Hawaiian Preview

Last month Bill and I were able to achieve a MAJOR financial goal that we have been working toward.  To celebrate this achievement, we decided to go to Hawaii.  Warm, sun, beach - an awesome way to spend the first 10 days of November - especially since it was cold and it snowed here at home while we were gone.  I've been told by a few people they hated me during this time frame.  I probably would have hated me also!

 

Like normal, I took lots and lots of photographs, and am still sorting through finding the "best of's", but here is a sneak preview.  We spent the majority of our time on the island of Oahu, with a short side trip over to the "Big Island" - Hawaii.

 

Our hosts, Ryan and Shauna sitting with Bill on Bellows Beach, Bellows Air Force Station.  (Ryan is full-time Army so we were able to take advantage of not being in the middle of lots of people our whole trip.)

 

The Mr. getting ready to body board.  T-H-A-T was fun!

 

I couldn't be out done by Bill! 

 

Getting ready for a wonderful Luau dinner at Germaine's Luau.

 

Peaceful morning

The dog and I were able to spend Thanksgiving with Bill in North Dakota; I decided to come home yesterday as a storm was on the way.  Seems our storms never amount to a whole lot, just make for icky roads.  This morning the fog has been rolling in and out across the hills creating yet another beautiful peaceful morning. 

I love my life!

Fire!

We are very fortunate to live in a very small community, and not only a small community but we are also are able to live outside of town. 

One draw back: 

Volunteer Fire Department which takes a little longer to respond. 

One awesome fact: 

We have a fabulous volunteer force.

 

One of the ranches down on the country road caught fire last Saturday morning.  Thank you Whitewood Fire Dept for responding and squelching this fire before it had a chance to break over the ridge which would have put several home in danger.  Thanks also goes out to the other agencies - Spearfish Fire Dept (I think), Forest Service, and any other agency that responded and assisted.  I am also thankful there was virtually no wind - that was truly a blessing.

 

With out doubt, I WILL be at the Festival of Trees once again this year in support of our local Whitewood Fire Dept.  (Maybe I can buy another Harley rental!)

A Busy November

Seems like every year the fall gets busier and busier and this year has been no exception.  The first of the month we had the opportunity to go to Hawaii, a bucket list trip of mine, and had a really great time!  We spent most of our time on Oahu, but did get a side trip over to the big island in also to visit Volcanoes National Park.  (Pictures coming soon to a blog near you of this adventure!)  Our week enjoying 'island life' was packed full of sight-seeing, which didn't make for a real relaxing trip, but a really fun trip!

 

Bill has been working lots, I've been quite busy with volunteer work this year and now, it's time for Thanksgiving!  In no time at all, it will be Christmas and I'm just not sure I'm ready for the year to over already.  Alas, there is simply nothing I can do about it though, but just go with the flow.  The deer and the turkey's aren't coming in much anymore as it is so dry they are pretty much staying where there is water.  I did get a couple shots of a couple bucks that have snuck through.

 

Looking at the height of this guy's brow tines, he has potential to grow up into a really nice deer.....if he just keeps his dead down low.

 

This guy is far smarter than the smaller one.  He really was pretty camera shy and this was the best shot I could get of him.  There maybe a better shot on the trail cam, I just haven't gotten it down loaded yet.

 

I don't know what kind of sparrows these are, but they show up every year as winter is beginning.  They keep Casey busy giving her lots of little birds to chase!

 

I was able to get my hunting mentee out hunting for a deer again this past weekend also.  Watching her put the things together into practical use that I have been teaching her has been really cool!  Our first hunt, she had a stock on a doe that would have even made Jim Shockey proud!  Unfortunately, it didn't quite turn to give her the shot she was comfortable with; but that's OK.  I much prefer her being a sportsman saying I'm not sure about that shot than taking a shot and not getting a solid, clean shot.  We didn't see anything the next day, but it didn't stop us from having a good time!

 

Who can't take the time to swing on a tire swing when you find one in the woods?!?!?!  Yes, life is good!

 

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I must take a moment to be thankful for the many blessings life has given us.  I am fortunate enough to be married to my best friend, and the Mr. works very hard to provide it for us.  We have a home we love, a dog that has just totally wormed her way into our hearts and our 'family' would simply not be complete without her anymore.  Bill's kids are all doing well, live to far away, but that's just part of life anymore.  I appreciate that they have accepted me as part of the family.  We have enjoyed many adventures together this year, and next year will not be short of more.  In short, Life. Is. Good. and Life. Continues. to be Great.