There (Thursday Nov 17th 2011)

A few things have happened since I last saw you boys. I got my deer so we have meat for this winter that has super low fat and no hormones etc. Better than grass grown beef :) Here is a picture of it, I had to tie the tag to the antler with my bow stringer because I forgot tape in my pack that day.

I butchered and wrapped the meat and got it in the freezer last weekend so that is all taken care of. You guys know you can see the antlers if you want in the garage but I don't mount them because it seems disrespectful to treat something that gives us so much as simply an object to be possessed. We will make the antlers into something useful over this winter be it knife handles or arrow nocks etc. You guys know the drill, you have helped me make stuff from them many times before.

The drive over was really bad. I got the flu on Wednesday and was running a fever all night and in to Thursday. It was also storming and the roads were covered with ice and snow. Due to the amount of effort it was going to take to cross the mountains and how sick I was I felt it best to take the day off and then I could take naps on the way over as I grew tired. I only ended up having to rest once in near Plains because the drive across the reservation was so bad and so long due to only being able to go 25mph in many places.

Once I reached Kellog the roads began to be clear and dry and the rest of the trip over was uneventful other than being kind of light headed from being so sick the previous day.

By Friday morning I am feeling nearly 100% better and I will drive to come get you guys in just a few hours. Alec you called me earlier to let me know you were going to a movie with your mother and would then meet me in the Dalles.

Remember I love you both and I will see you in just a few hours. - Dad