Never underestimate the power a picture of a family simply living life together can have on another. Because that’s where it all started for me. You know, most all of us influence somebody by the things that we do, and the way we live, and the things we say. We influence somebody. Somebody is watching your life. — W.M. Branham   These pictures of another family made me think.  Go ahead & click, I’ll still be here. “You don’t have to be a person of influence to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me.” ― Scott Adams Because of these pictures, my cardinal rule of NEVER be involved and make…

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I thought I had it good. I love my travel trailer with its slide-out but I was converted this year. Converted to camping in a canvas wall tent. (photo from Montana Canvas) Although a travel trailer certainly has some pros, I can only think of one of thing that it does that I cannot do the same in a wall tent. What I love about the wall tent. the cozy rustic charm the canvas walls give wood burning stove sleeping accommodations & kitchen under one roof 2 tables can be left in place w/ chairs even when we have our sleeping bags and kitchen set up When I stayed in my travel trailer, there were always issues of running out of water (with running water,…

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I really don’t even know where to begin. Hunting Camp 2012 is over but the memories just still keep coming on.  It was a good year. There were 7 elk tags in the camp and all 7 were filled.  We’re all very thankful because we know we have plenty of good healthy meat for the next year. We were so happy for Serenity because she tagged out opening morning. Many times she’s had to hunt all week before she got her’s, so this time she was able to spend more time at camp.  I looked at her and thought I saw Annie Oakley but then I looked again and it was Serenity.   One shot, standing up, from the shoulder.  Aaaammmaaazing girl.   Wesley tagged…

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The elk hunting season is here and we’re headed out for another memorable year.  It looked like camp was going to be smaller this time (only about 40), but we’re almost up to 60 now. There seems there might be a small hitch in the weather. It seems it wants to rain. Like really bad. 90% chance.  Not good, but thankfully we have the wall tent in which we can all gather and a wood burning stove to keep us toasty, games to play and plenty of people to fellowship with.  Oh, and food.  I think we’ll be alright after all!       See you all next week!   I don’t envy the hunters though.:)

Hunting season is drawing to a close here at my house.  One more elk hunt next week and then we’ll be finished.  Hunting can really put some interruptions in your life so I’m kind of glad things are being wrapped up on that end. However, I have yet another hunting post (oh, yes and here is another and yet even another one if you just can’t get enough ). Last week Seth had his bulk elk hunt.  This hunt was for muzzleloader - you know – the old time rifle that the pioneers would use?  You get one shot and then have to reload – first the powder, then the bullet, ram the bullet, put a primer in, replace the ramrod and then you’re good to go.  My son tells me…

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Just thought ya’ll would like to see the mule deer Wesley got the beginning of November.  He’s been an avid student of Deerology for several months now, diligently reading books and haunting online deer forums.  I told him I thought he deserved a Ph.D. in the topic by now.  I really liked the part in his hunting story, where he took his boots off because they were squeaking since he didn’t want to spook the buck. Great job, Wesley. I never thought this deer and I would come together like we did – but it happened. . .

We’re getting there.  Slowly but surely we’re making it through the family updates for October.  Part I was general news around the homestead and Part II was our annual elk hunt. The third week of October was another hunt – this time for Coues deer.  It was Zachary and Ethan’s hunt. (Ethan is my good friend Tina’s son.)  Ethan has wanted to go elk hunting for a very long time but getting an elk tag in Arizona is not always that easy.  So, he settled for a Coues hunt with Zachary. Apparently they didn’t put in for a very good area and never did shoot anything but they did have a good time. At least that’s what they told me. I didn’t go camping but Ethan’s parents did;…

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I survived our annual elk hunt.  Dirt, dust and campfire smoke was the worst of it.  The best of it was making good food for hungry hunters, spending time with friends and getting to know new ones.  Our family, as well as my sister’s family, were there to the bitter end (an entire week!).  It was so good to spend time with them.  I didn’t get this dirty but I felt it.   The kids have the best time and really look forward to the hunting camp.   Slamwich & Dutch Blitz were the favorite games this year.   We had over 60 people this year.  What happened to going to the woods for a little peace and quiet?   Russell was only getting about 3-4…

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The elk hunting season is upon us and so the conversation at our house has centered around camping and hunting for the last few weeks.  Wesley is trying to get his hunting gear in order.  He was referred to a site called CamoFire and he faithfully checks it when he wakes up.  They offer new deals on hunting gear at least once a day.  If you have an avid hunter in the family, you might want to check it out. Seth is coming home from Ohio for the occasion. He’ll be here a week and then he returns to Ohio for about 3 weeks and then he’s coming home!!  He had his 19th birthday last week and so we had to mail him his birthday gift.  We gave him…

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About this time of year, hunting fever sets in.  There are elk and deer hunts on the schedule in the upcoming months and just this past Friday antelope season started.  Zachary was drawn for a unit that gave out only 4 tags and there was an average of 70 people who put in their name per tag.  He was one of the lucky ones.  He was fortunate enough to be blessed with an antelope opening day (September 4) which was wonderful since we had our Middle Ages Co-op on Saturday.  This way he wasn’t being pulled in two directions.  Did you know these facts about antelope? They have exceptional eyesight – they have been compared to high powered binoculars Average life span – 6-8 years Speed…

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