NERDY CONFESSION

Okay, I have to admit it.  I'm sort of a "nerd" when it comes to bird hunting--ruffed grouse hunting in particular.  I can see it in other people's eyes.  

For instance, the other evening I was chatting with a friend who is a VERY focused grouse hunter.  (Nearly every day of the season, he and his dog are hunting grouse.  They look it too....lean, athletic and confident.)  I started telling him about a "grouse hunting" book that I was reading.  I began to quote comments of the authors.  I discussed their technique and told him about the "serious grouse hunting" website (http://www.seriousbirdhunting.com)

...and I guess I started to ramble.

Point!

As I watched, a "glaze" came over my friend's eyes as he looked at me with a certain "there he goes again" look.

Next, being the sage that he is, he kindly explained to me where my authors got their quote.




I can't help it.  Compelled to dive into the subject matter, I take pleasure in reading/ hearing/seeing what others have said/are saying about the sport--so many different personalities, so many different approaches. I don't believe everything that I read, I just enjoy it and allow myself to be entertained and (perhaps) informed.  Like a thirsty man, I "drink in" the efforts of others to capture aspects of bird hunting --whether their works be written, spoken, or video.  

At the very least, it helps pass the time between winter snows and autumn's opening day. 

To my way of thinking, it takes us away from aimlessly walking through the woods and strengthens us in two important areas: information accumulation and dreaming.  Hunting is about information -- covers, drumming logs, food and gravel, population densities, clear cuts, shotguns, and equipment to name a few examples,  It's also about memories and emotions such as a "heady" scent you found once and how you wished it could have been bottled because it seized your mind like an expensive french perfume, ...or the bird that held for the dog's classic point on a post-card perfect day.    Like good TV re-runs, the dreaming provides us the pleasure of the past and helps us structure the future.

A place where dreams are made.

So yeah, I guess I'm all for dreaming.  If that makes me a bit "nerdy",  let 'er roll!


..and pass the popcorn!

Sadly now, at our brief parting....

My Abenaki friend, Don, once told me that his people have a story about dogs.  He said that there is a bridge where you cross over from this life to the next, and it is held up by the dogs that you had in life.  If you've been good to them, you'll make it to the next life where your friends and happiness awaits you.

Abbie and George after a good day's romp

Two of my dear friends lost their dog Abbie today.  She was a pointer.   In her younger days, she  loved to run, but after many years, she suffered from old age.  Her insides were failing and her skeletal system was giving her problems. Today, she lost the fight.  Like all good dogs, she always gave more than she received and left everyone with wonderful memories.  I, for one, will miss her and her sweet disposition...even the little crook in her twelve o'clock tail when she pinned a bird.

I first met Abbie when my friend George,  called me up and asked me if I wanted to go with him when he picked up his pup.  I held her in my lap on the way back from the breeder and she drooled all over my pants.  I would say that she "donated" the equivalent of a quart and a half of slimy, puppy drool.  (It was the first time that she had ridden.)  I didn't mind.  We were "bonding".  Later, she was always a pleasure to be with in the field.  I don't really remember her ever being out of control--so to speak--and if she was, perhaps it's probably my happy memories blotting out such thoughts.

Abbie was a constant companion to her owners.  She went camping with them, "guarded" the house, enjoyed fishing and was a hit with all the grand-children.  She was a great example of a "good dog" and will be missed by many.

 I believe very strongly in the "life hereafter".  No, I don't just believe it, I know it to be true.  (You can believe what you want.) Everything within me says that the Abenaki story of Don's people and prose like "The Rainbow Bridge" are but weak, human  attempts to capture beautiful truths  we have yet to experience.   

Below is "The Rainbow Bridge" copied from the "Doctors Foster and Smith Veterinarians" website:

For Abbie and her family. 'There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.' Till we meet again dear girl...