The Hunting Times

So we let Davey's doe hang in the barn for two days (after legally checking her in on-line).  Our hope was that we would have two or three more to process with her.  Vain hope. We skinned her out and butchered her.  And man did she have a layer of fat on her. Take a look.  This is off her back, next to the tenderloins.  I got the tape measure out because I could not believe how much was there - 1.5".  Holy cow was she healthy or what? The fat along the back was 1.5" thick! Davey said it was a good thing he shot her because she was going to die from heart disease, being this fat.  I say it means we are going to have a ROUGH winter and she had a great chance at survival. Regardless, she'll taste good now.

Earlier this year, me, Davey, and RePhil took a ten-year anniversary trip to North Dakota to hunt pheasants.  So Christmas eve, I put them in the smoker.  I brined them in salt, sugar, and water for 24 hours prior to smoking.  I wrapped them in bacon to keep them moist.  Smoked them for 3 hours at 250 degrees. Here's how they turned out: Smoked pheasants. Can't think of a better way to spend Christmas Eve!

What started out as a trip to the hardware store for a new spray hose nozzle turned into a $700 remodel of the kitchen.  As hunting season has now ended, I had time to perform the duties, so we went for it. Of course, nothing is an EXACT replacement.  I had to cut a larger hole for our new sink and replumb.  It took me 8.5 hours and 2 trips to the hardware store for more supplies. The end result is nice and most importantly, Mama is happy. Old sink is out.  Photo prior to cutting a larger hole. New sink installed and being used. Funny story.  I disconnected the garbage disposal and left it in the corner, so I did not have to rewire it.  I called son-in-law Alex in to help me reconnect it.  As I picked it up to hold, I tipped the drain toward me.  All the sludge that was still in there came running out and hit me directly on the top lip.  Garbage disposal water went up my nose and into my mouth.  I was spitting and sputter...

As a birthday gift, the kids bought tickets to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra at the Banker's Life Field House in Indy. The Colts were playing a home game, so we opted NOT to try and eat dinner in Indy.  We stopped at Bub's in Zionsville for some elk burgers.  Excellent choice. The field house was pretty packed.  TSO did a Christmas show for an hour.  Then they started rocking! It was a pretty neat show with lights, lazers, snow, fog, fire, and fireworks.  The sound however was not good.  It was turned up so loud to try and fill the hall that it was distorted.  It also hurt my ears.  Sandy's ears rang for 3 days too.  The kids said we're just too old to appreciate it.  Not true, says I.  The sound was distorted. Regardless, glad we went.  Thanks to the kids! Sitting in the field house, awaiting the concert.