What a crisp Sunday morning… I am dreaming of deer hunting with my guide Lucky Lee Ann.  She does not know it but I have renamed her “Lucky Lee Ann”.  Lee Ann is Gary Hull’s best girl and I can’t wait to get to hunt with her next weekend.  She is a very experienced outdoors woman.  She hunts deer, bear, and birds.  She fishes walleye, northern pike and sturgeon.  She has more luck (or skill) in catching walleye and spearing big pike than many women I know.

I spoke to Gary last night and Lee Ann this morning.  The deer stands are ready.  I will pick up my license this week and pack some warm clothes.  I have not hunted for many many years so this is going to be a treat.  November is such a busy month. The first weekend is deer hunting, the second weekend is the Park Rapids decoy show, the third weekend is Grand Rapids decoy show, and the last weekend is SPEARFISHING on Rainy River!!!!!! God willing.  I am hoping I have a couple more inches of ice than last year.  Mental note to self… DO NOT STAY IN SINKING HO– USE….  I got so much flack last year when I stayed in my house until water finally reached the bottom of the door.  Gary was proud of me and all I could say was, “Well the fish were starting to come in!” 

So many wonderful memories of spearing last winter.  Amy spearing a giant pike her first time out.   Lee Ann spearing her 40 incher and us doing the “ice dance”.  I will never forget the concerned look on Gary’s face as he was driving up and we were jumping up and down.  He thought we were on fire!!!!  LOL.  Then his smile when he saw LeeAnn’s giant fish.  I speared 7 weekends on Rainy River and I will never forget the last day of the season….. spearing my 40 incher the last half hour of the day.  Last winter Northern Girl’s rocked.  3 women 3 giant fish.

I made many new friends last winter.  Snowmobiler’s from White Bear Lake, Forest Lake (snow shoe grog boys) Appleton, MN and Rochester, MN (John the Virgin!).  I hope to see ALL of you boys again.  I am planning to spear in December when master carver Harley Ragan is up at Gary’s.  I am planning toattend a women’s retreat with my church, Maranatha Forest Lake(www.realchurch.org) in February.  We will be staying at Sugar Lodge in Grand Rapids and Pastor Orleen has asked me to plan a day adventure teaching woman to ice fish and spear fish.  I am asking my friends Jeff and Ricky from the Northern Lakes Darkhouse Chapter to help me out.  I will need a few houses set up and extra equipment.  I want to have the greatest adventure ever!!!

I also would invite any of you ladies that want to get your conceal and carry permit to give me a call.  I will help you make arrangements to take your class, complete your range exercises and get your certificate.  And yes!!!  You can do this all in one day!!!  It will be alot of fun… so call now to make your reservations.

I have volunteered for a very exciting mission need at my church called”Into the Light”.  Into the Light is a group that prays and ministers to women exotic dancers.  One night every month, three wonderful women from my church go to 2 dance clubs in Minneapolis armed with love, prayers and platters of baked treats for the dancers.  They talk to the women and give them love, support and prayers.  This Christmas season it is our goal to give each woman a special gift of love and warmth.  We are making fleece blankets and giving one to every dancer in both clubs.  Will you please help me make this dream a reality?  If everyone who reads my blog donates $26, we would easily meet our goal.  If it is in your heart, and you have an extra $26, please call me or send an email and I will tell you how to donate.  This is an excellent cause.  These women need love, respect and hope for a better life.  If you would like to make a difference,  contact me today.  I would appreciate all help, prayers or donations of whatever you can give.

What do you have planned for this winter? I can’t wait to see your first deer photos, fishing pics and hear all about your adventures.  I am leaving for downtown in a few minutes to watch a few hours of football before my dance adventure at Orchestra Hall.  I am attending “the Kings of Salsa”.  A dance troup of 15 will be dancing salsa, rumba, and many exciting dances!  What a great weekend!!  Get out and spend some time with friends, and keep living and loving your life!

I love you all!!!

Tammy