Monday, November 24, 2008

The similarities are frightening!

The 2008 gun deer hunting season is well underway...as is the shoe hunting season. The stories are flying. The similarities are amazing! Let me just tell you the ones I know so far:
1. I am not sure the exact time deer hunting opened on Saturday, the official opening day. I know the sun has been rising at a couple minutes before 7 am. So that being said, the opening time was right around there. My husband hunts about 20 minutes from our house. The alarm was set for 3:50 am (that is not a typo). The alarm, of course, never went off for Todd never really fell asleep. He was out in his stand, very easily by about 4:45 am just waiting...and waiting.

Friday is the infamous Black Friday or the Day after Thanksgiving sale. I have no doubt that many of you will be paging through um teen flyers after you have stuffed yourself with turkey and all the fixings. And I know many of you, if not all of you will be on your computers or standing in the lines at the stores hours before the store even opens. I know several women who wake at 4 am just to get those good deals when the doors fly open at 7am. So when you are standing in line, don't forget your foot warmers!

2. Everyone's style of hunting is different. My husband went out with our good friend Roger Peters. He also had a group of guys hunting together some private land mostly owned by organic farmer and friend K.T. My husband made a phone call midday whispering "I got a small one. it was wounded. I had to take him down." Rusty calls me looking for Todd later that day. "We got 11. 3 big bucks. 7 of them were shot by one guy." I know of several men who are lucky enough to have their own private land in Buffalo County (big buck country). Most have already been successful in their individual hunting sessions.

The girls' shoe hunting approach can be handled differently as well. Todd and Rog's hunt remind me of Ronda and Tanya's last year...they too went into some very public territory, well hunted and managed to find "wounded" though worth it shoes! And as far as hunting in a pack, I know a friend who will remain anonymous but it related to the hunter who shot 7 deer in one day. She, too, has found success by purchasing not 7 but 8 pairs of shoes in a very short period of time- I am sure any of us with extra tags will be more than happy to donate them to her. She is doing our economy some good after all, and that is what it is all about! And then there are those women who seem to have it all and get those winning shoes that no one else can find, let alone dream of having! I have a grand feeling that those girls from Buffalo county will be showing off some dandies! I can't wait to see those beauties.

3. I am competitive. I would love for my husband who has been hunting for 25 years to get a really nice buck. And I would love to get some really great pair of shoes. After all, I have been shopping since I was 3.

Peace,
Paula

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Learning to breathe

I sit here in front of my latest shoe purchase. They kinda remind me of the eighties. Two lips designer. "Martini" is their name. Mary Jane style with a heel. Colors platinum, purple, and black- so that's the eighties part. If it's my unknowing intuition being right, maybe the eighties style is coming back so watch out and get the mega hold hairspray out! I love them. They certainly are different. To a hunter, they may be considered a nubby buck- good heel, intriguing...but not "it". I have been told by some very trendy ladies that maybe a skinny pant with some heel boots, a little fur thing around the top may be the way to go for me...I'll see. I'm a little nervous. I'll have to scope out the look. I am 37 after all...but you are right, not 73. I was behind a lady in line today who probably was 73 - she was telling the cashier she didn't need a gift receipt because what she was buying was all for her...no kidding- skinny pants, a big sweater, a big shiny purse, and some hoop earrings- what am I worried about?
Bunco night. I won $15... going to the shoe hunt! Oh my! Do we have a great auction item for you...what a fabulous art donation from Kelly Oppermann! OK, so I will tell you what I learned tonight because I always learn something.
1. Jill Luedtke does a nice job catering.
2. Jeff and Mike from Spirits on Main can pick out good wine when asked so don't search, just ask.
3. If you complete the survey online after a Bath and Body purchase, which takes a matter of 2 minutes, you get $10 off your next purchase!
4. Hi is Hi in german, Hallo= hello, guten tag= good day, guten nacht=good night (just a refresher on Deutsche as 2 are traveling there soon.)
5. When shopping at Walmart- yes, we all do at times, you have 2 choices for check out which can usually take as long as the actual shopping process. Self checkout- which never seems to work (though as a past employee of Fleet Farm, I would like to say I never seem to have a problem so this may be experience) but the problem comes from the placing of the items in or out of the bag, kids touching the bag area...lots of frustration...or the actual check out where it seems the cashier is often quite relaxed and I must now practice very deep breathing, laborious exercises since all too often i am 10 minutes behind where I should be.
6. Our husbands seem to have made everyone cook or make purchases today for their weekend hunting expedition- mine asked me to buy snickers and sliced ham.
7. If you wait for a trunk show at Koehn and Koehn, you can get the Pandora bracelet for free.
8. Some of our favorite stores are right here in West Bend- Serendipity, Savoring Thyme, Apple barrel...
9. We played 20 minutes of bunco which bet the 15 minutes of trap that guys usually play.

It's amazing what happens when a group of girls get together- we had some super ideas- I vaguely remember a suggestion...something about guys in chaps- must be nearing "Widow's Ball weekend"- have you ever been to one of those events? I wouldn't recommend it!

almost 2 weeks. These next 2 weeks are some of the biggest shopping weeks ever. I am not sure if it will require you to put your clothes outside for a week to "air out" or lather up with soap that makes you smell like, well, nothing...and luckily you will not be at risk for falling out of a tree stand or being hunting upon by someone who thinks because you are moving you must be a deer. But I would like to hear your stories of success when you get some! And feel free to carry on as...well, as you know who does.

Peace,
Paula

Saturday, November 15, 2008

On a Mission

Prepare yourself. You have just sat down in front of your computer to check in on the blog. Excited to hear what may be new...well, I feel the need to tell you a story. It is a hunting story. No, no, no...you sit back down. Don't you dare change this page to something else. You must now do what I have had to do on numerous occasions...listen to a story that will take no doubt much longer than you could have imagined. But as a dutiful wife, I have to endure these stories...and because you are my friend, you must do the same.
I came home last night from a fun evening out with friends. After I settled the children to bed, I listened to the answering machine message. It was Roger Peters. He was leaving a message for Todd..."Todd, uh...I will try you on your cell phone. It's about that thing tomorrow."

Translation from the DNR Shoe president..."Todd, uh...I know your wife may not know about our hunting plans tomorrow so I will call you on your cell as I know I should not leave details for fear she may get upset."

True, there are plans to "scout" for the location of the deer hunting that will be taking place next week. Todd and Roger are going to head out to the Kettle Moraine. So after a busy morning of accomplishing one of the most grueling tasks Todd and I have partaken in together since marriage- installing kitchen cabinets- Roger is on his way over to go on this escapade. Todd has known Rog for a long time. He is usually a few minutes behind scheduled time. But this was a long time.
Finally Roger arrives. "Sorry I was late. I figured you'd understand." here's where the hunting story comes in. Was driving down my road...always wished i would see turkeys in this one field...thought they were turk vultures, binoculars...no, turkeys...wish i could....i can....went back home for gun...started through field...plowed field...deer out in front of me, plowing across the road, must of kicked 'em up...few times thought they spotted me...now in the dump part of the field...right next to washer and dryer..."Nice blind!" says Todd...up on my knee...shoot at the turk...jumps up into the air...follow with my gun...other turks look up to see what is going on...better shot at this one since I missed the other...down. Got 'em.
Now there were many other details I had missed and that is what the "...'s" are for.
I learn important lessons from these stories.
1. Take your time window shopping. What first may seem like a vulturous no-good deal, may turn out to be just what you were looking for.
2. You always have time to shoe hunt. Your friends, if true friends, will always wait.
3. Even when you feel like you are in a dump as in the instance of Rog hunting along side a washer and dryer that were dumped in the field, you may just find your prize. So don't be shy- you'd be amazed what I have found at those second hand stores!
4. And, as always, if first you don't succeed, Try, try again!

Try it the next time you have to listen to a hunting story...how does this apply to shopping? What valuable lesson might I learn?

Just to give you more of an idea as to who Roger Peters is, I thought I would include an email I received after last year's shoe hunt as a "Late Entry" (this is, of course, without Rog's permission. Sorry Rog. You understand.)

Dear Mrs. Carlton

I cannot remember the name of your group (New Freedom Maxi Club or New Rebellious Dixie Chicks or whatever it was) so I am sending this to you directly. I also realize it is too late for your "season", I did not apply for a permit, or even buy one of your licenses. But knowing who you are married to I don't think you can really judge me for "poaching" (Oh, by the way Ladies who are reading this, that is a whole nother story for another time so let me get back to Rog's note)...these beauties. Besides we all know the real deals are after the season right? So attached is a picture of my "kill shot". And here are the details on those bad boys:Size 13 (you need some room for thin socks), 18" tall (which makes the slot limit), in a beautiful forest green. Thought about going real tree camo but I like a more neutral boot myself. The solid green goes to every camo pattern to brush pants to Carhatt bibs. Nothing says dork like wearing real tree boots with advantage camo pants. Paalease, can you say tacky? They have the ATS traction soles which cut the mud like butter but don't clog up. They are scent free (smell like rubber to me but what the heck do I know, besides that just reminds me of Fleet Farm. Another hidden feature in these little gems, will it ever end, I think not!) They have an accordion type back with a cinch strap for a nice snug calf fit which also keeps debris from falling in and making a real mess on your pant legs.I could go on and on but you get the picture.

(Funny thing is, the letter doesn't end. As is typical of a hunter, the story continues and he does go on and on...)

These babies are loaded with features! They are not just a fashion/ style statement, they can literally walk the walk as they say. And oh yes, did I mention I got them for 30% off?! Going out of business sale. Sure, all sales are final and there are no returns, but I am sure you would agree, you would have to be an idiot to take something like this back.
So being a true hunter as I already was and now participating in your version of it, I have to be completely honest, while I enjoy the browsing, comparing, saving, and now bragging about my find (or kill as you might say), I'll still take the heart pounding, hands and voice shaking, adrenaline rush which ends with blood to your elbows and a gut pile at your feet over the store experience any day. But at least you made me think I was having a good time shopping. As good old Uncle Ted would say "Yah, let's go huntin' baby"! Hope you enjoyed my little rant.
Later,
Rog

(It didn't end yet...he has a P.S.)

P.S. I didn't even mention anything about the thinsulate. Can you think of a better material than that? Other than maybe Gore-tex. But that is just over kill and showing off when you are talking about a rubber boot. Should we just say status symbol for those who love to flaunt it?...you know the type...how petty.

(Is he done?)

Yes. But I would have to say this- I think Rog's adrenaline was pumping! So the only difference for Rog is really that he just didn't have the blood and guts when he was shoe hunting. And of course, that is because he wasn't shoe hunting with one of us- we can get pretty nasty when there is a good deal and only one shoe left in your size- watch out!

Love to you,
Paula

Monday, November 10, 2008

The Rut is Here!

For those of you who are not familiar with hunting, let me explain something. This time of year happens to be the best for deer hunting. It is when the rut is here. Let's just think back to our high school days. Remember when your boyfriend would literally do anything for you even if it meant it would get him killed just to see if he could end up scoring? Totally reminds me of Todd our senior year. The things he would do....OK, back to the rut. This basically is the exact same situation. The doe trots around...the buck frantically searches for her scent, so insanely that he often gets shot in the process totally unaware of his surroundings as he only has one thing on his mind! And if we want to further explain what this may feel like for the shoe hunter, I liken it to Pre-Holiday shopping! Sometimes the deals are so good, it becomes hard concentrating at what the task at hand may be! Forget the kids toys, these shoes are only $19.99 on sale plus 15% off plus a bonus no finance for 3 months! You get what I mean!
So Todd was successful this weekend hunting. He got a "big" doe. He said we needed some venison in the freezer. I was actually pretty happy with chicken, pork, salmon but it will now be full of sausage, hot sticks, back straps, and steaks. Now, if you are a novice venison cook, you could be in for some gamey style meat. I grew up in a house where the venison was "seasoned" with salt and pepper and placed in the oven to cook. Tough. I was surprised to find that it is delicious when prepared correctly. When I finished my shift from the Gas Hut at Fleet Farm in high school, I would stop by Todd's house to find venison steak and cheesy mashed potatoes!These have now become a household favorite with our boys.
There are many ways to season venison steaks but one of our favorites is a recipe we received from our good friend Roger Lemler (besides being a great cook, he is a wonderful home builder!) I thought it would be OK to share this marinade with you...
Red Meat Marinade- 1 cut up onion, 3/4 cup oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1.5 tsp garlic powder, 1.5 tsp ground ginger, 3 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp cider vinegar. Marinate the meat for several hours. I would cook this on the grill.

So I am sure this weekend, we will be having some venison. The deer was gutted and brought to the butcher the same day for processing. Now, let me tell you something- in the process of "gutting", Todd lost his wedding ring. I got notified of this by email today...
Title "Problem"
"lost my wedding ring in deer. Sorry."

My response "hmmmm"

And that is exactly what I thought for a while. Hmmm. I know this has happened to other guys. The ring, in the deer, in the woods. Uh, it's just a ring, cost maybe $50 dollars when we got it. We can get a new one.
Then I realized something. Todd has not taken that ring off once since we were married. I mean not once. In 12+ years, not once. Not once during volleyball when a lot of other guys do. Not once at a pool. not once to shower. not once. not at all. That ring is an amazing symbol of who he is to me. Absolute dedication. Not once when I have yelled at him. Not once while cursing "you did this to me" during the birth of our children. not once during PMS.

And get this. To top it off, the next email I get is this titled "re: problem"
"solved. Doug found it. Owe him $20 for metal detector".

You see, Doug Buechel had that happen to him. He knew what it meant (maybe not the way I see it).

2 great guys. The ring is back. Minus $20 and a case of beer.

Renee Janke said to me at a party this weekend, "hunters are really great guys." Simple statement but she sure is right. And though the hunting seasons may occupy a lot of time, I am lucky to be married to one.

Gotta go, the rut calls.

Peace,
Paula

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Socialites

Today, I am happy to say is the start of a 5-day, much needed, vacation from work. I love my job but , boy, do I appreciate the balance.
We woke at 5:30 am. I cannot remember the last time day light savings affected me so much! I just cannot adjust! My boys woke at the same time. I informed Jordan (age 8) that Obama had won. That was followed by his tears (obviously I thought Dad had really gotten to him!) so I told him it was going to be ok. He followed with "No, it won't. Our bus driver told us that if Obama won, the terrorist would come to get us."

I am not kidding. He said that. And, as we all know, he didn't make that up. He also stated his fear he could not hunt with guns anymore, which was told to him by classmates.

What are we doing to our kids? Please, not my child.

So here it was, yes, Obama has won. No, the terrorists are not coming. Yes, you can hunt with guns. It will all be fine. We had our talk, gave our hugs, and he was on his way. I dropped them off at school and prayed for a peaceful day. A quick workout and then off to shop.
I had to stop at the Antique Mall in Kewaskum to cross some things off my list. First was some tables for the basement- found them but not purchased yet. I need to process how this would look. Then off to select a basket for the fundraiser this weekend at the Gonring residence for ALS, the "Not so Perfect Pageant Party"- can't wait! I did find a basket...which was conveniently placed by...shoes! Vintage shoes! *^#*! $3 vintage shoes!!!! Brown faded leather with a bull nose toe, silver/black buckle, thick 2 inch heel. size......8 1/2! Come on...As I tried them on, my foot cramped a little but it was the perfect fit. Yes, I wear a 9 but I am telling you, it is the "not so perfect" perfect fit! So I went to the Pig to do some grocery shopping and had them on right away! I noticed the "Socialites" name brand. I wonder who wore these before me? According to the Internet research, the Socialite brand was sold by the U.S. Shoe company back in the mid 1950s.
So my thoughts have gone mad since I have been thinking about me finding these Socialites shoes. What is the purchase of these shoes trying to tell me? Is it simply as dictionary.com defines a socialite... that I am "one prominent in the fashionable society"? That would make sense, this dnrshoe thing...OR , oh my...is there a reason why my foot cramped when it entered the shoe? is it true? socialism? "A vesting of ownership and control of the means of production in distribution in the community as a whole" OR the Marxist Theory is coming true..."the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism by the imperfect implementation of collective principles". Could it be a sign of things to come?
No, no, no. It is just a pair of shoes.

Remember kids are kids.
Thanks to God for the chance to vote yesterday, no matter who the winner!
Namaste,
Paula