2020 bar is set pretty low

[PapaG]

Combo league third week I choked. Just got bad diagnosis on aortic valve and couldn't think of breaking birds. 23/trap, 18 skeet. This week was all day tests at the hosp so I went up and cheered. Picked up a Beretta 686 Essential today, ordered two skeet tubes and will try my best to get back in the game next Thurs. First half of our annual club challenge with our friendly rivals Sunday, second half the following. We only lost by nine last year. Two teams per club, 16s and caps each week. So, if my math is right, only nine off out of 500 each.
Looks like valve job on my aorta is in the works. Hoping for TAVR and not open heart. Don't want to interrupt the shooting. (at least not too much)

 

[PapaG]

First half of club challenge in the books. My team is down 462-448. I tied for high with 49. I'm firing one of my guys. Showed up with a new gun. Missed 11 on first round, 7 on caps. Next week, revenge.

 

[PapaG]

Final week of club challenge. We lost by 19 birds in a contest of 1000 total. One of our guys, a sub, missed 11 on one round, 6 on another. Overall we did well, just not enough. As we said last year, there's next year.
Only two biggies left for this year. End of combo league in three weeks and we are solidly in the bridesmaids spot. I tried a new (different) gun for the skeet half, a Beretta 686 Essential, my son calls it a Beretta "Express". Might work out.
Next Sunday, the Club Championship at home club. I'm shooting well enough to have a crack at it. Would be the oldest champ ever. (maybe I can coach myself right out of it.)
Now, if no pesky lab results and tests get in the way.

 

[PapaG]

Final for the home club today was the annual club championship trophy match. I missed being the oldest club champ by one stinking bird. 94/100 total 16 and caps. Young whippersnapper of 45 got me with a 95. (30 years younger). Next year, as the Cubs fans say.
Now for some deer hunting til the heart valve job probably in early November.

 

[PapaG]

All my leagues are over, just in time, I thought, for hunting. I missed the last league shoot to get an angiogram in preparation for TAVR (aortic valve replacement through the artery). Unfortunately, did they not only ascertain that the valve is severely damaged but also that I have one heart artery fully blocked and another 80% blocked. Next week, consult with surgeon as to what is best. A. one stent and the TAVR ignoring the totally blocked artery or B. Open heart, do two bypasses and the valve. Either way, gonna miss trekking to my little plot of whitetail heaven for at least the early and black powder seasons. Funny, almost no symptoms other than tired all the time. Lucky in that they found it before tragedy hit. God is good.

 

[entropy]

Listen to the Doc, Papa G, and don't try to jump right off the operating table and back into the woods. Prayers sent for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery!

 

[PapaG]

Final tests done. Surgeon has signed off on one stent plus TAVR for aortic valve. No open heart surgery. Might be back in it by spring.

 

[entropy]

Good to hear!

 

[PapaG]

Had TAVR Tues. Home Wed. ER Thurs evening. Pacemaker in yesterday. Home in an hour or so. Doc says unless I'm left handed, trap is a go about April. Hope this is all. Since Oct, angiogram, stent, TAVR, emergency temp pacemaker, pacemaker. I look like I lost a war single-handed.

 

[Armored farmer]

They're gonna get you all patched up,
Ammo and components will be in stock
Covid will be history
All your friends will be at the club
Your old 870 will fit better than ever
.......BY APRIL
You could've have planned it better, well done!
It sounds like you had some serious issues,
Get well soon!

Edit for p.s.
Ray Dome broke 100x100 from both shoulders after an eye injury.

 

[PapaG]

Getting antsy. One more week of left arm restriction (pacemaker has to scar itself and wires in place) and I can start rehabbing the left side. March 1 I can start shooting trap. I'll begin with the 1100 Trap and 1 oz loads.

 

[PapaG]

First round this morning since getting the pacemaker in December. Used my old 20 gauge 1100 and modified barrel. 19/25 would normally disappoint me but not today. Along with "ring rust" I need new glasses and the sun is still too far south (we shoot dead south). Might try the "big" 1100 next week or maybe the BT with one ounce loads.
Not giving up yet. I'm only 76.

 

[PapaG]

Dropped the TB and the 686 Essential off today for installation of Limbsaver soft, cushy, pacemaker saver pads. Also get a new ejector spring on the 870. Try the 1100 20 again this Friday. It surprisingly broke birds almost like a 12 from 16-18. (and I found a pile of 20s, 20 bx, for $5 each, #8). Might try the 12 ga 1100 on Sunday.

 

[PapaG]

Another malady has risen its ugly head. Dr. found a retina problem, the opposite of detachment he said. Visual acuity in my shooting eye has gone from 20/20 corrected to 20/40. Wondered how come I "lost some birds". New prescription after Wed. Age has a few advantages, experience is one. Speed, agility, sight, not so much.

 

[mokin]

I'm rooting for you, PapaG. Thanks for keeping us posted and continuing your hobby!

Best luck next time out!

 

[PapaG]

Not long before first league shoots. One, a week from tomorrow, the second, the following Thursday. Quandary is what to shoot. Should use the softer shooting 1100 Trap. More confident with the old 1975 TB. Going to practice next Friday with the Beretta A400 I won last week in a drawing. No time to get out for the last two weeks as wife dislocated her hip and the Docs wrenched her knee putting the hip back in place. So, cook, clean, help her dress, put on brace, take off, but no complaints. For better or...sickness, etc. We have been together since 1963, married in 66. Hopefully the ortho will give some encouragement this week. She's a great cheerleader for our team. So, either the TB and a PAST shoulder pad, 1 oz loads, or 1100 and 1150 fps, or the cushy Beretta. Stay tuned....ain't this a great forum.