Whiskey please...I'm makin' BBQ sauce

[Matt in AK]

Howdy barkeep.  I'll have a glass of whiskey on some ice and a cup of whiskey to take home.  Butlerford45 shared his secret BBQ sauce recipe with me after I tasted his concoction...and whiskey is a key ingredient.

Chad and I were invited to Butlerford45's farm in Kentucky to see if Chad could get his first deer.  We had a wonderful visit and, though there's no deer on the meatpole, there's a huge fox squirrel headed for the taxidermist.  We saw deer on two of three nights and Chad took a shot at a buck but, I believe, nicked its lower leg -- sparce blood trail, with small smears 14" high, to start with that petered out to nothing in 50 yds.  Chad hunted from a barn and looked out over the field you see below..



As for me, I didn't fire a shot but still rank this as one of my top hunts.  Lots of time with my son and visiting with quality folks.  Work never crossed my mind and my boy and I are closer than ever.

Butlerford45 gave Chad his first hnting knife and Chad shared his secret recipe for orange chocolate chip cookies (no suspense here, just use orange extract in place of vanilla).



We wandered the farm and Chad shot a couple of squirrels.  The one below will end up on his wall.



This pic was taken as we roamed around -- tobacco hanging in one of several barns.



Chad almost had a twist on the old "dog ate my home work story."  This cat thinks he's a dog and he fetches, plays tag, and wrestles.  I'm not sure who'll mist who the most -- Stinky, the Cat, or Chad.



Butlerford45 -- Thanks again.  Hope to visit with you again and the drinks are on me in Virginia.  My missus will even cook up some good German food for ya.  

Here's a toast to you and your lovely missus.  The next round's on me.  Belly up to the bar folks.  Time for some huntin' stories.

[ButlerFord45]

Juggs, If you've got some good Kentucky sippin' whiskey back there, I'd certainly like a glass, I'm celebratin'!  Got to meet some fine folks this weekend, one of them a young hunter, who after being around for a while makes me feel a bit better about this country's future.  Pretty obvious he's been raised by good parents.
Chad introduced us to his "World Famous Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies"
and while Matt makes it sound like a simple substitution, I must inform you that it is not.  Got tips and secrets while they were being made, but am under vow of silence to never share those secrets.
We had a great time and enjoyed their visit, specially the cat, he spent all day Tuesday wandering the house looking room to room for Chad, and every time the dogs barked, he'd run to the door and stand there looking out for his new found buddy.
I'd have felt better if they had at least gotten one deer for their efforts, but Chad seemed to enjoy the squirrels and time with his dad.
We certainly hope they'll come back again and bring the entire family.

[williamlayton]

That was a blessing, Thanks.
Blessings

[ButlerFord45]

There must be a roundup goin' on, aint nobody in the saloon lately.  Might be a good time for me to sneek behind the bar, help ma'self, and slide a chair over behind the stove.

[Matt in AK]

I'm curled up over here behind that stove.  Slept here all night.  I told the missus I "needed" a new gun, Colt SAA to be exact...and she tossed me out :wink: .

It's her birthday today.  Better get home with her gift and talk no more nonsense about new guns and such for Christmas.  Maybe a new Carhartt jacket instead.  She might even think that to be practical.

[ButlerFord45]

LOL Yep! Been there, much the same reason.  Wish her a very Happy Birthday for me.  Ya know dontcha that Colts is like buyin' stocks an' bonds, they's a investment!

[ButlerFord45]

C130E  The stove's big enough for everybody and sure feels good on a day like this.  Name your poison and pull up a chair.  Feel free ta spin the yarn of your choice.

[ButlerFord45]

An old farmer in Kansas had owned a large farm for several years. He had a large pond in the back, fixed up nice; picnic tables, horseshoe courts, and some apple and peach trees. The pond was properly shaped and fixed up for swimming when it was built.
One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn't been there for a while, and look it over. He grabbed a five gallon bucket to bring back some fruit. As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee.
As he came closer he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his pond. He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end of the pond.
One of the women shouted to him, "We're not coming out until you leave!"
The old man frowned, "I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked."
Holding the bucket up he said, "I'm here to feed the alligator."

Moral: Old age and cunning will triumph over youth and enthusiasm every time.

[Matt in AK]

C130E -- Howdy .  I could've been AC-130a....  Where'd you grab your handle?

A man walks into a bar,  Shoulda ducked :grin:
------------------------------------------------------------------
A young man named John received a parrot as a gift.

The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.

John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. In desperation, John threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.

Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer.

The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arm and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?" :-D

[williamlayton]

HEHEHEHE :-D .
Brung in some wood fer tha fire boys, ya'll give me some space soas I can warm tha bones, tell miss kitty to bring me a nip of some bone warmer.
Good storyies round this here stove.
Blessings

[ButlerFord45]

Good day to ya Will, good ta see the "Old Hen"'s let you out long enough for a bit of arthritis medicine.  Ain't needed a fire in these parts for quite a while but it sure feels good this morning.

Ya know, the most important information in your life won't come from a teacher, the library or the Internet, but from a mentor and on a very personal level.

My long-passed grandfather's birthday is coming up, and for me it is a time to reminisce; The long walks we used to take, the long drives.  The special trips he would make to pick me up so I could spend weekends with him, and the advice he used to give.

Much was wasted because I was young when he died.  If he was alive today and sharing his gems of wisdom, I'd pay closer attention and, I'm sure, be a better man for it.

Those gems were well and good, but the one I remember most, the jewel in the crown of grandfatherly advice, came when he paused, looked me in the eye and said, "Son ...  don't marry a woman with big hands.  It makes your pecker look smaller."

[Glanceblamm]

Hi Matt
Was good pix & a great narrative. This probably meant the world to Chad! My only question is how did you get him to leave?
Even I would like to thank ButlerFord45 in this day of No Tresspassing signs and pay hunts. Chad would probably tell you that this was far better than going to a Mall, movies, or video games.

ButlerFord45
I heard of a guy with a wooden leg named Smith who was stung in that leg by a bee. Guess that they wanted to know what the name of his other leg was!  :-D  :?  :roll:

Dont Throw that  :eek: I'm leaving.

[williamlayton]

Now you boys doan tear up or feel sorry for me cause that aint the purpose.
I was 4 when my father was killed and a year and a day later my grandfather passed. I did not have much male influence in my life, although I am grateful for the time given by fathers of my friends.
You boys what got younguns spend a good portion of time with em, take em places, be alone with em, guide em in their growin. If they got friends what doan have no male around then take the time to include the fellers in some stuff, help them along.
My son has become a great father, much better than I ever was, and it is gonna pay off.
Blessings

[ButlerFord45]

No tears from me Will, I'm sorry that you didn't get to spend more time with your father but the Good Lord had a plan to make you a man, and from the best I can tell, it worked pretty good.

These aren't my words but they are definatlymy thoughts, so I'm gonna pass'en along:

Andy Rooney says.... "As I grow in age, I value women who are over 40
most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:
An over 40 woman will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask,
"What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.
If an over 40 woman doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit
around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And it's
usually something more interesting.
An over 40 woman knows herself well enough to be assured in who she
is,what she is, what she wants, and from whom. Few women past the age of
40 give a darn what you might think about her or what she's doing..
An over 40 woman usually has had her fill of "meaningful relationships"
and "commitment". The last thing she wants in her life is another dopey,
clingy, whiny, dependent lover.
Over 40 women are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you
at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course,
if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if
they think they can get away with it.
Over 40 women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what
it's like to be unappreciated.
An over 40 woman has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women
friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best
friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women.
A woman over 40 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends
because she knows her friends won't betray her.
Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to an
over 40 woman. They always know.
An over 40 woman looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not
true of younger women.
Over 40 women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off you
are a jerk if you are acting like one.
You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.
Yes, we praise over 40 women for a multitude of reasons.
Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart,
well-coifed hot woman of 40+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow
pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.
Ladies, I apologize.
Andy Rooney

[williamlayton]

YUP and yup agin.
Most young folks do not give a relationship time to develop. It takes a couple of hard-headed people to stay together, these days.
Those who wander in middle age just don't get it, for some reason I can't figger out. Got to be something else to it the other 23 1/2 hours of the day---well in my case, I figgered that I was gonna miss that sex stuff much more than I actually do---well, er, fer most better part of tha time. Matter of fact, I kinda enjoy not havin to worry bout it, and when, most of the time.
Tha Hen an I been together for 41 or 2 years. Now boys, an I am talkin TEXAS, by GOD here, she couda/shouda shot me on tha courthouse square at high noon Saturday a couple of times, and not a jury in Texas woulda convicted her.
I am grateful, thankful and praising the LORD God for her.
You get over tha hurt, anger, and heartache easier than ya can get used to a new one.
Least, thats my opinion.
Blessings

[Matt in AK]

Amen to all that's been said.  My Mrs, the Tundra Walrus, is the most patient woman on God's green earth (Williamlayton -- green's the color God made Kentucky.  Ran out before he got to Texas but had lotsa brown :wink: ).  I know I'd have given up on me if I were her.  She turend 38 a couple days ago and if she's any better at 40 years...I'm just gonna look worse standin' next to her.  18 years of marriage and she still ain't figured out how badly she married.

Butlerford45 -- Don't stand there lookin' all innocent.  Chad's seen deer with a gun in his hand (your fault) so now I'm toast.  Quantico allows shotgun hunting for deer but no buckshot so......it looks like I'll be trying to find a shotgun with a rifled slug barrel this Friday night in prep for the weekends.

[ButlerFord45]

Matt, that's one fault I'll gladly accept, sounds like the season isn't over yet!! Oh! and don't forget pictures when he gets one!

Fellas while we're speakin of the women-folk, my mother-in-law ( I got lucky on that one) sent this to my wife, and yes I did get permission to pass it along.  I thought you might wanna pass it on to your Missus's:

Moms & Grandmas

         Before I was a Mom -
        I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got
  into bed.
        I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

         Before I was a Mom -
        I cleaned my house each day.
        I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
        I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
        I never thought about immunizations.

         Before I was a Mom -
        I had never been puked on.
        Pooped on.
        Spit on.
        Chewed on.
        Peed on.
        I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
        I slept all night.

         Before I was a Mom -
        I never held down a screaming child
        So that doctors could do tests.
        Or give shots.
        I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
        I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
        I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

         Before I was a Mom -
        I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it
  down.                               I
        I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't
  stop the hurt.
        I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
        I never knew that I could love someone so much.
        I never knew I would love being a Mom.

         Before I was a Mom -
        I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
        I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
        I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
        I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so
  important and happy.

         Before I was a Mom -
        I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to
  make sure all was okay.
        I had never known the warmth,
        The joy,
        The love,
        The heartache,
        The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

          I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

         And before I was a Grandma, I didn't know that all those "Mom"
        feelings more than doubled when you see that little bundle being
  held by 'your' baby...

         Send this to someone who you think is a special Mom or Grandma.
        I just did.

         And remember that behind every successful mother......
        Is a basket of dirty laundry.

[williamlayton]

Good-un.
Blessings

[ButlerFord45]

Then on a somewhat lighter note:
 Always wear clean underwear in public, especially when working under your vehicle...

From the NORTHWEST FLORIDA Daily News comes this story of a Crestview couple who drove their car to Wal-Mart, only to have their car break down in the parking lot.  The man told his wife to carry on with the shopping while he fixed the car in the lot.  The wife returned later to see a small group of people near the car.  On closer inspection, she saw a pair of male legs protruding from under the chassis.  Although the man was in shorts, his lack of underpants turned private parts into glaringly public ones.  Unable to stand the embarrassment, she dutifully stepped forward, quickly put her hand UP his shorts, and tucked everything back into place.
On regaining her feet, she looked across the hood and found herself staring at her husband who was standing idly by.  The mechanic, however, had to have three stitches in his forehead.

[williamlayton]

Lordy-
That sounds like one of them dreams ya have where your at a party, in your all together, and you doan know where your clothes are or how they got off.
Blessings

[kevin.303]

is that a regular size fer kaintuck tree rats? i think when i buy my .25-20 i'll have to tek a squirrel hunting trip down south!!

[ButlerFord45]

Yeah, Kevin, that's about the norm for our fuzz-tailed nut crackers.  This would have been a good year for the 32-20, ya didn't go to the woods to hunt squirrel, ya went to the cornfields, we had no mast crop at all.  That definately changed the way you hunted this season!