Fair Weather Campers

The last couple winters were something like 2 months of additional fall and a month of "never knew spring to start this early."  This year winter has been winter.  Oh, we could use more snow but at least what we've gotten has generally stayed around for a while.  

Last Friday, Jan. 24, the conditions needed for a good winter camping adventure were in place.  Below freezing temperatures and snow on the ground are the main prerequisites.  A few years back we did the "really, really cold camp-out".  While those who participated like to talk about the -10 temperature, it seems we all have no qualms about "fair weather camping" these days.  And those were the conditions of our camp-out this year.  Temperatures were in the mid 20's and while a blustery wind was blowing, we were sheltered in the woods with high bluffs on two sides of our camp site.  Good weather, good food, good company; it was an adventure!

I have no photos from Friday night.  But thanks to Bruce, I have these from Saturday AM to share.

First, from the fire looking South.

And looking North.

We found a downed tree and cut it up for firewood.  

Next: pull out some coals and turn Bruce loose on breakfast.

We could often hear the wind howling in the trees above us but rarely did we feel the gusts.  It was, however, slightly breezy.  From all directions.  The swirling breeze sent the smoke in all directions on the compass and try as we might, we couldn't stay out of it for long.  It appears Bruce just got a face full.

Bacon is a wonderful invention.

New this year.  Fried crescent rolls.

I take a turn cooking.

Myself, Kenrick, Rob, Andy & Don

A first.  Rob goes for a tent - and didn't feel bad about it.  :)

Don's comfortable digs.

And my abode for the night. 

Kenrick hauls supplies back the the truck as we prepare to leave.

Rob, Kenrick, Don, Anthony, Andy and myself.

Bruce takes my spot.

Doug and Trevon had to leave early and missed the group photo.

For Rob's version:  Click Here

Hot & Cold

It wasn't Minnesota or North Dakota cold yesterday in central Illinois.  But it was cold by our standards.  Sunday had brought enough snow & Monday enough cold that the morning newspaper wasn't delivered, the mailed didn't come, and numerous business in Eureka closed all or part of the day; including the library, school, grocery store, etc.  As a matter of fact, I didn't go to work either.  So it was a good time to go shovel driveways for some friends & family.

The temperature when I started shoveling was about -12 with a nice breeze out of the north that produced a wind chill of about -35; so said the weatherman.  I figured my t-shirt, flannel shirt, windbreaker & sock cap would be enough since my body produces a rather substantial amount of heat when I'm working. 

Well I was wrong, it was more than enough.  After a few minutes, sweat is running down my neck so I tossed the cap.  Ahh.  That was better.  Let some of that heat escape.  Except about 10 minutes later with the perspiration starting to dampen the t-shirt I figured it was time for the jacket to go.  That worked pretty well.  Somewhere about then Brenda looked outside.  She opened the door far enough to ask me where my hat and coat were.  You see, she finds 72 to be about the bottom limit of her comfort zone.  She just doesn't understand!  :)

The Heat is ON

This summer I decided not to be a complainer about the heat.  I've done my share of moaning in the past about the hot summer days but have slowly come to the realization most people don't like to hear about the weather from a chronic complainer.  

Also, Brenda is cold most of the time between September and April and I'm hot most of the time between March and November.  So it's not like I've got a corner on the discomfort market... and she doesn't complain much.  Perhaps another reason to keep quiet.

Then, if today is a day the Lord has made and I'm to rejoice and be glad, it hardly seems reasonable to continually gripe about the degrees and humidity that makes me perspire so.

But having said that, the weather has cooled a bit.  This week has forecast highs of 50 and lows of 30.  Oh, do I like this!

Yesterday morning, Brenda asked ever so politely, "Do you think it's about time to turn on the heat"?  I told her that would be no problem; was it cool in the house or something?  She thought it was.  So I checked and it was 61 degrees.  I guess that is cool enough to turn on the heat... I'd just not given it a thought. Good thing she watches out for us.  I might just forget to turn it on until sometime in December!

All-American

First Team All American.

Voting was Unanimous.

Also...  Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!

To OKC for a graduation

We headed to Oklahoma City in May for Kalynn's graduation from the University of Oklahoma.  The degree as a registered dental hygienist complete and a job waiting for her was cause for celebration!  So what better way to start than with a troupe of bagpipers!

 The dental hygiene program was recognized at the university wide graduation on Friday night, but that department conducted a separate ceremony Saturday AM.  This was the graduation we attended and was where all the students were recognized individually.  Kalynn shows her trademark smile as she walks by family on the way in.

 The four years of hard work recognized.

Yep, still grinning.  So were we!

Kyle & Kalynn

 Karmen & Kalynn

 

Kalynn and her parents, Delaine & Dan.  Sorry Kalynn, it was the very best photo of your parents and every other one of you is great so...  had to do it!

 "I like that party hat!"

Congratulations to both of you.  Job well done.  We know nobody was more thrilled than you for your accomplishments, but we were pretty excited too!!!

Just in Time

Back during mushroom season I was just busy enough that getting out to hunt mushrooms almost didn't happen.  Finally one Sat. afternoon I had some time and thought I'd go even though I really didn't expect to find any.  It was just too late in the spring; or so it seemed.  My neighbor went with me and while we didn't find many, we didn't get skunked...  and they were pretty good sized too.

 I put in the egg to give a size representation but decided a banana would do a better job.

One of my meals was scrambled eggs with sauteed onions & mushrooms, cheese, salsa and a dab

of peach jam.  Best scrambled eggs I've ever made!!

3rd Annual Wild Game Dinner

"Go afield with a good attitude, with respect for the wildlife you hunt and for the forest and fields in which you walk.  Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person."

-Fred Bear  1902-1988

The outdoor experience was re-lived at the dinner table Saturday evening.  Sharing the harvest with family & friends is another great moment in the succession of events that begins with the planning of a hunting trip well before season opens.

Don mans the grill. 

Moose tenderloin from Newfoundland Canada. Marinated in soy sauce & brown sugar and grilled with the bacon wrap.  If someone ever offers you one of these, do not, and I mean, DO NOT turn it down!

Ready to serve.

Wild turkey from Michigan.  I was so busy preparing this I forgot to take a photo of the finished product.  However, it is best described as Greek seasoned turkey with a artichoke & sun-dried tomato reduction sauce & topped with kalamata olives & feta cheese. Don't turn this one down either!

The table is set and the kids are gathering.

"Please pass the moose!"

And if dinner wasn't good enough!  There's more...

Game night participants

No photo, but Don's Buffalo dip with squirrel & wild turkey meat was as good as any I've ever eaten.

Looking forward to the 4th annual dinner.  However, we've got to head to the woods first to acquire the ingredients.  So lets start planning Don!