Books Are An Important Tool In Teaching Our Children And Grandchildren About Nature
Our world is in such a crazy place right now. Never in my life have I seen such unsettling times like we’re living in at this moment. With the stay-at-home orders and self-isolation becoming our new normal from the recent Corona Virus pandemic, it’s no wonder that people are more anxious than never before. But amid all the frenzy and fear I see possibility. We have an amazing opportunity to take these extra moments we’ve been given and spend quality time with our children. By reading books to our littles about nature and taking them outside to experience it, we teach them to not only enjoy nature but also to appreciate it.
I have a list of my favorite children’s books on nature that I read to my grandchildren when they come over to Mimi and Papa’s house for a visit. I don’t think it’s ever too early to read to our babies and I believe with my whole heart it’s never too soon to inspire a love for nature.
Below is my list of kids picture books about nature that I think you would enjoy spending time reading to your children and grandchildren:
Reading books to our children is such a small but important way that we can teach them about nature. Not only are they learning how to listen but those little ears are also comprehending what’s being read to them. When you reinforce that with spending time in the outdoors, putting into practice what they’ve learned, you instill into their little hearts experiences that they’ll never forget and will hopefully, last a lifetime.
Don’t miss this opportunity to spend quality time with your kids by taking them outside and teaching them about this great big wonderful world that we live in. Before we know it, things will settle back in and we’ll have a new normal to gauge our lives by and the chaos of life will creep back in. Go on a walk. Let them breathe in that fresh air and teach them how to quiet their minds and really listen to the birds sing and the wind blow. You’ll never regret instilling that peace inside them and when they get older, they’ll remember back at who it was that took the time to give them that simple gift. And they’ll remember who opened that book and read them those words.
Footwear Is A Hiker’s Most Critical Gear So You Might As Well Have What You Makes You Happy
A couple of years ago I went on a major search for hiking shoes. Not hiking boots, because I already own a pair, but I was specifically shopping for hiking SHOES.
Boots Have A Purpose In Hiking But Sometimes You Just Need And Want A Hiking Shoe
True, boots serve a purpose when it comes to hunting and those long treacherous hikes. Or when you just want more support around your ankles. But there are times when hiking boots are just too weighty and cumbersome. For me, I was looking for footwear that was a little bit lighter.
I travel around with my husband in our RV for his railroad job. It just so happens that this particular gig landed us in New Mexico. It’s called the “Land of Enchantment” and I was excited to find out the reason why.
New Mexico is famous for its scenic beauty. I was excited by the thought of finding a trail somewhere to do a little day hiking. But I needed hiking SHOES!
Why SHOES you ask? Well, I’ll tell you.
First of all, when we arrived in New Mexico it was early spring. And although our springs here in Missouri are usually seasonably cool, New Mexico’s are not. They are warm and because of Las Cruce’s location, it’s even warmer.
Hot temperatures are the equivalency to hot FEET. And to be honest, I hate sweaty feet when I’m out for a day hike. Good socks help, but when my feet sweat I end up getting blisters from the moisture and rubbing inside the boot. Before you know it, you’re hobbling back to the car. Day hikes for me range anywhere from 5 to 10 miles. I can’t think of anything more miserable or more painful than trying to make it back. Being tired is bad enough but walking five miles with a blister is just pure torture.
Lighter Hiking Shoes Are Sometimes More Important
Another reason I wanted hiking shoes is because I wanted something lighter for day hiking. As I said earlier, boots do have a place in the hiking world and they are very important. They’re sturdier. They give better support around your ankles. Their soles are better for rough terrain. But they’re so HEAVY!
I can do “heavy” in the cold months but I can’t do it in the warmer ones. Mountain hiking in New Mexico can get very chilly at the top so we always layer up so that when we come back down we can shed the bulky stuff. But you can’t shed your footwear. I mean I guess you could and carry extra shoes in your backpack but I don’t know who in their right mind would do that. Could you imagine how bad your snacks would smell?
Day hiking is more enjoyable when you’re comfortable and my best hikes have been in my hiking shoes.
Did I Really Just Say Hiking Shoes Look Better With Shorts?
Another reason I prefer hiking shoes over boots when it comes to hiking is that they look better with shorts and jeans. There I said it!!!
My husband’s job has taken us all around the country. Our travels have allowed me to hike in many different states. I am beyond blessed. That said, some of our hiking also takes place in warm climates where there are no mountains at all. It’s on those trails where shorts are a must and even though I could just wear my athletic shoes, I still prefer that thicker sole and support.
Hiking shoes don’t come close to a boot when it comes to thick, sturdy soles and arch and overall foot support. But it’s a far cry better than just my Brooks when I’m on terrain that’s a little rougher than just a dirt path.
I will admit though that my Brooks and Asics get a lot of trail time also. Sometimes you just need to hit the trail and you don’t give a rip WHAT shoes you put on.
It’s All About Just Getting Outdoors Anyway
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether its a hiking boot or a hiking shoe or even your best running shoes. The most important thing is just getting outdoors into the fresh air and sunshine. All the rest is just relative.
Being out in the middle of nature is always the answer no matter what the question is. And although you might be trying to decide what footwear to choose when beginning your hiking journey, let me tell you this. Yes, it’s true I prefer hiking shoes over hiking boots but really is all what’s best for you and what you’re looking for. Not me. To be totally honest, I’m just happy that you want to go hiking. For me, that’s just a bonus!
Why I Think Scent Killer Is The Best Scent Control Spray For Your Hunting Clothes
Hunting is a challenge all by itself but SUCCESSFUL hunting is even more of a challenge. When you’re out in your stand or in your blind, there are many factors that affect whether or not you’re going to catch a glimpse of that deer you’ve been tracking all summer or better yet get close enough to actually take a shot. One of those factors during hunting season is scent control and eliminating odors.
Scent Control And Elimination Is Key When You’re Hunting
Although total scent elimination is impossible, Scent Killer Gold offers products in every area to control the scent you leave when you’re out hunting.
Personal hygiene is the first critical step in scent control when you’re in the woods and Scent Killer Gold has several products that absolutely are the checker in that area.
Scent Killer Gold Scent Elimination Body Wash and Shampoo
After using the Scent Elimination Body Wash and Shampoo, my hair was not only soft and clean but I found that after using it my hair was void of any previous shampoo smell and basically scent-free.
Anti-Perspirants and Deodorants
Roll-on antiperspirants and deodorants tend to break me out under my arms but the Scent Killer Gold antiperspirant rolls on easily without a rash or breakout.
The List Of Benefits Are Long
One of the reasons that I will always use Scent Killer Gold is because it is a clothing spray that continues to do its job 20 days after it’s been applied AND dried. That’s impressive.
Another reason that it’s our go-to scent control spray is that it works both wet AND dry. It has odor fighing ingredients that attack a wide range of odors. The most important odor, however, is human odor.
Scent Control Requires Consistent Use
When bow season begins each fall, about the week before, we gather up all of our hunting clothes and we wash them in scent-free laundry detergent and then hang them on the clothes line. Afterward we spray them down and leave them outside until that first hunt.
What’s great about the Hunt Dry Technology Plus is that it let’s you spray it on your hunting clothes hours, days, and weeks before you actually go hunting. I have yet to come across a scent control spray that does that. There is nothing worse that been forced to go out with wet hunting clothes because you just sprayed down. Scent Killer Gold eliminates that problem.
Scent Control Laundry Detergent
Now as far as detergents go, we either use Scent Killer Gold or just the regular Scent Killer laundry detergent. In my opinion, both are good. And we’ve actually used both, depending on what’s available at the time. Believe it or not, they even have dryer sheets! Yes, dryer sheets! They’ve got it all.
Yes, Scent Killer Also Has Field Wipes
Another product the Scent Killer sells is field wipes. They’re basically a hunter’s “baby wipe” and easily accessible for on the go and are the next best thing to a shower. You can use them for hunting, camping, hiking, and backpacking. They are a definite must-have for your hunting bag and they’re enriched with Vitamin E and aloe. They’re made with a special anti-odor formula making it convenient to battle human scent.
I just can’t say enough good things about this scent control clothing spray. I’ve tried so many over the years. I literally leave my bottle by the front door all hunting season so that it’s easily accessible and I never forget to spray down.
Proof Is In The Pudding When It Comes To A Good Product
Last year I sprayed our clothes down before going out on that last day of Missouri’s bow season and I’ll just say that I had two does and a little buck come to the base of my stand, look up and never miss a beat.
In the past, using other products I have had a different experience where the deer definitely smelled me but not with this product. You are not going to be able to fool deer but you can surely cut down on your scent in the woods and eliminate and control as much as possible. And I believe Scent Killer Gold and all the products that go along with their product line is the best on the market to do just that.
When Forgiveness Seems Impossible, Let The Hiking Trail Be Your Healer
We’ve all got something we wish we could change. Something we find hard to forgive ourselves for. Maybe it’s a poor decision that’s been made. A regret that we wish could be done over. Maybe it’s a moment where we’ve hurt someone unintentionally yet the scars and the pain continues to live on. I don’t know what it is for you but for me well, I know this pain all too well. I am not always certain how to make it go away. But what I am certain of is that the healing can be found in nature and a hiking trail is a perfect place to begin the journey.
It’s Called Life and No One Can Escape Making Mistakes
No one can escape making careless choices. It’s called life. We live it. We learn from it. And then hopefully, move on from it. If anyone tells you that they’ve never made a bad decision well they’re either lying OR they haven’t lived long enough yet.
I’ll gladly put my money down on knowing that one day, more than likely, they will probably find themselves in the same boat as we are. I pray not but chances are strong that they, too will make a regrettable decision at some point in their life. And although it’s just part of it, it does NOT have to be a life sentence. The car doesn’t have to stay in the ditch. We can get it back on the road and headed in the direction that God had us pointed in. But we’ve got to get quiet in order to hear his voice and there’s no better place to truly listen than when we’re walking alone out in nature.
In The Middle Of God’s Handiwork Is Where Healing Begins
Have you noticed how the stress level goes down when you’re in the woods on a hiking trail? It’s like the world stops and all you hear are the sounds of birds singing and squirrels barking. I love to listen to birds. Their songs are so beautiful.
I’ve always been a more visual person noticing colors instead of paying attention to the sounds in nature. But over the last several years, I don’t know, but the sounds when I’m out on hike really jump out at me. Everything seems more alive. God’s handiwork is more noticeable when I’m in the middle of it and I can’t help but be in awe.
Stop And Listen
If you stop and listen you can hear a plethora of different songbirds singing in harmony with one another. You can hear the wind waltzing from one end of nature’s ballroom to the other. Have you ever really stopped what you were doing and LISTENED to it? It begins and then it ends and then repeats itself over and over. Years ago I actually wrote a poem that included those very words all put together almost the same way. I didn’t realize it until I was sitting here typing it.
Funny how we can remember something so vividly that it leaves an impression in our souls. But that’s what nature does to us. It leaves an impression to heals us, to remind us that we are one with something bigger. Someone bigger. And it will heal us if we allow it to.
One of my favorite scriptures is Job 12:7-10 from the NIV version of the Bible. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not knowthat the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
Nature Is Our Greatest Teacher
Nature is our teacher.
I’ve actually learned more about myself when I’ve been out in the woods hiking, or in a treestand hunting, or simply taking a run around a nearby lake. If we will seek Him in nature we will find our peace.
And better yet, we will find the healing that we’re longing for and that we so rightfully deserve. But we first must get quiet so that we can hear His voice and get direction for our next steps.
Those next steps He has for us might just be on a narrow path covered in dirt. And the path may very well lead to forgiveness of self, bringing with it a sense of stillness to a restless heart. We’ll never know what He has planned until we take that first step toward Him. It’s time to lace up!
What Are The Turkey Hunting Must-Haves When Preparing For Spring Turkey Season
Who else is excited that spring turkey hunting season is right around the corner? If you’re like me you’ve been getting up before sunrise listening for any gobbles in the distance. You’ve already bought your turkey tag and you’ve been practicing with your slate and box calls in preparation for opening morning. But let’s face it, no matter how organized and ready we think we are we always manage to forget something on our hunting checklists. Taking stock of your gear is key to not only seasoned hunters but especially to those beginners just getting started.
What You Need, In Addition To A Shotgun, To Get Started, Turkey Hunting
Hiking/Rubber Boots
Comfortable footwear is very important. You will be walking for long periods and in various terrains when you’re out turkey hunting. In the springtime, it’s common for there to be dew in the early morning hours so you need a boot that will be water-resistant as well as a sturdy sole and good arch.
Muck rubber boots are what I wear year-round for hunting. I’ve had the same pair for probably five years now. Although I should probably invest in a new pair, I just can’t seem to part with them.
They’ve seen it all. Every success. Every disappointment. My Mucks have stood the test of time. They are not only comfortable and reliable as far as footwear goes, but they have kept my feet warm and dry over the years so I have no intention of making a change just yet. It would be like getting rid of an old friend.
Turkey Calls
Every good turkey hunter has an arsenal of calls in their stash and if you’ve never used one you’re in for an experience. There are several different kinds to choose from and although all of them serve a purpose, each hunter ends up having a personal preference.
When I first started turkey hunting I had NEVER even so much as picked up a turkey call much less used one. I won’t lie. Learning to use them can be tricky and a little bit intimidating. But if you have someone to show you the proper technique then you’ll figure it out quickly.
There are several different kinds of calls. The ones I’m most familiar with are mouth calls, slate calls, and box calls. I will admit right off the bat that I have NOT figured out how to use a mouth call so I won’t even begin to explain that.
Our son, Jacob, is VERY good at using a mouth call. I have tried over the years and usually end in gagging and choking. Maybe one day but not today.
Slate Calls Are Easy For Beginners And My Personal Favorite
The call I use the most and LOVE using is the slate call, also known as pot call. It’s the most versatile and easiest for beginners.
Slate calls consist of a pot and a striker. The pot is made out of wood or plastic and has a slate on top made from glass or crystal. The strikers come in all different sizes and both are made from various kinds of woods. They can be reasonably priced or you can have them specially made which can get rather expensive.
The Best Way To Learn How To Use A Call Is By Watching Someone Else
My husband’s cousin, Terry, is a champion at using a slate call and he’s given me more than one lesson. Once you figure out how to hold your striker and then apply it to the slate call, you’ll be calling toms in no time.
Youtube is also a great place to find videos for learning how to use a slate call. In the early years of learning to call in a turkey, I would watch video after video after video to get the whole turkey call thing figured out.
It helps though to be in the woods and hear exactly how turkeys communicate with each other for yourself. I would spend hours watching other people. But it’s when you hear the clucks, yelps, and putting for yourself that you know what it is that you’re supposed to be mimicking. And you can put that into practice.
Box Calls Are Effective For Calling In Turkeys
The box call is another effective call for calling in turkeys. It’s made out of wood and it creates friction from sliding the lid across the surface of the box. Box calls are convenient because everything you need is right there together. They can get VERY loud, depending on the pressure you apply and can be heard from great distances. They’re great for beginners.
Because they are so compact they can easily move around in your hunting vest and create sound while walking to your hunting spot. I generally take my ponytail holder and wrap around the end to keep the call from sliding around and making noise. It’s happened more than once. I’ve been walking to where I’m going to hunt and the call has screeched in my vest scaring off potential turkeys close by.
Turkey Hunting Vest
A turkey hunting vest is one of those things that you don’t think you need but once you use one you’ll never go without. They serve many purposes and are a must for spring turkey season.
I’ll just tell you first and foremost the thing I love the most about having a turkey hunting vest is the fact that it’s got a cushion built right into it.
Turkey Hunting Vests Make The Best Seats
Yes!!! If you’re a seasoned hunter or just beginning you’ve got to know that during turkey season you will be forced to sit in some uncomfortable places. Rocks, old dead logs, and rough ground. Your butt and back will hurt like crazy and you’ll be wishing for comfort. With a hunting vest, you won’t have to wish. It will come right along with you and you won’t even know it’s attached.
Another perk to the hunting vest is that you’ve got compartments for days. Hidey holes for your calls, extra bullets, gloves, strikers, and so much more. It’s a little like packing your suitcase for travel only instead you’ve got your hunting gear arsenal all in one place to root through as needed.
It fits like a vest and is lightweight. It sounds like it might be cumbersome but it’s very comfortable and nonbinding. It’s one of my favorite gear purchases. If you don’t have one, you NEED one!
Camouflage Clothing: A Must For Turkey Hunting
Turkeys Have Keen Eyesight
Turkeys have very keen eyesight. They don’t miss a beat when it comes to seeing any sort of movement. It’s not only vital but crucial that you make sure you are as well hidden as possible. Camouflage clothing is the best defense for good coverage.
Although there are different patterns of camo, during the springtime when everything is GREEN “Realtree” is the best choice for buying hunting clothes. It’s the closest thing to the colors in the woods this time of year, therefore allowing you to blend into your surroundings.
Coverage Counts
Coverage is so important when you are hunting turkeys. From the top of your head to the tips of your boots, you need to be covered. No skin showing! At all!
I always wear long sleeves and pants that I can tuck into my Muck boots. Although coverage is key, make sure that your turkey hunting clothes are comfortable as well. There is nothing worse than sitting down beside a tree and having the waistband of your pants searing into your gut. It makes for a LOOOOOOOOONG day of hunting.
Turkey Hunting Mask and Gloves
In addition to making sure your complete body is covered, your face is one of the most important body parts that you need to address. Our faces have a constant movement that we don’t realize. From blinking to licking our lips to wiggling our noses, we just can’t help not sitting completely still.
Face Masks Keep Turkeys From Seeing Your Movement
A couple of turkey seasons ago I hunted by myself at the back of our property. I hunkered down in some weeds and had leaned against a tree. I might add that calling in a turkey for yourself is hard and a skill I have not yet mastered. So trying to maneuver a turkey call AND hold my gun was nothing less than a challenge.
The tom was coming into the call perfectly and so my adrenaline was racing. With every scratch on the slate call his “gobble, gobble, gobble” got closer. I was excited to say the least. To call in my own bird AND bag this tom was going to be victorious.
The Moral To The Story Is To ALWAYS Wear Your Face Mask and Gloves
This is the point of the story where I emphasize just how keen a turkey’s eyesight is. As I sat there anxiously waiting for the tom to show himself, I heard the smallest of sounds to my right. Of course, reflexes took over and my head instantly spun around to see what was making that sound. A hen! And she busted me immediately which led to the tom taking off back into the direction from which he was coming.
Mad at myself is an understatement because I wasn’t wearing my face mask or my gloves and I knew better. I had gotten hot and decided that I was in ample cover that nothing would be able to spot me that low in the weeds.
Wrong!!
I was just at the right height of the hen and she spotted me almost instantaneously.
Even though we tend to focus on jackets and pants for coverage, our heads, faces, and hands are just as important if not more so. Remember, it’s your hands that will be holding the gun when you get ready to pull the trigger. Turkeys see EVERYTHING, even your hands. So make sure you are properly covered.
Sawyer’s Insect Repellant For Ticks and Chiggers
The last essential that I would deem as important is insect repellant. I don’t know about you but the only REAL downside to being in the woods is TICKS and CHIGGERS. Well, and SNAKES! I do hate snakes, any and all of them. I don’t even care about the argument regarding black snakes killing mice. Don’t try and convince me otherwise because I’m too old to change my mind on that one.
When You Find A Good Insect Repellant Stick With It
For our family, we use Sawyer’s for keeping those pesky ticks away. We’ve found over the years that it works the best for repelling ticks, chiggers, and whatever other insects we might run into. Scent control really isn’t an issue during turkey season so using an insect repellant is perfectly fine but it’s important to use one that is effective. Sawyer’s is the only one we will use.
Hunting turkeys in the springtime is one of the most fun things we do as a family and we look forward to it every year. After a long winter, it’s always inviting to get back out into the woods to get back to what we love to do…HUNT!
Whether it be hunting wild morel mushrooms that are just popping up or trekking around for old turtle shells, our family loves to be in the woods. Spring turkey season is definitely a favorite! And when that time rolls around you can bet that we will have our turkey hunting essentials packed and ready to go. Turkey hunting success comes when you are adequately prepared. Having the essential tools on hand will help you call in and successfully harvest a turkey.
