Annie Oakley on Her First Outing

Okay, so while growing up, I wasn't much interested in guns. I certainly had plenty of opportunity to learn, but they just didn't appeal to me. Perhaps it was the noise; perhaps it was the bruises on her shoulder Mom came home with, after shooting skeet. So, perhaps it is not surprising that Dad was a bit startled when I asked him to teach me to shoot handguns while we were Up North.

But he seemed happy enough to oblige. He packed up some guns and some ammunition and paper targets; and he and Bruce and I went off, one afternoon, to the woods (with permission of the owner!) to have some fun.

(Learning to load the revolver.)
(The Gun Master looks on.)
(Don't you love the "smoke"?)
(My first target!)

Up North 2008

Pretty much the first thing everyone does when they arrive Up North is head down to the lake. I'm not sure if it's to determine that the lake is still there or just to reconnect with the essence of the place. Stuart and Alex in particular always seem more relaxed on the boats. Bruce and Donna enjoy hanging out on the dock, too. And it ain't Up North if we don't have bait in the fridge.

Stay tuned...