Annual Family Dove Hunt 2016 {Haskell, Texas}

Our annual family dove hunt is pretty much a guarantee to being a great time; surrounded by family the entire weekend brings to mind the old ways of living. Everyone is a part of the work. The group, as a whole, works as one unit: all the adults help watch and care fore the children. Everyone pitches in on the meals and clean up. There is a sense of close knit community is this environment and it makes me think of the small village life that we humans used to live in (after all, we are pack creatures); and I feel that getting away from that and living 'on our own' has proven detrimental to our mental, spiritual, and physical well being. At least a little. Which is why this annual trip to Haskell, Texas is a bit of a battery charge for me. I don't even look at the clock when I'm out there (except to wake up). I usually come back refreshed and clear-headed.   

It's holiday for me, Texas style.

The 3 1/2 hr drive to Haskell, from our house, is so beautiful, especially if it's made in the evening. You really get to see what the wide open landscape in Texas is all about.

With loads of family all piled into Dorthy's house, every space available is used. Here, the pull out couch served as the nest for me, Marleigh, and Jack for 3 nights. 

They just don't make porches like this anymore.

Jack and Marleigh, scoping out one of the rat traps around this brush pile.

Marleigh, being the animal lover that she is, was ecstatic about these two rats when she discovered them. She would eventually sneak over and free these little guys while no one was looking for fear of their demise.

My great aunt Dorthy Monroe. Sister to my late grandmother (on my father's side).

This is my great uncle, "Sonney". He always prepares a big lunch on Saturday - fried fish, hush puppies, and fries. Inside, my cousins and aunts are preparing the side to go along with the supper.

Good old uncle Rusty, having a donut.

This Haskell trip included a memorial service for one of my cousins who passed away recently - Richard Grandy. It was bitter sweet saying goodbye; several people shared wonderful memories of Richard. There were tears and laughter at his memorial...he is deeply missed.

If there is sugar hiding in the room, my kids are sure to sniff it out!

My cousin, Reggie Rueffer, playing at Richard's memorial service. Reggie is a professional musician and has played with many big names, including Charlie Pride.