“Weekends don't count ...”

Snowy doe taken by the fabulous Jerry Byard

...unless you spend them doing something completely pointless. 
- Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes author/artist)


 Yesterday was one of those rare winter days here with no wind. It was snowing like we were in a snow globe, all uber-quiet and in slow motion, so I took the dog out for a long hike. No crows, no blue jays, just the distant chainsaw going in the orchard. Plus, it had that cool winter smell going. Love riding in that heavy snow when it's that still and all you hear is your pony breathing and pluming steam like a hairy grey dragon. It's even better when it's bareback and you are warm and toasty and both covered in snow.

My borrowed arrows are now all new and shiny thanks to Paul. And now I know how to stick my fletching back on. It's actually kinda fun to do. Tomorrow I get my very own set with funky spiral papery fletch so I'd better get the clicker sorted.

Clicker = aughhh. Getting the shot to go off and not losing all form completely, are somehow mutually exclusive. Next week is the 420 tournament and week after is States, so better get this figured out tout de suite. No pressure.

I did not leave my heart in San Fran

Cupid's Span near the Embarcadero in San Francisco.

The land of waay too many guys living on the street and and a giant army of tiny ancient asian ladies.

Sorry Ron, the airline confiscated my giant 5x arrow. Apparently, they are not considered carry-on.

"There's no crying in baseball"

Stealing again from the brilliant Redhead Writing blog. Her bitch-slaps are a must read for anyone who is completely impatient and wants it NOW (yup, like me). Perfect timing for me now learning to use a clicker.
Suck it up. 

A Short, Ass-kicking Note-to-Self

Deep Thought Thursday

Chase down your passion like it's the last bus of the night.  ~Terri Guillemets

Why are you working so hard?

Interesting story in the NY Times on people that do marathons.  To quote one of the comments on this story, “the race is simply a celebration of your training (a party) so enjoy it.”  Okay, so archery is a different sport with practical origins, martial arts, keeping the Celts out of your marsh, and feeding your tribe.  Not everyone competes and you obviously don’t have to in order to have a great time. If you are a competitive person and you like to win, ok. Why else do you work so hard at what you do?

Monday, Monday

Monday has become my favorite day of the week. Well, almost. Friday, you have nothing to worry about, I still love you. PTTC classes have started up again, so that means I get to get up even earlier than usual (those that know and love me are shuddering), but get out of work early to go play and shoot with some of my favorite people. Yeah!! It's become what I look forward to most in my routine, and it will be sad when it's over for the spring. Plus, it's something fun to do indoors when it's only 15 degrees outside like today. Brr.

I'm still wrestling with hard-won compound muscle memory that keeps showing up here and there. Left hand wants to be too helpful, right hand still thinks it's using a release. I know, I know. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. It's the journey and all that and it's only been 6 months for crying out loud. Was shooting decently (for me) last week during our league.  Did make it to the gym this week and went for a ski yesterday, so feeling like somewhat less of a slug.

Patience feels overrated

Was sidelined for a couple of days and as a result haven't shot this week. I think maybe today will see if Matt will move the bag into the basement so we can at least do some 5m shots. The indoor season is in full swing now and I feel like I've missed the kickoff. Have to say I don't feel like competing at the moment. Not where I want to be yet and not feeling confident enough to go out there and suck in public. Will, of course, do it anyway. I need a kick in the ass. There is a mail-in tournament this month and a new NFAA tournament locally in Feb (see www.creekwoodarchery.com for more info if you are looking for something new to try. I'll be working it, so hey- say hello while you're at it).

Was watching one of the recurve guys from my club shoot this week while I had my hands in my pocket. My apparent state of suck is more the norm than I thought. Not bashing anyone, just needed a head smack to see that you can't possibly compare a recurve to compound accuracy. Hubby is over in another lane on fire with x's and I can't stop shaking or I'm forgetting to line up my string with my sight. Dan tuned up my bow the other week - Thanks, Dan - so I can't blame the equipment. It's all me.

Kinda like back when I was riding mostly everyday and doing a lot of clinics. Lots of sweaty work, but even the not-so-good rides were still satisfying because some good work was accomplished. You always end on a good note when riding. Even if it's just trotting around on a loose rein to relax. Missing that element at the moment. When you get tired, you start to struggle and there are no easy shots to end with. Watching everyone shoot the other night - lots of belly aching about releases and scores and whatnot. Everyone was in the same frame of mind. I just need to suck it up and just work harder. As in get my ass back to the gym (signing up for my first 5K this spring) and get moving.

Soup, Soup, Soup

New Year's Day for us is always a relaxing day at home, hopefully taking the dog for a hike in the snow and eating something delicious afterward. I have a batch of soup going right now along with some bread that is rising. This version gets made in our house about every couple weeks as soon as there is a chill in the air.

This recipe is my friend Cortney's Dad's Beef Barley Soup. Soup-er easy to make in the crock pot.(Ok, that was a bad one)  Only 177 calories per 1 cup serving, for those of you who decided to start dieting this morning. It's also available as a listed recipe on Livestrong.com if you use their calorie counter (Awesome free tool and it's available for your phone for a couple of bucks). I've healthied the original up a bit by leaving out the butter, milk and flour. I found it really doesn't need it. Very rich and yummy.

1# stew beef - browned in skillet first
1/2 # sliced mushrooms, your choice. Saute after beef in already dirty pan
3 scallions, sliced
2T beef boullion
2T chicken boullion
1 medium onion, chopped
2/3 C uncooked barley
2 cloves garlic, smash and peel, toss in whole
5 cups water
1/2 t black pepper
handful of chopped parsley or two big handfuls baby spinach if you don't have parsley
3 sliced carrots
2 sliced celery stalks
5 dashes worcestershire sauce
adjust salt to taste

Everything goes in the pot, set on low for 10 hours, or 3 hours simmered on stovetop.  Let me know how you like it or if you use venison in it instead. What's your go-to soup?

My Dad getting ready to work the bread