They grow so fast!

My husband has been a hunter for 26 years. Can you imagine? He is the type of hunter who enjoys it all - deer, fish, birds. He generally has hunted much of the Kettle Moraine. We often go on walks and I will hear " this is the spot where...." Shooting deer is in the Kettle Moraine has become slim pickings. Hunters debate...too much hunting, overestimated population rates, too much building...whatever the reason, it's hard to get a big deer. It ain't no Buffalo County, if you know what I mean (if you are a girl who doesn't have a hunting husband, you probably don't know what I mean). But, I am happy to report that while my husband has been hunting in Colorado with friends, he and Brad shot a big elk...5X4. Haven't seen pictures, haven't even heard details other than "it was awesome". They will be home in several days and I'm sure I will not hear the end of it.

But just think of it! Having to wait literally 26 years or so....having to travel to another part of the country just to get a decent pair of shoes. I can actually totally relate. Where are the shoe stores in West Bend? I am sorry but I have a job, kids, a life basically and for me to have to travel to even southern WI is a task in itself. Yes, Kohls, Shopko, even Walmart...but it ain't no DSW if you know what I mean (and I know you do!). That is why it has now become extremely permittable to shop wherever you wish. To us, you hunting zones are everywhere- just make sure to have your tag (commonly known as a credit card!).

The other change that is occurring in hunting is 10 year olds can hunt. OK, so my son who is 9 is elated! He has been out practicing on anything that moves in the yard (avoid our yard). He will be able to go with his dad with one weapon between them. When I think that a boy this age could hunt, it frightens me. But i know he will be with my husband and that he will be safe. It would be like if I had a girl and gave her my credit card and sent her out shopping...I, too, would always make sure I was along and have only 1 credit card between the 2 of us. Jordan will do well. He is already hoping Dad pulls a bear tag this year.

Now I am very happy this rule does not extend to 7 year olds. Andrew is a smart cookie and could probably handle it. This little boy already knows how to text and send messages on my cell phone as I found out one Saturday afternoon. I was getting ready in the bathroom when he snapped a picture of me goofing around ( I was clothed). He walked out with the phone and moments later I get a call from Lisa who asks me if I am getting ready in the bathroom. Yes....oh, she had just received the picture and it been sent out to 5 other numbers. I looked at the picture sent- horrific! I looked like a porn star (OK, maybe not a star because I do not have that kind of figure but it was not becoming, let's put it that way!) Anyway, I was horrified! He, of course, just smiled and laughed. No more of that! Todd will be equally horrified, I am sure, when he is able to turn on his cell phone as he descends from the mountain to see his wife kissing the phone...and that is was sent out to 5 other numbers (OK- my mom's home phone, mother in law's home phone, Lisa, Kelly, and Todd- thank goodness!) but still!

Off to shop, gotta see if I can break last year's record!
Paula