HUNTING FOR THE BIG BUCK

Taxidermy deer mount #17

2009-03-16T08:30:00.002-05:00

OK, so no one cares about dead deer. I do and that is all that matters. Like Janet always says, "Every picture of you and grandpa have something dead in front of you." This time the dead is by itself, however, hanging on my wall.

This deer mount turned out to be one of the best I have done. I guess the more you do the better you get. It still takes a long time but I think I still enjoy doing them. I now need to find three days to spend on doing Roger's elk. That will be a big job but can't wait to see the end results. I'm sure Roger would like to see it too.

We have been sick for the past week with Flu and colds. Spring will be here soon!!!!

Later, Jimmers

FOUR EYES

2009-01-31T20:02:00.004-06:00

Wow! can you believe I finally went and had my eye examine! Dr. told me I needed bifocals but since I have never had glasses, he suggested I go with single vision for now. I picked them up yesterday and I don't like them already. They hurt my eyes. I guess I will get used to them with time. My right side is still blurry so I think they are wrong. The left eye is great. I can actually read thing far away with it. I will give it some time but I think I will have to get a new right lens. Brandon also got glasses. He looks like Levi with them on. Please don't laugh at me when you see them.

Plan to see everyone Saturday the 7th at Ashley's "shower" in KS.

Later, Jim

2009

2009-01-24T17:41:00.003-06:00

I am finally making a post in 2009. I have a lot to write about but don't know what to write about. Perhaps it will just be nothing. Hope all are well and I'll dig for a picture to post.

Found this one with grandma Wiggins in it. Keep praying for her. Also put a pic of colorful flowers to make us wish for SPRING! It won't be long.

CHRISTMAS 2008

2008-12-26T10:12:00.005-06:00

We had a great time but missed Ashley and grandma Wiggins. Soon we will be able to say Douglas too.

Enjoy the most recent family pictures.

75 YEARS YOUNG

2008-12-09T16:36:00.003-06:00

WOW, my dad is 75. If you know my dad, you would never believe him to be 75. He is a wonderful man who looks and acts much younger than his age. He is in my opinion and I'm sure others, the best man in the world. He would do anything to help others. He is a loving man who cares about everyone. He is a great example of a Christian man.

I just want to say Happy Birthday dad and I love you. You are the Best!!!

Is that a KISS or what!

2008-11-25T19:26:00.003-06:00

While deer hunting the other day, I happened to notice these two trees that are in love. I must say, I have never seen a tree kiss another tree. Boy they sure are UGLY!

"Hey honey, want a KISS?"

TEN POINTER DOWN

2008-11-17T13:49:00.003-06:00

Another MO rifle season is upon us. Roger, Bill D. and I went to the Princeton, MO area to hunt. I was able to harvest this 10 pointer on Saturday morning at first light. Roger shot a big 10 pointer Sunday pm. I haven't seen his yet but will get a few pictures and post.

I was able to get permission to hunt this land by sending a letter to the owner who lives in Iowa on the Mississippi River area. He was very nice and we were able to talk for about 30 minutes by phone. It is so nice to have land owners who let you hunt.

A DAY IN THE WOODS.

2008-10-30T21:49:00.002-05:00

I love to spend time in the woods with my bow and camera. I truly love to see God's sun rise and set. Feel the wind blow on my face on a cool day and feel the warm sun shine against my face. The colors of the leaves this Fall were fantastic.

However, the thing I like the best is seeing the animals God created and watch them as they SURVIVE in the wild.

On Monday I was able to see a turkey, six deer and one bobcat. I was able to get my camera out and take a few pictures of the deer and bobcat. Even though they were less than 20 yards from me, they never were spooked by my presence. They could hear the camera click but were never alarmed. If they would have caught my scent they would have been gone instantly. I watched the bobcat chase a squirrel around the big tree and then into the hole you see in the pictures. They are extremely fast. The squirrel lived to see another sunset but I don't know how many more it will have? As the bobcat was chasing the squirrel, a few crows were flying overhead alerting all animals of the presence of danger. Yes they were making that lovely sound I am known for making on occasion. KAW, KAW, KAW -- can you hear me Judy?

Anyway just wanted to share with you more pictures. I passed on the deer as next year he will be a nice big buck. If he makes it through rifle season.

Hope all is well and say a Prayer for Nancy. She is so dear to us all.

Jim

KSU #78 LJHS #78

2008-10-22T16:44:00.003-05:00

Like father like son! It amazes me how I see myself through my son. He tackles a lot the way I did. He seems to wrestle them down. As soon as I saw this picture of Brandon, I remembered this one of myself against Nebraska. He has been playing middle linebacker and having a blast. He is playing pretty good too I must say. (COUGH BRAG BRAG) I enjoy so much watching these young guys get better and play so hard. If only I could be coaching them. Enjoy the pictures and everyone else needs to blog once in a while.

9TH FOOTBALL TEAM

2008-10-08T23:46:00.004-05:00

Brandon's team is 3-2 now. They seem to be playing better as the year goes on. Thought I would share a few pictures from the game tonight. They won 34-0. GO JAYS!!! Oh..B made a QB sack for 10 yard loss and guess what. I was busy taking pictures of the DB. I didn't know B had come in for the play. I was so upset with myself. So was B. I was able to zoom in on him after the play. So the picture you see above is him on the bottom. It looks like it must have been more than 10 yards.

Anyway, hope all are doing good.

PS. Deer hunted twice so far and nothing. (YET)

SUNFLOWERS

2008-10-05T21:52:00.002-05:00

Thought I would make a new post. I came across these sunflower pictures I took back in September in KS. To all you farmers, (none) OK, Kansans, enjoy!

Here's one about Kourtney.

2008-09-29T08:21:00.002-05:00

I seem to leave Kourtney out of this blog a lot. She was in the parade this past Saturday with her cheerleading group. She hurt her hand on Friday when she did a ?flip? and landed wrong. She sprained her forearm pretty bad. She no longer does gymnastics so she is into cheerleading now. GOOOOOOO JAAAAAAYYYYYSSSSSSS! = Liberty Blue Jays.

Downtown Indianapolis, IN

2008-09-29T08:10:00.002-05:00

My son Brandon took these two pictures through the windshield of the car. (I think I have him hooked on photography.) It is amazing what a camera can catch and how by changing the settings can bring out different looks. Click on picture to enlarge. Hope you enjoy.

Do people really read these?

2008-09-26T16:47:00.002-05:00

OK folks...this is a test. Janet says a lot of people read blogs, but just don't sign them. So I'm giving everyone a test. All you have to do is respond to this blog. You don't even have to sign in. Just write your name or initials in the "leave a comment" and sign in as anonymous. I doubt if I get two people to sign this blog. So get with it and sign in.

Oh, by the way...yesterday was my birthday.

2nd Annual Indy Trip

2008-09-23T21:05:00.006-05:00

What an awesome time in Indy. It is so fun to spend time with your children. Brandon loves the Colts and I do too. We had a great trip and had a blast. The new Lucas Oil Stadium is huge and very nice.

We arrived on Saturday and made a quick trip to Cincinnati to watch the Reds play the Brewers. After the game we made the 100 mile trip back to Indy to spend the night in a Motel 8. Of course I booked the cheapest I could find. $39.00 a night. Now I know why it was so cheap. No remote control in the room. I had to go get it from the office. No phone and no alarm clock. Slight case of mold in the shower and paint pealing at top by curtain. When the ac kicked on I thought it was a truck outside starting up. I saved $$$ but I know I won't use that motel again. Brandon was proud of me for saving the $, but was not impressed either. (I think he is just spoiled with the condos.)

The game Sunday with the Colts was awesome. Even though they lost, it was still exciting. The stadium is huge and very very loud. Looks like a 3rd annual is in store for next year.

Enjoy the pictures and if you want to see more let me know and I'll forward the album to you.

Where have the years gone.

2008-09-17T14:45:00.008-05:00

Seems like just yesterday Brandon was three and holding up his arms signaling a touchdown. Now he is a Freshman at Liberty and playing football. Thought I would share just a few pictures of him and show you how much he has changed. Enjoy!! Gold jersey is 7th. Then 8th and recent one 9th.

Dad.... Does this bring back any memories?

COLOR & BUGS

2008-09-13T14:33:00.004-05:00

While in Branson, I had my camera and took a few pictures. Can you believe that? Anyway, I wanted to show you a few that I think are pretty neat. The color is just awesome and the bugs and butterfly, well.. they just add to the picture.

Enjoy. Jimmers

Branson - with grandma and parents - PRICELESS

2008-09-12T22:45:00.002-05:00

I was able to take my parents and grandmother to Branson for a few days. It was so much fun to watch grandma having a great time. She loves to go on trips and to see Doug Gabriel and family. Doug gave us two morning shows free. We had a great time and we are ready to go again!!! Right Grandma!!!

Hope everyone is doing good and thanks for the prayers for Arlene's recovery. She is doing good.

Brandon had their first ball game but it didn't go so good.

Later Jim

BUSY WEEK

2008-09-04T14:36:00.003-05:00

Wow has it been a busy week. Worked one day and took the next day off to go to Marysville for my aunt Genie's funeral. After the funeral I came back home. Went to work the next day and then drove back to Marysville. Since 9-1 is opening day of dove season, I had to go. Well, dove season just isn't the same without GPA Wiggins. Also, I only got 6 birds on opening day. I think we had a total of 24 between 4 guys. We have never done that bad. Too many cool days before season.

On 9-1 at about 9:30 pm, my son calls me and tells me my wife is very sick and going to the hospital. They were to call me once they knew more from the Dr. At about midnight, I get a call stating she is staying at hospital and will have her gall bladder removed in the morning. Since I was running on few hours off sleep, I decided to sleep until 5 am and get up and go back home. Arlene had surgery about noon on Tuesday and was able to go home Wed. She is still feeling "BLAH" at this time and still in some pain.

I'm thankful she is home and recovering. Thank you to those who helped care for her and visited with me. Also the many prayers. It is nice to have the extra support from others.

Hope everyone is healthy and have a great day.

Brandon and Cheifs Football

2008-08-21T16:24:00.004-05:00

Brandon went to a Cheifs game last Saturday and had free tickets with a freind on the 50 yard line, 2nd row. He was able to see the Cardinals players really close.

Hope everyone is doing good.

Later, Jim

Only 10 more days until dove season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The MT BLOG

2008-08-18T22:56:00.003-05:00

MY FAMILY

2008-07-09T17:06:00.002-05:00

I must take time to show off my whole family. This is a picture of us taken in St. George Utah. Arlene and I have been married for 16 years.

CUP CAKE

2008-07-09T16:58:00.003-05:00

OK.. Now about Kourtney...our cup cake.

She is our little princess. She is now 12 and I don't think I like the idea of her getting older. So far she is not interested in boys. THANK YOU!!!! I'm sure that will change when school starts this Fall.

She no longer is doing gymnastics as it was getting to expensive and her hip was hurting her. She was doing really good up until she had to quit. They wanted her to join the tournament team. She was bummed at first, but now she is glad to have more free time. She still goes to the gym once in a while to have fun.

Anyway, here is a picture of her from vacation in Utah.

MUSCLES

2008-07-09T16:45:00.010-05:00

In case you haven't seen Brandon lately, he is getting strong. He has been working out for football and it is showing. I can still (BARELY) wrestle him down. I don't think it will be much longer and I won't be able to "take" him.

Picture was taken while on vacation 2008 in Utah. Brandon age 14.
Me age ??

WHY POST?????

2008-07-09T16:31:00.002-05:00

OK family.... I have been checking your blogs daily and I haven't found anything new. I need to move your links from "favorite" to most "non-updated." I look daily to see if anything new, but........ Feb., June...etc. You get the picture. I know we are all busy, but if that is the case, then we should have a lot to write about.

Hope everyone who reads this is having a great day. Enjoy your Summer and take a lot of pictures...they are priceless. Then share the pictures. All of us are changing so we like to see who is getting more grey hair, loosing more hair or who has changed hair styles. We also like to see how much our children are growing and changing. I'll do better myself at posting. If others update, it makes you want to update.

Bye for now.

MICE/MOUSE IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER!

2008-07-02T22:51:00.006-05:00

OK, so after Wednesday night Bible study, a group (40) of us go to Back Yard Burger. Judy, my sister, is setting in a booth just a few feet away when someone yells there's a mouse. Of course, Judy quickly pulls her feet up onto the seat. It wasn't long until I see the mouse right behind Judy's booth by the trash can. I remain calm and watch the gross thing run towards Judy's booth and into the back of it. Judy is not liking this at all. I tell everyone that mice don't bother me anymore as it is all mind over matter. I keep my feet on the floor and continue visiting with everyone.

About ten minutes later, I get up to go into a small side room to get the kids to come into the big area to sing happy birthday to someone. As I walk into the doorway to this room, guess what? You guessed it, that stinking mouse ran right between my feet. I jumped a little....but I was fine.........until that huge man eating creator turned around and ran right to me. His eyes had blood written on them. I just knew he was coming after me. SO...... I did what all men would do to save their life. I jumped up on chair. That's right a chair, just like my dad would have done. (See dad, I remembered something you taught me as a child. You would have been proud of me.)

So.... Here I am, all 6' 3" - 245 pounds of scared to death man, standing on a chair in front of 40 people who know me. I was making a weird sound of fear for my life. They are all laughing so hard. The place was loud and people were laughing at me. (I always thought it was wrong to make fun of someone.) So.....I take it like and man and let them make fun of me. I didn't care because I knew my dad would have been standing right beside me if he was there. For that matter, Raymond and the rest of my family would have been on a chair right beside me.

I finally hop the chair back towards where I was setting and get enough bravery to get down and set at the table. These "friends" and brothers and sisters in the Lord start saying, "I thought you weren't scared of mice any more." "Mind over matter"....etc..... They were still laughing at me. It really hurt, but again, I was only doing a survival tactic my brave wonderful father taught his children. I finally got my heart rate back to normal and finished the night off without further incident.

I'm sure I will not be able to sleep tonight as I will have night mares of that huge man eating mouse coming at me. I will see those big blood thirsty eyes looking at me. If that doesn't keep me up, then the reminder of people making fun of me will. I may be scared for LIFE.

Until next time, keep your feet up off the floor until you hear that wonderful sound, "SNAP." The sound of a trap eliminating a man eating creature.

Vacation pictures

2008-06-23T20:20:00.005-05:00

Pictures are on http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/deerfearjo/2008%20LV%20UTAH%201/

There are a total of 5 entries of these pictures of vacation. Just keep returning to deerfearjo tab and then scroll down the titles for the ones of vacation. They are: 2008 LV and Utah. Enjoy.

Watching your son leave.

2008-06-23T19:56:00.003-05:00

I know it is not even close, but when Brandon left on the plane Sunday for New Orleans, it made me think about a parent saying good bye to their son/daughter as they leave to go into the military. As many of you know, Brandon went to N. O. to help rebuild from the Katrina disaster. I am proud of him going and giving up a week of his summer break to help out. I have wanted to do this myself, but just never have.

I was doing fine until he looked over his shoulder for the last time as he entered to walkway to the plane. He disappeared looking over his shoulder and smiling. We made eye contact and then he was gone. (Those blue eyes. ) That was the time it hit me hard. Unlike a soldier leaving to protect us and putting himself in harms way, Brandon was going to help others and not be in a dangerous environment. To be a parent is wonderful but to see your son off to possible war has to be just totally emotionally tough. I want to thank all who read this that have served or has a son/daughter that has served. Without people like you, we wouldn't have the freedom we have now.

This event reminded me of when Brandon flew to Florida with his grandma Ross when he was only 4 or 5. Arlene and I watched the plane as it took off and we both cried. Well guess what..... I cried again Sunday. (No surprise to those who know me.) I waited about 10 minutes after his plane left the loading spot and finally saw his plane take off. I watched the plane until it disappeared from my eyes. It was then I remembered he was in GOD"S hands.

He has checked in with us several times and has been working on a roof. He said it was sad to see the condition of N. O. Please continue to pray for him and the group for safety.

Thanks Jim

INSANITY

2008-06-20T13:11:00.001-05:00

http://www.vegas.com/video/attractions/insanity/full_index.html

BIG SHOT

2008-06-20T13:10:00.000-05:00

http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/bigshot.html

Coaster at NY NY

2008-06-20T13:09:00.000-05:00

http://www.vegas.com/video/attractions/nynycoaster/full_index.html

X SCREAM

2008-06-20T13:08:00.001-05:00

http://www.vegas.com/video/attractions/xscream/full_index.html

INSANITY the ride 900 plus feet above the ground.

2008-06-20T12:39:00.002-05:00

Well, my kids are insane! They rode the Insanity, Big Shot and Extreme. All three of these rides are on top of the Stratosphere building. These rides are way up in the air. I could hardly stand near the edge even with a fence around it. They were very nervous but they were able to do it. They rode in the front seat of the Extreme. When it dropped about 20 plus feet and they were looking down towards the ground, they were loving it. They were a little weak in the stomach if you know what I mean. Nothing a little Sprite didn't cure. If you are brave or think you are brave, then you must try these rides when the opportunity arises. They are intense. Pictures will be coming. Click on the previous post for a link to see it.

I won't rub it in, but tonight we are going to a sea food buffet. Crab legs, shrimp etc.....

Oh, don't tell the police, but I took up a new hobby on this vacation. No it's not gambling. I haven't even put 1 cent into a machine. Just $100.00. Kidding..... I don't gamble. Actually, my new hobby is "DRIVE BY SHOOTING." You should try it sometime, it's fun. What I mean is drive by PHOTO shooting. As most of you know, I take a lot of pictures. The family gets tired of taking them for me so I have mastered driving and shooting at the same time. I will admit, some of them miss their target and all I get is the dash or the sky. However, some of them actually turn out very good. I can't wait to show some of the pictures from this trip. (I don't take pictures and drive when traffic is around. I also don't look through the lense. I just point and click. I am safe when doing this mom.)

That is enough from me today. Please feel free to add a comment so I know I'm not just writing this to Mr. Blog. I'm sure the FBI will get a pop up from Mr. Blog since I mentioned "DRIVE BY SHOOTING." Anyway, hope all are doing great and talk with everyone soon.

Jimmers

Utah/You Tall

2008-06-19T17:35:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful place to visit. Utah is amazing. Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park were Awesome. I have some great pictures I will share with all soon. It has been 105 plus here in Vegas but only 81 at Bryce Canyon. I want to go back. We just got back into Vegas and I'm ready to leave.

Tonight is the big night. No, not gambling, but rather for the kids to build enough braveness to tackle the ride on the stratosphere. They want to ride it after dark. I'm glad I'm not riding it!!!!!

The condos are great as expected. We wish family could be here with us.

We will be home late Sat. night. Pictures will be available Sun sometime.

Later, Jimmers

LAS VEGAS 112

2008-06-15T22:13:00.002-05:00

112. That was the temp on the van thermometer Sat. It read 104 today. Yes it is hot here in the desert. Didn't get to do much sight seeing yet. We will head to Utah Tuesday AM and return to LV on Thursday. We have ate at 2 buffets so far and neither have been real great. Typical buffet bulk fixed food. Sure wish I had a double bacon cheeseburger with a slice of onion from mom's cafe.

The condo is really nice and the AC is cold. It is 68 in the room. AHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Not much else to say other than HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL DAD's. I had a great one as Kourtney wrote me a nice note/card on the church bulletin this am. We went to the Oakley BLVD c of c for church. They have a web sight. About the size of Liberty church.

Going back to condo to fix brats and burgers on the grill. YUM YUM.

Later, Jim

Brave or STUPID?

2008-06-13T20:12:00.001-05:00

Brandon thinks he is brave enough to ride this. Wht do you think?

http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/insanity.html

FRIDAY THE 13TH

2008-06-13T08:26:00.000-05:00

Well, I was right. Only one more sleep. I don't think 3 1/2 hours of sleep counts as a sleep. When I finally went to bed at 3 AM this morning (thanks Janet for making me create this blog) I found my daughter sleeping in my bed. We had another round of bad storms last night and she must have went to be safe with "mommy." So I had to try and sleep on my daughter's bed that is way to small. My feet were hanging over the end. I just get to bed and I hear my son talking on his cell phone. A girl called him at 3:30 am to leave him a message. He quickly hung up and went back to sleep. I didn't. It took me a while. Since Brandon had to be a football practice at 7:30. I woke up at 7 a.m. and have been up every since.

I have to get ready to mow today and pack so I will be busy. I hope everyone has a great Friday the 13Th.

I told you I would bore everyone.

Driveway parking ticket????

2008-06-13T01:04:00.000-05:00

Raymond this one is for you. I know I should be in bed, but I just had to write this.

The top reason a person should never live in the city.

I returned home the other day from taking my lawn mower to the repair shop. I had the trailer behind my truck and knowing I had to go to Home Depot later, I just backed my trailer and truck into the driveway. Since it was lunch time, I went into the house and ate lunch. When I later got into my truck, I saw a ticket on my window. I had received a parking ticket in my driveway for blocking the sidewalk. This is on a school day at 11:52 am. Not a child in the neighborhood. Even if someone had to walk by the truck, they were still on cement and would not have to go into the street. I was not a happy camper, $38.50.

My neighbor is a cop for KC and I showed him the ticket. He told me the chief of police told them the night before that the parking patrol had been given permission to go out into neighborhoods and start patrolling. The chief said he was against this and was hoping to be able to stop it. It looks as if he wasn't! So today I go online to pay for the ticket and I can't seem to get access. So I call the # and wait on hold for about 15 minutes. I explain to the operator and give her the ticket number. She tells me they show the tag on the ticket as JMA not JM9. The officer wrote the 9 so as it looked like a small A.

So actually I didn't get a ticket, someone else with tags - - - JMA will have a warrant out for his arrest if I don't pay it. Anyway, when I get back I will have to get this all cleared up. I just thought you all might like to know what you are missing living in the city.

A PARKING TICKET IN MY DRIVEWAY. I SURE WISH THEY WOULD COME SHOVEL OFF THE SNOW ON THEIR SIDEWALK. I WONDER IF I COULD GET OFF ON GOOD MEASURE SINCE I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO CLEANS THE WHOLE AREA OF SIDEWALKS OFF WITH THE ATV. ANYONE KNOW A GOOD LAWYER. OK, THERE IS NO "GOOD" LAWYER.

Some pictures to share with you.

2008-06-13T00:50:00.000-05:00

My First Post

2008-06-13T00:20:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it. I'm actually writing in a "blog." I guess that is what you call this. Janet said I needed to make one so here it is.

I won't have time to write much this week as the family is going on our annual vacation in one more sleep. Maybe two more sleeps. I guess I'll go to bed tonight, or this morning (12:36 am now). We are headed to Nevada and Utah. Stupid us, two of the hottest states in June. The more I sweat, the more double chin I lose.

I'll try to keep up on this thing and start sharing my thoughts for the day or month. I'm telling you now, I will probably bore everyone with hunting and fishing stories. I'll also share with everyone about my wonderful family. I have a lot of great times in the outdoors that I would like to write about. I wish I could remember them all and write a book, (YOU KNOW, SOMETHING I HAD NEVER READ..A BOOK) about all the times I shared with my grandfather, family and friends. If I could get all of you to buy one and sale just 1,000,000 each for me, I could be rich and so could you.

I hope I have used good paragraphs in this blog as I would hate for Janet to find fault in my ability to write properly. (Janet, that is why I never asked you to write a book report for me. Even back then I knew you couldn't write in paragraphs. The report would have been a 10 page paragraph.)

I need to go so I can finish getting ready to pack for vacation. We are excited. Keep us in your prayers.

Jim