Canadian jam knot

Busy the last few days. Got a few things done around the house and mowed grass at the wifes business. Also, as of Friday at about midnight we have three new foster children. Jennifer, Emma and Mckenzie, sweet little girls.
Before work I found my boys and the neighbor boys trying to build a shelter with leaves. I pulled out some limbs we had from tree trimming and got them started on a little lean-to. Nothing big, just showing them how to get started. Used a tarp to cover it and had them piling on the leaves for insulation when I left.
We don't have much to work with in our yard but I'm excited they're getting into these kinds of things. Hopefully when we move there will be some woods nearby for them to roam.

Looking forward to seeing how far they got with the shelter when I get home, definitely take a few pictures. My kids have helped me but this is probably their first go at it on their own and getting their friends involved was nice to see. One neighbor kid hinted that it would be easier if they had a knife, smart kid but it wasn't gonna happen as I had to leave for work and they're not ready to be left un-monitored with a knife.

On another note, I showed my kids the Canadian jam knot the other day which I just learned myself. Very simple, easy to tie knot. Youngest son Gus still having trouble with shoes but can tie this knot. It can be used to replace a broken strap on a pack. It can be sinched down really tight so would be good for compressing a sleeping bag or bed roll. Would make good lashing knot in building a shelter also. Saw all this on Iowa Woodsman's you tube channel, he's got some good stuff. Wish I new how to post a link to his blog. One thing he didn't mention about the Canadian jam knot is that it could be used as an emergency tourniquet, just throwing 2¢ at it.
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The Final Frontiersman

Started reading, The Final Frontiersman by James Cambell last night. Had to force myself to put it down as I had to work today and need my beauty sleep.

The book is about Heimo Korth and his family who have lived in the Alaskan wilderness for more than three decades. They live approximately 200 miles from civilization, have mail and some supplies flown in by bush plane and hunt, fish and trap year round. Only a couple of chapters into it but am totally fascinated.

Hope this one doesn't fizzle or turn all "green" on me. Definitely my kinda read and plan on doing a more in depth review when I'm finished.

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Nook/Bow Saw

I'm all over this Barnes & Noble "Nook" e-read/e-book thing! Didn't even know there was such a thing. Apparently you buy the book, it downloads immediately and you read it on this device. I read a lot on my cell(at&t tilt), especially blogs and such but an entire book would be stretching it. Heard people use their iphones for reading e-books also but I guess the e-read thingy is supposed to be better(don't know much details yet) gonna have to get some research in before X-mas.

Very curious how it works, said before I struggle with tech stuff. I'm already confused wether you have to go to the actual store to buy and download a book or if it's all done on the device. Anyway, sounds pretty cool!

On another note, my next few days off I'll be looking for some red oak, ash or hickory to build a bow saw. Had a few spare 30 inch raker-tooth blades for this project but can't find them so I'll be hitting the hardware store also. I own and use a few but this will be my first time building one, pretty simple really but I'm excited nonetheless. Gonna surprise my son with enough wood for him to work on his own, guess I should take him with me to cut it since that's all part of the process. Either way, I know he'll be thrilled.

Really need to spend some time learning how to post pictures and links!
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Ray Mears

I watched some videos on youtube today of Ray Mears building a birchbark canoe with a master canoe builder (can't remember his name) very interesting. I've watched some other Ray Mears stuff and have to say he's a fascinating guy. Never seems to be rushed and appears to always be in the moment when he's doing or talking about something, which is a big thing to me. He obviously has a wealth of knowledge to offer but I'm talking more of his demeanor and passion. I can't say enough about someone that loves what they do and is passionate when talking about it.

Silly but can't help but wonder if when the cameras are off he's running around screaming about the time, cussing the camera dude for filming him on his bad side while carving a spoon. Sometimes the people that seem the most personable and down to earth on camera or say, in a pulpit turn out the most rude unsociable people around when the limelight is turned off.

Fact is I have no reason to believe that he is nothing other than passionate about what he does and seems a pretty likable guy. I've believed for a while that people need to slow down. Quit running around ninety miles per hour and start living in the moment and Ray Mears seems to be doing this, at least while on camera.

Definitely gonna have to order his book and need to see about getting Discovery Channel also cause I'm tired of missing out on all the good stuff.

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Busy

Had a busy few days off. Sold my old camper, put the new tires on the new camper and placed it in storage for the winter. Had to take the old camper to the guy as he has no way of pulling it at this time. Was glad to get it sold so didn't mind taking it to him. Also got my tandem trailer back from a friend and placed it in storage as well.

We have three foster kids staying with us for a brief time. Christian, Nevaeh and Jasmine. Very sweet kids. Don't know if I have mentioned in past posts that we have recently become licensed foster parents. We are doing respit care, which is like substituting or baby sitting for other foster parents because we have not had a child actually placed in our home yet. Anyway, like I said it's been busy the last few days.

Working on getting permission to hunt some land owned by a friend of a friend. Not sure of the layout but it's 180 acres and as far as I know there's only a few people hunting it sporadically. Would like to scout it some but as usual I waited until right before deer season to ask permission and am still waiting for my friend to get back with me. In the meantime I need to get my gear ready and everything lined out in case it's a last minute go. Otherwise I'm gonna hunt the backside of my in-laws former property, that is if it's not orange infested.

I keep a pack in my jeep, aside from my every day pack, that I use for scouting and hunting. It stays there for balloon going up apocalyptic type emergencies as well so I'm usually set for any type of outing... You never know!

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Posers

I have no problem with a guy making money, especially if it's in something he's interested in. No better job or money making venture than one involving something you love. So on one hand I understand some blogs trying to sale you on certain gear that they supposedly use or pointing you to other sites that sale the latest and greatest toys. Seems back scratching goes on everywhere and I have no problem with it because I feel that I am capable of weeding out the posers, which brings me to the second hand.

Ever see a dude on youtube doing a review on a piece of gear that has obviously never been used? That's the other hand! Don't get me wrong, I know a lot of guys make it clear when it's new and they're kinda doing a preliminary, first thoughts kinda thing. That said, many times I've watched a fella standing in the woods(or his living room) going over a pack for example, claiming it's the best around and the only one to suit his needs and the dang thing doesn't have a speck of dirt on it! How does he know? Maybe got a new one for video purposes. Maybe takes really good care of his gear. I do not proclaim to know each man's thoughts or motivation in this area but I will say that the posers are becoming more evident to me the more blogs and youtube videos I visit.

I like outdoor gear. I like talking about it and reading about it and I definitely like watching instructional videos about it and anything outdoors related. If I had any readers I'm sure I would catch some negative feedback on this post. Not claiming be-all outdoorsman title here. I do not get out as often as I would like. I have not found the "one" knife, the perfect pack, tarp or all around kit for all occasions. But I am looking. I'm also looking for a blog and/or a woodsman that is authentic. The real deal, I've had this knife, axe and cook pot for twenty years and they've served me well kinda men. Anybody out there that can say that please contact me. My guess is I won't hear from anyone, those men are all in the woods.

For the record I know this topic could be talked about more in depth. Also, I mostly enjoy the blogs I frequent and to be honest there is a ton of useful as well as entertaining information to be gathered. My blogroll only lists a few of many favorites as I was just learning and have not gotten around to completing the list.

One last thought while it's in my head. How you out doing if your on the computer talking most of the time, myself included? Can't teach my boys anything from a computer... or can I? Leaving that for a later post.

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Curiosity

Son 2.0 was looking at my collection of pocket watches and a few knives I keep in a manly type jewelry box on the bookcase/nightstand by my bed. He mentioned how many there were which was actually a plea for me to give him one. I told him there were more in the gun safe and his reply was, "I would be verwy inorested to see dem." We ended up going through the entire gun case watches, knives, guns and other accumulated stuff. Glad he didn't ask about the large ammo chest. He was fascinated and wanted to hold everything he saw. And yes I gave him a watch to carry, probably find it laying around or chewed on by the dog.
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Bean Boots

Looking at some L.L. Bean, Bean Boots or Duck Boots. I have a pair of La Crosse boots that I use while hunting. Have had these boots for years. They're not for tramping through the woods. More for very cold weather or sitting stand in extremely cold weather. These boots are very heavy, they have large liners and are really warm but I definitly won't be doing any hiking or scouting in them since my feet would sweat with much activity. Looking for an outdoor boot that's water proof that I can get out in nasty weather and not worry about my feet getting wet. Wondering if your feet would sweat in all of the duck style boots due to the rubber type material used. Need to do more in depth research I suppose.

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Micro Computer

Wondering what type cell phone would be ideal for blogging purposes. I've been taking some pictures for use in upcoming posts, some leather projects by a friend and his dad, my first axe sheath and some other gear stuff. I have the at&t tilt. It's not bad for keeping up with blogroll, surfing the net and entering blog posts. Takes decent pictures and video also. Guess thats all a guy needs. You have your desktop, your laptop, mini laptop and finally your teeny tiny laptop which is your cell, or some cells anyway.

Seems I can never find the time to use our computer at home and with a large family somebody's usually on it anyway. Once I became accustomed to the tiny screen on cell I realized I could do most things on it that I needed to. Still, as I've been saying since starting this blog it gives me fits at times. Guess what I'm looking for is a little micro computer that I can make phone calls with. Do I have the closest thing to that and just need to learn how to make better use of it? What about the iphone? Have done no research at this point, just kinda thinking on it. Wanting to get my blog rolling with more interesting content and using cell phone as an excuse instead of simple stupidity.

Enough about cell phones. I have one day off work this week and am thinking about hitting the big Wed. flea market in Litchfield Ky. Looking for an axe head I can carve a handle for and any other sweet deals.

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OBS Badge

Joined the Outdoor Bloggers Summit (obs) or at least I placed the badge on my blog. Tried contacting Kristine S. in order to get my blog on their blogroll. Tried for quite awhile actually and came up with diddly. I tried gunsafetyinnovations.com and outdoorbloggerssummit.com and no go. I looked all over Kristine S.'s tenderfoot something site and found no way of contacting her.

In her defense I will say that it was most likely due to using my cell. Things don't look the same and often times do not have all buttons, tabs, CONTACT info and other pertinent information. Matter of fact, I was not able to place obs badge on my blog using cell. I had no problem using my computer but was in a rush and didn't think to get an email sent off at the time. I'm sure this is probably my own fault, I'm pretty ignorant with these things but it's still irritating, or guess I should say frustrating.

The good news is, I'm excited about possibly getting a little advice about the whole blogger thing. I've dropped a line to a few blogs that I frequent but have had no response, kinda makes a guy wonder. Anyway, beyond some good advice I'm looking to meet and interact with other bloggers. Figure I'll put myself out there and see where it leads. A little readership wouldn't hurt either. Plan is still to take it slow, learn how to manage this blog, post pictures and links and interact with other bloggers. Hard to keep my thoughts together typing on cell so I need to get that straightened out. Aint no hill for a mountain man!

So I'm a member/supporter or whatever you wanna call it of the obs. They mention writing a post on your blog about highlighting what a great thing they're doing and I absolutely plan to give credit where it is due. For now I don't think anybody in the world knows of my blog but my wife and myself and I know she doesn't read it. Have to say it's been awful boring thus far..That's where the obs comes in. Nudge me in the right direction, get me connected. Got along way to go and much to learn and with humility I will accept any help that is offered.

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Should Have Been A Marine

I have regrets about my life like most people, wether they care to admit it or not. Mostly small stuff. Things to do with how I lived my life when younger and some bad choices I've made. I've done a lot of things I'm not proud of. Done some things I'm not proud of since becoming a christian as well. I'm aware of forgiveness, grace and the Cross and live my life daily with the realization of my sin nature and the importance of refraining from it. Jesus paid for my sin, all I have to do is believe on Him. After that my sins are remembered no more. Any new sin is washed away as well when I ask for forgiveness and turn away from that sin. Pretty simple, believe and accept Him, live according to His word and say your sorry when you mess up.

There's an umbrella of protection placed over you and your family when you live by Gods word but that's a discussion for another time. My intention at the start of this post was to talk about a certain regret that has been on my mind lately. That being, I should have been a Marine.

My dad was a Marine and I think a couple of his brother's were also. I believe he had maybe two other brothers that were in the Army but this happens to be a Marine story, no offense to them or the Army.

Growing up I loved the military type stuff. Like most boys I was drawn to it. I watched war movies, read books about the military and spent many a day outside playing army with the neighborhood kids or by myself.

I remember though my dad always saying he didn't want any of us to join the military. His reason was always that he put enough time in to cover his entire family.

Jump ahead to just out of high school. Everything had been about sports up to this point. I was a very gifted athlete and was expected to continue my education into college by way of a scholarship playing ball. Because of this the military had not really been considered though I still read and was fascinated by it not to mention on career days I would bypass all the booths set up and go straight to the Marine Corps table. Still my future was set and all the cool looking military pamphlets in the world couldn't change it.

Stuff happens. It's a life thing I guess. One could even see it as a God thing if your inclined to do so. I'll just say it happened that things didn't turn out as expected with my great college career playing ball. In hindsight I am inclined to believe that it may have been a God thing. I do believe in destiny and all. I was destined to marry my wife and be a father and role model to my kids and all that jazz but again, whole other story.

So what to do when all your dreams have fallen through? The most looking to the future that I did at that time was for the next party, beer or girl. Then one day while feeling sorry for myself it hit me. The Marine Corps had always floated around in the back of my mind. Even when my future seemed sure in another area the military had always held a fascination for me. That was it, I was in. Only thing was my dads strong, persistent no, no, no to the military kept echoing in my head. The years of him being so persistent in not wanting my brother and I to join had me leary.

I decided to move forward with the plan anyway. Met with a recruiter a few times. He even came to the house to sale me on the corps. I took that watcha call it test and was ready to sign up. Had my mind pretty well made up but when my dad realized I was serious he started in with the ranting. Ended up all but begging me not to join.

Well this recruiter had been on me pretty hard also. Kept telling him I hadn't made up my mind. Finally he called me and got to cussing me on the phone. Then said he was coming over to find out what my problem was. I tried to warn him but he hung up on me. When he arrived the only conversation was my dad telling him to leave or he would bust his head good for him. That was it. The whole thing just kinda blew over after that. Kinda got swept under the rug and I went looking for my next party, beer or girl. My dad didn't like a lot of the things I was doing but he was glad, at the time to have dodged that bullet.

I realize now that in his mind, by dodging that bullet he was pushing me out of the way of one. It was fear on his part that caused him to be so against me going into the military. Fear for a sons safety, I can appreciate that. I have five children, two of them sons. I understand having fear for your childs safety but sometimes that fear can hinder a young person. There comes a time when you need to cut the strings and let a person find their own way.

I do have some hard feelings about this but I also realize that I was old enough to make my own decision. That said, I have to acknowledge the fact that my desire to enter into the military was not strong enough at that time and in writing this post it does sound like kind of a last option, whim type decision. That may be but I still believe I would have made a fine Marine and have regretted my decision ever since.

I'm not a jealous person. I don't much care if you have a nicer car than me. Don't care if your house is bigger or you make more money than I do. My wife will tell you that I'm not a jealous type husband either. Says it's a pride thing. Claims I'm over confident or vain. I think jealousy is about the most unattractive thing there is. I also have never felt the need to join any kinda group. Like a club, fraternity, union or any other organization in order to feel like I belong or fit in to something. Don't need any of that nonsense to define who I am or what I'm about. But lately I've experienced a hint of what jealousy feels like. When I hear someone talk about proudly serving our country, especially in the Marine Corps. I should have noticed more when I was younger the pride that my dad had from serving in the Marines. I talked about destiny and it being a God thing earlier and maybe my military service, or lack there of is part of the grand scheme of things. Hope so, at this point I would hate to have missed my destiny as a Marine
. Gods churh is my group now and I'm a proud member. The only other organization that I regret not having joined and yes I'm a little jealous of is the United States Marine
Corps.
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Nobel Romans Peace-a-Pizza Poison

Wow! I cannot believe it! The Nobel Romans Peace-a-Pizza Prize goes to Big-O. I'm confused and disoriented to put it mildly. They're calling it an endorsement. Guess that means, we're behind you rock star! For all the great things to come lets give him an award.

My understanding is you don't give a kid a trophy till after they play the game. No allowance until after your rooms cleaned. You don't give a guy a gun unless your sure he's on your side. And you never! Never give a person the Nobel Romans Peace-a-Pizza Prize if they've never made a piece of pizza. And especially not if they're putting poison in the pizza!

Living it all anyway -

No Complaints Camping

The camping trip was a success. Beautiful weather, no rain and cool. Cooked over open fire and put the grill to good use also. Used dutch oven on Sat. for wifes special chilly. Kept it on a simmer and everyone seemed to keep returning to it so the wife was pleased.

The camper is a dandy. Everthing worked excellent on it but the fridge which we had already known about. Set up for the wife was not a problem(help was there by a friend) and buttoning things up for the ride home was a breeze as well.
Only glitch was my oldest girl and her friend taking very long showers when we weren't around and filling the holding tank. Forgot to tell them no showers in camper unless absolutely necessary. Not her fault and not a big deal.

The kids and I spent some time working on our fire making skills with a light my fire firesteel. They don't seem to understand that it's all in the preperation. Finding something that will take a spark and nursing it to a flame, then building it up with small kindling. They did well for the most part. The oldest boy really seemed to enjoy it and did a good job tending the fire all weekend.
Had some good wittle time with the kids also. Stakes and fuzz sticks mostly with the boys. Friend and I had a spoon carving contest and I didn't do to bad for my first spoon,
I guess. Got some pictures of the spoon carving as well as the rest of the weekend highlights but still have not gotten around to learning how to post them, one of these days...

Did a lot of work with the Mora knives. Split wood, carving and many camp chores. They all did pretty well, were very sharp and held their edge well. Loaned one to my friends son and it was returned with the tip/point broke off. Didn't notice it at the time as it was dark and he obviously didn't mention anything about it. Oh well, maybe he didn't know it even happened. I can be pretty hard on a knife myself, just not on someone else's knife. Does have me wondering though, maybe the Mora is for the more lite camp chores.

In all it was a good time. Looking to get a hiking trip in with kids before it gets too cold. Whole different ball game, hiking. My kids have never been so it should be interesting.

Handy Wife

So Big-O's rock star status was not enough to bring the 2016 olympic games to the windy city. I'm of the opinion that it would have cost the tax payers greatly and the only profit would have gone to the Chicago mafia/slum lords/special interest groups. I'm gonna say good and leave it at that!

Got the camper ready to go last night after work. At least I got it hooked up and parked where the wife could get everything ready. She doing most of the work as I am working day shift this week and don't have a lot of time after work with 12 hour shifts and all. Really only a matter of swapping our gear to the new camper but there's always odds and ends to take care of.

The wife is getting good at hooking up, pulling and backing our trailors(16 foot tandem and camper). She drove for UPS before we moved here from Blgtn. and says she the woMAN and it ain't no thang. I think it's great for her to learn these type things. Makes her self sufficient, which is always good and is/has become a huge help to me at times. Should mention that this is aside from the busy schedule that she keeps. Managing our household with five children in school, sports and church along with being self employed with three licensed daycares. All that and she loves the outdoors. God has blessed me for sure!

I did have time to check the ti pres. on the camper and suburban tires. Gave the boys a lesson in using a tire gauge and let each one check the pres. and add air as necessary. They always enjoy doing stuff like that with their dad. Kids are like sponges, they will soak up the good and unfortunately the bad as well.
Oops gotta run, lost track of time. More about my handy wife later...
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Amish - Camping

Amish family moved to the area. Not my specific neighborhood obviously but close to the small farm we recently moved from. The Amish are all over Indiana but this is the first in our immediate area that I know of. Have been driving by on occasion being curious and all. I am very fascinated by these people. Kinda wondering why a single family would be living away from an Amish community. Would like to approach them but as I said, we're off the farm now and would not have much in common. Guess that's not really true. Probably be able to bye eggs and produce, talk about gardening and herbs, a wealth of knowledge from the Amish.

Camping in Lincoln State Park this weekend. Should be a good time spent with friends and family. Excited to try out the new camper. Also wanting to find out what's up with these mora knives I've been reading about. Ordered and Received three awhile back and plan on testing them out during the trip. Actually I have used one in the kitchen and another during our last camping trip. Split some wood, feather sticks and basic camp stuff. Not sure which ones I purchased, black handle with carbon blade, orange handle with stainless blade and the wooden handle with carbon blade I think was the original design or something. Seem decent so far but I want to get some more use out of them, see how rugged they are.

I will be bringing along the HH hammock as well. This will be the second time using the hammock since I bought it. Not a bad sleep the first time but hope to do a better job with the setup on this trip, midnight and dog tired doesn't work so well with the first try.
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New Camper

Change is literally all around us. Possible change with my job in the near future. May have some choices to make. May be some opportunity to consider. I will make choices that are best for my family and myself.

On a lighter note, bought a new-to-us camper yesterday. A little bigger and much nicer than our other camper. Has a couple of things to fix but nothing major. Purchased it from the widow of our neighbor that died recently. Yes I was working my way up to an appropriate time to approach her and she happened to walk across the street yesterday while I was backing my old camper into the driveway and asked if I would be interested in their/her camper. Looked at it, bought it, done deal. Taking it on our camping trip this weekend at Lincoln State Park. Got a load bearing stabilizer hitch with the deal, those aren't cheap.

Anyway, it all worked out nicely. She even said it was a big load/worry off her shoulders. Acted like I was doing her a favor. I think she gave me a good deal and I didn't haggle about the price(for the first time ever) becouse she said she needed just the amount to pay for her husbands funeral. Kinda sounds like she saw me coming but I wasn't gonna try to get her down after hearing that. Like I said, me thinks I got a pretty sweet deal anyway.

Very excited about the camper, need to sale the old one and recoup some of the money. Kids and wife tickled they won't be dealing with the embarrassment of the old camper. They already wanting to keep up with the Jones' and the Smiths'. I just want to go camping with my family, don't care if it's in a cardboard box...you believe me?
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Deer Camp - Rambling

Plans for yesterday fell apart. Wife informed me of other commitments so had to scrap the Evans. trip. Picked up some updated topo maps yesterday of local hiking trails and public hunting land including roadways. The area that I used to hunt has become orange saturated the last few years so I'm on the lookout for a good deer camp locale. I have permission to hunt some private land but it's not really ideal for what I'm looking to do. Kinda picky anymore about who I'm setting up deer camp with. Nothing personal at all with certain fellow hunters I know but I don't drink, I'm not there to get away from the wife and kids and it's not totally about the "big buck" with me. I love the experience. From scouting the area and planning the trip to setting up camp and time spent around a good fire with good friends. Then there's the actual hunt. I like to be in the woods well before sunup. This allows me to get settled in and for things to quiet down a bit and to get my eyes and ears adjusted. I prefer to ease in and stalk out of the woods but a lot of fellas just stomp right to their stand (or ride their 4xSomething) and for them the hunt starts when they're sitting in their stand, which usually happens well after sunup. I get quite a few deer drove my way by hunters entering the woods late so can't say it's such a bad thing.

Since I've mentioned tree stands I should say that I don't use one all the time. I like to set up under a fallen tree or any natural concealment. I'll build me up a little shelter with broken limbs and debris and make myself real cozy. If I hunt this spot enough I'll build it up a little more each time I use it. I'm not against tree stands, I have a climber and we had quite a few permanent stands on my inlaws former property. Not sure if I mentioned before but 105 acres with a newly built hunters cabin, all surrounded by gov't land were sold during the divorce of my mother and father inlaw. Kick myself daily for not finding a way to hold on to that property. Anyway, guess I like to mix it up a bit when deer hunting. Really enjoy stalking but it kinda depends on the area and the amount of orange in that area.

Probably should mention, if somebody were to stumble across my blog and this post, which is doubtful because my blog seems awful boring so far but if they did one might say something like "you can't be building little shelter type stuff while deer hunting, the deer'll notice any change in their environment" or "what about the noise you'll make doing that" or "you have a much better view from a tree stand" Remember, it's all about the experience for me. What and how I enjoy it. Maybe not the same for someone else but I'll say this, back when I started hunting I took it serious for the most part but that was a different time in my life when I was pretty wild and there were times when I got drunk in a tree stand, passed out, woke up and pee'd all over the place then shot a six point buck that was running with three other buck before I got my zipper up. I've crapped all over myself, undressed and tried to clean myself off with the remaining part of my soiled longhandles and tried to bury it all in the freezing snow and shot a doe an hour later that almost walked right into me. I've set against a tree eating a candy bar making all kinda noise with the wrapper and a bunch of doe's came up behind me peaking around the tree to see what the racket was I guess, boom meat in the freezer! Not saying this because I'm Mr. Longstocking and definitely not trying to make myself sound stupid. I just think that deer have become accustomed to human smell and sound so unless your hunting in a remote area or for survival purposes or your looking for a specific experience like myself I say to each his own. Go with the 4xSomething, crap on yourself, whatever. My goal is to get my boys in the woods. Teach them to scout, hunt, track, shoot and field dress their kill. Many other things to teach them about hunting and being in the woods.

Starting to ramble and lose my train of thought. Hard to keep track of where I'm at using cell. Have to keep scrolling up and re-reading to keep thoughts in order. I've mentioned this before, my cell won't let me save to edit so I have to publish then go back and edit. This is a pain and so far I have done very little editing. Would be nice to save and work on as I have time. Hope to get this figured out at some point...rambling again.

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Whistles For The Kids

Heading for Evansville in the morning. Going to hit a couple of salvage yards for some Jeep parts. Mainly looking for a roof rack but have a few other things in mind. Plan also to make a stop at the only army surplus shop in Evans. Guess everythings going the way of the internet nowadays. Been looking for a Swiss Alpenflage rain poncho for awhile now. Seems they're hard to come by according to some of the surplus stores I've been to, funny how you can find them all over the net. Also gonna buy whistles for the entire family. Obviously a good tool for emergency purposes but I have some other uses in mind as well. On our last camping trip three of our kids and some friends didn't make it back for their designated check in and after a while there were some freaked out parents. Long story short, after some looking around and getting a couple of park employees involved we were in the process of organizing a more thorough search when the kids came strolling up. They had lost track of time, honest mistake. It was an honest mistake but one that had some of the parents picturing their children in some some pretty gruesome circumstances as we had heard girls screaming across the lake at times but were unable to find their location while searching. So here's my idea, I wanna be able to call em in when I want to, simple. They'll be instructed to not use their whistle unless an emergency occurs. When they hear me blowing they'll know I'm looking for them. Could even set up a response signal from each, five short bursts from the oldest four for the second and so on. I know this plan has some holes and some details need to be ironed out but I'm kinda in the planning process and just thinking out loud here. I'm also aware that if we happen to be camping in a state camp ground it could get pretty irritating for other campers listening to whistle blasts throughout the night. At any rate I do think it's a fairly good idea, just needs some tweating, I mean tweaking and if all does not work out so well at least the kids will have a means to signal for help if the need should arise, which they should have had all along. Live it all -

Alias

Now days everyone has an alias. Some kind of handle, call sign, nickname, whatever you wanna call it everybody has one even if it's just for email purposes. With every blog comes a handle of sorts that carries some type of meaning. Many are obvious as to what they're about but some blog names seem to hold an importance only understood by the blogger. I like the concept of having a handle. Something that defines you. Native Americans were given their names by a certain event at birth or during the first stages of their life. I should say that this was the case with some. I am not an authority on Native American practices in naming their children. I have read that trappers acquired a handle or nickname from a certain trait, habit or accomplishment. Had been thinking on this when I ran across a blog post on the subject (can't remember where) Thing is I'm having a danged of a time coming up with something that fits me. Funny subject cause I'm always joking with my kids about this. Got them calling me Bearclaw at times but it's used up and doesn't quite fit. DogLord has been thrown in the mix but doesn't get who I am either. We use different nicknames for our kids at different times, kinda depends which seems appropriate at the time. Just a few are Star Moon, Goose, Sweet Karaline, Beaner, Playa, etc... For myself, guess I'll stay at it until something sticks. Actually went through a few nicknames when I was younger but most were sports related and I just don't feel they would suit me now.

Was working on my first leather project awhile back (axe sheeth) and my friend got to talking about things his dad used to make. Said he would stamp, burn, scratch or otherwise mark everything he made with his personalized symbol. Said many ole timers did this. I did know about this but had not been thinking along those lines but now... gotta have me a handle, gotta have me a mark! Which way's your stick float?

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Modern Day Mountainman

Just read a post over on survivalblog.com about a dude's start in trapping in Alaska. Seems his grandfather, after filling him with all kinds of Alaskan trapping stories as a young man, gave this dude his cabin when he graduated high school. Basically about his first and second winter spent there, mistakes he made and valuable lessons learned. Pretty cool post. Matter of fact I love that kinda crap. I've loved reading about the fur trade era, trapping or anything mountainmen related since I was a kid. Had a list of supplies that was interesting also. I would include a link but have not learned how to do so yet. Another thing this guy mentioned was he found that his high tech clothing did not hold up well for the daily abuse that he put them through. He recommended wool even though it is heavier, insolated work coveralls and good boots with two sets of liners among many other suggestions. Apparently he ended up doing some guide work for hunters among other things. Modern day mountain man, that's what I'm talking about! If there's a book in the future I'll be buying it. Sounds like he's living the dream, living it all...

Coming Depression

Lot of rain around here the past few days. Let up yesterday just in time for 2nd daughter to play in soccer game. Missed game due to work but heard she played well and even scored one.

Thumbing over - The Great Depression Ahead by Harry S. Dent, Jr. He's a renowned economic forecaster. Uses demographics to make predictions in the economic world. Says he has been spot on since 92 and even detailed the whole stimulus thing we've seen including this lull we seem to be in. Said the gov't and economists would claim that the worst was over and we would be coming out of it but not to trust in this claim. Depression coming in late 2009 or early 2010 according to Dent. Have not read the book yet so don't quote me for accuracy. Also, when I say prediction I'm talking about analytical stuff here so don't go all biblical on me and accuse me of following some false prophet type stuff. Probably won't end up reading it anyway. Not exactly what I call a page turner. This dudes talking about how to prosper in the coming depression. I'm searching for ways to prepare for it.
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Weekend Description

The big sale weekend went well. We were pretty much overrun with shoppers on Saturday. Quite a few cheaters showed up on Friday also but there were few open for business until into the evening. The wife made around $400.00 I think. I didn't participate in the sale as I was more interested in shopping this year. Bought around 200 Louis L'Amour westerns at a good price. Have not read his books since I was younger but thought my boys would like them. Purchased some upgrade bikes for the kids and sold their older ones. Still ended up with more bikes than we started with I think. Main thing I was hoping to run into was a generator but had no luck there. Didn't find any camping gear either. Come to think of it, the whole thing was kind of a bust for the consumer. Unless you were consuming food and in that case you were doing ok cause there was plenty of it. My wife did hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks and the kids sold popsicles. There was an overwhelming amount of people crowding through the neighborhood but as far as I could tell the pickens seemed kinda slim this year. Combine all that with the fact that my neighbor died and you might say that it was a down right depressing weekend.
Actually I didn't know the man. The only time I spoke with him is when my dog got to chasing his dog one day shortly after we moved there. I yelled to him to "kick her in the head" as I was running to break it up. When I got to them and caught my dog, and apologizing all over myself, he just picked up his dog and with a look of murder in his eyes turned and walked back into his house. The guy never talked or would even look at me after that. I don't know the guys name but may he RIP and I'm sorry for his wife's loss.
Started out saying the weekend went well. Not entirely accurate obviously.We made some money, didn't find any deals to jump up and down about and a dude that I've lived next to for almost two years, and still don't know his name passed away. At this point I don't know how to describe the weekend. I wonder, did he live it all...

Sale Weekend

Huge yard sale weekend about to start. Entire gated community will be open to the public. This is a once a year event as the rest of the year residence are not aloud to have sales. Pretty big affair and usually a fun time for family. I opted this year to not have a sale and concentrate on finding sweet deals. Wife chose otherwise so we are doing our own things I guess. Glad to be off work for this event and to spend time with kids. My mother usually comes down from Blgtn. each year for this sale weekend but it's looking like she gonna miss out this time.

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What's In Your Pockets

A couple of times a year I receive a gift certificate from work for bithday and x-mas. I have been using this and sometimes throwing in a little extra to buy some sort of knife or multitool. Something to pass on to kids type thing. Already had a small assortment of knives but I have five kids so need a little bigger stockpile plus I like knives and it's a good excuse to get more. Last one purchased was a victorinox tinker. My father always said you should never go anywhere without a pocket knife and at least a little change in your pocket. I think you can tell a lot about someone by what's in their pockets. I keep a wide assortment of things in my pack, which is with me every day all day and which I will discuss later(will also discuss the contents inside my jeep later) but I also seem to keep my pockets pretty loaded down at times. Pocket knife, belt clip knife clipped inside other pocket, a little paracord, beeswax lip balm, very small non-breakable pill bottle (contents undisclosed), tiny prybar. Key ring has keys, safety pins, mini pushbutton light, small victorinox and extra hair ties for my girls wrapped on the caribeaner(spelling ?, havn't figured out edit on my cell yet) Also cell phone, bandana in back pocket, wallet in other back pocket and usually a leatherman surge on belt. What does this say about me? This is not a new thing for me from getting into reading survival blogs. My family always made fun of me for doing this but it seemed to come in handy on more than one occasion. Wonder what my son Gus has in his pockets on his 6th birthday today. Happy 6 big ones G! Live it all-

Handguns For Cowards

When I was younger my dad used to say that most men who carried handguns were usually cowards. The type to become brave or have a chip on their shoulder with claims to blow your brains out if you mess with them. These were the men, he claimed who would keep their mouths shut or go the other way when confrontation arose. His belief was that if you couldn't handle your differences with your two hands then you need to shut your mouth and probably get yourself out of the situation or better yet not get into it in the first place. I have pretty much went with this opinion and although I realize it's not totally accurate it has served me well. I have never been afraid to defend myself but there have been plenty of times that I've realized I may be in a little over my head. On these occasions I had no problem whatsoever running my little behind out of there. Always have been extremely fast and was certain I could get out of harms way if need be. That was the past. Forward to the now. Lets face facts, times are different. Much older, slower and in much worse shape for a fight or to run. Main thing is I'm not single anymore. The option to run would obviously be gone if any member of my family were present and we were attacked. Times also seem to be different in that everybody seems to be shooting everybody else. Don't know much about the coward thing anymore. Just seems that the upper hand usually has a handgun in it nowadays. I never remember locking our doors as a youngster and God help the man who came into our house without permission. My view today is, the safety of my family comes before my ego. I would hate to be caught in a situation where I was not capable of protecting a loved one, or any stranger for that matter, who was in need. I have spoken to my dad some about this lately and he tends to agree. Before the last election, when it was apparent who was gonna win I decided to buy my first handgun before the right to own one was stripped from me. Glock 9mm/ccw and I'm good to go. Still think guys just like to play army and pack guns (myself included) but the seriousness of protecting yourself and family is not a game.

Community

About two years ago we moved from a 17 acre farm to a gated community. Before we sold the farm I said I would never live with neighbors so close they could see me flexing my muscles in the mirror through my window. Don't like the rules, lot fees or lack of privacy. That said, I believe in following the rules the best that I can because I agreed to them when I moved here. Also this place can be good for the kids. I'm convinced we are in a more secure area in general and if things were to get really bad, natural disaster, economic collapse or a number of other doom-type scenarios. People could pull together in an area like ours and with some organization and ingenuity could do ok, or at least better than most, especially if there were some pre-planning involved. I love living out, away from others but unless you absolutely cannot be found your security would be in jeopardy or in the least you would be on your own to handle any circumstances. Not a good idea in my opinion especially if you have children to care for.If your on your own you better have a solid plan and be sure your "hearing" God. The Lord tells us not to worry about such things. I'm honestly not sure what He says about preparing for them.

Lost For Words

Seems I've become lost for words since starting this blog. Funny, wife says I never shut up, calls me a leaky faucet. No matter, still taking things slow. Have not figured out a few things I have been questioning about this blogging thing so until I'm confident about things, not gonna get too excited. Also a little unsure which direction I wanna go with subject matter of blog. Had a visit from an old friend whom I hadn't seen for about 15 years. As we were catching up we realized we have been living sorta parallel lives since last we had been in contact. Both got into some trouble, both settled down, married and lots of kids, both got involved in church, scouts and basically the same outdoor activities. Now that I think of it that pretty much describes most males past puberty or at least once they've gotten past their wild years. Most but not all! Ever wonder why some kids seem to get it at an early age, some seem to "go round the mountain" for a while, then something seems to click and all of the sudden they're adults making adult decisions. Course then you have those people that going "round the mountain" is a way of life. For some reason this group never seems to get it. Now I know there are hard times, tough breaks and down right bad decisions that people make. That's not what I'm really talking about. I'm talking about the people that never learn. The ones that continue to bang their heads against the wall. Anything from selecting a mate and finances to little Bubby better not eat candy for breakfast more than three days in a row. Maybe it's a pattern thing that you fall into. Maybe it's learned behavior. Could be a touch of good ole fashion stupidity. I think people have a right to choose and when God whispers, come this way, they choose not to listen. Some of them for their entire lives. Live it all-

Edit-Tongue-Hunting

Still in edit phase and trying to figure out how everything works. Not expecting anyone to stumble upon my blog for awhile so I figure I've got time to work out the bugs, learn the ropes, ease into this thing with grace. Spontaneous decision to hit the zoo yesterday found me looking at a giraffe with about a foot long tongue. Not much else to tell, just a relaxing time spent with wife and kids. Kids let us know they prefer theme parks more than once. Guess they don't understand the value of a free pass! Talked to a coworker about the lack of a good place to hunt today. I have had this problem for a few years now. Also, a good friend/hunting, fishing, hiking, camping partner is very valuable. I can be kind of a loner at times which is a bad idea when hunting new land. Trying to say, in a nut shell, it's just more enjoyable and definetly safer with a good buddy. More specifics on hunting, other outdoor activities, gear, etc...Later. Live it all-

Introduction Post

Welcome, as a first post, thought I would give some info.(warning) on my interests-family-religion-and anything else that comes to mind. Some may end up in my profile so sorry for the redundancy. I just turned 40. Married with 5 children. I am a saved, born again christian. I believe that the bible is Gods inspired word. I most certainly have a job(more on that later) I have a love/hate relationship with politics (you'll see) I fancy myself a modern day mountain man but in reality I'm more in love with the idea than anything. Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and anything else backwoodsman related. Now here's the thing, I love to read! Can't get much clearer than that but I'll try, I love books. I love the smell of books, I love the look and feel of books, I love new books, used books, fiction, non-fiction, biography, poetry, you name it. When I get a new book I like to saver the moment. I usually will gingerly peel off any sales stickers so as not to leave any damaged spots. Then I like to study the cover and read everthing on it...I'm gonna stop with that crap cause I think you get the point, I like to read! Here's what I was aiming towards when I said "now here's the thing" A couple of years ago while looking for camping stuff on the net I stumbled across a survival blog. Actually didn't know what a blog was at the time but gotta say, it was right up my alley, so to speak. Not saying I'm a survivalist or I agree with a lot of what some of these fruitballs are saying, just that I find it very interesting in a boy scout-ish, preparedness, doomesday scenario sort of way. I am an avid reader of some of these blogs and would not label them all as fruitcakes so don't take offense. I have also stumbled upon many bushcraft blogs and have totally caught that bug as well. My plan is to tell my story. Family - church - outdoor ramblings - occasional political rant - what I've learned and what I'm learning in life. Anything from Knives and hawks to teaching my kids that with every choice they make there is a consequence, good and bad. As you can tell I'm not a grammatical whiz + I do everything from my cell + hardly know how to operate said cell + don't have a clue how this blog stuff works so please allow for an ignorance curve. I'll explain 37 South, wanstat and much more soon, but - not - too - soon...(what movie) Live it all-