hungry hunter.

It's that time of year again.

Husband is gearing up for the hunt.

Maps of game units and elevation are scattered about my tables.

He's been target practicing when his busy work schedule allows,

and returned home last week with "scope eye."

It happens when you shoot your gun and your scope lunges forcefully back into your face.

It left a half-moon split between his brows.

I believe he is proud of his latest wound.

While he is gathering his gear and spending unfathomable amounts of money

on equipment to trudge through the outdoors,

my thoughts turn to the kitchen.

What on earth can I feed my man while he's away that will sustain and energize?

Here's a few things that I know to be necessary to my hunter's pack:

 Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels.

(Sometimes I accidentally eat these for lunch.)

Delicious and hearty.

Perfect for throwing back while zeroing in on the next area of terrain to conquer.

Homemade energy bars.

In the past I've used this recipe.

Perfect for an early morning, no-fuss breakfast,

while blazing trails in the woods.

Hard boiled eggs.

Straight up protein.

Period.

Rehydrate.

The best sort of way to refuel

and replace electrolytes.

He'll need it.

(I use it every time I get my workout on.)

Any other ideas for me?

What sort of energizing snacks and recipes do you  know of?

Please share.

I'm sending him off soon!

images via google.

I Married a True Outdoorsman

The poetry of the earth is never dead. ~John Keats

Tomorrow morning around five a.m., Husband will wake and get ready for his hunt. He'll gather his camo, burlap shades, his call, orange beanie, pocket knife and rifle and a steaming cup of coffee and jump into his Dodge to head for the mountains. He'll set out into the deep, lush wilderness, not far from our home, quietly listening and stalking the illusive.

It's adventures like these that have shaped the man. His loyalty to the wilderness is vast and his respect of the hunt runs deep. He feels proud to live off the land in even the slightest way. He is even prouder to feed his family.

As I have mentioned before, it's days like these that I would wish upon Husband regularly if I could. When he has the chance to escape into the woods or down to the river, something happens inside of him that penetrates. It's as if the very air is God's breath and the trees His long arms, welcoming Husband into the mystery and the beauty that He has created. Husband always returns from such days with a peace and a quiet that only an outdoorsman would know--and love.

The Hunt of 2006

Husband and the Sharratt Boys

(This is no small Elk! He made two record books that year! He was taken out in one shot with a Long Bow by Rickie--the man on the right.)