Garden & Guns, Part II

Apparently this month is all about our garden and my gun class.  Scott finally felt what it was like to be a hunter's widow this week...I was gone 4 out of 5 nights, and he had the bulk of the household/child responsibilities on his shoulders.  Wednesday night was the first night that I had spent with Ava since Saturday night! 

So, what's been going on?  I feel like I've been taking my gun safety class forever, but I am officially done and certified.  Thursday night I took my test - and got 100%, thank you very much.  It was pretty easy - I figure if an 11 year can do it, so can I...and I did!  However, last Monday when we were in class (held at Gander Mountain), I noticed a 5-year old boy playing with a toy rifle (bolt action - see, I did learn in the class) right next to our room.  He picked it up, and looked like a pro handling it...and it made me realize that I really had NO exposure to any guns growing up.  With Scott being such an avid hunter, it's important to both of us that Ava takes this class as soon as she's old enough.

The good news is that I've learned Scott is very safe when he does anything with guns.  In the past, it has always unnerved me a bit when he would take them out, but now that I know what he's doing, my comfort level has risen a ton.  And, I will admit, I think hunting is a lot harder than I originally believed...not so much a matter of just picking up a gun and shooting it.  So, it looks like I learned several unexpected things in this class.

This morning we had our range day at the Dakota County Gun Club.  I was a little nervous when I showed up, but the instructors showed us exactly what to do.  We shot 15 rounds (5 standing, 5 bench, and 5 kneeling.)  I didn't do too bad - 10 of the 15 hit my target.  And none hit the crazy birds that kept flying in front of us.  Seriously, bad idea, birds.

So, I'm done.  I'm official.  And I'm happy!  I haven't done anything new like this in a long time, and I needed to stretch a little outside of my normal hobbies.  Yay, me! :)

We had more corn out of the garden tonight.  I swear, if our garden could eat the rest of the yard it would.  I realize I posted a pic just a few weeks ago, but it's even bigger now.  My neighbor stopped me the other day and asked what the plants were on the left side of the garden.  I looked at her and said, "Two tomato plants."  But, really, it's more like they're tomato trees...they are incredible.  They are going to take out our windmill. 

Take a look in this pic - divide the garden in half...the entire left side is just two tomato plants.  Ridiculous. 

Do you know how hard it is to work from home with a toddler on the loose?  I was booted from my normal work space and displaced to Ava's little table.  I don't know if those little chairs are really ergonomic...!  Not only that, but Ava shoved me aside, and put all of her toy cookwear on my laptop.  Scooter, Puppy, and Black Bear had a better view than I did.  How's a mommy supposed to get any work done?

 Finally, I banished everyone outside...which was okay with her.  She hung out with Daddy in the garage.

Our little Lucky dog is getting a little white in the face.

I usually take the pics during the week, but I was slacking so bad this week that Scott had to step in.  I think he'll be happy to have his wife back to help out with things!  And I will be happy to have a little more free time.

I realized Scooter hasn't made much of an appearance lately.  Ava likes to change Scooter's diaper every morning before I change hers.  I don't let her actually use a wipe or any cream on him...we just pretend to do that part.  So, earlier this week, turns out that under TWO sets of adult eyes (male - so I can't be held responsible), Ava managed to get the cap off of the A&D ointment.  And Scooter's purple fur became very, very sticky and gross.  I think Scott has now learned that a quiet toddler is not necessarily a good thing...:)  It took a while to get Scooter all clean, and boy, Ava was very happy to see him last night when I presented him to her.  It was like long lost friends had been reunited...super cute!

I need to reunite with my long lost friends...the couch and the tv.  Night!