Breaking News "Fat boy can still ride"

It's been at least 7 years since I was on a horse, but today I got my wish to ride once again. My new friend Sam Sais said he and his girls were going to check the area I will deer hunting this year and asked if I'd like to go along. A quick 30 minute drive and I was there and there she was, Jenny. Jenny the mule, as I said it's been awhile and I've noticed a girth expansion, but I've never ridden a mule. She was a delight, surefooted and whatelse, muleheaded. Riding through the mountain on this incrediable fall day brought back a wave of emotions that overtook me. I was brought to tears. All the memoirs and joys I had with the horses, the southern rides in Hoosier NF and around the farm. Southern Ohio is just as beautiful. We saw a bunch of deer and turkeys. I had the realization how the  twist and turns in life are part of the fun. As I gaze out the kitchen window at the river, I never would I have guess 5 years ago that I would be living in cabin,on the river in southern Ohio, in a state forest, riding around the woods with a 300 lb retired cop on a borrowed mule. I can't wait see were I'm at in 5 more years

Settling In

Been busy settling in Otway. Scott and Marsha came down over Labor Day and helped install a set of steps down to the river. Cooked some good food, like armadillo eggs, which are japelenos with cream cheese covered with sausage wrapped in bacon, then grilled. Decided to paint some native american signs on my concrete pump house. And doing alot of fishing. Got a couple farms I'm going to hunt during deer season which is closing in fast. Got a new stove installed, log siding sealed, windows caulked, and checking into some spray foam insulation for the underside of the house. Fall colors are started to pop and the view from the deck ought peak in a week or 2. The best thing is that Dad even came down a couple weeks ago. He's so tough to hang in there like he has and to make that trip all the way over to our little cabin was the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. Even got to play the dulcimer and piano for him. Even install a door board like out at the farm so Bubby can let himself in and out.

July 4th

This 4th of July was special since Scott & Marsha came over to spend a few days and check out the house. We had a great time, fried alligator,bear burritos and jerky. Scotty and I even figured a way to the river and went for a ride. Met a neighbor who told us about the awesome fishing. Carpet guys are laying new carpet in the bedroom now, so I'm going to get some bait later and find out. Also showed them the cool murals painted on the flood wall in Portsmouth.

House Update

We finally got our little river house in Otway. Took a weeks vacation to start moving in. Going to get the inside ready before moving completely in. But the outside was in need of immediate attention. Dennis showed up Monday and we  kicked ass. We install half log siding on the entire house, and the change was unreal. It was a very satifiying thing and ever time I look at the house I will cherish the time my brother and I got to spend together,plus installing the coolest siding

Bear this

 I got my bear last week and it looks great. Although the day I got it Bub got in my travel bag and ate the bearclaws off my neckleace. Better news, I am buying this liitle house in Otway Ohio with river frontage. Across the river is 15,000 acres of Shawnee SF, hunting and fishing in hills of southern Ohio. Hope to close in a few weeks. I can put in here and go clear to the Ohio river , too cool

Happy Haircuts

What does beer and hairclippers mean? Brave people. As you can see Eric wanted a buzz cut, but I thought about something cooler. The mop top, then the Mohawk, he wasn't a fan though. So I just buzzed it buzzed. Then Jeff wanted to go for the super goatee,I suggested the handlebar, but I lost. All in all we had a blast. Even got Bub to model my bear claw neckless. As for Rat dog she is in a new home with yard and a 10 year old boy. The garage stray dog story has a happy ending. Smoked a turkey last, was really good, but hard to keep lit. Got two does during deer season which puts me at 58 deer in my career. Missed a chance at a dandy buck at Potato Creek SP. Hope to see everbody over Xmas. Got some killer summer sausage.

Finishing Up

As with all good things, the Bloomington job is over, and am stuck to the confinds of north central In. However I did get my bear skull and claws Friday. Can't wait to clean up the claws and make my own bear necklace. Spent some time with Dad a couple Sundays ago and we made a picture frame with some barn wood from Scotty's Then rehandled a knife for my buddy Conan with some moose antler. Starting on 2 pair of moc's for an another guy. So it's good to be busy. Waiting for Saturday and the start of deer season. See ya then