Sometimes even wildmoms have to stay indoors, but what do you when the temp is below zero and the wind is blowing? Bake cookies.

The weather has been pretty challenging lately, but I try to take advantage of the nice days when they pop up and make do with the rest. Plenty of good books to read, games to play and Christmas movies on TV have helped. Today we baked oodles of cookies, and hopefully tomorrow will be nice enough to have a fire in the fire ring.

This is the time of year when having a cold weather bag in the car is important. With the frigid temps we’ve had lately, it’s important to dress appropriately. Take warm clothes with you, including a hat, gloves and sturdy footwear. Flip-flops are not not safe; cars do break down, things happen, be prepared. And if you plan to travel, remember to tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Please be safe this holiday season.

First of all, I have to say that I am not the family member hunting with my daughter. Her dad taught her how to hunt and takes her hunting. Though I have gone out with them once or twice, hunting is definitely their time of dad-daughter bonding. Actually, it’s more grandpa-dad-daughter bonding since my dad also hunts with them.

 

This fall was the second time she’s hunted, and she was successful again in bagging her two deer. I have to say that rather than just being proud of her for filling her tags, we’re also happy to see that she is growing up with the ethics of hunting, such as fair chase, staying off other people’s property, and not to expect “the big one” every year. She’s also learning patience and how to be still, both important life skills. Since we use the meat, she also feels a sense of pride when venison is on the menu.

 

Even though I don’t hunt, I’m happy to see my husband and daughter enjoy this time together. This is one more link to keep her enjoying the outdoors throughout her lifetime.