The Hunt

As the new hunting season has emerged, I am thrilled for many reasons.   Exploring the nook and crannies of the woods never gets old.  Autumn brought many new adventures.  See what I mean as I travel back to memories in northern lower Michigan:  (NOTE:  This time frame reflects fall of 2015...when I was still hunting (and trapping).  I'm now a "watcher" instead of a "warrior".)  

...As I opened the door of the cramped cabin to leave, I looked around.  I was leaving it in good stead.  Venison chili simmered hot on the working wood stove, our aging cattle dog, Zip, sighed and gave a look of resignation as I hoisted the crossbow, closed the door and headed out onto the carpet of leaves that would be my path.  Autumn had arrived.  And with it began my quest for our winter meat.

I curved around the back of the cabin, skirting the silhouetting trees that lined the dog yard.  No sled dogs murmured or whined, as they have become accustomed to my daily solo trek. 

I stopped at the same spot where the previous week I had surprised a coyote.  The other morning, as I headed out to do the morning check of our trap line, I walked through a dense area and came out into a clearing overlooking a vista.  I always stop in this particular spot to peruse the land, looking for anything out of place, or perhaps to catch a glimpse of a critter traveling through.  As I was looking, a massive coyote climbed up out of a hollow in front of me.  He also stood, looking about, scanning the perimeter.  As his head was on swivel to the left, he spotted me out of the corner of his eye and jolted with the knowledge.  Upon confirming me standing there, he shot off and sped across the land, making a wide arch, actually returning to our property, in particular the area of our sled dog kennel.  I only had my side arm on me that day.  But this opportunity also gave me time to admire his thick coat, and compare it to several of our thick coated Siberians, which reside in the dog yard.  Coy-dog perhaps?  He was no typical coyote.  Today, however, no coyote in sight.

Although the Barnett crossbow was a heavy tote, I opted to take the long route back to my “blind”.  Rain was spitting, but the threat didn’t appear to be long-suffering.  I had my “hot seat” looped on my belt, so I knew I’d have a dry seat upon arrival.  No worries.

Hearing geese overhead brought a smile.  I stopped to watch.  Today it was two gaggles, flying side by side.  Soon, a couple geese broke off from their original flight and joined a gaggle that split off and headed southwest.  Who knows why.  Perhaps they knew of a good landing zone the others who continued south didn’t appreciate. 

I put the crossbow on my shoulder and trudged on. 

The woods always change…from morning to night, and every hour in between.  The lighting makes the woods a new adventure each time I enter.  Using the sled dog trails from years past, I have a well-traveled path.  Deer and coyote tracks dominate.  As I carefully monitor each step, I feel so blessed.  I am thankful for Russ, who appreciates my love of being in the woods.  Night after night of me coming home in the dark makes for an abnormal dinner hour, but we both embrace this time of year and the opportunities it offers. 

As I walk on, a ruffed grouse whistles, alerting me to the fact that wings will soon explode in flight, creating a startled noise in the quiet of the woods.  Many times, my heart would beat madly when these birds caught me unaware. 

I think back to earlier this August, when checking the trap line was always met with a spider web forming upon my face when going through brush.  So many spider webs I’ve sported this year.  I would always smile when I saw “widow leaves” – those leaves that appear to be dancing on air – spooky – until you realize they are being held by a spider web. 

I finally arrive at my “chair”.  It’s a chair in the woods.  A wooden, hand carved swivel chair, made by Russ.  I had him pull it out of one of our cabins, making a perfect site for me, sitting under a huge beech tree, at the massive base.  We built up the perimeter a bit, and the deer have no problem appearing in the clearing as I sit in the chair. 

As I snuggled in for the long haul, I took inventory of my surroundings.  Many pro hunters don’t factor in wind.  I do. 

Many do factor in scent.  As for me, I have a theory about scent control.  I control it by putting my scent out year ‘round.  Every kernel of the non-GMO corn I feed has run through my hands, putting my scent on feed.  They know me.  They associate me with feed.  I recall hearing about Iditarod Champion, Susan Butcher, feeding her Alaskan pups this way, smooshing her hands into the meaty mixture to get her scent mixed in.  Whatever you do with regard to scent – be consistent. 

I also hunt without any fuss.  I know folks who bring coffee and eats to a blind.  Coffee leads to elimination.  Another issue.  All bring unwanted scent. 

As for cell phones and such.  No.  Never.  If I were to bring anything, it would be a book.  But I can’t even imagine doing that.  I go to the woods to hear and see the sounds that are ever changing.  I delight in the change of noise…the woods are never silent.  Especially if you sit under a beech tree in the fall.  The woods has so much to teach us. 

One last thing.  Look up.  Cougars are here.  You just never know when one might be in your neck of the woods. 

This year, there were less skeeters. 

This fall, in September during the “early Anterless hunt”, I was unsuccessful.  However, I did enjoy an encounter with a young porky as I was heading in for the night.  He was in the lane, nibbling on a dried out clover, unaffected by my moving toward him.  Only when I spoke to him and neared did he turn his back to me and puff up.  He seemed to resent the intrusion and finally toddled off into the woods.  Although I had two firearms at my ready, I let him go, hoping I wouldn’t regret the decision come dog training on the trails. 

Enjoy the woods, and the one who made it.  Mother Nature?  No, Father God.  Another good reason to look up…for Jesus said:

“Surely I am coming quickly”.

Side bar:  Yes, many changes in the last 3 years.  Life never stays dormant.  One big one is submitting to the teachings of Jesus.  More to come on what that looks like.  For both myself and Russ.  

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.  Hope to see you here.

Sherry

The Wee {bit bigger} House

This week ushered in June 1^st.  It’s rainy and cold in the tip of the Mitten State.  Blackberry winter continues.

It’s been well over a month now since I moved into the “new place” - the Wee {bit bigger} House.   It is my new home – and it has been a long-awaited {and much desired} move. 

It’s taken many months (18+) to get to this point, but the day has come.  And surprisingly, I am getting fiercely attached to this circular building which is beginning to house my few-but-precious earthly treasures.  

In a nutshell, it began as a well house years ago, which was turned into our tiny Wee House.  

In an effort to bring about more living space, Russ built another circular building around the original Wee House, which we referred to as the “outer Wee” during the past year.  {See this post for more on this…}

There are the same cubbies and nooks and crannies that the original Wee House sported, but this is bigger, and has the feel of…well…, nothing I’ve ever been in before.  

As of this past week, it is sporting a new Forest green roof – installing is compliments of Russ and the quality metal was obtained/purchased at my Amish friend’s metal shop.  Never before have we been so “fancy” in building materials.  

Today it’s early morning and I’m sitting on a comfortable “Russ-made” wooden swing, looking out one of two big picture windows.  Directly across from me is a wall which holds a 9’ “Russ-made” sign saying “Thank You God”.  A good reminder as the day begins…  In addition, a thermos of hot, black coffee is at my feet, ready for retrieval.  Life is good.  

My view this morning is to the West, taking in a lush green field, bordered by deciduous mature trees in the distance.  Three (3) Bluebird houses skirt the west side of the Wee, and provide joy and awe in seeing their beautiful show of color, and dedication to their nesting sites.

As for the Wee {bit bigger} House…it’s like all our buildings.  It is done when the materials are available.  If they aren’t available, we wait.  Living mortgage free is important to us both. 

As for the main “ingredient”, the lumber is from our woods.  Russ cut the trees needed, planed the boards to specifications on his sawmill, and constructed the circular addition.  There are nearly a dozen different kinds of wood in this new addition {Ash, Basswood, Birch, Beech, Cherry, Soft Maple and Hard Maple, Red Pine and White Pine, Douglass Fir, Ironwood and Popple…}.  Windows and such are salvaged from discards from other folks.   All the furniture is also “Russ-made”, with the exception of an old Hickory Amish Rocker, obtained years ago.  

As I mentioned, the building sports two big windows facing every way but North.  Mornings have become even more of a blessing, as I sit and watch the world come alive.   Living in the woods, as I did in the main cabin, is quite different than having the sun slip in overhead through two tiny windows that face Northeast and flood the room with the morning sun.  I am loving this “open field” living.  I awake to the rising sun and song birds.  It feels heavenly.  As I am typing this, the sound of a light rain on our new metal roof adds to the melancholy whistle of the train that is passing through our small town, two miles from here.  Those are two sounds that I dearly love, especially when combined.

My bedroom yields a queen size bed, covered with two of my favorite quilts.  One  was lovingly made by my childhood close-as-a sister friend, and the other is an Amish-made quilt, stitched by a dear lady who I met nearly 30 years ago, Anna, mother of Levi. 

The kitchen area is perfect.  It reminds me of a trapper-cabin kitchen.  My favorite part is an old stainless steel table {another discard} that Russ built into the counter top.  That is where I make my morning coffee and toast.  Depending on which way you walk around in the circle layout, you will view a fireplace, which cozies up to the kitchen counter on the other end of the stainless steel counter.  

As for anything fancy – no running H20 in the sink yet, but it is accessed at a station within the Wee.  It is still a “haul and heat” situation for using water for dishes or bathing.  As of now, my “new” claw foot bathtub is still outside, waiting for a “new look” before being brought in.  In addition, outhouses still reign.  {We don’t make a big fuss about bathroom use in these parts.}  Russ is currently constructing a new outhouse that is circular and will match the Wee in its uniqueness.  I can’t wait to see it completed!  

I also look forward to learning to cook with even less “modern” appliances in the future.  As for now, we are in “camping mode” until everything is 100% completed.  I would say we are at 75% at this time.   Russ may say less… 

We do have electric here, although the use is minimal, with a bill to match - thank you very much.  Added lights will be gas/kerosene/solar, etc.  

Our original cabin is down the lane - 300 feet from where I reside.  I will have to do some math to figure out how many miles I walk each day as I forget something at the cabin or vice versa, or move things to the Wee.  Eventually, everything will be where it should be.  

Since Zip has passed on, petite-sled-dog Skunk has taken her place {almost}.  She spends most her nights with me, but then hangs out {loose} with the 3 boys in the dog yard during the day.  {Dawg/Malakai/Knik}  It’s like a big “play pen” for her.  The boys enjoy it, and it makes the dog yard more fun, having her in there.   Our two aged Siberians, 14-year old Doug and Libby, are in an adjoining large area that is also part of the dog yard.  They are enjoying the freedom of being together and romping about when the others play, mirroring their movements.

I have been very careful with this move to not bring in anything more than I need.  I love living a minimal lifestyle and it is showing.  All I need are my books/letter writing materials/this new-to-me laptop {albeit not connected to the Internet}/and basic kitchen and canning equipment.  My entire seasonal wardrobe fits in a Rubbermaid tote, or on a nail.  {I haven’t used hangers in years.}  My books and my letter ministry keep me very busy and fulfilled.  I don’t usually have a phone nearby.  Truth is…I abhor phones.  Never have liked using them.   ‘Nuff said on that subject.

So summer is upon us, and it will be exciting to see what it will bring.  We are living in some amazing times…seeing the Bible played out before our very eyes.  We need to be focused on God, and not be distracted by  “itching ears”.  As Apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, it applies today, perhaps even more so… :  “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:  Preach the word!  Be ready in season and out of season.  Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears , they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.  But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”  {Emphasis added by me.}  2 Timothy 4:1-5

If you don’t know Jesus…don’t delay.  Take a quiet moment to stop and think about what it will take to let Him into your life.  Have you heard Him knocking on your heart?  Don’t be distracted…focus and follow.  Your life depends on it.  We are but a vapor…but eternity lasts forever.  Do you wish to spend it with Him?  Take that step now…before it is too late...or the knocking ceases…  {If you wish to have assistance in this…leave a comment as to how I can connect with you.}

Grace be with you.  Amen.

Sherry

P.S.  More on living an obedient life soon.  

P.S.S.  Russ just arrived with a handful of purple lilacs in hand.  Oh how the beautiful aroma of this yearly gift fills the air.  Thank you God.  And Russ for taking the time to think of me, and knowing how much this would please me.

Spring has Sprung - Again...

 

Well, I did it.  I came out the other side of winter, in one piece, and no frozen toes.  Cold…yes.  But not frozen.  The cabin fared well, but I will reiterate what I said last year at this time.  Never again.  And this time, I mean it.  If you wish to see why I'm so adamant, please read the previous post. 

It’s the end of May here in northern lower Michigan.  Just this past Sunday, I traveled with a snow-covered truck to church.  Awoke to the ground covered in white.  It stayed on the truck nearly the entire hour it takes to get there.  {I told one of the boys (Japheth) I had planned to toss a snowball at him if I still had enough snow on the hood upon arrival and the men were still standing near the barn before entering the church.  His blue eyes became as big as saucers…and then I assured him I would not do such a thing…especially on Sunday.  Smile… }.  

So things are back in Spring mode.  One exciting aspect is the 2-yard waste container that will be onsite until October.  Yes, we splurged.  It is emptied every two weeks, which means it gets to be filled every two weeks.  Our “never-done-farm” is shaping up. 

I’m back roaming about in the woods.  

It calls me daily.  A solo walk in the morning starts my day.  {A walk in the evening with Russ ends my day.}  It’s so good to hear the wood sounds again.  Woodpeckers…and the beautiful trill of the hermit thrush {who always returns Mother’s Day weekend or before} and a host of other feathered companions, especially the crows.  The greenery is growing before my eyes.  I’ve been particularly interested in scouting out coyote dens.  No such luck.  But what a sight it would be to see the young coy-pups frisking about.  Last night, we came upon a big doe.  That's always a pleasure.  One depletion I’ve noticed in my favorite woodlot is a black squirrel who resided there last year.  Big as a cat.  So far, not one in sight.  I will miss that squirrel this fall – it kept me entertained during hunting season. 

Speaking of depletion…it’s been over a month since Zip left us.  

After weeks of doctoring and forcing meds (eyes and mouth), it was apparent that life wasn’t going well for her.  Or us.  It is so hard to watch a dog suffer a malady, looking to you for comfort, knowing there is no end in sight.  We sadly made the decision to put an end to her suffering, with the gentle guidance of our vet, who has also been a friend over the years, and my employer for several years as I filled in part-time to offset our kennel expenses.  

So in April, Zip, obedient as always, meekly obeyed as she was told to “load up” one last time in her beloved truck.  Oh how our hearts broke, and tears were boldly shed.

Zip.  The Zipster.  Zip-dog.  Age 12…never wore a collar or was restrained.  Obedient and loyal.

Looking back, it was a blessing that Saturday morning, 11 years ago at the local feed store when we saw an ad for a filly.  We were going to pursue the horse, but as a side bar, I told Russ I wanted to also check out one of the dogs that were “free” and being given away at the same farm.  Upon arriving to check out the filly, I saw Zip by a tree.  {She went by a different name back then…}  Next to her was a large breed dog looming over her.  I learned later, it was a pup from her first litter, who had grown large in the last six months.  {Needless to say, we had her spayed within days of her arrival.} 

We brought the filly home, but Russ went back the next day to get Zip.  I anxiously awaited their return.  I remember him coming back to our 40 acres, with her in the front seat next to him.  Russ opened her truck door.  She jumped out, no collar, looked about at the 40-some sled dogs, nodded approval and was on our heels ever since.  I could walk downtown Chicago with her if I wished - off lead.  She walked when I walked/stopped when I stopped/turned when I turned. 

She was a good dog.  An excellent companion.  A good farm dog.  A good hunter.  She assisted Russ many times in his hunts.  Or herding tasks.  {cows/goats/roosters/cats!}  On our walks in the woods, she would stop with every stop I made.  Even mid-stride.  We listened together…and enjoyed the woods immensely.  She was my “girl”.  Whenever I was gone, she waited for my return.  Russ said she would hear the truck coming, well before he would.  She would run up the lane with glee, making me nervous that she was so close to the truck tires.  Many times, if I had room in the front seat, I would stop and give her a ride the rest of the way. 

So many memories.  So much love.  So much obedience.  I learned a lot from her.  I will miss her.  I DO miss her.  And I will be writing more about her…with many more photos of her times on our farm.  She was a fixture.  And now she is laid to rest within view of all our activities.  She’ll always be here.  What more could we ask for?  How about a grandson with obedience of a different kind?  

This is a conversation with my 8-year old grandson, David, this April.  He and his father {son Charlie} were visiting Michigan, leaving the remaining family of 2 sisters and Mom, Kristina, back in California.  As for David and I... we broke away from a family gathering to lean on a railing, overlooking a field and marshland in northern lower Michigan at dusk.

Note:  The last time I saw David was over 4 years ago…so this was a rare treat. 

And proved to be quite an uplifting one.

It goes like this  - David spoke quietly and with conviction: 

Me:  It’s hard to believe there was snow covering the ground just days ago.  It disappeared right before you flew to Michigan.

David:  God is like that.

Me:  Yes…He is…{sputter…and amazement at his candor…}  He does amazing things.  I’m so happy that you have God in your life and know Him.

David:  I not only know Him, I trust Him.

Me:  Yes!  {…me speechless?  But before I could respond, there was  more…}

David:  He gave me the Holy Spirit.

Me:  Ahhh yes.  And the Holy Spirit helps you make decisions in life… 

David:  And I can go to heaven…

Me:  Yes…sigh…heaven. 

And the conversation ended there, as four deer carefully stepped out of the treeline and into the clearing.  What a beautiful way to end the day.  And more so, it’s easy to see the kind of home my son is providing for this wife/helpmeet and children {with another one on the way}.   Praise God, for the glory belongs to Him.

Until next time, Lord willing, when I will reveal what obedience we {Russ and I} have been dealing with, and the joy of knowing we are pleasing God with OUR obedience.  It's monumental, but joyful.

Sherry

My Two Loves

Blue-eyed Russ and brown-eyed Zip.

Until next time, dear friends.  Lord willing.

Sherry

March Madness

Is it Spring yet?

Soon...

And that's something to smile about!

I hope you are having fun planning gardens, outings, and such.

I'm doing the same, although we are still running our sled dogs, and getting ready to tap trees.

I'm excited to travel this coming weekend, Lord willing, to see my Amish friends.

I hope to see what you are up to, also!

P.S.  The Iditarod is in full swing. 
Check out this amazing promo by 2012 Champion, Dallas Seavey. 
Be sure you check out the thermometer reading.
Brrrrrrrrr

Blessings to you, dear friends.

Sherry

March... the Lamb cometh

 I think my brain is finally catching up with my surroundings.

 March started out like a lion...

 

...an angry lion.

But now...sultry, summer days have hit our "40".

85 degrees, over and over.

Days of Mustang training in the round pen now. 

I'm enjoying this brief break in the chores.

For soon, it will be a "party of one"...

as hubby Russ and Raz head out on a 3-week trail ride.

 

I'm excited for them.

And for the opportunity for me to "hold down the fort".

I hope you are enjoying seeing March come to a close,

and summer follow suit.

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

Sherry

Post Winter Storm

It came...

We coped.

And with the dog's help, we endured.

Skunk, hauling dog food and provisions.  Zip, cheering her on...

And Russ, on snowshoes.

We'll check in more, later.

Until tomorrow, dear friends, God willing.

Sherry

Amish Bound

I'm heading to visit the Amish today...twice in one week.

It's hard to believe I was on Mackinac Island last week, 

at the gorgeous Grand Hotel.

I have so many Christ-filled stories to reveal about my time on the Island.

Such a beautiful trip, both physically and spiritually.

And yes, I got to experience indoor plumbing for one night!!

 But now, I'm back in my element.

Visiting Michigan Amish folks.

And who better for a travelin' partner, but Zip.

She's so easy.  

Behaves, 

 never has to use the bathroom, 

and enjoys the McDonald's drive-thru, 

where she gets a package of shortbread cookies, 

just for being cute.

There's just something about Fall...that makes me love being "on the road"...

Until tomorrow dear friends, God willing.