October 22's Been Very Good To Me

Gordie snoozling after a fun afternoon

Gordie and I had a good day woodcocking today. We enjoyed a comfortable 47°F with little wind and scattered high clouds. I punched out a bit from my familiar route in the big field west of the high school. We won’t forget to revisit some juicy little spots we dithered into.

Gordie flushed 8 or 9 birds, and I didn’t miss them all. The new Cole Custom is a delight to carry, and tosses its pattern right where I’m looking. When I anchor the butt just right in my shoulder pocket - and not, for example, across my bicep - puffs of feathers float in the air.

Thirty three years ago I spent the afternoon of October 22 running a marathon starting in Buffalo, NY,  continuing into Canada over the Peace Bridge, and finishing at Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls wasn't this cold in 1977

I spent the evening partying thereabouts with friends, assiduously replacing precious electrolytes lost in the race. Somewhere around 7 pm I met the absolutely sweetest girl holding a glass of bubbly amber electrolytes in each hand. She surveyed me briefly, noted both my hands were empty, and swung one of the glasses helpfully in my direction. I was totally smitten!

That same sweet girl - who was, as I was to discover, a much better road racer than I - still tolerates with a smile my muddy boot prints, shedding dogs and gun swapping misadventures. Thanks, Nancy, for 33 years of much more giving than taking.

The Champ!