Christmas is here and past.

We started the holiday season off by Evan and family coming home on the 23rd. Stayed home and enjoyed the visit. Xmas Eve had a few errands to do and picked up a JD RC Tractor for Zade. Met my Mom in Foristel to exchange some gifts so she could take them to the farm. Plus she had two trays of cookies to give us for the holiday season. My MOM rocks.! Later that evening went to Mary and Kevins for Eve celebration with Laurie's family.

Xmas morning woke up and told Laurie that Santa had come it was time open gifts. That was 6:30 she wasn't to thrilled, but we had to what anyway. Went to pick up the kids around 10 came back and the chaos began. Enjoyed a late brunch and playing with the kids new toys/gadgets. Yes I'm a big kid at heart. Prepared big dinner later in the day and it was nice just to enjoy everyone's company.

Monday the 26th went to Cracker Barrel for breakfasts with Evan, kids Mary and UK. After returning Evan and family got ready to depart. He's got a big decision to make in the next few weeks not sure if he wants to stay in the Air Force or not. Economy stinks, jobs aren't plentiful. So being 22, married and a father he's really stressed. I know he'll make the best decision for his family. I'm really proud of how he handles such tough situations.

The rest of the week I was on vacation. The kids and I just bummed around. Went shopping to redeem some gift cards. Got me a few new lures and fishing pole. Rem got a new pocket knife, sling shot and lures. Karly picked out three new shirts. Tonight we finally have Christmas with my Mom and the kids can't wait...Till tomorrow.

Time to play catch up....

While staying focused on my family and work I have had quit a roller coaster ride the last six months. July was all about hiking. Making a visit to Oklahoma to see my Uncle Chris who is diagnosed with brain cancer and celebrate my grandson Zades 1st Birthday.

August was about the hiking again. School started for the kids and with them both in sports the fun begins. Remington was in Cross Country and Karly volleyball. September started the rough ride for the next three months. My grandmother's brother Phil Clark from Carthage Il. was killed while riding his bike. He was 87 a WWII vet an avid conservationist and most importantly a farmer. I hiked a few more times this month but this would be the last for the year. We also received word that there is nothing else they can do for Uncle Chris' cancer.

October was well just october, made a few trips to the farm and cut a lot of brush. Evan and family made a trip up for the weekend is always nice to see them and our big one year old. At the end of the month my Grandmothers sister Rosie past away she was 89.

Here comes November. Remington and I went to the farm for youth deer season, and to be with my grandparents. All the rest of my family went to Oklahoma as we got word the end is near for my Uncle. Deer season was a wash, we only seen one deer in two days of hunting. Celebrated Lauries b-day. Than also got the call from my mother that Uncle Chris had passed he was 56. Went to Oklahoma for services and had another service the following week in Peaksville. Had Thanksgiving with family in Quincy at Uncle Phils house.

Finally December is here. Remington is playing basketball through the winter and shopping begins.

Uncle Chris

His life was a wonderous joy ride. Most importantly he was my Uncle and protector in my younger days.

Christopher Clark Harrison, died Monday, November 8, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 55. Chris was born Dec. 25, 1955 in Keokuk, Iowa to Paul and Barbara (Clark) Harrison. He was raised in Missouri where he graduated from High School. Chris moved from Missouri in the early 1980's where he worked in the oil field industry in Wichita, KS then Henrietta, OK. He then moved to Tulsa in 1984 where he became a Regional Manager for A.L. Williams Company. On Aug. 7, 1999, married Pam Henthorn at First Christian Church in Jenks where they are both members. Chris then worked for various grocery brokerage companies in various positions and as an independent contractor for grocery brokerage companies until December 2003, when he began his career as a personal financial advisor. As a Personal Financial Advisor, Chris was an independent representative for CMW Financial. He primarily worked with school teachers and administrators for retirement planning. He earned various achievement awards including Outstanding Rookie of the year in 2004, Rep of the Year for Most Production 2005-2009, Lincoln Investment Planning Honors Club, he was a "Mentor" for Eugene Fields Elementary School and had volunteered for Junior Achievement as well as others. Chris often commented that he loved his clients and that he had the best clients.
Survivors include his wife Pam of the home; his parents, Paul & Barb Harrison of Revere, Missouri; 2 brothers, Steve Harrison & wife Jackie of Overland Park, Kansas and Phil Harrison & wife Vicky of Quincy, Illinois; and 3 sisters, Sharon Harrison of Villa Ridge, Missouri; Deb Harrison of Denmark, Iowa; and Cindy Johnson of Ozark, Missouri; nephew, Tony Harrison of Arnold, Missouri, his children, Karly & Remington; niece, Jyl Ourada & husband Nate of Lenexa, Kansas, their daughters, Alexis & Addison; nieces, Kelsey & Kristen Harrison of Quincy, Illinois; extended family, father & mother-in-law; Don & Faye Henthorn of Tulia, Texas; brother-in-laws, Mike Henthorn & wife Donna of Lubbock, Texas; Tim Henthorn & wife Suzanne of Fairview, Texas and Rob Henthorn & wife Cindy of Costa Mesa, Cailfornia; along with thirteen nieces & nephews and nineteen great nieces & nephews.

Marine Week St. Louis

These guys are the best. Not just the Marines, I mean ever branch of the Armed Forces. What they do, words can't even describe. Because of them and there families from all generations is the reason why we are able to live the life that we do. My Grandfather was in WWII, Great Grandfather was in WWI, one Uncle was a flight instructor during WWII, another one served in Europe with Patton and a Cousin was in Vietnam. Plus my future stepson is on active duty in the Air Force. So may God Bless you all. Hooray..!

Harrier AV-8B video

Marine Week pics

LaBarque Creek CA

Took a stroll this past Saturday at the for mentioned CA. What a beautiful place for a short 3 mile hike. I wasn't going at first since we had a storm come through earlier in the morning, but on second thought I remembered the waterfall. So I had to go cause last year when we hiked this trail there was very little water in the dead heat of summer. And this time it didn't disappoint.

Here's the trip and more pictures.



Fathers Day

Had a great day with the kids. We didn't do a whole lot since I was on-call for work. But we did manage to take a ride down to Nascar Speedpark and take a spin on the go-carts several times. Then it was off to Cabelas. I had a couple gift cards left over from my b-day. Picked up some fishing tackle, pack liner and a NF shirt. Got back home and grilled some awesome burgers that my lovah had prepared. There was so many ingredients I couldn't begin to list them all. She also got me a couple shirts and shorts. She really is the best.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.0

Hickory Canyons Natural Area

Took the kids on a short hike sunday down to Hickory Canyons NA and what a beautiful place it was. I cannot believe more people haven't heard of this place. Deep canyons large overhangs with a tremendous amount of fauna growing all over the rock ledges. Check out the trip reports and pics.

Hickory Canyons, Short Trail report

Hickory Canyons Long Trail

Hikin with the Cicada!

The constant hum of are seasonal pests dominated this trip through Brommelsiek Park. This hike takes you out across rolling prairies, hardwood forests and creek bottoms. The land reminds me of our farm as it is very similar. Total mileage was just over 4 miles, its a multi-use trail as I saw more bikes and horses than I did hikers. So whatever your mode of transportation is get outside and go for it. Plus there are plenty of spots for picnicing, playgrounds for the kids, a couple of fishing ponds and a dog park. So enjoy your visit.

Trip report, maps and pics...

Creek at trailhead.



Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.0

Busch Stadium

Went on a field trip with Remington to Busch Stadium yesterday. This was awesome.! Got to go on the field, dugout, radio box, plus many other areas of the place. After the tour we had a sack lunch at Kiener Plaza, with the Old Courthouse and Arch in the back ground. Even with the outburst of storms in the area the weather cooperated so we could enjoy the day.

The view from Radio Box.



Rockwood Reservation

Took a quick hike on Turkey Ridge Trail. This is trip was amongst mature hardwood forests in Wildwood MO. It's a very easy loop trail just under 2 miles, with a couple places to stop and take a break. So you can seat back and take in the wildlife, sounds and scenery.

Engelmann Woods Natural Area

This was a quick little hike west of St. Louis.

For decades, Engelmann Woods has been preserved as one of the last examples of the old-growth forests that once covered the uplands adjacent to the Missouri River. The area's earliest protection began with private landowners, mainly Mrs. Oscar Johnson, who donated the forest to the Missouri Botanical Garden in 1942.

The Missouri Department of Conservation purchased Engelmann Woods in the early 1980s. It was designated as a natural area in 1983.

Historic features at Englemann Woods include the remnants of an old road and a cellar that marks the location of an early water reservoir used to refill steam engines traveling on the nearby railroad. The reservoir was rumored to be the first such facility west of St. Louis.

Trip report and map

 

At the Farm

Turkey hunting this year is by far the worst I've seen in years. The birds just weren't gobbling. Then to make things worst I only found about ten shrooms this year and even then I was to late. Dryed up and shriveled. So I spent the rest of the weekend cutting brush and planting food plots. This was something that I've wanted to do for years but never got around to it. I've got three in and can't wait to see what happens. Plus I took a hike in Shimek Forest a couple weeks ago, will post it at a later time.

Turkey Hunting

Boy ol boy this season has been a wash. The turkeys on the farm continue to be very stubborn. I had one within 150 yds for over a hour and a half. I got within 75 yds and he just disappeared. Not sure what happened as his intuition must've gotten the better of him. Plus the mushrooms really haven't popped yet people are finding small grays here and there but it's just a little early still in northern Missouri. This was a report from the first weekend of the season Apr 23 & 24.

5K Complete

Well the 5K is in the record books. I haven't ran since my high school days which is to many years to count. I started training about 8 weeks ago and have accomplished one of my goals. This 5k is dear to our hearts as it's a fundraiser for melanoma cancer which my mother is a survivor of this horrible disease. She has been in remission for 5 yrs and cancer free. HOORAY!! So this truly is a family affair as we've actually walked in years prior. So Remington and I decided to run this year. My run goal was to complete it under 40 mins and I did with a time of 37:13. But Remington broke away from me right at the start and disappeared were not sure of this official time but it's around 25 mins. He came in 3rd for his age division. This was awesome as neither one of us has ever ran this kind of distance. After the run we retreated to moms house and had a wonderful dinner. As most sons will contend eating at moms is like go to heaven..



If you would like to attend this fundraiser next year here's how you can attend http://www.melanomamiles.org/. In the short 5 years of this event we have contributed over 100,000 to Melanoma Research Foundation.

This was the route.

Weldon Spring CA

Thought I would post the previous hikes I've done this year before I started this page. This trip was on 12.31.10 and is located in Weldon Springs CA. It's by far the most interesting hike I had this year. Tornado sirens and a torrential down pour. Plus I can't forget the lost hikers/geocachers going the wrong way on the trail. There was only one of them that had rain gear, there gps went kaput and they had no map. The direction they were headed it would of been a 6 mile journey to the parking lot instead of 2 miles. After witnessing this everybody needs some sort of training, understanding or just plain common sense before taking off into the wild.    

Here's the route

Missouri Cats

MDC says we don't have any breeding pairs but, time will tell that's for sure. They claim that it's just young males being pushed out of other areas. I guess that means it's just a matter of time. This cat was caught on camera in Chesterfield.

Youth Turkey = Fishing

Went to the farm for youth turkey hunting with Remington. The first day was definitely a challenge as the turkeys quit gobbling once the flew down from the roost and the same thing happened on day two as well. So we resorted to fishing on the first day and what a day we had. Caught a mess of fish to feed us all that night. 

  This was the first stringer from our pond..

Second stringer from Martins and McMillians.

But on the second day of hunting even though the turkeys weren't answer to a call we did have a lone gobbler come in. He was very curious he never did go into a full strut but he would puff up a little. This would have been Rems first turkey but dad messed up. The turkey came in on my side so I was trying to get the bird farther up the field so Rem could get a better shot. And as luck would have it the bird got cold feet and decided do a 180 and resort back to the timber. At least he didn't run off being spooked. Ten minutes later a hen came in the same way and once again she turned back to timber. So that's how the youth hunt came to a end as we headed back to the farm for breakfast around 10. Up next the regular turkey season and I can't wait. Besides if the huntings bad there's always mushrooms to pick.

Cuirve River SP

A hike in the Northwoods Wild Area of Cuirve River State Park. This was a combination of the Lone Spring Trail and the South Loop. The trail is very well maintained and easy to follow with yellow placards showing the way. Total distance was just under 6 miles.

Trip report and map.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Daniel Boone CA

Went to another MDC area today and hiked 9.5 mi. Still way behind for the year, but I'll just keep plugging away. Over 50 so far.

Trip report with map.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7