My son and I decided that when he came down on Christmas, we'd go out in the afternoon to do a little bow hunting. I went out this afternoon and braved the 8 degrees with 20 mph winds (wind chill = FREAKING COLD!) and used the skid loader to clear out the 1/2 mile lane and then got the bow all ready. Came in and had a quick dinner and then after 30 minutes got on the treadmill (haven't been out walking in a couple of days). All that was left was to shower and get into the magic chair and day dream about tomorrow's possibilities. The phone rang and it was Mike, he sounded horrific. He's caught a cold and isn't coming down tomorrow. My daughter was going to ride down with him, so now she's not coming either.

The first annual Cooper Christmas Hunt never got off the ground. It's supposed to be 30 degrees tomorrow, so I'll go out ALONE after the wife and I go through our Christmas morning ritual.[:@]

Don't despair Mark. Your son's cold will get better, and he will get better. You will see your daughter and your son for New Years. You and your wife will have a lovely, quietChristmas together. It doesn't get much better! Oh, did I mention that my glass is always half full.Merry Christmas!

They won't be down for New Year's either since both of them have to work.[&o]

You aren't a cast member for Spamalot are you???

"Always look on the bright side of life..."

OK, I'll try it again. Mark, don't despair. Your son's cold will get better, and he will get better. You and your wifewill have a lovely, quiet Christmas together. You know, you COULD partake in other activities to replace that treadmill. Then tomorrow you'll go hunting by yourself and kill a monster buck. It doesn't get much better than that!

Don't worry Mark, things will work themselves out. Your tradition will take hold and will grow strong over the years. HAVE fun tomorrow.

Lead that tradition strong solo for the first one bud. We can't hunt until the day after, but ever since like 4 years ago, it has been a tradition to be out with 2 or 3 of the same guys no matter the weather. Good luck.

AFHunter...I know it's just not the same, but heck I'll go with ya. It'll be a great morning!

BTH, I sat here all day waiting for you to show up......nothing!

Mike came down and was looking really crappy. We both stayed home and had a traditional Christmas dinner of my wife's homemade egg rolls and my chili. Sara and I enjoyed his visit and had a good time.