‘Tis the season for the men (and women) of my family to head off into the woods to hunt. Now, before you start in on “we should get our meat from the grocery store like everyone else”, please know that we hunt smart, safe, and only kill what we eat. That, however, is a different topic for a different page.
I’m talking today about the many memes and shirts and cartoons out there that show sad, crying women who ‘loose’ their husbands from Oct to Dec during hunting season. I’ve never really bought into that. You see, my husband was a hunter when I married him. I’m happy he has something he enjoys doing and I’m ok that I do not have to be a part of it. Trust me, if I’m in a tree stand, there will be no deer approaching! I CANNOT sit still! So, there goes the first option for me on how to deal with hunting season. There will be no hunting for me. That doesn’t mean you can’t join your man or woman who enjoys it. Just remember this if you do decide to join them, it is their time. It is their peace and their enjoyment. If you aren’t in it to really enjoy it with them, leave them alone. Let them have this.
So, what do I do? I find my own peace and enjoyment. I might go to a festival with my mom or friends. I might plan projects to complete that I know my husband would want to help with but I choose to do alone. This weekend, I hooked up the camper and came out to enjoy some quiet time in the woods. He enjoys his thing, I enjoy mine. **If you aren’t quite this adventurous, start out small. Take a book or a magazine to a coffee shop and try 30 minutes of quiet time.
When the kids were younger, this was a little more difficult. Now that they are teenagers, it is much easier to find me time since they have their own schedules. Doesn’t mean the 30 minute phone call from my 18 year old didn’t brighten up my whole day yesterday though. I think he is bound and determined to make me learn about cars whether I want to or not! So, mamas of littles, hang in there. There will be a day you can enjoy a shower without someone asking where their shoes are through the door. Once again, another topic for another day.
So, to my husband who supports me in my independence and doesn’t expect me to stay at home waiting on him to finish his hunting trip, THANK YOU! If any of you ladies out there see yourself as ‘hunting widows’ (and want to change it because some people are ok with it), give me a shout! Maybe we can have coffee or I can give you a ‘me time’ challenge to spread your wings.
Stay Peachy, friends!
-Charity
Venison Stew
- 4-5 lb Venison Roast
- 3 cups Water
- 1 package of dried onion soup mis
- Diced Carrots and Potatoes
In crockpot, place all ingredients. Cook on high for 8 hours or until roast is tender and at least 145°