On the edge of a faceburner

Three degrees to start the day
and six by the time I force myself to the task
the diurnal walk about
through three parcels
with three dogs and three thermal layers
and trusty ski poles to keep the presentation vertical 

Through the first five acres
the forest protects us from the wind
as we trudge into the blue path south and west
toward the property corner and an opening to the wind
my right cheek and nostril catching the first icy needles
as we break into the open
I have to turn away

Hard to port we go down the west wind
dogs all hot
on deer and rabbit turds
squirrels and voles
great horned casts
past the gully bottom
where a gut shot buck
lies deep under the stiffened drifted snow

By the time we reach the lake
the snow is coming sideways and hard
I have to turn the right side of my face
least it feels the burn too much

At the house there are pickled pike to pack
curing the week past in the dark confines of the basement fridge
Pike that slashed both spoon and plug
a late autumn frenzy that reduced two of their hoard to fillets
swimming now in vinegar, spices and cheap wine
in a recipe so antique
it calls for Silver Satin
Pre Napa Valley stuff

My face tingles still
in the jar's reflection
showing indeed
a ruddy burnt face

And Blondie fairly spins about the place, singing "Ding Dong the Justice is Dead".

Groundhogging

Midwinter grit
         or
I don't see no stinkin' shadow, OK? 

 

Odds

During a lifetime of breakfast and baking creativity
a succession of double yokers had never occurred
until today

Is there a question about a lottery ticket here?

Happy New Year

Trendy, obviously isn't my thing
but having nothing to say
and being envious
of fluid water troutly blogged pics
I succumb
to post the first fish of one six

Kissed Goodbye

So the deer season is done and there is no venison in the freezer.
The old zig zag favored Mr. Big as well as Mr. Middle, Mr. Little and all the does and fawns.
Could haves, should haves, and maybes just aren't edible

Never quite gotten a kiss off like that!

Pursuing the venison

Midway through nine days of optimism
the game is much the same as it has always been
Quarry ahead and hunter slightly behind
ever hopeful for an interception

First flakes

 

Up until this past weekend the fall weather has been a lot more like summer than autumn. No need for hats or jackets. I hadn't even pulled on an old woolen sweater until late last week.  But then here it is today coming down raw and white. Time to pay attention. Get all the nuts stashed.