stances because that's the type of person I want representing me.
Unless it's someone like that nutcase Michelle Bachmann. Seriously, what's wrong with you people over in the 6th?
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Any minute now...
I saw at Cabela's a few weeks ago they were selling a giant duck call that was really a coat rack. I may have to try and sneak that purchase in some how.
Happy Duck Opener All!!!
Happy Duck Opener All!!!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The Kidney Walk...
Some of you may remember that last year I helped raise money for the National Kidney Foundation's "Kidney Walk". And it's that time of year again so I once again come to you all via cyberspace with bag in hand looking for charity. If you feel compelled to donate, click the following link:
http://donate.kidney.org/site/TR/Walk/MinnesotatheDakotasampIowa?px=1724582&pg=personal&fr_id=2710
You may have to copy and paste the link into your address box and go from there. That should take you to my personal fundraising page. Click on "Make a Gift" underneath the thermometer. Follow the instructions and go from there.
The reason for me doing this is the same as it was before: My Mom's side of our family deals with Polycystic Kidney Disease. It is a genetic disease, and the only treatment for when it gets really bad is a transplant. There have been multiple transplants amongst my relatives, my Mom included. The money raised goes directly to the National Kidney Foundation and is used accordingly based on the needs. I thank you for your generosity!!
http://donate.kidney.org/site/TR/Walk/MinnesotatheDakotasampIowa?px=1724582&pg=personal&fr_id=2710
You may have to copy and paste the link into your address box and go from there. That should take you to my personal fundraising page. Click on "Make a Gift" underneath the thermometer. Follow the instructions and go from there.
The reason for me doing this is the same as it was before: My Mom's side of our family deals with Polycystic Kidney Disease. It is a genetic disease, and the only treatment for when it gets really bad is a transplant. There have been multiple transplants amongst my relatives, my Mom included. The money raised goes directly to the National Kidney Foundation and is used accordingly based on the needs. I thank you for your generosity!!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
It approaches...
I start getting antsy this time of year. When the temp starts going the right way (which is down. Want it hotter? Move to Florida Tiffany!) I start getting gitty. A few weeks ago it all kicked off for yours truly. The two month lightning strike that is my Ducks Unlimited magazine happened. But this was a special issue, for this is the one that we all get right before the season. It has the duck forecast for all the flyways, and I eagerly went to that article and saw what I suspected: Good numbers anticipated.
Course that means nothing since I don't always hunt ideal private land, but more ducks around means more likelyhood they'll scamper my way. But the magazine arrival is just the tip of the ice berg. There's decoys to check out and touch up as needed, the boat needs the same once over and possibly a touch up of it's paint as well. The gun needs checking, shells need a lookin', and items need a buyin'. I absolutely live for this time of year. Fall is upon us, and with the opening of the Grouse and archery season last weekend, it's finally, after 365 days of waiting, open season. And in just a shade over two weeks, the Duck Opener happens.
And Daven is helping. Today we were practicing and tuning my duck calls. Drove the neighbors and the dogs nuts no doubt, but he loved it and I had fun as well.
Let it all begin again! Happy Hunting All!!!
Course that means nothing since I don't always hunt ideal private land, but more ducks around means more likelyhood they'll scamper my way. But the magazine arrival is just the tip of the ice berg. There's decoys to check out and touch up as needed, the boat needs the same once over and possibly a touch up of it's paint as well. The gun needs checking, shells need a lookin', and items need a buyin'. I absolutely live for this time of year. Fall is upon us, and with the opening of the Grouse and archery season last weekend, it's finally, after 365 days of waiting, open season. And in just a shade over two weeks, the Duck Opener happens.
And Daven is helping. Today we were practicing and tuning my duck calls. Drove the neighbors and the dogs nuts no doubt, but he loved it and I had fun as well.
Let it all begin again! Happy Hunting All!!!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
The Day America stopped...
Let's not dwell on the terribleness of this day. Let's dwell on how many heroes were born. To those that made it out, we thank you. To those that did not, not only do we thank you but we also wish that you peacefully rest. It's not cheesy to raise a flag today, it's respectful.
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