Ice Man

Grandma?

Global Warming

You may recall that a year ago our neighbours basements were flooded and suffered financial losses from $70,000 and up! Although, due to me changing the original design that included raise the basement a couple of feet, we fewlt it prudent to install a BackWater Valve. ,

Happy Birthday Mike!

Red Stag Down!

Ernie emailed:

I am marking this off my bucket list.
 Earlier this month Monsieur Boutin, from St. Henedine Quebec, took me on a hunt on his family estate.
The weather was not receptive, but we took advantage that there were no winds and the leaves were soaked.
The morning woods were alive with activity, lots of whitetails, but no red stags.
Finally I  spotted  a reddish figure, to the right, it turned out to be a hind. (female red deer)
We push ahead, and were encouraged. Yes we spot a Red Stag 200 yards deep in the woods, no there are two and they are chasing a female.
The Hunt is on! MY heart is pumping hard.
 Mr Boutin, says they are heading for the swamp and we will not be able to go in there due to the water.
We wait on the other side and out they come still following the Doe.
An opportunity presents itself, but  no luck the stags are side by side and shot taken would result in both being hit. I wait and they move back into the swamp.
Alfred decides to cut them off to the east, as he moves they are watching and I am staring  from a still location. The stag is moving slowly towards the trail, I place the rifle on my shoulder to  scope where he is heading, He stops and stares at me broadside, big mistake, the scope hairs are placed just behind the shoulder, I calm my breathing and squeeze the trigger, Boom! the noise is deafening, the Stag goes down, he get's up, but goes down again and stays down. I am ecstatic and call out Merci Alfred, he comes to me with grandest of smiles, and we Hug!
 We run over to the edge of the woods and find my Trophy, I still can't believe it!
The Stag is  +300 pounds and we will need the ATV and trailer to take it  back to camp.
 Riding back I am still excited and can't believe what has just happened.
 Alfred invites me into his lovely Quebec home for a celebration lunch. As I clean up I ask if there is a Mrs. Boutin and if she likes wine and chocolates?
He gives me a cute smile back and says something that I do not understand. Alfred is 71 years of age and looks young. We go up the dining room and I am introduced to Ms Rabia.
She is a  38 year old live in girl friend who could be Hallie Berry's sister. The lunch is amazing home-made cream of champions soup, artichoke and sun dried tomato salad, wild boar chops with mashed potatoes and peas, finished with berry pie and espresso.
 After lunch we clean the stag, say good byes  and I head to Drommondville to spend the night.
The next day the Stag is dropped off at the taxidermist for future conversations and memories.
 Sincerely,
 Ernest Hemingway Eberhard