1 post from February 2009

     Well the holidays are over and we're headed toward Spring.  My family and I had a wonderful holiday season.  Hunting season was great also.  It was nice to head out to the hunting camp with my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and family friends to sit back, tell tall tales of our hunting adventures, and make excuses for not bringing home "the big buck".  I did manage to kill 2 deer this year.  One was a close shot.  The deer was closer than I've ever been to one.  He came within 15 yds of me.  I was going to let him go because I had seen a bigger buck the day before but couldn't get a shot on him.  However, he kept taunting me and left me no choice.  One shot....one kill.  Then the next day, there were 4 deer in the field approximately 200 yds away.  I looked through the scope of my .270 and saw that they were all does.  WV had a doe season this year because the deer population is overwhelming.  Need-less-to-say, I did my part to control the deer population.  I cracked off a shot and she hit the ground.  That was the end of my deer hunting season.  I bagged my limit in the first 3 days.  However, I stayed at the hunting camp with no running water or electricity for the next few days.  We could hook up power and water, but whats the use?  How can you "face the elements" if you're living in luxury?  I have also taken my new beagle out and hunted her a few times.  As a matter of fact, we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, so on Christmas Day the hunting crew took the dogs out and went on the big rabbit chase.  We came home with only one rabbit.  I'll briefly explain.  My father-in-law couldn't shoot straight, our friend couldn't get his gun to work right, I didn't even see a rabbit, and my brother-in-law was always in the wrong spot at the wrong time.....ha ha.  The poor dogs worked their butts off jumping 9 rabbits that day and we let them down by only killing one.  However, we all had a really good time and thats all that matters. 

     Work is just basically that.....WORK!   Its stressful at times, boring at times, and downright nerve-racking at times.  However, after seeing some of the hardships that I saw while I was gone, I can't complain too much.  I must say that having done what I did over there, I often feel inadequate back here at home.  I read up and try to stay current on the situation in Afghanistan.  Although I am enjoying being home with my family and they are enjoying me, a part of me misses being there and being able to help out the fight on terror.  I have continued working out lifting weights.  My shoulder was injured while we were over there and I am going in a couple of weeks to talk to the surgeon about having orthoscopic surgery.  The VA has been excellent about seeing me and treating me for my issues.  The MRI revealed that I have torn tendons in my shoulder and the capsule is partially torn.  There is a possibility that it won't require surgery though. 

     As many of you may remember Jan. 2nd of last year....one of the most horrific days I had there, I must say this Jan. 2nd was filled with horrific memories of the days events.  I have built a wooden memorial in memory of Collin and have it hanging on my wall at work.  I managed to make it through the day and with the support of my wife and children, we have managed to make the adjustment to me returning home.  I'm sure there are days that she wishes I was somewhere else, just not over there in harms way....ha ha.  I am enrolled back into school to finish out my bachelors degree in nursing.  2 semesters and I'M DONE!!!  Most of my time since returning home has been spent dong things around the house.  We often go to the girls' basketball games here.  Our high school girls are #1 in the state and are undefeated at 17-0.  They are excellent.  Last year we had the state player of the year.  One of the girls this year is up for that honor as well.  They are truly amazing to watch them in action.  The boys....well....not so much.  They are hanging in there at 8-8.  The girls won a tournament here in southern WV called the Mountain State Coal Classic.  Even though they are back-to-back state champions, they have never won that tournament before. 

     Well, I guess I have rambled long enough for now.  I hope everyone is doing well.  Until next time.........