If I had promised a man a pretty day, and he would not accept yesterday or today as a pretty day, I would just have to be inclined to whip his butt. The last two days have been absolutely perfect quail hunting days. Then there is the icing on the cake which is a full moon. When that full moon starts setting over the Flint River around 5:00AM, it makes that moving water in the Flint dance and sparkle. I have some of my best conversations with God as I gaze at that full moon setting into the west and enjoy watching His creation.

Speaking of quail hunting, I read a quote from Robert Ruark about quail hunting that really resonated with me. Robert Ruark said, “You will rarely find a dedicated quail shot who is not a pretty nice guy. He has to be a nice guy because he is performing for the benefit of the dogs, himself, and his companions, and all are expert in detection of fraudulent behavior in the field.” Jimmy Carter who was NOT my favorite president also said almost the same thing when he commented that you could learn more about the character of a man by spending a day quail hunting with him than any other way. I have his quoted framed and hanging in the main Lodge.

Although we occasionally have to hunt for a bird that a guest swears that he killed although the quail sailed safely out of sight, I would have to completely agree With Ruark and Carter about the exemplary character of quail hunters. I have always told my friends that the nicest folks in the world come through my doors. In my 45 years that I spent here meeting 32 guests three times a week, I can count on one hand the number of people that I did not like and would not have them back as guests; so pat yourselves on the back. As we say in the south, “Y’all are good folks.”

We have a jam packed second half of hunting season ahead of us, but we do have a few openings here and there if you have not already booked a date to prove that you have excellent character. Our phones are ringing regularly now with guests looking for available dates. At this stage of the game, it is first called, first reserved; so give us a call, and lock up one of these few remaining dates.

Let me close with just a couple of funny things that I have read:

1. If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
2.  I was going to wear my camouflage shirt today, but I couldn’t find it.
3. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity- Anyone who has ever had to deal with the government would totally agree with this one.
4. Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes. Ouch, that one cuts to the bone.
   Let me close by wishing everyone a healthy, happy, and blessed New Year!