grampy

I think as long as they stay self motivated and happy with playing, let them go as far as they can, or want to. But I also think keeping them humble is very important. Especially with kids, they need to know there are always going to be others who are better, or more talented. And to be ok with that! Derek Jeter said, there were tons of players who were better, and more talented than him coming up. "But no one EVER out worked me". This is where the self motivation comes in. And as long as no one is pushing them, let them go. I tend to think at times they push themselves way too hard, but they are the ones putting in the work. And would be very unhappy, if they didn't have the sport or whatever in their lives. And a good work ethic, is one thing that will carry them farther in their adult life. Although I do want to see them just be kids. I am coming to see that if this was taken away from them at this early stage, would they perhaps lose that part of themselves? That will be forced on them at some point anyways when they are older. But the things learned during these years, like teamwork, hard work, setting goals, and self motivation will be carried for all their lives. And will better prepare them for adult life's realities.

Tonight's full moon is called 'The Buck Moon'. Historically, Native American, and other traditional names were used to track the seasons. At this time the bucks antlers are in full growth mode. Hence the name 'Buck Moon'. This full moon has also been called the 'Thunder Moon' because thunderstorms are so frequent during this month. Being part Native American myself, I like to follow along with some of the"old ways" and names. I use 'The Buck Moon' as a time to really start ramping up my deer hunting preparations. Shooting and practicing more with various hunting implements, to be sure they will be accurate and flawless when needed. Brush hogging, preparing fall plots, moving stands or building new natural ground blinds, putting out trail cams, coming up with a fresh new strategy or set up, and so many other little things to get ready. We are only a little over 10 weeks away from the start of bow season! And the long offseason will be over!!! What are some of the deer hunting preparations you will be doing during the time of 'The Buck Moon'?

They both are blessed, self motivated and love the game.

He's legit mid 80s on the gun from four different sources. H.S. coach is telling us at least mid 90s by his senior year. BUT.....he hasn't entirely yet learned to command his pitches at that velocity. But they are working on it. We are fortunate to be in a large school district, with lots of good coaching and resources. We will see where he goes next year as a sophomore. In his junior and senior year, if he's blessed to be good enough, and lucky enough, we'll let the chips fall where they will. But to get a ride to a good university, would be beyond his and our wildest dreams. He loves being left tackle!! Did not allow a qb sack from his side all last year. And opened up huge gaps for a bunch of yards rushing, from that side too. On defence, he has good speed, and was tough on opposing quarterbacks, RB's and linemen. They may start using him this year as a TE on offense. And ILB on defence. But his heart is in being a tackle. Right now, he's just a big 15 year old kid, that loves playing ball. And carries high 80s low 90s grades in class. I just hope he stays happy and healthy. And continues to want to hunt with his grampy.

The biggest part of all this drive, is he feels there are WAY too many that are better than him, and he needs to catch up? And yes, there ARE some better than him, but not "too many" in his age group, as he compares himself to older kids? He is a really big kid for his age at 6'5 220+lbs and soon enough, some kids his age will be starting to catch up with him. Some are this year, weight wise! But no doubt his size advantage plays a big part in all this too. And for sure, some of the coaches (not school) and parents, gas these kids heads a little too much, as only one in a million of them will ever be pro athletes. But for the most part he's still VERY humble, and hard working. Always willing to help teammates, or help coaches with the younger kids coming up. He really enjoys that. Perhaps that will be his calling? Go to school to be a teacher/coach? IDK....maybe I'm just insecure about possibly losing my hunting buddy to athletics, and or growing up? And that is VERY selfish on my part!!! I'm pretty sure he'll make the time for his grampy. Seems like when I was 15, the biggest thing I looked forward to, was when I'd get my learners permit to drive......lol So much different for most kids now days........ My sincere apologies for hijacking this thread about ApexerER's wonderful daughter, and her soccer tryout. Having a talented athlete for a daughter, I'm hoping perhaps you can relate to some of this?? It did help to get some things off my chest.

Happy Birthday! Enjoy your ice cream cone, and scratches behind the ear from "You're People". You are such a good boy!!!

He worked through an injury during school baseball. (winged scapula, from growing too fast) And a couple minor things from trying to lift too much weight. (I Think) Still throwing, up to 87mph on the gun, and he just wants more, never satisfied. Varsity football coach tells me he's a beast, and he's expecting him to really shine this year. (was voted lineman of the year last season) Already a couple universities showing interest. But in September, he'll only be starting 10th grade!!! Yesterday instead of shooting our bows, he wanted me to do hitting drills with him. Said we can shoot next weekend. He said he needs to do better, if he is to get looked at from the D-1 schools???? What??? Buddy, you're only 15! Just like the ApexerER's daughter, I do understand the love they have for a sport, and athletic's. And it is good to have kids motivated about ANYTHING these days, I get it. But I just don't understand the drive that motivates some of these kids at such a young age? It just doesn't seem normal to me. At some point athletics will be over, what then?

My grandson has been playing above his age level (15) for a couple years now, in baseball and football. Varsity level and playing/starting. And AA travel ball. At times I question if all this is just too much too soon? The constant weight training, practices, clinics, and games takes away from just being a kid. And he is just so driven to be better. No one is pushing him. Says he will give up fall baseball, to concentrate more on HS football this year. Even pushes through injuries. He says it's what he wants to do. But I still think he needs to slow down a little.

You my friend, have my sincere condolences!......................

Love those log supports!

In the grocery store we shop at, they sell chicken feet. Every time I walk by them, I think who the heck would eat chicken feet!!!! Alse pickled pigs feet! Apparently since they continue to sell em, someone must be eating them?...........double yuck!!!!!!

I'll give ya $40 for it??? Seriously, Caldwell makes a great product. I have had the Lead Sled for years, and it's great for testing out hand loads and re-sighting. This one you picked up at a great price will be perfect for ground blind hunting. And of course for range work as well. Once you use it a bit, come back to let us know what you think.

Congratulations to both of you! It takes a special mindset, compassion, kindness, respect, give and take, and of course a deep devotion and love for each other. You both have found all of the above in abundance. In this day and age, that's something to be very proud of! Hope you two lovebirds have many, many more milestones together.

Bologna and cheese sammy, with crushed tater chips on top. That's about as crazy as I get. rob-c has me beat by a mile!......

Having hunted one of your properties, and seeing the layout of another. Plus seeing what you've taken over the years. I can honestly say you don't really need cams! They'll be there! No doubt about it. Each hunt will be like getting to unwrap new big surprise! I'll be there, last weekend of October. Maybe we can unwrap one together!!!!

Um....yeah,.....that's a good one!

No scouting for us. We do very little actual walking around on our properties. Will have a few trail cams going out in September. That will give us an idea of what is around. Once bow season starts, we will be out there to observe more. Then adjust to what we are seeing. But just this morning, I was at a local place getting my coffee, and a neighbor was telling me about seeing two GIANT bucks fairly close by. He's a no bs kinda guy, so I left him with a smile and bought his coffee.

And you left without you're damn bagels!!

I'm fascinated by this new technology. And I thank you for explaining it so it's easier for me to follow along. So cool that you're on the cutting edge of all this! No doubt it will take some getting used to, going from 2 to 12 channels. But I have no doubt you will master it quickly. Your grit and determination, along with your intelligence, is truly an inspiration. Keep on keeping on my friend.

He's pinching the nock too........and those bow arm fingers will be sore after the shot! But ol' Wile E always gets an A for effort!

In my younger days, after leaving the Army, I bounced around doing construction work like framing, and concrete finishing. Then some long haul trucking and finally into graphic arts, and printing presses. Worked for years in commercial shops, where the money was decent and LOTS of OT. 15 years ago, I had an opportunity to go to work at a local school district, heading the graphic arts department. The benefits were so much better, but I would take a pretty good pay cut to make the switch. It was the best decision I ever made! Working with the staff and special education students has been the most rewarding thing I've ever done. And when I retire I will have a much better pension plan than I would have had. So in the end the money part will even out. Even though I am not what some would call 'well off' money wise, I do enjoy coming to work each day!! And to me, that is worth a fortune. My brother, nephew and a few others I know are CO's. In my opinion something changed after they got in, and we are not close anymore. Or perhaps it's me, who knows? But they seem so much more agitated, and aggressive now, even with their own families. When they have get togethers, and other CO's are present, the stories and cockieness is too much for me to listen to. And alcoholism is very common with the job stress that I'm SURE they endure. It's just something I have seen first hand, from a few guys that I knew very well, who became CO's. It in No Way means that they all are like this!! Or am I disparaging in any way, CO's or any law enforcement or first responders. It just seems that there is a huge burden placed on these folks. And some deal with it much better than others. Just something to consider.

Awesome Re-Do and a spectacular buck!!! If I ever shoot one more REALLY nice one, I'd love to have you do it for me. For sure, it would be the last one I have mounted.

Happy Birthday!

Amazing!!! Your talent knows no bounds my friend. This one is sooooooo cool!

Awesome pic's!!! Seems like she is having an absolute blast!!! Good for her!!!