Update:
I spent the
day in the woods awaiting an unsuspecting deer to wander by. That didn’t happen but it was a pleasant day
that I got to spend in the pursuit of game.
I spent a little time with friends who came by to check on me throughout
the day since I am limited in my mobility.
I appreciated them doing that. I
sat in the woods from 6 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. only standing to stretch a few
times. It was only about 120 steps to
the truck; but I only walked in and walked out.
Even that short distance was enough with current fit of my prosthesis.
A couple of
high points for me were the crows which flew by several times. I don’t like crows in town, but I really am
amazed at how far their calls carry in the woods as they soar by. They have some very neat vocalizations that
when I hear them, it brings back great memories of being in the woods. I also enjoyed the woodpeckers that flitted
by and kept tapping at the trees. One of
the bird landed on a branch about two feet away from me. I had a great time as we eyed one another for
a few minutes.
Having lost
over 40 pounds in the last year, I am cold most of the time now (I think I am
colder than my wife, Karen, if you can imagine that), so I was very thankful
that the temperature moderated and the high was about 37 F. I decided to wear my old hunting clothes and
not buy any new ones until next year after I’ve lost all the weight that I
wanted. I had LOTS of extra room in my
coat. I’ve lost over eight inches on my
waistline and I had purchased that coat large for me back then so I’d have room
for extra layers. It worked for today
but might let in too much air when it’s colder.
Despite not
seeing any deer, I was very thankful for the extra time that I could spend
reflecting and praying in thankfulness for the year that I’ve had. Last year at this time, I was sick with what
I thought was the flu. I didn’t hunt on
opening day. On the next day, I forced
myself to go to church although I didn’t feel well. After the Community Thanksgiving Service on
Sunday evening, I was bedridden until I went to the hospital on Thanksgiving
Day. That ten day stay in the hospital was
a life-saver and life-changer. So I
have much to be thankful for just sitting outside enjoying the day.
And as I
told a friend, not getting a deer meant that I didn’t have to go wait in line
to get it checked in and I didn’t have to deal with the mess of dressing and hanging
the deer. There is a bright side to
everything!
I hope to
get out for the afternoon once or twice more either in the remainder of gun,
black powder, or late bow season; but I’m pretty satisfied overall right now.
Feeling
blessed to be alive and enjoying life!
The pictures
are a selfie of me in the woods and one view from where I was sitting watching
some (normally) heavily traveled deer trails.
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