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Yep. Last year in my 40s. I was spoiled, like usual. Ben got me some new birks (the bottom of my originals are about done), a beautiful bouquet delivered and an awesome steak dinner at Heinnes (my choice). Gabi had some chocolate covered strawberries delivered and also got me a foxtail fern that I loved at our trip to Potawatomi Conservatory last week. We later found out that it’s lethal to pets. Sooo, I made sure it’s higher than Gunnar can reach. Got serenaded by Lennox first thing this morning and my parents brought over a Boston cream pie cake for us to share. Got lots of calls and texts from the whole family and many friends. I am most certainly blessed beyond belief! 

Hunting Video - Tennessee Velvet Buck

Day 3 Tennessee (Sunday)

Day 3 and last morning to try for a velvet buck. I have to admit I was a little sad that we had not seen any deer from the stand both prior mornings. But I knew if it was meant to be, it would be. In the stand by 5:45 am again with weather about the same. Right about 7:30 am Ben catches sight of a deer. A doe though. And coming behind her just 20 yards from our stand, two babies. Dave had told us he had a doe and first time twins on his property on his camera this year. And this was them. We watched them for about an hour just come down right in front of us and walk the trail we came in on. Just eating and walking down the trail. It certainly made hunting these mornings all the worthwhile. Even though I didn’t get my velvet buck, I got to watch deer from my stand. Something that certainly always gets the heart pumping regardless of if the deer was one I would take or not. We got down at 9 am…the same morning routine which gave Dave and Ginger time to watch church and take a nap themselves. Since it was 90 and sunny Dave and Ginger suggested we take a ride to Dale Hollow to check it out in Gingers jeep with the top down. Ended up being a great idea. Took a little hike through a once camp area there across the swinging bridge. After checking out the marina and looking at many boats of all kinds, we headed back to their house to enjoy another home cooked meal. Ribs, 3 bean casserole, a homemade caprese salad, potato salad and freezer slaw was on the menu. And wow. Delicious again!  Ben and Dave sighted in a gun before heading down to their firepit for some s’mores and more visiting as it got dark. Enjoyed the beautiful back yard with them before saying goodbye in the morning at 8 am. It was such a good visit!  Learned much about Dave and especially Ginger. That girl is certainly a visionary (as a guest had called her). And Dave brings her visions to life. I loved the name Ginger called herself and Dave - “Team Da nger” love it!  Already looking forward to our next visit!  

Day 2 Tennessee

Day 2 was about the same. Saw nothing but Dave got messages from Galen (the neighbor who was staining the property owners deck who fed the bachelor bucks) saying the bucks were out at 7 am. Weather was the same as the morning before. We stayed out til about 9 am and no luck again. We did our morning video in the stand because Ginger got a kick out of us sending the one the morning before. What was even more funny, Dave and Ginger send one of their own back to us!  Good fun!  Came back to the house, ate some breakfast, showered and just relaxed again. Dave took us down to the creek to get some cool slate rocks and check out his property again. Later that evening we were blessed to try experience Gingers culinary skills. They made us dinner. Steak, cucumber salad, and squash casserole. All to die for! We spent the evening on the deck visiting with their neighbors, Galen and Deb. It was good to get to know them and also hear some fun stories about Dave and Ginger.