PRACTICE POINTS

Today was the opening of chukar season -- apparently all birds except pheasants. Mike and Ken took Nellie and Duke and left at 5:00 this morning for one of their favorite "by permission" hunting grounds. They were home about 11:00. Mike and Nellie had one small bird. Ken and Duke had none. There are ominous reports that the bird population is way down this year, but Mike and Ken will get the dogs out for some hunts anyway.

I think Nellie can tell by the change in the weather (and perhaps other signs known only to her) that hunting season is coming. These photos of her on practice point were taken at the farm last Sunday (9-13) morning above "Stove Creek," a draw that runs through the homestead. I was there to throw some clay pigeons for Mike and had the camera in my pocket. Nellie was a beauty to behold as she held that point, but frankly we didn't take her seriously -- although you can tell she is totally serious. Sure enough! A beautiful covey of huns got up and flew to the southeast. I was so surprised I failed to take a picture -- just stood there watching them fly away. Some hunter I would make!

We've been in town since last Monday evening. Town time has included a P.E.O. meeting for which I baked three batches of quick breads -- choclate zucchini, zucchini pear, and green tomato spice; setting up the Bernina and continuing to study about machine embroidery; and of course, shopping. KW