Bloody idiot

[Ike85123]

After living in Arizona on and off since 1977, I might go see the grand canyon one day.
I drove by it mamy times, never stopped. I always figured it was just a big hole in the ground ?
But it might be majestic?

 

[BourbonTrail]

After living in Arizona on and off since 1977, I might go see the grand canyon one day.
I drove by it mamy times, never stopped. I always figured it was just a big hole in the ground ?
But it might be majestic?

If I had a nickel for every time I heard an Arizonan say that, I’d have at least enough for a beer

 

[Ike85123]

If I had a nickel for every time I heard an Arizonan say that, I’d have at least enough for a beer

I think its kinda like living in las vegas. The strip is the last place you really want to go. Lol

 

[BourbonTrail]

I regret not putting in for elk (not once) the entire 15 years I lived in Arizona. Not sure why other than letting life get in the way. I finally put in last year, after moving away, and I got drawn. Best hunting trip of my life.
My resolution after that was that I wouldn’t just let time float along putting stuff off for no good reason.

 

[Newboomer]

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow what a ride!“

That is my philosophy of life. Live like hell while you can because you don't know what lies ahead.

 

[Newboomer]

I had a safari planned for this month until the chicom bioweapon hit us last year. I talked to my outfitter right after that and we decided to revisit at the end of this year. So maybe my itch will get scratched next year. Will have to see how it looks then.

This summer I'm taking a long overdue road trip back to Maine for a family visit and help my sister with her to do list. My last remaining brother is getting up there and as he puts it, "I'm only one episode away from the end." I'm 80 and he is 76. Makes you wonder just how much time you have left. Thank God I'm in much better health than he is so I'm going to do all I can while I can. Every day I wake up is a good day at my age and I'm going to torment the world for at least another ten years.

 

[Tanks]

... I'm 80 and he is 76. Makes you wonder just how much time you have left. Thank God I'm in much better health than he is so I'm going to do all I can while I can. Every day I wake up is a good day at my age and I'm going to torment the world for at least another ten years.

You are an inspiration to us all that are getting up there.

 

[Newboomer]

You are an inspiration to us all that are getting up there.

Age is just a number. You are only as old as you feel. Some days I feel like a teenager and others I feel twice my age. I still do all the things I did 40 years ago, just a little slower. I have a shoulder that is going to have to be replaced before long. I asked my doctor if it was viable at my age and he laughed. He said I'm chronologically 80 but 50 physically so no problem. Made me feel real good. I credit a lifetime of good hard physical labor and a positive attitude.

 

[Foxi]

Hello Kevin .
A nice thread you have created there.
The most lasting things in life are often the missed opportunities.
The following story is more than 30 years ago and yet I remember it as if it was only last week.
Through our hunting dogs (Weimaraner at that time) I had a good connection to hunters in Checoslvakia.
The beautiful area between Marianske Laszne and the Tepla monasteries I got to know like my pocket.I had the agreement that for -then there was still the German mark,sigh- for DM 300.-(today 150.-Euro or USD) every strong,mature buck could be shot "and if it is a world record buck".
So it happened that I came across a buck during the hunt thatmade me breathtaking. I stalked at him but his female saw me and they disappeared. On the off chance I sent him a last greeting with the 7x57 but missed..
A hunting weekend is short and came back a month later.But this buck,was shot after me by another German hunter.I saw the trophy and could not believe what I was holding in my hands. A roebuck as strong as I have never seen in numerous hunting trips to other Eastern European countries.The buck was so stunning, that the Czechs at first did not want to give out of the country.
I am not jealous of the German hunter, I am also not keen on shooting a country record, not at all, but I am angry about my stupid German sense of duty to be back in the office the other day at 9.00 a.m. What a stupidity.
What would it have done to attach three hunting days............
Diana sometimes pours out the luck over one, but you have to grab it yourself.
Maybe you also have to learn that first.
Nevertheless, I wish it were then and I would have the mind of today .
Foxi

 

[Philip Glass]

Carpe Diem is how I've lived the last few years. We never know what tomorrow will bring. I've done more big hunts (Dangerous 7, Ibex, LDE, etc) than I rationally should have the last few years.
I always tell guys "don't put off Africa". If the opportunity comes along then take it.
Regards,
Philip

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Age is just a number. You are only as old as you feel. Some days I feel like a teenager and others I feel twice my age. I still do all the things I did 40 years ago, just a little slower. I have a shoulder that is going to have to be replaced before long. I asked my doctor if it was viable at my age and he laughed. He said I'm chronologically 80 but 50 physically so no problem. Made me feel real good. I credit a lifetime of good hard physical labor and a positive attitude.

@New boomer
I have just had my shoulder surgery done .It ain't fun and has the longest recovery time of any surgery. 6 weeks in a sling and no driving, then up to 9 to 12 months rehab and then hopefully it doesn't end with a frozen shoulder. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but thems the facts.
Worst part NO SHOOTING for a long period then ease back in starting with a 22lr or hornet.
Bob

 

[Newboomer]

@New boomer
I have just had my shoulder surgery done .It ain't fun and has the longest recovery time of any surgery. 6 weeks in a sling and no driving, then up to 9 to 12 months rehab and then hopefully it doesn't end with a frozen shoulder. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but thems the facts.
Worst part NO SHOOTING for a long period then ease back in starting with a 22lr or hornet.
Bob

Been there, done that once back in 2011. I had my left one replaced (total). You are right, not fun at all. They told me it would be a year for full recovery but I pushed myself with exercise and rehab and was back to work full time in construction in 4 months. I had to take it a little easy for awhile but no problems. The doc said a replacement usually lasts about 7 to 8 years and I'm coming up on 10. I have full range of motion and full strength.

Rehab and a vigorous exercise program will get you back sooner than they predict. I was in rehab 3 days a week but I did the same routine at home every night plus a few things of my own. Within a month I was doing double the therapist's program. Push yourself is the name of the game.

Now what happens if or when I have my right one done remains to be seen. I don't fancy the idea of curtailing my shooting. I had a resection on my right shoulder back in the 80s. I had bone spurs that were sawing through the bicep tendon. Surgery removed the spurs and sewed the tendon back together. For about 2 months before the surgery the doc had me in what he called conditioning which consisted of working the hell out of me for 2 hours 5 days a week. It hurt like hell but shortened my recovery time by about half. Rehab and vigorous exercise every day for a couple months and back to work. Had to take it easy shooting for about a year but no problems now.
Good luck to you and a speedy recovery.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Been there, done that once back in 2011. I had my left one replaced (total). You are right, not fun at all. They told me it would be a year for full recovery but I pushed myself with exercise and rehab and was back to work full time in construction in 4 months. I had to take it a little easy for awhile but no problems. The doc said a replacement usually lasts about 7 to 8 years and I'm coming up on 10. I have full range of motion and full strength.

Rehab and a vigorous exercise program will get you back sooner than they predict. I was in rehab 3 days a week but I did the same routine at home every night plus a few things of my own. Within a month I was doing double the therapist's program. Push yourself is the name of the game.

Now what happens if or when I have my right one done remains to be seen. I don't fancy the idea of curtailing my shooting. I had a resection on my right shoulder back in the 80s. I had bone spurs that were sawing through the bicep tendon. Surgery removed the spurs and sewed the tendon back together. For about 2 months before the surgery the doc had me in what he called conditioning which consisted of working the hell out of me for 2 hours 5 days a week. It hurt like hell but shortened my recovery time by about half. Rehab and vigorous exercise every day for a couple months and back to work. Had to take it easy shooting for about a year but no problems now.
Good luck to you and a speedy recovery.

@Newboomer
I do similar to you inrehab, push myself. I had spurs removed, bursa cleaned up, tendons redone the 15mm cut off the collar bone so the could jack it all up and realine everything. At the moment mine is locking up at around 100° and the e physio thinks it may not get much better at the moment, but that was a risk I was willing to take to reduce pain. Won't affect my shooting hopefully.
Bob.

 

[Neil Molendyk]

I hear you Newboomer and others. I went through left hip replacement surgery three weeks ago. It was a long wait (three years) of bone on bone issues but it is done now. The X-ray looked like an old moss covered stone, all rough and pitted. It was along wait but our public health system in Canada works like that. My oldest grandchildren were asking how much it cost. It didn't cost me a cent directly. They had me up and walking five hours after the surgery, amazing. But I attribute a lot of the recovery to the exercises that the physiotherapist had me do months before the surgery in preparation. I doubled down on the number of reps and I think I doubled my rewards. Good luck

 

[Gemsbok45]

I was fired along with the rest of the sales force from a major gun and ammo company. The independent rep group I hired on with still sold their products but what a shock. I took my 401 k in 1990 and bought a 14 day leopard / plains game. Never looked back even once!!!!

 

[Newboomer]

My shoulder is now at the point where certain motions make it grate loud enough for people within 6 feet of me to hear it. I get strange looks from folks. Doc says it bone on bone and getting pretty rough. It's my right one, of course, and the one I had a resection in the 80s. Guess I'm lucky it lasted this long.

 

[npm352]

Great post. I always preferred experiences over money while still having some semblance of being responsible. Then I got boy part cancer 12 years ago at 25 and it shifted my thinking even more. I started two side businesses so as not to be a burden on our regular job incomes and I try to hunt a good amount. It sounds like my cancer story is not unique. God works in mysterious ways.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Well after almost getting serious injured at work yesterday. Luckily it missed me by inches and no injuries at all other than some stained underwear. It affirms my commitment to do all possible for this years June trip to SA to happen. You never know how many days on this earth you have. Live life to its fullest and do it now when and while you can!

 

[Pheroze]

Nevertheless, I wish it were then and I would have the mind of today

How different would life have been!

The secret to working hard is keeping in mind that having fun is not a frivolous goal, but a necessary part of your mental health.