Dad's Antelope

I got my Dad's antelope back from the taxidermist yesterday. It turned out really well. I am trading him the antelope mount and a badger rug, for a rifle of his.

When Lena sees the badger rug, she won't want to let it go.

Two years ago...

Two years ago, all of my best friends and my brothers stood by me as I gave my vows to Lena. It doesn't seem like we have been married that long at all.

This fall Dianne, our cook at Bear Paw Hunts, commented that we are still in the "Newly Wed" stage. I asked when that ends, because I had the impression it was a year or so? She replied, "All I know is that for Rusty and I, it happened a long time ago."

I hope it doesn't happen to Lena and I for a long time.

Why I live.

I think that if I am alive for one reason at all, besides to humor God, it is because of my wife, Lena. She is my favorite person in the world, even when she is pissed off at me.
I used to think that I was here for something special, like some kind of major event that would change the world. Now I don't know about that. I think I am more like Lt. Dan than Forest Gump. I am just another soul in the cosmos that may come into the life of someone great.
I think I already have.
I love young people, and I love being a part of their journey. Part of growing up is realizing that we probably won't become millionaires or rock stars, but just ordinary people. Settling into that reality is the hardest part of growing up, but also the most fulfilling.
I think all that life is about is finding that "one thing", like Jack Palance tells Billy Crystal in "City Slickers".
I think I have found mine.

Staying true

I know some people who have let their heads outgrow their hatbands over the last couple of years. They fall in love with themselves and become legends in their own minds. I can't stand self promotion and false bravado. I respect and relate only to real people.
The worst kind of these people are the ones who feel threatened by others, and so verbally beat them down behind their backs. I prefer calling a spade a spade.
If I have a problem with you, you will know about it.
I am not out to hurt anyone's feelings, but I am going to tell the truth, even if it isn't what they want to hear. I have been honest to a fault before.
My patience is growing shorter with age, and my ability to hold back my comments. I wish sometimes people learned that it is good to be humble, without me wanting to punch them in the mouth first.