The Fall

I do not have many regrets in my life. I have some embarrassing moments I regret, but I have to live with those. Much of my life has been fine, wonderful, and even colorful. I think of the fall and hunting Grouse in Michigan's U.P. I think of fall and I think about hunting Pheasant in southern Wisconsin with my friend Andre and his son Dom who recently retired as a Brigadier General in the Wisconsin National Guard. He also did two tours I believe in the mid-East. Afghanistan for sure.

Years ago we used to go out to Bong Airbase that had been turned back to the state by the Air Force when the SAC mission ended. The Wisconsin DNR started a "put & take" Pheasant program that offered Andre, Dom and I good hunting and a viable outdoor experience. I have wonderful memories of that. On Thanksgiving morning we go on a hunt, after it was over and the dogs lay fatigued by the side of the road as we enjoyed some sausage,  cheese and wine. We would discuss the hunt, the actions of the dogs, and the day to come.

Now I wish I had spent more time with my daughters in the out doors. Neither of them particularly like it. Kristi and Jenny enjoy the environment but I wish I had helped them learn to enjoy fishing and hunting. They do not enjoy the prospect of fishing or hunting now and that is OK, I view it as their choice. However, if I had made the opportunity available to them, not pushed it, nor made it an exercise in boredom maybe they would've adopted the hunting and fishing way of life. What a wonderful experience for all of us, especially the Papa. I have dearly enjoyed throwing a shotgun over my arm and walking through the fall woods, to do that with my daughters would be so neat. It creates a wonderful image in my mind, my daughters and I slowly walking through the golden fall woods hunting the elusive Ruffed Grouse. Oh I wish I had been more of a teacher than I was. I wish they had the opportunity to enjoy the woods and the field as I do. Maybe they still wouldn't enjoy the experience but at least we would've tried.

No regrets, they both are wonderful people living wonderful lives. I know they love me and I love them with all my heart. I just can't help but think what might've been.