Tennessee Velvet Buck

We planned a visit with Dave and Ginger in Hilham, Tennessee at their Airbnb this past weekend. They were gracious enough to allow us to hunt their property also to give a shot at crossing off a “bucket list” item - to get a velvet buck!  This opportunity comes once a year in some southern states on private property only. Dave actually set us up well!  We used his side by side on a trail part of the way and walked the rest. Dave placed his stand just a little bit off the trail and about 25 yards off the road. Across this road and another 75 yards give or take, the neighbor has a feeder where a large group of bachelor bucks eat every morning. Ben and I planned to hunt each morning hoping they would cross the road and come our direction. It was all about chance and luck. We arrived at Ginger and Dave’s late Thursday and got up to head out Friday morning with Dave (the first morning) at 6am. Weather was projected to be good all weekend - high of 90 and low in 60s. The mornings were not bad at all. And no mosquitos believe it or not!  Just had to guard against chiggers and snakes for the most part. Unfortunately, no luck on a buck day 1 but enjoyed the first day out in the woods as usual. We headed back to the house about 9:30 am, ate some breakfast, showered and rested for a bit. Enjoyed the remainder of the afternoon with Dave and Ginger just talking and catching up and ate some leftover Pizza Hut for dinner. Was a good first day for sure!

Potawatomi Conservatory

Gabi took me to see Dirty Dancing in the theatre as a surprise last week so you know I had to return the surprise. She had the day off today so I decided to take her to the Potawatomi Conservatory. If you know Gabi you know her love of plants. She was in heaven!!!  Finished off the morning with a lunch date to Chick Fil A. It was a nice morning for her to enjoy her love of plants and get some relaxation in. 

EQ Event

Went to a South Bend Cubs game last evening. EQ put on the event with food and fun. Was nice meeting some of Bens new co workers 

35th Anniversary Dirty Dancing

My daughter never ceases to amaze me. She surprised me with a fun date with her to see Dirty Dancing in the theatre for its 35th anniversary!!! So much fun!  And so very thoughtful. I am so blessed 💜

Birthday Celebrations

Lina, Emma, Gabi and I finally made a dinner date to celebrate these two girls’ birthdays. Gone are the McDonalds or Olive Garden dates. We checked out The Cellar in South Bend. Sat outside with the cooler temps and loved it!  Good food, good wine and great friends!  

Canada

Ben finally made it up to Canada again with his uncle Jay and aunt Annie. Steve Hummer actually made it up too being a first timer. They went for 9 days this time (Sunday evening to Tuesday morning). Ben didn’t make the board with largest fish but his largest was 23 inches. Here are some pics he took (love the ones of his dads hat still on the tree)