The One That Got Away

Back from opening weekend at Possum Walk with plenty of venison but unfortunetly, not from anything I harvested. Had my chance at a nice 8-pointer but the short story is... I jacked it up. Better luck was had by DP, Okie and Alec Dean who bagged his first Whitetail Sunday afternoon. I'll be back in the timber Friday for Round 2 and hopefully a different outcome.

2010 GSB Holiday Gathering

First post since holiday season last year so plenty to catch up on but most importantly... Annual GSB Holiday Gathering will take place Thursday Dec. 16th at 810 Zone Plaza location.

On the topic of "catching up" ... One of our fellow brethern has been chasing his waistline since this time last year. GSB Geoff has dedicated himself to clean eating and Bootcamp Fitness with awesome results. A lot has changed for him... Inches, Pounds, Energy, Attitude and overall "KickAssNess". Congrats !!

Next up on the docket... Possum Walk Whitetails. Heading to the farm at O'Crack Thirty tomorrow in search of the elusive Wall Hanger Deluxe. Weather front pushing in overnight with temps dropping so they should be moving along with the Rut hitting full steam. Can't wait for the swelled necks and moist noses. Junior GSB from the Liberty Chapter will be in search of his first deer this year. They got him outfitted with a new .243 shootin' iron and sure he hasn't let it out of sight since bringing it home. Uncle Kunky took out a local youngster, Tanner during youth season 2 weekends ago and they bagged the boys first deer. Once his feet finally hit the ground after confirming he made a good shot said to Kunky ... "this is better than Christmas" ... That's what you call Buck Fever. I whipped up some jerky from the kill and been snacking on it this week. Nothing like fresh venison to get you pumped for more.

2009 Pics

GSB Holiday Gathering 2009

Fellow GSB brethern gathered last Thursday Dec. 17th for our annual holiday party. Started off the day in the salt mine with our year end meeting and plans for 2010. Stopped by PF Changs for lunch with Felice and after a quick power nap back at the Shed, it was off to 810 Zone on the Plaza. As custom dictates Coppinger was the first to arrive shortly after 4pm. We initiated several new members with the exception of Rico and Mike The Travel Agent's buddy who was apparently was too scared with the thought of a shaved head during the cold winter in KC. Happy to announce newly inducted, Yogi will be opening our first chapter in Houston starting next month. Best of luck to him and thanks to Tebbe for sponsering.

We eventually found our way to O'Dowds where things became increasingly exicting courtesy of Stunk from the Palmer Chapter. We now know exactly what combination of Guiness, live music, dancing and good ol' fashioned rowdyness can not only get you kicked outta the bar once but twice in his case. Good times were had by all and already looking forward to next year.

Roomie and I met up with DP, Min, Russ and Kris to hear Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser kick some serious redneck tunes at the Beaumont a couple weeks ago. Great concert and awesome company. Ran into an old friend towards the end of the evening and closed it down at Chubby's

Stunk The Pride of Palmer USA

GSB's Kats, G-Off, Hawkeye

Roomie and RP holding down stools at Chub's

Meat On The Table

There's not much more of a satisfying feeling than setting down to chow on something you harvested. Be it, veggies from the garden nutured from seed or fish snagged down at the pond. Last night at the Tool Shed it was deer loin from Hickory Ridge. Needless to say, based on my futile efforts during this season, it was pulled from the freezer but nonetheless.

I had 1 whole loin left from last year and decided to marinate a half for grilling and use the other half for stroganoff. Whipped up a concoction with liquid smoke, butt rub, garlic salt, black pepper, olive oil and red wine. Soaked in a trash bag (yes) for 24 hours and threw it on a hot Weber grill that roomie had stoked with lump charcoal and hickory chunks. 20 mins and 125 degrees later (overcooked venison is not tasty, use your thermometer and pull it around 120-125 and let set for 10 mins). Just mighta been the best backstrap ever fired up at the Tool Shed. Roomie and I did our best to polish off the entire 1/2 loin with the exception of a small chunk on the end which Lila taste tested (without approval) to her pleasure by the way she was licking her chops.

Deer loin with horseradish sauce and side of sausage/shrimp jambalaya

Not wanting to give up on the amazing weather, we had the fire pit goin all weekend. Great moon light and surprise visit by a special guest on Saturday. Good friends always welcome around the Tool Shed!!

Blue Shirt Day

Attention GSB members who plan on joining us for the annual gathering next month. Apparently you'll need to get a baby blue sweater ordered ASAP cuz that appears to be the trend !!

Opening Weekend

Touched down at the Tool Shed around 8:30 last night. Had a great weekend with the crew at Possum Walk. Didn't poke Mr. Big yet but had plenty of activity around to keep me occupied. Spent majority of my time overlooking the north bedding area and ditch on Russell's place. Hezzy and 10-Speed were able to bag theirs on Saturday morning which resulted in extra nap time for those boys. Scott the Fireman stopped by Saturday afternoon with a nice 13-pointer sporting matching stickers on each side. Great looking buck and will certainly have a place on his wall in Florida.

Let the dust settle from a busy weekend and hopefully they'll be calmed down when I head back up later this week.

Saturday morning harvest. Hezzy's appears to be related to his wall-hanger from 5 yrs ago.

Scott the Fireman with a solid 13-pointer destined for a wall in Florida

Okie watching over the boys at their 22cal. target practice

Basic Fitness

This plays well into a conversation I had with a friend last week. If things get nasty, how confident are you in your ability to save yourself and provide assistance to those around you? How does your current fitness level stack up to those around you?

Mark Sisson has a good post comparing different standards for military, police, etc... The Daily Apple is a great blog for your rotation.

"Life shouldn’t be hard work unless you make it so. Everyday activities shouldn’t be struggles. Basic fitness should be like breathing – it should be second nature."

"Get comfortable with being uncomfortable" - OPT

Angel going heavy overhead (Catalyst Athletics)