I was “up north” last week and I heard him say it. “Pull off the runners and put on the wheels”. Without snow, landings would be difficult, so he did an accurate job of forecasting the weather. High (relatively) temps and no snow accumulation. Beautiful weather for most and unwelcome for many. Sleds and skis, and their related industries aren’t doing well, but the multitudes shopping the streets and malls in shorts seem to be enjoying the respite from typical blustery Decembers.
Let’s remember that, in spite of the weather conditions, the joyous seasons are to be appreciated and celebrated in recognition of the gifts we have been blessed with. So here is wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Oh, and I promise you, it will be downhill-or uphill- from here, depending upon your preferences.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Sunday, December 13, 2015
WINTER MORNING AT THE CABIN
WINTER MORNING AT THE CABIN 12/12/2015
You could tell by the twinkle in his eye that he was enjoying doing what he was doing. The old wood burner was consuming oak by the box full and the cabin was as warm as toast on this cool morning in December. The smoke curled from the chimney and floated softly down onto the deck as high pressure promised a pleasant winter day at the cabin. That old Monarch wood stove had been doing his job for over thirty years, and as long as somebody would continue to stuff logs into him, he would exude warmth.
A small flock of mallard ducks puddled in the lake, enjoying what could well be the near end of the open water, the lake having been ice covered only a few weeks before. Old Man Winter is lurking just around the corner, and when he chooses to make another entry is anybody's guess, including the duck's.
Of course, when the Old Man does return, the ducks would simply update their Visa's and take off for a warmer climate, an option not available to all. The ducks, however, do not have the option of sitting in the cabin and absorbing the warmth of the old Monarch wood burner. Perhaps, the better option of the two is a tossup.
You could tell by the twinkle in his eye that he was enjoying doing what he was doing. The old wood burner was consuming oak by the box full and the cabin was as warm as toast on this cool morning in December. The smoke curled from the chimney and floated softly down onto the deck as high pressure promised a pleasant winter day at the cabin. That old Monarch wood stove had been doing his job for over thirty years, and as long as somebody would continue to stuff logs into him, he would exude warmth.
A small flock of mallard ducks puddled in the lake, enjoying what could well be the near end of the open water, the lake having been ice covered only a few weeks before. Old Man Winter is lurking just around the corner, and when he chooses to make another entry is anybody's guess, including the duck's.
Of course, when the Old Man does return, the ducks would simply update their Visa's and take off for a warmer climate, an option not available to all. The ducks, however, do not have the option of sitting in the cabin and absorbing the warmth of the old Monarch wood burner. Perhaps, the better option of the two is a tossup.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
HOW STILL IS A WINTER FOREST?
Not much time left. Only until closing tonight and tomorrow and chances for venison steak are diminished for another year. We silently trod to our selected stands, and we are obviously intent on accomplishing our ultimate goal, filling the larder for the hard, upcoming winter.
Having accomplished the relatively difficult trek to our makeshift blind, I discovered that light rain and freezing cold had partially collapsed our cover. In short order, all was restored. From here on, no creature’s search could penetrate my heavily camouflaged position.
The forest was still, the wind was light, the time right. We would hit it right. I did everything right.
My “cell phone” was on silent/vibrate in case of an emergency, but my not being of any particular use in any emergency, it was of minimal value. So, I settled in for the long, cold, stealthy wait, anticipating the appearance of treasured game.
Suddenly, I felt the slight vibration. What could it be? Not my cell phone. Who could be calling at this hour? I dug the phone from its deeply hidden pocket and quietly whispered “Hello”. It was my good neighbor, Pat. He asked if I was at the cabin, because I had left a yard light on. He volunteered to turn it off for me. I whispered “I’m in the woods hunting Pat. Don’t worry about the light, but thanks.” The entire exchange took about twenty seconds. Back to the hunt.
Eleven hours later, back at the cabin and in the process of building a Manhattan, the cell phone rings. (I took off VIBRATE while leaving the woods) “Hello Earl?” asked a neighbor, Jim. He called to advise me that another neighbor reported that someone was hunting in our woods and was talking on a cell phone in a low voice that morning. I explained that it was me answering Pat’s call, but I just barely whispered and hung up.
The neighbor was in a deer stand at least 230 yards from me, but still could hear my whispered communication in the forest. If you ever wondered how still it is in an early morning winter forest……we now have found the answer. And we are never really alone, are we?
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