Hunting the right thing

Those who read this are usually used to my charm and quick wit. Today however, I was struck by a different thought. On Saturday, like I have for some 25 years, I entered the dark woods, in search of deer. The morning was a bust, but the afternoon brought a fine 8-point whitetail, which was felled with one bullet. This was great, but I had the thought this year, that this wasn't the reason we were there.
We hunt because that is what we were taught. We hunt to spend that short time together in crummy weather. We hunt to ridicule and mock each other. We hunt because that is what the generations before have done. The deer take a backseat to the people around us. I found myself spending more time thinking about those who would have loved that day, long ago, then thinking of the deer.
There were family members, that I had never met. I listened to my Grandma tell stories of people coming in mass, to be together and tell their half truths and tales, over bad coffee and card tables. I missed those people who should have been there for one more hunt. I found myself enjoying the smell of musty oranges suits and the taste of year old candy found in the pocket. I thought of the thousands of times, I had told Tony he couldn't shoot. I wondered how many times I had kidded my Dad about sleeping in his stand. How many times had we sat there and not seen anything, and yet been perfectly content.
It was about then on that blustery day, I had that moment. We didn't do this every year to hunt the deer. We had come to hunt those memories. I was happy to hunt one more time along side Dad Powell and Pa. Those people who would have enjoyed the ridiculous moments, of ridiculous behavior. I spent hours this weekend, listening in my mind to my grandfather tell his stories, in my head, again and again. It was good thing I had listened over and over. As I told stories to my brother-in-law, who was taking it all in for the first time, I heard myself say, too many times to count, " Mr. Powell...", or " Pa...". I missed them for that, but knew they were enjoying our hunt too.
My hope is to someday have sons who enjoy this season with me. I am sure in the not to distant future, my brother, the brothers Powell, and myself, will be the old men. Cranky, trying to make that last trip to the toilet before we leave. Hopefully, there will be some sons leading the way. If not, we will go quietly out together for one more party. Again and again, we will lie about shots made, deer weight, and terrible weather. And we will remember why we are there. Because this is what we were taught. This is what we do. The people we grew up knowing were the hunting gods, did this very thing. We did learn what they said. We follow proudly in their footsteps. Its too bad that more people don't know the secret we know. We hunt memories. The deer are just a bonus.

Many thanks to those who show us the way and the ones still doing the guiding from a better place. My hunt is always better with my Dad. He'll tell you I shoot pretty well. Ron Powell and Pa are still out in the blind telling tall tales and shooting straight. May their hunt be filled with crazy big bucks and snow filled mornings.

ps. Tony shoots pretty good. Never gonna say it again.

And so it begins...

We have been looking for it....

Mason looked for it in the house,










Allie spent time hiding from it...












Brooklyn did her part and tried to dig it up,











And then Matt went outside and found it.






The snow has come and tonight Green Meadow is white.

Michigan changes in all its glory. And we rejoice with goodness that is a cold blowing wind.
Let the cold season begin...Here we welcome it.

Here we are again...

Sometimes a picture says a thousand words. When I look at this one, it says, "Kinda windy, decent waves, and the people standing on the pier are not in their right mind." Oh, and Allie is wearing warmer clothes than everyone else. Note the carefree expression. The lake was mildly different than a month ago when we were still swimming in it. The hundred people sitting in their cars watching us take pictures, I am sure, were wondering where these tourists were from. Not tourists, just locals making memories, I thought. After we noticed how much beach we brought into the car, I thought about my memories with the ShopVac, cleaning out the cars.

Soccer season has now ended, thank goodness. The first 50 or 60 games are kinda exciting, but it quickly becomes a chore after that. In a few weeks basketball starts for Emma, Matt, Mason, and Ben, so the quiet time will be nice. We are almost ready for winter, here. The septic tanks have been pumped, the umbrella taken down, and the plants cut back. The trampoline will come down shortly, and all will be ready. Note to readers: Don't forget your septic tanks, or the guy comes to the door and says something like, " Lady, you got a lot of solids." It's an interesting line, that makes you think of all the good books you have read on the toilet. Anyway, we are past that and ready for the season change.

Almost bought a boat, but we will wait for spring. I checked our 401K's and thought maybe waiting would be a better option. Our retirement plan did its part to buoy the economy. I will be working until age 88, in order to buy food, but I guess that will keep the mind young. Matt says we can live with him, when he becomes a pro golfer, so I have my fingers crossed. Come spring, we will be boat searching again, and hopefully take to the water this summer. Using the kid's savings accounts to pay for gas. Taking suggestions for boat names. So far the leaders are, "Matt is cool", "Boys Stink", "Girls Stink More", and my favorite, "Empty". Empty of gas, money, and credit. Still working it out.

Once we get going in our new season, we come back and tell you how its going. Remember, gale force winds, are not something to be played with. Pictures tell the story.

Dog's Life

It has become apparent to our clan in the past few weeks, that in our glee to bring home our new family pet (way back in April), some items were not considered. I wanted to take a moment to discuss these oversights, within a public forum to reveal all the facts to those delusional people considering a new animal...

When budgeting for our little creature, I boldy declared that it would not impact the financial situation at our home. The bride quickly determined that I was wrong, upon returning from the first shopping trip, which included dog type items. Who knew that you can't buy a regular rubber ball for your pup anymore? No, no, for it must be environmentally safe, puppy teeth safe, baby safe plastic (in case, Mason chews it, I guess), and have the proper coloring so as not to confuse the puppy into thinking its food. Budget for chewy ball: $ 2.10. Real cost of chewy ball: $ 17.45. Yes, the other items also took this turn for the worse and tripled the grocery bill. Speaking of money, best to discuss with your family, their idea of treats for the pooch. As an experienced dog owner, I felt that a treat a day, of some cheap cookie, was good enough. However, the spouse's approach varied a little. You can buy gourmet treats from Istanbul, if you are willing to pay the shipping fees...and oh yes, if you buy more than a truckload, they will wave the shipping fees. Needless to say, Oreo cookies are no longer a luxury the Randle's can afford, because Brooklyn needs juicy mountain lamb treats, make by Olga in the southern hills of Turkey. (Laugh it up, I will forward you her website).

Now besides the food and money issues, it should be made very clear to you potential dog owners that some dog's grow large, despite your best wishes. Our little 7 lb. bundle of joy, gallops through the home teetering somewhere north of 50 lbs. The vet says she is almost 2/3's grown. Awesome, I say, forcing a smile. Good thing, we let her sleep on the bed, cause she was just a little girl and needed her family, so she wouldn't get scared in the dark. Sure goes well, now that she takes up one side of the bed and has gas while she sleeps. Paint should not peal off the wall, due to odor. It's just not right.

Another life lesson... Some animals have mental problems and allergies. Brooklyn scratches. And scratches. And itches. And scratches. For no other reason than it's something to do at 4:00 am, while on said bed. Change her food, the experts said. We called Olga's brother, Dieter, who lives in the foothills of the Alps. He makes perfect hypo-allergenic dog food from tree bark and beaver droppings. After a couple hundred dollars, it occurred to us that special dog food makes Brooklyn puke. Not small puke. Large pile, heavily scented puke. Back to the Dogchow we went. The vet figured that maybe its just mental. Seeing that the Dog-whisperer was busy, we are trying to work through her emotional problems that cause the scratching.

Your yard may take on a special look. Our beautiful thick green grass has special surprises hidden throughout. Recently, while mowing our lawn, our lawn care expert, who shall remain slightly anonymous, was unable to eat an apple while mowing. Why so, you ask... The stench from the tractor tires overwhelmed him. I was informed that the cost of mowing was going up, due to piles of the afformentioned puke and other dog waste piles. One was big enough, that the tractor became stuck and had to be retrieved by professionals. This is an ongoing problem, as Brooklyn is not bright enough to learn to use the weeds, for relief, like her buddy Jackson.

I would be amiss, if I did not mention what can happen when the house is empty. Future dog owners: Read and memorize, for your own good. Bad things happen when you don't pay attention. For consideration, I provide this evidence. A dog can eat eight baked potatoes in 1 minute, from the countertop. When buying fresh grapes from the store, buy eight pounds, because your dog can eat four pounds, rapidly. Silly putty, you ask? Oh yes, they will eat Silly Putty. It is no longer a child's toy, it doubles as a environmentally safe chew toy. You can get it back when it comes out the other end. Wax candles should be safe. Uh, no. Wax candles can also be retrieved upon exit, if your willing to melt the pieces back together. I am not. Onions are a great pre dinner snack for dogs. Helps with the breath. Chicken off the grill, and not even a whisker burned. Lettuce salads directly from the bowl on the table. Helps keep the teeth clean. And last, but certainly not least, when you call the insurance company to pursue a claim for living room carpet, because upon inspection, you realize your dog chewed a hole 6" in diameter right through to the subfloor, prepare for the insurance agent to laugh. Its better to blame the children, because at least insurance covers that.

We love our Brooklyn. Put her in a kennel during the day to avoid the problems? That would only lead to larger bills with the therapist. We learn by error and Brookie is a great teacher. Enjoy your pets.

On a side note, it is a good idea to have your wife lock up any weapons you may own, and not give you the key, during these special Hallmark moments.

Lessons Learned

With the end of the season upon us, we felt it necessary to reflect on what we have learned this summer. Let's see...(pardon the ramblings):

• Even though you may think the wind will just "blow right through", it will reduce your trampoline to rubble.
• Never put your own sunscreen on. I don't care what you think, you can't reach your whole back.
• Dogs smell. Its a fact, learn to cope.
• When allowing your pet, entrance to the home, check her mouth for live creatures. Baby rabbits do not enjoy the living room. Also, four children do not enjoy baby rabbits in the living room.
• While installing the new clothes line to save energy, realize the holes must be dug to China. If the holes are to be dug in clay, buy a new clothes dryer.
• Playing Wii too much, causes arm strain and some injuries.
• Never punch your big brother, cause he will find you, when you least expect it.
• When your the smallest of the herd, be wary of the animals. They are genetically conditioned to attack and eat the smallest of the herd.
• When playing golf with Grandpa, do not try to steal his new driver, because, "it fits me good and I hit it better than him."
• Don't pick on the little girl, before 10:00 am. She can get cranky.
• Begin preparing for teaching in the fall, the day after school lets out in the spring. It will benefit you in the end.
• The best hot tub you can have, belongs to the neighbors.
• While sailing, even though you hear "turn away from the wind", turn into it. Otherwise stuff breaks and the retribution will be swift.
• When leaving the beach, begin saying "time to get out of the water", 2 hours before it's time to leave.
• Going to Target shopping for one item, means, "we are about to spend $76.34, on a greeting card, two packs of gum, and a toilet plunger. Don't know what happened to the rest."
• Never attack a basketball size nest of hornets with half a can of Raid and a rake. The Raid will run out rapidly, and a flailing rake against a swarm of angry hornets is just stupid, no matter what you thought.
• And our best lesson...A bad day in the summer is still better than a good one working.

Check back soon, for our "Yeah, the school year has started", update.

Playing outside...

Well, summer has struck again. Today it was 130 degrees, give or take a few, and the sun peeled the paint off the house. Without sunglasses, a local guy went blind from what was described as nuclear flash, when he went to get the paper this morning. The clan went to the beach on Saturday and tried to beat the berating temperatures. We, of course had to take in Art in the Park, in Holland, prior to the beach. This event was an awesome reason to spend our savings on cool trinkets cooked up by some guy named Lou, who loves to hang out in his wood shop.

Bunch of Wooden Swords: $ 36.00
Pile of Clothes for Dolls: $ 24.00
Some Weird Look'in Lawn Thing: Don't ask

But, right after that, we headed out to the beach. 2 to 4 footers rolling in with the cool breeze, was just what we were after. We did not count on the waves being full of seaweed, bark, medical supplies, and old tennis shoes. Ah, nature in all its glory. It was good enough though, as the 72 degree water was better than our sweltering home. Plus, Dad got to change into his suit while in the car. Did I mention the parking lot was full, and the windows are not as black as he thought. Boy, the tourists from Iowa got a tale to tell. A few hours after arriving home, it did become apparent that Dad also forgot sunscreen on himself. Paying for it now. Glow in the dark paying for it.

Grandpa and Grandma R. came in last night to spend some quality time with us. They rolled up in their new sled (I have been told that sled is a cool and current term for car). We enjoyed their short time with us, and have hopefully convinced them to take us to the Bahama's next year. Hint: We prefer the royalty suites...just in case they are reading. The kids do love it when they are with us and we were able to take them to the exclusive, VIP only, Culver's restaurant for lunch before they traveled away. Oh yeah, didn't know Grandma knew how to play 4-square, and really had no idea she played with such an aggressive streak.

Today, we took in the dune rides, just for something different (See picture). Pretty sweet riding in a car with no top or windows. We all came away with inspiring and not quite right hair styles. The view from 300 feet toward Lake Michigan left us without words. It was a cool 2 minutes before the bickering fired up again. It was worth the trip and nice to know things like that exist only 10 minutes from home. All in all I would say we are pretty lucky.

Signing off to get some Aloe...back is burning again. Hopefully, the peeling process starts soon.

Green Meadow Flies Again

It took awhile, but we are catching air again!!! Do to a stellar line of credit, the family picked up yet another tramp. No offense to the original, but the new green round one is pretty much the coolest toy, we could find for summer (short of a sweet sailboat, but the stellar line of credit only goes so far).
Built by a serious construction crew, last Sunday, the first real test came this morning. All four gymnasts took the the sky, in an effort to test performance. Even in the summer rain, it threw them true and straight and all is well.
Consultants have requested that we bury this one, so no storm can defeat us. That may require planning, as the hole will have to be pretty deep, to accommodate Dad's triple back rolling spread flip. He tends to catch grass. This is probably do to physics we don't understand, cause it sure can't be his mass alone. We will update you on the progress of the hole.
Moving on for now...Mase just touched a cloud.