When in doubt – get them something they can eat. Even the outdoorsman who has everything needs something to eat and it doesn’t take up clutter space. Maybe some game mean that they don’t typically eat (I got some moose steaks as a gift once and it was awesome!) Or maybe a package of fancy steaks with a new grilling seasoning for the grillmaster. Or for those who like to make soups this time of year you could do some of those Bear Creek soup mixes and then some new mixing bowls to go with it.

Cold and raining = the perfect night for some spicy venison chili!

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Luckily it’s well insulated already, so there’s just a few final steps to making it year round with running water. Even if we use it this winter with no running water it’s a paradise to me. I never thought we’d have our own little slice of paradise and my own dock!! I can’t wait for spring and to get my boat up and running again!!

For the time being the water gets shift off in winter but John’s got plans to make it year-round!

It’s been a great couple weeks getting the cabin organized and decorated all while starting the wedding planning! The previous cabin owners left us most of the furniture and kitchen stuffs so it’s been fun going through what to keep and what to replace. We kept this cool old secretary cabinet but it needed new hardware. That was a fun project! I also was way too excited to add this painting I love of a pig jumping off the dock… I laugh every time I see it!!

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Good luck fellas!

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I’m already getting sample save the dates and invites in the mail for wedding planning and this example has a peculiar “date”!!

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Being a caregiver for a family member is a tough job, Randy, and my hats off to you and all you’ve done for your mom and your dad. They are lucky to have you as their son. Be sure to take time to take care of yourself too. Whatever you need to do to unwind, relax, and recharge. The care you give yourself is just as important as the care you give others! Hugs!

You guys are the best! Thank you so much for all the wonderful words and well wishes!! I feel even more blessed by the support of my IDO family.

And YES! An Emily/Outing gathering sounds great!

We are near Outing/Emily, MN near John’s buddy’s cabin so we’re definitely looking forward to next spring and summer!

big_g wrote:

Enjoy your new cabin and husband !!! I am sure, Billy is smiling down on you.

Thank you Big G. It’s one of those odd and amazing situations – I know Billy would like John and I feel Billy’s spirit smiling down on us often.

gimruis wrote:

Excellent, what lake is the cabin on?

I think it’s called “Secret Lake”.

Awesome!!

So sorry to hear this EPG. Losing a furry member of the family is always tough. RIP Fergie and say hi to all of our IDO dogs frolicking together over the rainbow bridge.

Pailofperch wrote:

I don’t want to say any particular names, but this person’s name starts with an S and rhymes with Karen. Could be anyone…

Ummm yep, I will admit the morning nature abruptly called and I had to go near my stand is the same day I shot my biggest buck! And he’s currently in my living room!

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Great news!! So I’ve not heard of this before. Does it go away on its own or does it require treatment?

Today is day 4 post-op and Remi is doing well! Thank you all for the kind words and well wishes for our sweet boy. His energy is back and he already wants to romp and play, but we need to keep him calm and avoid any activities that could agitate or stretch his incision. His pain meds make him a little sleepy near administer time so that’s at least a little helpful. He’s wearing the cone of shame to avoid him licking the area and he doesn’t much care for the cone, but we don’t need him messing with those staples!

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That sounds terrible to have to see and I hope she’s doing okay! I wouldn’t think lymes would be that sudden, but hopefully she’s feeling better and it’s something that can be managed.

bigcrappie wrote:

Pet insurance….

I’ve had it before and it’s not always the best option. You still have to pay the vet upfront with most pet insurance policies. The plan we had Remi on for years would have reimbursed 80% of the service after the $500 deductible. So they would have reimbursed $616 of the $1,270 vet bill. Which doesn’t sound bad until you add up the monthly premiums for the plan which I think are usually $50-$60 a month, depending on numerous factors. It wouldn’t have been worth it. Unless you have a young active/working pup who’s only going to be on pet insurance for a couple of years it’s better to put the premium cost into a savings account instead.

Mike Schulz wrote:

how’s the pooch doing today?? better I hope!!!

Well he slept through the night and even ate a little scoop of breakfast this morning, so that’s good! His pain meds are keeping him kinda loopy which is fine with me. As soon as he’s off the meds it will be harder to keep him calm and resting while he heals.

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10k?? Yikes I would definitely try to find a new vet! The vet bill was $1,270 and that includes the anesthesia, the surgical procedure, both take home meds, and a nail trim while he was out. I figured it would be over a grand just based on the last surgery Remi had so I was prepared for it.

He’s home and resting and we got him to take his meds, though he wasn’t feeling up to any bites of dinner yet. It’s such a comfort to wrap him in his bed and hear him snore.

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Thanks everyone for all your support and messages! Remi is out of surgery and doing well!!

On Saturday I made a crockpot of venison chili and it turned out fantastic!! I finally got it to be a bit spicy by adding 3 serano peppers – with their seeds too – and also used a box of spicy beef stock. That was something new I hadn’t seen at Cub before. It’s been years since I’ve cooked with venison burger and I missed it!! It’s so lean and nice not to have to drain the burger once it’s cooked.

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glenn57 wrote:

i found Sharon’s plate!

YES!!! That is a perfect way to use those and I totally would, but I don’t want to lug around my own special plate to dinners and cook-outs! I was at a wedding over the weekend which had a buffet and I struggled to get the food aligned just right so it didn’t touch. Nothing like the garlic mashed potatoes getting smushed into your balsamic pear salad…

I haven’t made my homemade meatloaf for my special fella yet so that’s tonight’s supper along with roasted potatoes in the oven! It smells amazing and tastes just as good!

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Always a great time chatting and visiting! Congrats to the winners!

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Good luck fellas! Hopefully the wind calms down a bit. See you all at the potluck!

Burgers, broccoli, and French fries!

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And then there were two…

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