"I didn't grow up, I just got bigger" *

[sm]

*Art Eatman

Does this describe you?

I was reminded of Art's statement by a friends' kids. You see when they were born I gave each of them a copy of Robert Ruarks The Old Man And The Boy. When Turning 1 a copy of The Old Man's Man's Boy Grows Older.
Granted at the time they didn't understand a whole bunch of what was being read, did put them to sleep a few times. Add a few years, and well more than once when I showed up I was asked to read. Fellers start to read on their own, guess what they enjoyed?

Walking the property, then add a BB Gun. Well a tad over a year separates the ages, most young'uns fight and argue, these two seem to share pretty good on most stuff. Ok now 6 and 7 I get invited to see the new 22lr rifles. I show up with 2 brick of X22LR as gifts. Now words don't describe what it feels like when 2 boys say,"Would you like to shoot OUR new guns." You better bet I did. I also new I had better shoot the same # of rds through each, and give equal time.

So the boys mom and I are shooting, Their daddy is taking pictures, honestly I think his head is swirling and chest is too big to shoulder a youth Marlin rifle.

"Mom, Steve...can we have our rifles back now, its our turn ?".

You know that feeling you got as a kid and when shooting you had to stop , and hand the firearm back to the adult?

I didn't grow up, I just got bigger.

Two boys,their parents and a grandad are planning on spending some time hunting bushy tails. Actually I personally think the boys are taking the adults hunting...shush...wouldn't want to tell the adults that tho'.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I have been informed that no matter what my age my brother and I and our hunting buddies Bryan and Dan will always be "the boys".

The grandkids and nephews and such get called "the kids".

Sort of like my mom intoducing me as "her youngest". Just something they do. Don't mind at all.

Course i am likely to refer to my dad as "Bwana".

 

[Art Eatman]

A folk-singing troubadour by the name of Allen Damron was my source for the line, but I think I've pushed adolescence even farther than he has. I dunno what I'll be if I ever grow up.

I did a lot of woods traipsing with my grandfather. He kindly let me be his gunbearer and often suggested that since I already had the rifle, I might as well take the shot.

Tell ya what: There ain't any five-star restaurant on earth, nor any high-toned Gentlemen's Club, that can match a good hunt camp with good friends around the campfire--and the icing on the cake is a couple of young wannabes along to listen.

, Art

 

[Smokey Joe]

Boys will be boys, thank goodness!

What a thread to get misty while reading! And 2 really lucky kids! More kids oughta get that kind of mentoring!

Re Art's comment: I have a friend who often says that it's never too late to have a happy childhood.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Does this describe you?

Yup.
Desert barefoot, lookin at critters n rocks n clouds n stuff.
Then taggin along with the grownups doin more neat stuff.
Listening to the tales around the fire with a belly full of good grub.
Was good.
Still is.

Now my grandkids goin through the same.
Only thing that hasn't changed for me is I don't go barefoot in the desert no mo.

Went to test a new load. Young Golden Eagle perched on the target frame takin apart a fresh killed cottentail. Spent wonderful time just watchin through the scope. Tested the load another day.

Only thing better than seein something new or wondrous...
Is sharin it with a friend....of any age or sex.

I get a lot of ribbing cause I alway start real early, and sometimes barely get there on time. Different routes, things to ponder etc. Discover new things every time I go out.

Me grow up, shoot no....just older.
Grinnin all the way.

Sam

 

[Sunray]

Nope. I'm the only one in my family that even knows anything about firearms. There's one cousin who used to shoot but went nuts and did some illegal stuff so he can't anymore. Idiot. Big brother did some time in the Queen's Service long ago, but thinks hockey is better. Sick, so he is. Plays industrial league as a goalie. 3 grand, he paid for his kit. $1,000 for the pads alone and $1500 for the mask made by the same guy that makes 'em for the NHL. Just about soiled meself when he told me that. Then I thought about it.
The stupidest game in the world, golf, costs $1500 for clubs plus thousands for a club membership. A baseball mitt is $50 plus. While a new S&W M41 is $1,000. A new, good, scoped, hunting rifle is too. It's all relative.
And yep, it's exceptionally good that a guy gets to introduce the wild world to his grand kids.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Thanks for making my morning start off very well. Huzzah!

 

[Grayrock]

Even though I don't like his politics, I do like Jimmy Buffet's songs. A line comes to mind- something like this:

"I'm growing older, but not up. My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck"

My wife seems fond of constantly wondering out loud "When are you going to grow up?"

Thanks for the idea. I think my nephew will be receiving some reading material this year!

 

[Dr.Rob]

Funny my girlfriend is prettyy glad I haven't grown up. Especially when her seven year old and I are practicing sword fighting, dragon slaying, goat taunting or other fun guy stuff.