Sunny San Diego

The Hermsmeier clan took a trip to sunny San Diego this weekend. We all met up Friday night, ready for some fun. Preston and I got delayed on our flight so by the time we got to the hotel and he played for awhile with his aunt, uncle and grandparents it was well past his bedtime. In fact, he went to bed later than MY bedtime every night we were there. He had fun but he was exhausted by the time we made it back to the mountain!

Saturday we woke up and went downstairs to enjoy the hotel's buffet breakfast. Then we enjoyed some time in the sun, listening to Josh play the drums at Gregory Page's concert. I got to see Josh and Ashley's absolutely adorable house for the first time and fell in love with not only the house but the gorgeous views as well! Saturday night I got to have an adult evening while grandma stayed with Preston. Ashley, my dad and I went to another concert Josh had downtown. I realized that I don't do late nights well because the older people there had more energy than me!

Sunday and Monday were jam packed with so much fun! After church on Sunday we got sandwiches and went to the beach. My little fish would've been content if I had let him float out to sea. But, his uncle kept a close eye on him and kept bringing him to shore when he went too far. We went from the beach to the hotel pool, where P got more water time. He and his uncle played in the pool for quite awhile while I actually got to relax in the hot tub. P really bonded with his Uncle Josh when it came to water and musical instruments! We were worn out due to the sun, but I took advantage of my parents watching P to meet up with a friend for a few minutes. We scarfed down Starbucks and tried to catch up on the past 8 mos in 30 minutes. From there I met back up with my family and we headed out to celebrate Josh's birthday. We enjoyed laughs over Chicago style pizza and elaborate (and VERY pricey) desserts.

Yesterday we woke up, went to the park on the beach then made a mad dash to SeaWorld. We only had an hour there so we crammed in Shamu, feeding sea lions and getting splashed by dolphins in that short amount of time. After lunch it was time to say good-byes. My parents and I headed to the airport, going our separate ways. When the plane started to take off, Preston was so tired that he fell asleep in my lap and slept until I woke him up once we got to Reno. It was a nice break for me as I felt he and I had not got a lot of rest due to a fun filled, but very busy, vacation.

Coming home from vacation is usually hard but it was nice for us because Rob was waiting for us at the airport. We shared laughs during a family night full of wrestling and snuggles. This morning was a rude awakening when I realized I had 8 loads of laundry to do and errands to run and groceries to buy. But, I wouldn't change it for a minute. We had a blast in sunny San Diego, creating many memorable moments!!

Who Knew?

When I got home from what seemed like a long day (not because of the kids but because of the meeting after school) I got an email that our goats had been spotted a mile or so away at our friend's house. At the time he had posted the message, he hadn't been able to catch them. So, I put Preston in the car and drove around his street, not seeing any sign of them. I came back home, resigned to the fact that the goats were gone. I made dinner, got into relaxing clothes and was cuddling with Preston when a message came through on FB from our neighbor. He said he had them and wanted me to come get them. Once again I put Preston in the car and headed back to the guy's neighborhood. Luckily, he was able to help me get Little Joe into the Yukon (I may need to put that lil guy on a diet because he weighed a ton). Candy got in and we headed back home, Preston bleating to them the whole way home. When we got back I put them in the corral and they graciously showed me how they had gotten out. I spent 45 minutes securing the corral fence, while Preston squealed in the backpack. I would've done more but it was almost dark, it was Preston's bedtime and I am exhausted from not sleeping the past week. When I came in the house, there were 2 messages about the goats. One was from the county sheriff, checking to see if I had found them. Who knew goats getting out was such a big deal? At least they're not coyote food...for the night anyway!

One of Those (Fun) Days!

I worried about what kind of day it would be because Preston's schedule is changing once again this week. He went from 2 shorter naps to one long late morning/early afternoon nap. I've felt bad that we haven't been to any parks for a few days so I got online while he was napping to find one in VC. Much to my surprise I couldn't find one. So, when he woke up I figured we'd drive through VC to see what we could find on our own. I didn't find the park (at first) but I found the next best thing....a cemetery! Judge me if you want but I was looking for a place that he could run around with Holly. This fit the bill and he didn't know any different. He had a blast chasing grasshoppers and Holly. Every time I picked him up to leave he'd squirm out of my arms and take off running again. It's the only time that I can remember as of recent that I said, "Bye bye" and it didn't phase him. That's how much he loved running around the cemetery! I enjoyed it as well, taking in all the history that surrounded me. Most of the tombstones were from the early 1800's and I was amazed at how many people died before the age of 30. I also got to thinking about how the rich are still able to show off their wealth after they die. The man that Storey county was named after had a huge pillar at the very top of the hill that stood far above the rest. Other people had gorgeous marble tombstones that looked like they had been placed just last week. Others didn't have that luxury and it was apparent.
Anyway, after we left the cemetery we ironically ran into the community park. I can't believe that I have not found this park in the 2 1/2 years we've lived here. It is such a beautiful, quaint park with LOTS of shade, grass, flowers and a fence that goes around the entire perimeter. A perfect place for Preston to play! Well, that is until I took my eyes off him for a second. He found the one and only mud puddle in the entire park and gave himself a mud bath. Talk about a mess! I stripped him down to his diaper and did my best with baby wipes before putting him in his carseat that I had just washed a few hours earlier. He had a blast, though, and that's what counts.
When we got home I gave him a fruit pop before putting him in the bath. Since he's been a picky eater later it didn't really surprise me that he wasn't interested in it after a few bites/licks. After his bath I gave him cheese crackers, figuring he wouldn't like them. WRONG! He loved them and loved getting the crackers on everything just as much as he loved eating them. Usually with his afternoon snack I let him eat off a plate on the kitchen floor so he can have the freedom to eat and then play at will. I was regretting that choice when everywhere I looked had orange cracker pieces. I called Holly in to do damage control but even she couldn't clean the place up.
After cleaning up a bit we went down the hill for groceries. On the way back up it was peak time for the sun to be in P's eyes. So all I said was, "Peak a Boo" and he immediately covered his eyes. He's never done this before so it made me laugh. That's all the encouragement he needed! But, then he'd cover his eyes with his fingers spread apart so he could make sure I was looking. Then he only covered one eye. We played this game all the way home, both of us laughing and having such a good time.
It's days like today that definitely make up for days like Sunday. We had so much fun dancing, playing and making a mess (well, he did and I'd try to clean it up)! I love when we have one of those days!!

Through Toddler Eyes

EVERYTHING these days is a new exploration. In fact, as I write this, Preston is adjusting the volume on the stereo. Probably blowing out his ear drums but he's rocking out like no other! Most of his new explorations are in the kitchen. He loves to help unload the dishwasher and try to turn the stove knobs. Yesterday I had to go to Babies R Us specifically to get the knob covers cause I'm afraid he'll burn the house down. This morning I couldn't hear him so I went in our room. I had forgotten to close the sliding glass door and he was out on the balcony, watching the goats (OK, grandparents and daddy- you can keep breathing because he was fine. Plus, he was only out there for a minute and it's the only time I've forgotten the close the door). Anything on the recliner and couch is fair game... remotes, the phone (We're not prank calling you if you see our number on caller ID and hear deep breathing on the other end), my books, the computer.... He is into everything and I can't keep up.
Rob and I often say we wish we knew what he was thinking or saying. Sometimes you can just see the wheels spinning in his little head! When he starts talking he can have the longest one sided conversations and could care less that no one is responding. He is a sponge and he amazes me on a daily basis with what he knows and what he's learning. I'm trying to take advantage of it and teaching him things, such as how to load the dishwasher with his dirty dishes instead of unloading it before things have been cleaned. :) Our little Boo Man is a miracle in EVERY sense of the word and he's truly joy personified (A term the late Mrs. Jetton coined when we told her we were expecting)!!

One of Those Days

I was excited about today, a relaxing day with the boys. But, by 2pm this afternoon my excitement had completely diminished. We went to church as a family and tried a new hamburger place for lunch, which was nice quality family time. But Preston is slowly transitioning to one nap a day. Today he tried to go without a nap all together. I had lost my patience with all his crying and fussing, especially since I haven't slept much in the past 5 days. When Rob went down the hill to get parts to fix a drawer I turned off the TV then put Preston down for a nap. He finally napped for an hour but I didn't. So, between him being fussy and me being grumpy, I was glad Rob was around to help tag team with Preston. He was much more patient in dealing with P than I was. I was quick to yell and say no but Rob was quick to redirect his attention. This is one of those days that I'm counting the minutes till bedtime. Then hopefully I'll be able to get some much needed sleep as well.

VCH Sketti Feed

One of the many things I love about our little community is the annual fire dept Spaghetti Feed. Despite rain this afternoon, it still took place this evening...and it didn't disappoint. I entered a few raffle drawings and won a gift certificate for pizza at one of the local Virginia City places. There was another drawing that took place after we left so I won't know if I won unless they call me. The highlight of the evening....surprise, surprise...was Preston. He wowed everyone! After dinner he got out of his stroller and walked around, saying hi to everyone. Then the band started playing and he really had everyone's attention at that point. He would walk around, then dance a little, then try to crash the stage. He had the drummer of the band laughing pretty hard with his antics. Firemen came up and commented on his smooth dance moves and an older couple asked if he could come stand by them because they enjoyed watching him. One couple commented that he walked like a cowboy, just like his daddy. I informed them that I thought he had a poopy diaper instead. Regardless, he won the hearts of everyone he ran into (literally and figuratively) tonight. It didn't make for much of a social event as Rob and I tag teamed chasing after him. But, it was fun and I'm already looking forward to next year!

For His Own Good

Preston is getting way too smart and way too brave for his own good. Most of the stuff takes place in the kitchen but he does some stuff outside as well. First for the kitchen stuff..... He loves the dishwasher! He knows how to open it and does quite often. He likes to help unload the dirty dishes and I worry about sharp objects. Trying to outsmart him, I lock it. But he has discovered how to turn the dishwasher on and takes great pride in doing so. Not to be outdone, I put the lock the middle so he cannot open or lock it. I discovered this evening that, once again, I was outsmarted by a 13 month old! He now moves the lock depending on what he CHOOSES to do- unload the dishwasher or start it. The other not so fun discovery is the stove. When I use the stove I thought I was being smart by putting the pots and pans on the back burners so he couldn't access them. He could care less about them. He wants the burner knobs. He can reach them now and likes to turn them. So I have to watch him like a hawk. We have a new water cooler and only one of the spickets has a child-proof spout. He quickly figured out how to use the other one. Even with a chair blocking it, he can squeeze next to it and get water everywhere!
Outside he's become the dare devil. He walks all over our property and our neighbor's. If you've been to our house you know this is quite a feat. Usually I put him in the backpack at night so I can water and feed the goats. Tonight I had to clean up the mess from the bear (I forgot to close the garage door last night and came out this morning to see that a bear had ransacked our garbage can. Luckily, it was mostly paper products so, other than pistachios, it didn't get away with much). So, I just put Preston's shoes on him so he could walk around. He walked over to the watering can, picked it up and brought it to me as if to say, "OK Mom, we have to go water and feed the goats." While I fed the goats and put water in Holly's pool, he decided to climb into her plastic pool and play with the hose. What a mess!
No wonder I'm exhausted by the time he goes to bed each night. And by the way, he's currently taking the DVDs out of the entertainment center, taking out the movies and then trying to put the cases back where he found them. Oh the joys......

Wacky Walmart

Do you ever get the feeling that there's a hidden camera when you go in Walmart and that someone is going to jump out at any second saying, "You're on Candid Camera!" That was my experience today! Everything was going fine until it was time to check out. All of the lines were long but the one I chose looked like it was moving the fastest....WRONG! The lady 2 people in front of me bought 99 reusable bags so the cashier had to manually push the button 99 times. Then the lady in front of me bought every school supply known to man. When it was my turn to check out things got even more interesting. The guy pretended like the scanner wand was some Star Wars tool and wanted to "beam" the dog food with it. Then he asked me 3 times if I had a pleasant shopping experience. (By the 2nd time I didn't really answer) From there he told me about his sleep patterns- about 11 hrs at night but wakes up still tired, in case you're wondering (I know I was!). To top it off he wanted to discuss each coupon I had and wanted to add up how much money I saved at the end (I did like that part- that I saved the most money to date). Once I got to the parking lot I thought my wonderful Walmart excursion had come to an end. WRONG again! This lady stood by my cart, watching me unload groceries into my Yukon. She was closer to Preston than I felt comfortable with so I put him in the car, quickly unloaded the rest of the groceries out of the cart and got out of that wacky place as fast as I could! Gotta love Wally World.........

Missing It Terribly

As you probably know, I'm a lot like my dad in different respects. One of the ways we're similar is our love of photography. Not in the "go-to-the-museum-and-look-at-pictures" kind but where we take pictures of EVERYTHING! Rob has had our camera for a couple weeks in case he gets an antelope. And I've really been missing it! I feel like a part of me is missing!! Preston and I have had a fun few days that I would've liked to chronical with pictures. Yesterday we met up with a friend of mine and her son to play and have a picnic. The boys played in the creek, which I would've liked a picture of. (My phone doesn't take the best pics). This morning we looked out the kitchen window to see a family of mustangs hanging out by Preston's playset. The mama and baby were beautiful and I would've liked a picture of them or a video of Preston squealing every time they moved. Later today I'm meeting up with some other moms in North Shore (Tahoe). The kids will get to play on the beach and in the water, making for more cute pics. On top of all the pictures I'm missing out on taking I'm also missing my camera because I have quite a few pictures from our weekend hunts that I'd like to upload. Be prepared, though, because Rob will be bringing my baby home Friday night. Then there will be pictures galore!

Unsettled

Life seems so unsettled and I know someday in the future I will look back at this chapter in life, wondering how I held it together. Friday, after teaching all day, I picked Preston up from daycare and hit the road toward Battle Mountain....again! The road trip seemed a lot longer than 3 1/2 hours because Preston was fussy. He's probably beginning to think that he'll grow up in a carseat. And rightfully so!

We slept in a little Saturday then hit the road for Ely (another 4 hr car ride). I wanted one last attempt at a cow elk. We arrived at the beautiful little town and I immediately headed to my blind. I can say it wasn't as relaxing as last weekend's hunt because I had flies and bees swarming me for 3 1/2 hours. Finally, around 6pm, the insects left me alone and I was ready to focus on my hunt. 3 cows made their way down the hillside an hour later. I took aim at the one in front...and missed. The story of my life this season. Then, a half hour later, another 2 cows came down a hillside directly in front of me. I waited for one to put her head down and I took aim 30 yrds away. I knew I hit her so I texted Rob and he was there in a flash. Unfortunately, it was dark and we couldn't find her. So we decided to spend the night and look again at daylight. Preston and I shared a bed, but not much sleep, at a local hotel. We woke up early Sunday morning and headed back to the area. Luckily, Preston was exhausted so he slept in his carseat while Rob and I combed the mountainside. Unfortunately, we were not able to find the elk and I felt horrible. I shed a few tears, wishing I had missed her all together.

We headed back to Battle Mountain and enjoyed the rest of the day as a family. We took a long afternoon nap then went to a great little Mexican restaurant in town. Afterwards we took Preston to the local park so he could get some much needed exercise. He thoroughly enjoyed Rob playing chase with him, me swinging with him and a cute little girl flirting with him.

The bummer thing with this weekend is that Preston was sick. We thought it was teething, then a cold, then he developed a horrible cough that kept him up the past few nights. So, he and I left bright and early this morning to head to the doctor's. Dr. Althoff said that he has the start of an ear infection in one ear and if we had waited a few more days he'd have a double ear infection. That means he's back on Amoxicillan (sp?) for 10 days. I'm glad this is my short week so he only has 2 days in daycare. I'll also be glad when life is back to normal for us at the Lazy H Ranch!

Hide N Seek Workout

Whoever thinks hunting is where you just go up and have a choice of your animal to shoot is wrongly mistaken....at least that's my experience with archery hunts. Friday I hightailed it out of Reno to meet up with Rob in Battle Mountain. We loaded his truck and took off toward Ely, where my elk hunt area is. We stopped at The Star for dinner where I should've known then it was an omen, since it was the worst dinner I've had there. But I didn't and we kept on trekking. We got to Ely around 1am and checked into the only hotel in town that had vacancies. Saturday we woke up with the sun at 5:30 and started our long day. We drove to an area that Rob's buddy told him would be a good place to spot elk. Other than a deer or two we didn't see anything of interest. Then we took off for the most beautiful part of NV that I've been to (Other than Tahoe). Cave Lake/Mountain is full of bristlecone pines (which I'd never seen) and aspens, tall mountains and lush green grass. Rob and I fell in love with the place immediately but we didn't necessarily fall in love with the hiking at 10,000 ft elevation! We drove to various places that people had recommended to no avail. We got out and hiked up and down canyons, only to see old elk droppings but no elk. We drove up a steep mountain that I worried we'd get down, but not in the same way we went up. We got to see the world from the top of various mountains throughout the day. But, by day's end the closest we'd come to seeing a cow elk was a herd of sheep and cows....cattle cows. We were getting discouraged so we called our neighbor that's had successful hunts in the same area. He told us of some water holes so we made our way to those right before dark. After looking around we figured that's where he'd start the day in the morning. Exhausted, sore and cranky, we made our way to a new hotel on the other side of town. We fell into bed, dreading our 3am wake up call.

When that call came through we pulled ourselves out of bed to start a new day of hunting. We set up at the water hole well before daylight. Since we weren't even hearing elk rustle around in the aspens close by Rob decided to head out in hopes of finding a different hunting spot. He struck gold! He found a couple cows and heard a bull bugling so he hurried back to get me. We walked around the area for awhile until we found a natural blind that someone had made. We knew then that this would be a successful area to see elk. After coming up with a game plan for the rest of the day, we went to have breakfast then went back to the hotel to get some much needed shut eye. We woke up, refreshed, and ready to tackle the evening hunt head on. Much to our dismay, there was a couple families camping right at the base of the canyon where we were going to hunt. Since elk are known for their sense of smell, we were worried about the campfire but we shouldn't have been.

About an hour after setting up our blind we heard a lot of rustling in the rocks to our left. We looked over and saw 2 bulls and a cow making their way right to us. It couldn't have been more perfect. Well, it could have but I'll get to that part. They stopped to drink from the stream, oblivious to us. When the cow was about 10-15 yards away Rob told me to take aim and shoot. All my nights out shooting at the deer target on our property did not prepare me for that moment. Without even picking a spot, I drew my arrow back and let it go. The cow easily moved away without as much as a scratch. She went up a hill directly in front of us, 40 yrds away. It was like she wanted to be hit because she couldn't have done anything more perfect. Lucky for her, she had a rookie shooting at her. Hands and body shaking, heart beating 100 mph, I drew back but this time my arrow didn't set up right so I frantically asked Rob to help me. Again I drew back, without picking a spot, and let the arrow go. She continued her way up the hill and I was ready to throw a temper tantrum. I couldn't believe I had screwed up not once but twice!! I had wanted an elk so bad because the meat is the best I've ever eaten. I'd had two chance to obtain that goal and blew it both times. After that I stewed the rest of the hunt, mad at myself for blowing such an easy shot. We waited until dark to leave because we kept hearing her move around to the right of us. Since we were down to the wire on time we were hoping she'd come back. But, no such luck!

Monday morning we woke up at 3:30 to set out for a few hours of morning hunting. Rob was sure we'd have a shot at something but unfortunately we didn't. We had to leave around 7:30am so I could get back to Reno. I left dejected, still mad about my botched hunt. But Rob made the drive back to Battle Mtn fun, making up songs about my hunt, laughing about our antelope hunt (I can laugh about that one but not the elk one yet) and pointing out places of interest. I'd love to have another opportunity at an elk but I don't see that happening. I guess there's always next season to bring home the meat!

Tortoise V. Hare

Do you remember that childhood story? Well, it's one I think about often when it comes to Preston's eating habits. Him as a baby v. him as a toddler. He used to eat so fast that Rob and I would tagteam dinner. ANYTHING that was put in front of him he'd devour in seconds, often choking because he had so much food in his mouth at one time. Well, over the course of time that has changed....drastically. Now, not only is the pickiest eater, but he's become the slowest eater as well. I sit down to eat with him and am often done well before he's halfway through picking at his food. Lunch is a good example. I made us Mac-n-Cheese (He also got a fruit and veggie). I was done with mine while he picked at his, putting some of the food in his mouth then taking it out and looking at it. Finally I got tired of staring at him so I cleaned up the kitchen and grabbed the computer. I checked email, Facebook and started this blog before he finally decided he had had enough. It'd be nice if there was a happy medium. Eat at a decent pace, eat most of the stuff in front of him instead of being so picky and slow. But I have to remind myself that he's one, becoming his own person, forming his own opinions and becoming a boy instead of my little baby. In the end, the Tortoise wins.....if memory serves me correctly. :)

Candid Camera

I feel like I've been on Candid Camera for the past few days, starting when Preston and I got ready to leave for Battle Mountain. I had everything packed and ready to go until Preston decided to help. His idea of helping these days is putting things in drawers. He took his bottle out of the bag and put it somewhere. I spent forever looking for it, but have yet to find it, giving me more incentive to transition him completely to sippy cups. Once we finally got on the road, a half hour late, I had to stop at the bank. I got there 2 minutes after they closed and they refused to help me. Those two things along shoudl've been a sign, but the rest of Saturday was uneventful. We enjoyed a dinner our friend bought us at the Star (our favorite place).

Sunday the 2nd, better, episode of Candid Camera began. I took Preston to church, walked around town and had a picnic where everything seemed to be normal. Then....my hunt began! Archery antelope hunting is out of control! I never knew it'd be so hard when you can drive by an alfalfa field and see about a hundred of antelope just hanging out in a herd. My first attempt at one, I tried to crawl along a fence line, hiding behind sage brush. The problem was that it was 100 degrees outside so the ground was about 120 degrees. It was too hot (not to mention the prickly things that kept getting stuck in my hands) so I ended up walking hunched over. According to Rob, I was very easy to spot and since antelope are known for their eyesight, I didn't stand a chance. The 2nd attempt occurred when I was hiding in brush and Rob "herded" the buck my way. Unfortunately, I made a rookie mistake and didn't have my arrow in my bow. By the time I did that the speed goat had taken off...fast. The 3rd attempt was when I hid behind a dead tree. Rob once again "herded" a buck my way. The problem with that situation was that the buck was in a herd so an antelope stampede occurred. I shot at what I hoped was the buck (They were FLYING by) but it jumped over the arrow and kept going. Our fourth attempt was by far the best! I sat in the passenger seat and Rob was determined to cut off a herd that was crossing the road ahead of us. I propped the door open with my left foot and had my bow aimed and ready this time. However, Rob didn't tell me he was going to pick up speed. When he did it threw me off balance and the door started to close. It broke my arrow in half much to our surprise and dismay. At this point I was done but on our way home we saw a lone buck in a field. Rob told me if I hopped the fence and crawled along the sage, hidden, I'd be able to cut him off. Rob made it sound so easy. I got hung up on the barbed wire and by the time I got untangled the buck was further away. I decided to sneak up from behind him, which didn't work. I crawled back over the fence (easier this time) and sat on the side of the road, waiting for Rob to get me. He thought I was still in the sage, well hidden, so I sat there for quite awhile waiting for him. By the time he got me I was exhausted and sore beyond belief.

Yesterday was just one big Candid Camera episode when the real hunting began. I sat in a blind for awhile but the field had been cut so I spent the whole time reading. It made for an enjoyable hunting experience. Then the real fun began. First we go a flat tire. Luckily Rob was able to change it pretty quick. Then we (ie Rob) thought it'd be good to hunt this alfalfa field where we saw a huge buck. Rob showed me how to crawl through the field without being seen. I started out, heading toward the buck, but then I lost him. I saw Rob turn the Yukon around after being parked in the same spot for about an hour (Yes, I had crawled that long!!!). So I stood up, thinking the buck had run off. Surprisingly he was standing in front of me, eyes peeled on me. I crouched back down and began crawling again. After crawling for what seemed like MILES, hands and knees tore up, I was within shooting distance. Since I was in this little water way I decided to crawl a couple more feet to make sure everything was perfect. All of a sudden Rob decided to drive up near the buck. His intent was to distract the buck so I could get closer. Instead it scared the buck and he took off running. I was SOOOOOOO mad!! That buck was mine after crawling for 2 hours and being all tore up and sore. But I had to settle for walking back to the Yukon, watching the buck run further away.

Today finished the Candid Camera series. I was on my way out of town when my other right tire went flat. Since the spare was being used on the tire that Rob replaced yesterday, I had no choice but to call AAA and wait for a tow truck. While waiting, Preston exploded in his diaper, getting it all over me and him. I had to change his clothes but he was out of shorts. So the poor lil guy had to wear pants in 100 degree weather. The tow truck didn't take long and we were able to sit in my air conditioned car until the truck got there so it wasn't too unbearable for P. Once my car was at the tire store I was told they couldn't patch the tires because they were beyond repair. Luckily they had 2 used tires so it didn't cost as much as it could've. 4 hours past the time I wanted to leave, Preston and I were on the road and he was sound asleep.

Luckily nothing else of importance-or embarrassment-happened so I think we've concluded our Candid Camera series. But stay tuned as I have an archery elk hunt coming up this weekend, followed by more archery antelope hunting.

*For those of you that have the luxury of sitting in a tree stand or a blind, waiting for the animal to come to you, you should try antelope hunting out West. It's a whole new ballgame!!*