A mid-winter's eve

Loyal companion Kuma d.o.g. greeted me upon my return from work with her big brown puppy-dog eyes and deep whines that could only mean one thing - cabin fever had set in and she desperately wanted to go to the woods.

The warmth of yesterday had given away to wind, rain and falling temperatures today after which I had planned to stay home where warm and dry.

After acknowledging Kuma's relentless pleas to take her along, we made another mid-winter trip to the forest. As the sun set and wind picked up, our hike in the sub-freezing temperature seemed much colder as I had but a hooded sweat shirt to keep me warm.

Upon arrival, the cabin was but 49 degrees inside yet felt warm away from the chill of the wind blowing strongly outdoors. The smell of warm vanilla sugar still lingered from an extinguished oil burner now cold from our last visit.

With the inverter on, the stored energy from the day's sun provided more than enough energy to light the garland hanging on the fireplace and a stereo tuned into National Public Radio, 104.1.

A 2010 bottle of Raven's Glenn Riesling pulled from the wine bush poured freely into a stemless glass retrieved from the kitchen's cupboard.

In the half darkened cabin with music now streaming beside me, Kuma crawls slowly up on the sofa with a half-eaten rawhide bone in her jaws as I recline in my favorite chair. A warm fleece throw covers me from sock feet to neck and is all that is needed to aclimate to the cool temperature inside. I slowly sip the coolness of white grapes bottled three years earlier.

Today's problems and priorities soon fade away as night's darkness greets us through the skylight above.

As Billy Joel slowly plays his piano on the air waves, Kuma, curled up against a sofa cushion is sound asleep and gently snoring.

Cabin time has now taken our stress away on a mid-winter's eve.

Private Selection

Looking forward to weekends at the cabin for peace and quiet makes it difficult to pass on an opportunity that awaits. However, sometimes events arise that one just can't miss such as our annual visit to Nashville with many good friends.

On our trip this past weekend, we stopped at Jim Beam's distillery for a tour and bourbon tasting. The trip was made that much more special as a private selection of Jim Beam bourbon made it's way back to ManCamp shelves for those special occasions.

Shades of Gray

After a long mid-week day, I was content returning home to a hot supper, my easy chair, and Internet access catching up on friends and world affairs.

Unfortunately, one cannot ignore the power of persuasion of a fat brown dog who awaited all day for an evening walk; I succumbed to her demands for an evening road trip to the woods.

The sun had already set on this mid-February day and an afternoon winter squall had deposited 2-3" of new fallen snow still untouched by man or beast.

As Kuma d.o.g. and I began our trek as we so often do around the frozen pond, I was reminded of my own color blindness while trying to make out darkened images ahead. With the day's sun now set and only dark gray sky above, the white of the snow against the contrast of trees ahead provided a gray tone view absent any color the sun would reveal. I thought of my canine companion who science says is also color blind. The optical illusion continued until arriving at the cabin door.

Once inside, the lamps energized by the sun's stored gift illuminated our surroundings in a burst of colors making the shades of winter's gray disappear.

Shades of gray

A Mother's Wisdom

On this Sunday afternoon in February, I was surprised to find temperatures outside in the 50s as Kuma d.o.g. and I finally left the comfort of our city home to venture out to the cabin for some much needed exercise and peace of mind.

On such a beautiful pleasant day, driving the final distance would be such a waste of opportunity so I parked the Jeep and we hiked the last few hundred yards as we've done so many times in the past.

Circling the still frozen pond, I wondered what life was beneath the ice as tracks like vapor trails in the sky were visible just under its surface. Cracks and breaks in the ice left evidence of some living mammal comfortable in such a fridged environment surfacing here and there. Perhaps a beaver had taken up residence in our little pond; an animal that loves water year round with no concern of winter's chill.

Once at the cabin, filling the feeders for both feathered friends and furry little rodents that frequent where treats are always present relaxes the soul as I realize once again that life among nature is as rewarding to the dependents as those providing them nutrition.

The wine bush in the cabin offers a bottle of Dancing Bull Merlot to accompany me to the porch on a this winter's evening. The kitchen cabinet surrenders a fresh box of Hot & Spicy Cheez-It crackers to compliment my beverage while awaiting the arrival of my dinner guests.

In the distance, and at least 4 miles to the east, the sound of a Norfolk & Western railroad train can be clearly heard as it hauls West Virginia coal to the north.

My late mother always told me when the train could be heard so loud as if it was just beyond the nearest eastern hill, a heavy rain was not far behind.

As I sit and enjoy this February evening I'm again reminded of my mom's wisdom and those happier days left behind.

By the time we departed, a heavy rain began to fall.

An evening on the porch.



The wine bush.

 

Where Friends Gather

The past two weekends have been filled with opportunities to share cabin time with my two sons and their friends. So how does an old man like myself entertain young men in their 20s? The short answer is "food, guns and movies".  One might think alcohol would play a role but surprisingly, it isn't a factor anymore than a cold glass of milk. I've found the most important element is good food and a place to just hang out. However, if guns are available to shoot targets, then everyone gets very happy.

Today, Brandon and his friends Chris and Jamel wanted to visit and do some target practice. I've always took pride in being a good host so knowing in advance they were coming allowed time to put a pot of chili on Beulah, pick up shells, and something to toast our friendships.

I may be getting old but by the end of the day it was apparent these boys had a great time and enjoyed the hospitality.

Toast to our friendships

Brandon with the Smith & Wesson .38 Special that was his great, great
grandfathers. I recall hearing stories of my grandfather squirrel hunting with this gun.

On a cold February day covered in snow, its easy to get wet feet. Beulah's low
heat burners are just right for roasting the cold and wetness out of socks as a pot
of chili slowly simmers.

Jamel rolls toilet tissue before shooting a .40 caliber S&W while Brandon awaits
with his own tissue in his ears.

Jamel Rider enjoying his second large bowl of chili with Cheez-Its.

Chris with his own .40 S&W and a .22 rifle

Inside by the fire, bowls of chili and a movie hits the spot.

It didn't take Chris long to eliminate an old bird house with his semi-automatic .40

Nobody leaves the cabin without a Kodak moment in front of the fireplace