Deer Season

Today was opening day of Firearms Deer Season. It's kind of a local holiday in this area. My parents were hunters as were their parents before them, as we are. It's a time for camaraderie, everyone has their favorite "story". My Mom was a hunter and I hunt the way that she did. She was a stalking hunter, no deer stands for her (or I). We enjoy exploring the area, enjoying all that nature has to offer and if we're lucky we will see the elusive whitetail deer. They definitely have the advantage with this style of hunting. Their keen senses and knowledge of their "back yard" is second to none. I feel privileged to even get a glimpse of one let alone a shot.

I really miss my Mom at times like this. She stopped hunting a few years back but she was always up for a deer story or to listen to ours. She was supportive, encouraging, and helpful. She had a "hunch" where the deer would be at a given time. I feel fortunate to have been blessed with that gene and we had quite a few conversations about it over the years.

We are continuing on the tradition Mom - wish you were here!

Cold, Snow, and Snowmen

So, yesterday we had our first snow in Minnesota. Normally I would be really happy to see that first snow but when it's accompanied by gale force winds - not so much.

The grandbabies enjoyed it though. They gave me a smile and made my outlook on the situation change some  a little.

Here are the snowmen, aren't they adorable??? Not too much snow and today it's already a memory but left us with a stark reminder of what is to come in the not too distant future.

As long as I remember to look at things through the youngins eyes things will be easier to take. We can learn (or remember) a lot from those little tykes.

Time Flies...

This past week has been a whirlwind getting ready for our visit from our oldest daughter Crystal. The weekend went so fast but there were quite a few memories made.

We weren't sure if they would hold out but we did get out to view the Fall Colors and take some pics.

It was also Frank's Birthday so we had the whole family over for birthday dinner. We had 3 Birthdays to celebrate. In addition to Frank we celebrated Angie's and Crystal's partner Dale's birthdays. On top of that we did some pumpkin carving, always a fun activity this time of year.

The wildlife even decided to make an appearance for the occasion. 

The deer didn't appreciate the paparazzi.

What a great weekend! 

Fall is in the air

Things have been pretty chilly mornings here lately. Still busy working on the woodpile, slowly but surely. We had some helpers yesterday.

Nice to have the grandbabies here, they always give you a new outlook on an old boring chore. The oldest thought Grampa should make him his own axe out of wood, the youngest thought playing on the big logs was too fun to resist (while we all held our breath!).