Opening Day {+ Duck Cleaning 101}

Peter's first hunting expedition

Peter's first home weekend from high school seminary just happened to coincide with opening day of hunting season.  Having recently completed hunter education classes along with Joseph, Peter gladly agreed to spend most of Saturday tromping through marshy fields in pursuit of ducks.  Donning camouflaged gear and packs loaded with ammo, the guys set out at dawn for the nearby duck hunting territory with high hopes. 

Joseph: his first duck down, with high hopes for another shot

For Peter, the 6AM alarm allowed a bit of a sleep-in compared to his usual routine at school.  Up and ready to roll, the guys grabbed a quick bite for breakfast before departing for the big hunting expedition.  Rubber boots and hip waders in tow, Tim and the boys found a spot with likely resident ducks and began their pursuit in earnest.  A few shots and several hours later, the score was Tim: 1, Peter & Joseph: 0. 

Peter displays his dad's first duck of the season.

The plucking and cleaning of duck #1, captured on video by Joseph (see below), should be a fun keepsake from the boys' first hunting expedition.  Turns out Peter's chores at the monastery included helping gut over 50 chickens on slaughter Saturday, so he willingly volunteered to handle the primary duck cleaning duties.  With only a little instruction from Tim, the bird was neatly prepared for cooking and put up.

Charlie jumps to investigate the prize.

One hunting trip (netting one duck) on opening day just couldn't satisfy, so after a rest and reload at home (with a glimpse of the Huskies vs Ducks game on TV), they headed out for a second round in the nearby fields.  This time Joseph's aim was spot-on, and he brought home his first duck.  Tim connected with two more ducks, and the day was deemed an overall victory.  Dusk fell as they loaded up their guns and headed toward home.

Peter cleans a duck for dinner.

Uprooted & Replanted {Journeying}

Final tagging of baggage before check-in at the departure gate

Another family transition officially transpired without (reported) incident: Zachary has been transplanted to European soil.  Zac's departure via Vancouver, BC, went off without a hitch; other than a very random series of questions by the Canadian Peace Arch border guard, the event was fairly uneventful. We officially received word that he landed and found lodging:

"Couldn't sleep on flight...took a train to Innsbruck and am here now."

Although the first 5 nights of his European stay are unstructured and mostly unplanned, we trust in his survival skills and good intuition, and eagerly await his occasional email updates and hope for photos, too.  As his first update arrived ~at the very moment Tim read it at work~ a customer who lives in Garmisch-Partkirchen, Germany, happened to be in our shop.  The customer overheard Tim sharing Zac's whereabouts and offered him lodging in a six bedroom apartment with a view of the highest peak in the Bavarian Alps, where her husband is currently stationed.  Whether or not Zachary takes the free lodging offer shall remain a mystery for the time being, but talk about Divine Providence at work!

Zac fires away during a pre-departure target practice session for fun on our private property.

Zac's unarmed on this journey, except for his trusty pocket knife, but he's packing a whole host of prayers and an extremely talented and holy guardian angel.  His hammock and lighter may prove useful; whether or not he'll miss his sleeping bag and hiking boots remains to be seen.  He's traveling light, with backpack and day pack, yet stuffed in his Church clothes ~ hand-me-downs from our former parish priest, Father Qui Thac~Marion who passed down and gave away all his belongings before taking the Benedictine habit and living the vow of poverty in extreme simplicity during this past year of discernment.  So in a way, Father QT~M is along for the journey with Zachary as well!

Quote of the day:
I announced, "Zachary is in one of the most beautiful places in the world today!"
Peter replied, "So are we." 
So true.

On top of the world

Like father, like son; at the target range with Mt. Baker looming in the distance

Family supper with our very special guest from Mission, BC

Speaking of Benedictines, we had the pleasure of hosting Father Peter Nygren, OSB, rector of Christ the King Seminary in Mission, BC, for dinner at our home a few days ago.  Father Peter makes a few stops after the school year ends to visit families whose boys have attended the live-ins and made connections with the Catholic boys' school.  We served grilled pork chops and corn on the cob and in return received a beautiful blessing and the opportunity to chant Vespers together in our living room (more or less on key).

Zachary, Peter, Father Peter and Joseph

Dr. Dude gives Zac the business over his beard

Speaking of special visitors, our Goddaughter Hope, and her family are visiting from San Diego.  Former neighbors and faithful parishioners of Sacred Heart, this adorable, growing family lights up the whole city upon their return.  We have cherished a few rowdy suppers at home and some squirming in the pews.  Things are always more exciting with little ones running around, and the timing of their visit coinciding with Zachary's departure helps ease the heart strains a bit.  

Zachary and Dominic chill in the company of Dominic's wiggly sisters: Miriam, Hope and Hannah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three brothers; apart for the time being, but very close at heart