wildside

To my understanding, no. The new hospital will house new operating rooms, ICU's, regular patient floors and anything else to do with caring for kids and their families, including those with the very cardiac conditions that David operated on with such skill and compassion. Who knows - maybe there will be an OR in his name - I don't know as of yet, but that sure would be awesome. (On that note - those teamrealtree window stickers continue to grace the windows of the OR rooms in which David operated!) I have heard that something of permanence to honor and remember David and the others lost that fateful June day is in the works. Whatever that may be, I'll be sure to share it on the forums when it's announced.

Take a peek at this link http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2008/chopper.htm OCC created and built this chopper (pictured in my avatar) to benefit our new hospital. Watch The Learning Channel (TLC) show "American Chopper" on February 7 to see it all happen and to have the chance to bid!

Break out the flip flops, eh?. . . . funny, up until a few years ago, we always called them "thongs". . . . these days I guess that is reserved for a particular clothing item! Now, had you posted a thread entitled "Break out the thong", something tells me the comments would have been very different!

Well, what do you know, so was I. . . . As a college freshman, I originally went through "rush" (visiting all of the sororities) with a few friends from high school (who also happened to attend the same college as I did) simply to meet some new faces on campus - never did I think that it would go any further than that. After all, as many have posted, the stereotypical Greek organization often has it that, well, to liken it to a common misperception of hunters. . . they're just a bunch of poachers without ethics. Who would want to be a part of that?! Interesting how stereotypes are often encouraged by those who don't take the time to learn more about the people who make up a group - whatever that group might be. Surprise, surprise, I actually met some wonderful young ladies with square heads on their shoulders who proved to be outstanding people and assets to our world. I was and still am honored to have aligned myself with a great group of individuals who shared friendship, encouraged one another and truly helped bring out the best in others. One of my favorite roles during my college years was that of chaplain for my sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma. All too often it's forgotten that valuable education is to be found outside of the actual classroom setting. My experiences with Tri Sigma, as president of the Ball State Student Nurses Association, and in the dorms as a Resident Assistance all only served to make that much more complete my four years in college. And, yes, I got an education and succeeded with a goal to "make something of myself". Oh, and I almost forgot . . . not too many people can call Carrie Underwood their "sister"!

Franchi 620. It feels comfortable and is nice to handle. Real smooth. I prefer bow, but when I shoot this, I do like it - for sure.

My husband (a lifetime hunter) introduced me to hunting back when we were dating. Started with having fun shooting our bows at a simple deer target and seeing who could shoot closest to a tiny clover flower (many cool "dates" spent doing this ). I took hunter safety, got up in the treestand and never looked back. (Some days I wonder if my husband thinks twice about encouraging me. . . . ) Since having children, we take turns each season. If it's your turn, it's your season to get out in the woods (conveniently located right out our back door) for all it's worth. If it's not your turn, you stay back and hang out with the kids/cook dinner/listen to all of the stories from the woods. Our son has sat with my husband before but not yet with me (need a more secure two-person stand for that), and our daughter is nearly old enough but has a very hard time with not talking during every waking minute of the day! My husband and I love supporting one another and are proud to share each other's hunting stories and successes with our friends and family. It's a great arrangement. Especially since this past deer season was mine and I had success! Congrats to your lady friend on her monster!

Just bought my spring license today! Also happen to be seeing some nice toms hanging out in our yard on a very regular basis. I'm drooling in anticipation!

Parker Challenger. I've hunted successfully with shotgun, muzzleloader and bow, and the bow hunts are by far my favorite. Personally, I feel more like a quiet part of the woods with my bow versus an intruder wearing blaze orange and breaking the serenity of the woods with loud cracks of gunfire. I've enjoyed hunting with gun, don't get me wrong, yet the skill and challenge of bowhunting is more my cup of tea. Should you go with the bow, be sure to practice, practice, practice before actually hunting with it. Anchor points and a near ritualistic approach to every shot helps with consistency, which, of course, will bring you accuracy. Also be prepared for a new favorite form of hunting! It's awesome.

You're getting some nice pics, Andrea! Finn's quote reminded me of a funny story about our daughter and a squirrel at the feeder. In our yard, if a squirrel tries to get at the bird feeder, we'll send a shot or two from the pellet gun to remind him that he's not a bird and has no place at the bird feeder. Well, when our daughter was 2, she attended a child care setting where they had a planned activity to watch wildlife at the bird feeder outside the playroom window. You guessed it, when a squirrel jumped up on the feeder, our sweet little outdoorsy toddler yelled out, "Shoot it!". I think it left quite an impression on the other kids - and on the teachers!

I like your thinking!

Anne

I never knew that stevebeilgard was related to that crazy woman astronaut who drove cross country in a diaper to break up that space-aged love-triangle. As for Scott's question - have the kids yell "Peyton" every time the announcers say "Manning".

Aw, what a cutie!

My mother used to make liver and onions with cooked spinach. It was one meal that I simply couldn't handle. The last time my parents insisted that I eat it was the time I threw it up at (and all over) the dinner table. I've promised my children that I will never ever make this meal in our home!!!!!!

I think he's trying out your idea right now, Andrea. Soon Scott will start another nifty thread on "neat tricks to do with your food".

Good luck!!! Don't slip on the ice, and if you're in a tree stand, make sure your feet are steady on the rungs. (I can't help myself - it's the "mother" in me.) Laura

Hey, I'm with ya on that one! Coffee = mouth and drinking only! Well, unless it's a bean covered in chocolate, but even then. . . . mouth only. Back to those white dots. . . . you must belt out one heck of a sneeze to cause something like that. Like Buckee said - dizzy spell. Make sure you're not trying to hold it back. Just grab a tissue and let 'er go!

Funny one, Andrea! I've heard it before, but it's still just as clever now as it was then.

Just give one of those infamous coffee enemas a whirl and you'll be all better.

I do it sometimes, too (type in bold, that is). It is a bit easier on the eyes. And, no, I'm NOT YELLING!

Registered Nurse in the Pediatric Operating Rooms at the University of Michigan Medical Center, specializing as a member of the surgical team that works on children (and the occasional adult) with congenital heart defects. A team that still dearly misses Dr. David Ashburn, aka "Exturkinator" . . . and surely always will.

I don't think that you can ever go wrong by telling it like it is. It takes guts to do that - good for you for opening up to her. Sounds like she appreciated your honesty. Man, it reminds me of how glad I am that those dating days are in the past for me! God willing, I'll be with my husband until my dying day. As tough as dating can be, though, it is equally (if not more so) a really fun and exhilarating time of life! Good luck!

In short, you did great! I personally know that Andy's turkey calls are awesome works of art with terrific sound, and it's clear that his talent goes beyond the world of call-making. I love his choice of unique and beautiful wood with character. Something tells me she'll be very pleased!

Chaaaching!!!! You guys must be rolling in dough! Either that or too old to feel like dealing with the work of it all. With the woodburners, our gas bill remains virtually unchanged year-round. But, if you'd rather burn cash than wood, go ahead and turn up that dial.

Yep, respect for each other and for yourselves as the individuals you are. Don't lose that. It's possible to "be one" and not forget who you are in the process. I'd also add this - whenever speaking about each other to anyone, do your best to shine the spotlight on what is good about your spouse instead of complaining about every little thing that isn't. Build each other up as opposed to tearing each other down - both require energy, yet only one is truly productive. Worship and pray together. And have fun together! Sharing life with the one you love can be nothing short of awesome. Celebrating its highs and growing through its lows - together. Oh yeah, and, when you each enjoy the outdoors, there's that benefit of having someone to share your hunting/fishing stories with. . . maybe even be there with you in the woods or wading the stream when those memories are being made. . . .