...Whew, things have been busy here, now that the dust has settled I have a chance to respond.
First of all I am really humbled and overwhelmed by the generous words of my bowhunting bretheren here. I embrace both the critique and the compliments.
Davidmil is right in some ways,Hemingway I am not! Shoot, I couldn't even carryEarnest'sfishing pole!
Other than reading some of his stories the closest I evercame to him was when I elk hunted solo for three weeksin Sun Valley Idahonear his grave site. His work and the paltry words I throw down on paper should probablynever be mentioned in the same breath.
David, I knew it would not be your cup of tea and I understand that entirely. I feel it was a compliment that you even took the time to read it and respond. Thanks.AVietnam vetwith 80 + bow kills underhis belt; you are still the ultimate predator in my book.
There are a few people I want to specifically address.
Iowabob85,
you know me to well...I did take that picture by myself...and I did drag that cotton picker out by myself too!! Good thing he was on the smallish side (185 lbs dressed)or I would have had a heart attack...getting him out of that valley was not fun... As far as being able "to do it all", heh, heh, well, I am afraidthere are a few people we mutually know that would argue that point!
It's the thought that counts however, so thanks.
Blodg,
It wasgreat to hear from you. I really appreciate what you had to say. I am always astonished when my words move someone to action...I couldn't even talk the kids into taking out the trash when they were gowing up.
Buckeyebuckhnter,
My buck is just a baby compared to the one you killed last year. I hope you kill a dandy again this year. Thank you for the compliments.
Shed33,
Judging from what I've seen you bring down the last two years in Idaho I think I should be learning from you! Wow! Thanks for such kind words. Youput me up so highon a pedestal (and I am even afraid of heights) that there is no where to go but down.
I am flattered by your remarks and I do sincerely appreciate them.
MQ1shooter,
I don't even know what to say...We have a former Professor in the house??!! Oh my, I am going to have to watch my "P's" and "Q's" now. I'm just a silly hillbilly!
Chucker34,
You are a writer with a Masters degree in journalism??!! Oh boy, I am in way over my head trust me on that one.
What you two guys(MQ1shooter & Chucker34) said nearly caused me to faint. I'm not sure I would know a participle if it came up and kissed me on the lips. Goodness knows I feel good if I can remember how to tie my shoes! [8D]Being thatI amnot even inyour league in the writing department,I amhumbled by your high praise. My only regret is that myhigh school English teacher is dead. She may have died happy if she heard what you two distinguished individuals with suchrich credentialshad to say about one of herless than gifted students.I am sure she felt like a failure everytime I turned something in
...
Thanks again to all who took the time to read it!