Author Topic: The better things in life (Read 1138 times)

jimster · « **on:** September 08, 2010, 03:14:10 PM »

Besides all these politics there are things that help us forget. Soon I'll be sitting by the wood burner on cold nights maybe fondling a firearm, watching the oldest dog stretch out next to the wood burner, with my wife. A nice feeling after a long day. Nothing like a warm fire and the smell of burning wood to make you feel like your really home. This is what life is all about. My dog Daisy, can't wait for the fire to get stoked up, she looks at me funny if I take too long getting it going after I get home in the cold season. Sometimes I think she knows what life is about too. There are some feelings that can't be described.
I never thought this way when I was young and on the move. Wonder why.

hillbill · « **Reply #1 on:** September 08, 2010, 03:45:11 PM »

hmmmm sleet and ice rattleing off the tin roof, a big ole skillet of deer steak cooking and sum turnips, taters, onions and green beans simmering.my little ratty, max sleepin in his box by the stove.a wheelbarrow full of red oak on the back porch. yea im ready for winter!

Dee · « **Reply #2 on:** September 08, 2010, 04:01:23 PM »

My house dog had to be put down last year, and my outside dog cannot be trusted in the house. But the fireplace going and a cold front porch is somethin to look forward to. At 61, I like to stop and smell the flowers I hardly noticed being there in my youth. Youth is wasted on the young. Is it not?
A stool backed up to a 100 year old pecan, a camp fire burning with coffee on, damp leaves, and a good Winchester layin across my lap, sippin coffee. I can't think of anything better.

Oldshooter · « **Reply #3 on:** September 08, 2010, 04:21:45 PM »

Don't have a dog. May get a Great Pyrenees soon. He won't be inside though. I woke up this morning and walked out on the back porch. 4 deer were grazing in the pasture behind my home, a small buck, 2 doe, and a yearling. a dozen Cardinals were "playing" around the bird feeder and bath. I have lived more expensively but never better.

blind ear · « **Reply #4 on:** September 08, 2010, 05:42:00 PM »

Smelling the flowers, seeing the beauty of things, - - - when you are young? Hmmmm, sounds like a hippie!

eddiegjr

mechanic · « **Reply #5 on:** September 08, 2010, 06:00:03 PM »

Watching an 8 yr. old get excited about the deer and turkey at the feeder. Finally feeling a little chill in the morning and knowing fall is at hand. Cold water from a spring fed branch when I've been walking. Watching a hawk hunt. Being barked at by a squirril. Walking deep and being all alone for a while to think. Hot coffee at 5:00 am.

LONGTOM · « **Reply #6 on:** September 08, 2010, 06:34:43 PM »

watching the oldest dog stretch out next to the wood burner, with my wife.

So, she likes the wood burner too!

Sorry, I just had to say it.

Sitting back in my field or woods early in the morning just after a blanket of new fallen snow has hit the ground.
Not a single mark or foot print to mar the beauty of one of GOD'S finest creations.
Just watching nature come alive in all it's splender with out a sound to disturbe it.
It makes me feel as if I am one with nature and all is right in my world.
That is the most peaceful times I have ever experenced.
Man, if life could only be that simple!!!

LONGTOM

FourBee · « **Reply #7 on:** September 08, 2010, 07:35:33 PM »

Quote

by oldshooter: 4 deer were grazing in the pasture behind my home, a small buck, 2 doe, and a yearling. a dozen Cardinals were "playing" around the bird feeder and bath. I have lived more expensively but never better.

As a young man, I never understood why Mom was so excited about her martin house in the back yard, or her flower garden, but now retired, and after a few miracle life saving events, my days on this earth see a much grander view of God's gift to us. The smell of hickory wood burning in the fireplace on a chilly morning. The sight of Purple Martins getting ready to head south at the end of another season. Looking out the window at all the humming birds buzzing about the feeder. Being able to hear the sounds of the Bobwhite calling up their young in the tall grass pastures. Smelling the aroma of new cut hay. Makes one forget all the trials in this hectic world we live.

magooch · « **Reply #8 on:** September 09, 2010, 04:13:52 AM »

Launching my sea kayak from the beach on a still, clear sunny morning with the prospect of a 25 mile paddle ahead of me. Eagles and ospreys soaring overhead as they search for breakfast; that's as good as it gets. And that's my plan for today.

Old Fart · « **Reply #9 on:** September 09, 2010, 04:19:37 AM »

Having breakfast beside the campfire.
Biscuits hot out of the dutch oven.
Smothered in gravy made from the sausage.
Along with some fried tators.
A cup of hot coffee.

Listening to nature do it's thing.

bulletstuffer · « **Reply #10 on:** September 09, 2010, 04:27:59 AM »

Quote from: Old Fart on September 09, 2010, 04:19:37 AM

Having breakfast beside the campfire.
Biscuits hot out of the dutch oven.
Smothered in gravy made from the sausage.
Along with some fried tators.
A cup of hot coffee.

Listening to nature do it's thing.

That sounds like heaven to me

Bulletstuffer

guzzijohn · « **Reply #11 on:** September 09, 2010, 05:38:57 AM »

1.Gaining altitude flying a glider in a thermal in formation with a hawk less than ten feet from my canopy.
2. Early morning ride on the Guzzi feeling the temperature changes in the hills and smelling all of earths great smells.
GuzziJohn

Avyctes · « **Reply #12 on:** September 09, 2010, 06:35:06 AM »

I prefer the Spring and Fall times of the year. I don't have a wood stove where I live now, so Winter means $150+ heating bills. Last year was one of the worse winters for being colder than heck, and where I live it is very very windy, so I had the luxury of digging out snow drifts 3 and 4 feet deep for the entire length of my drive way so I could get to work every day, in teens and 20 degree weather. It was so cold that even bundled up and dressed for the weather, the exposed bits of skin would be painful by the time you got in. It means being cooped up for months because you can't do much with everything covered in snow and ice. I don't hunt, I'm a sport shooter and military collector, so my shooting means I need decent weather. Not that I'm opposed to shooting in snow, I do it as often as possible. But the winds are so terrible during the winter that it's difficult to get a good 'shooting day' where you can actually enjoy it. It's been miserable this summer with 90F+ heat, but I'm still not looking forward to shoveling snow again. I don't have to get up and shovel heat waves in the summer

magooch · « **Reply #13 on:** September 10, 2010, 04:26:06 AM »

Move!

nw_hunter · « **Reply #14 on:** September 10, 2010, 05:35:59 AM »

Quote from: jimster on September 08, 2010, 03:14:10 PM

Besides all these politics there are things that help us forget. Soon I'll be sitting by the wood burner on cold nights maybe fondling a firearm, watching the oldest dog stretch out next to the wood burner, with my wife. A nice feeling after a long day. Nothing like a warm fire and the smell of burning wood to make you feel like your really home. This is what life is all about. My dog Daisy, can't wait for the fire to get stoked up, she looks at me funny if I take too long getting it going after I get home in the cold season. Sometimes I think she knows what life is about too. There are some feelings that can't be described.
I never thought this way when I was young and on the move. Wonder why.

"AH" painfully ease out of bed, hobble to the bathroom for the third time since 1:00 am. Take the morning meds, put in the choppers, and wait for my oatmeal to arrive. Take the choppers back out, because I can choke this gruel down without chewing.

Turn the thermostat up, because I can't lift a chunk of wood to build a fire anymore, and check my Dr appointments for the day............................Good old golden years! Sure is good to be retired.

Not quite that bad

As a matter of fact my shootin buddy and I, are going grouse hunting this morn.

Feel that fall in the air?, It sure feels good. I'll give you boy's a report when we get back.

MGMorden · « **Reply #15 on:** September 10, 2010, 06:29:08 AM »

Quote from: guzzijohn on September 09, 2010, 05:38:57 AM

1.Gaining altitude flying a glider in a thermal in formation with a hawk less than ten feet from my canopy.

I tell myself this every year, but I swear next summer I'm going for my glider rating. Got my PPL-ASEL 3 years ago, but I've always been just a tad too heavy for the gliders (I'm 242 lbs and the max weight that the local club allows is 230lbs). There's definitely something majestic about flight, and doing it without the noisy engine banging in front of you and without that oh so common smell of gas and oil that seems to permeate the powered planes just seems like a more pure way to experience it. Just gotta shave off a few pounds.

Also, it hasn't quite hit yet, but round about October here there comes a smell in the air. It gets cool - not cold yet - just very cool, and the "smell" of autumn kicks in. The time surrounding Halloween and Thanksgiving is by far my favorite time of year. A lot of times even when I'm on my computer rather than sitting in the house, I'll grab the laptop and head out into the backyard during the autumn evenings and just sit in the yard chair.

BBF · « **Reply #16 on:** September 10, 2010, 07:55:32 AM »

I'm done with Canadian winters, hurrah for Florida,at least as long as I can drive and afford it.

LAREDOBOB · « **Reply #17 on:** September 10, 2010, 08:01:32 AM »

About 15-20 miles offshore in the Gulf. Sun is comming up and the sails are all pulling well and fair. Boat heeled over just right, sounds of water rushing past the hull and breaking on deck. It just don't get no better than that.

guzzijohn · « **Reply #18 on:** September 10, 2010, 08:03:40 AM »

From MGMorden:

Quote

I tell myself this every year, but I swear next summer I'm going for my glider rating. Got my PPL-ASEL 3 years ago, but I've always been just a tad too heavy for the gliders (I'm 242 lbs and the max weight that the local club allows is 230lbs). There's definitely something majestic about flight, and doing it without the noisy engine banging in front of you and without that oh so common smell of gas and oil that seems to permeate the powered planes just seems like a more pure way to experience it. Just gotta shave off a few pounds.

Most gliders and many general aviation aircraft are not very friendly toward you larger folk. Get those pounds off and get your glider rating. If you fly power a lot sooner or later your plane may turn into a poor performing glider when you least expect it so the glider experience can be handy. Have you ever noticed that many of the airline pilots that made great saves or crash landings had a glider rating?
GuzziJohn

MGMorden · « **Reply #19 on:** September 10, 2010, 08:26:24 AM »

Quote from: guzzijohn on September 10, 2010, 08:03:40 AM

Most gliders and many general aviation aircraft are not very friendly toward you larger folk. Get those pounds off and get your glider rating. If you fly power a lot sooner or later your plane may turn into a poor performing glider when you least expect it so the glider experience can be handy. Have you ever noticed that many of the airline pilots that made great saves or crash landings had a glider rating?
GuzziJohn

Yep, I've always thought of it as a good thing to have just as skill builder. It's a shame the family doesn't see it that way. In their eyes getting my regular PPL was being reckless and a daredevil (not like I do aerobatics or anything - I just fly). In their view a glider is just being stupid and going up in an "airplane with no engine". Not that their disapproval has kept me from doing anything I want mind you, just that it would be better if they understood more.

3 years into my PPL I STILL haven't convinced any of my family to go up flying with me

.

PS Regarding weight - yeah, even the regular stuff is cramped. Even at my size, I actually did my training in a Cessna 150F. Felt like a sardine can

. On my checkride in order to make the weight/balance work out we only put in 10 gallons of fuel. The plan was to go up for an hour, refuel, and then to go up for another hour to complete everything. After the first run though the examiner said I was good to go without the 2nd trip up

. After the checkride I started flying a Cessna 172. Much, much more comfortable than the 150

. I'm trying to work on the weight though. Just easier to plan the diet than to stick to it sometimes

.

guzzijohn · « **Reply #20 on:** September 10, 2010, 09:23:37 AM »

Quote from MGMorden:

Quote

t's a shame the family doesn't see it that way. In their eyes getting my regular PPL was being reckless and a daredevil (not like I do aerobatics or anything - I just fly). In their view a glider is just being stupid and going up in an "airplane with no engine". Not that their disapproval has kept me from doing anything I want mind you, just that it would be better if they understood more.

Don't feel bad. My wife tolerates it and has gone up a couple of times. My adult step-daughter loves it. My mother keeps asking me why I don't quit flying and riding and take up bowling instead. I tell her I might drop the bowling ball on my foot and break it.
GuzziJohn

teamnelson · « **Reply #21 on:** September 10, 2010, 10:47:47 AM »

The better things in life ... aren't things, that's for sure.

2 tank beach dive off the North Shore in the morning, with the family and a bunch of friends in the dive club. BBQ during the surface interval. Probably see some sea turtles. Enjoying it while we can. Next year we hope to move to the mainland and enjoy some seasons, a fire, changing colors in the fall, hunting with my son before he graduates.

powderman · « **Reply #22 on:** September 11, 2010, 03:05:25 PM »

I look forward to the 1st snow each year, just the 1st one mind you. I have an old bucket back in the woods for a seat and I like to go back there in the snow and build a fire and just sit and relax. I enjoy the smell and the wonderful flame and warmth. One year I had stashed some dry wood in the old cave not far away and went down there in a pretty good snowstorm. I was almost froze by the time I got there, fingers didn't want to work. I got my fire started and warmed up nicely listening to the wind howling and seeing the snow blowing past the cave entrance, it was very peaceful and relaxing. Seemed like it took forever to get back to the house. POWDERMAN.

Dee · « **Reply #23 on:** September 11, 2010, 03:15:46 PM »

Right now I'm sittin in front of my computer, lookin out the open window watching about 8 or 9 hummin birds fight over the feeders on the veranda. Winter is comin and their fattening up for the trip back to Brazil.

burntmuch · « **Reply #24 on:** September 11, 2010, 04:08:01 PM »

I have lived more expensively but never better. Well said Old shooter

Today was a good day , flipped some pancakes for the Pancake breakfast at the fire station, Watched my daughter at her soccer game. Came home took my 3y/o boy to the chicken coop to collect eggs,, watched my girls play with the new batch of baby chicks. Had a great dinner with wife & kids. Oh yeah helped my 9 y/o twins make cornbread in my new Lodge cast iron skillot. Life is good boys. Life is good

squirrellluck · « **Reply #25 on:** September 11, 2010, 04:24:03 PM »

Knowing home is only 50 feet outside my back door. I have never considered a house, any house to be home. Home to me is under a canopy of trees with all the other critters.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #26 on:** September 11, 2010, 06:18:25 PM »

Quote from: MGMorden on September 10, 2010, 06:29:08 AM

Quote from: guzzijohn on September 09, 2010, 05:38:57 AM
1.Gaining altitude flying a glider in a thermal in formation with a hawk less than ten feet from my canopy.
I swear next summer I'm going for my glider rating

I don't have a glider ticket but I've flown, well actually just landed, a few... $:-\$ course it was always unintentional...

Savage_99 · « **Reply #27 on:** September 12, 2010, 04:14:30 AM »

Quote from: LAREDOBOB on September 10, 2010, 08:01:32 AM

About 15-20 miles offshore in the Gulf. Sun is comming up and the sails are all pulling well and fair. Boat heeled over just right, sounds of water rushing past the hull and breaking on deck. It just don't get no better than that.

We are too old now to sail. Yesterday we went down to the boat to take stuff off as its for sale. I used to enjoy a fair sail planned with the tide and wind. We lived aboard many summers.

Thats gone now however I am still able to hunt. I walked on a farm yesterday and saw a nice 6 pt buck. To get him would have required taking a long quick shot. If it were the season I would have let him go, tried to get closer and wait him out.

I enjoy going out with my lovely wife for a nice tender rare prime rib dinner, driving the car and looking at the scenery.

Got a Brno 611 on the way from Gunbroker. It should be here early this week. Looking forward to that.

Victor3 · « **Reply #28 on:** September 12, 2010, 07:33:39 PM »

In no particular order...

A campfire
Candle & oil lamp light
Fireworks
Strike anywhere matches
A good back scratcher
Seeing my Son learn something new
The smell of black powder, coffee, pipe tobacco, bacon, fresh cut grass
Shooting a cannon at a rock face
A 22 rifle and a brick of ammo
Making an 'impossible' long range shot
A shot of expensive tequila
A chocolate malt
Loose-fitting cotton clothes
Old books
Still useful antique tools
Military surplus stores (another great smell!)
Making something in my shop
Working in my garden
Walking on a deserted beach in winter
Driving through the desert on a hot summer night during a thunderstorm
Skipping rocks on a dead calm pond
A meteor shower
Catching a lizard and puting it on my Wife's back.
A Wife with a sense of humor
A cloud of butterflies
Watching hummingbirds fight
Talking to my cat.