Blog

WINNERS OF JIM’S BOOK:

Russ Tanner     New Mexico

Robert Clayton    Alaska

Nori McConnaughay   New Mexico

Donna Forgacs    California

Brooks Powell   Colorado

I was glad to hear that some of you were able to buy Jim’s book while they were still available. Also, for those of you who have reported problems trying to post your name, I have added your names to the drawing.

MORE PHOTOS OF TRIP 

         MONDAY                  AVIGNON

   Countryside                   70″ Lock

TUESDAY                 CHATEAUNEUF DU PAP & VIVIERS

Viviers Cathedral            Oldest Building             Viviers Street               Hilltop View                    Viviers

Taking a Break              Typical Street Cafe                    Pat                            View From Ship                  Riverside                      Early Morning

WEDNESDAY          LYONS IN RHONE VALLEY

Cafe                 Lyons Fountain          Ship Wake           Lunch in Trevoux         Trevoux Street         Dog in Window

THURSDAY              PEROUGES & TREVOUX

  Tournos Cathedral         Tournos

THURSDAY PM       TOURNOS & MACON IN BOURGOGNE

Chateau Cormatin        Gardens             Cormatin Kitchen                  Pond

FRIDAY                     CHALON-SUR-SAONE & BEAUNE IN BURGUNDY

FRIDAY               BEAUNE

I haven’t posted anything since Jim got so sick last November. It is now 6 months since he passed away and I finally feel like I’m above water. I now enjoy coming across photos of him in better times, especially when he was healthy and full of life. Though painting is my first priority, I’m determined to get out more. I’ve missed playing tennis, though I haven’t played in many years, so I signed up for lessons. I’ve even added Zumba classes to my exercise regimen and love them. BEST: today, when I was debating whether to post or not, I received the nicest letter and copy of the Summer issue of the magazine PERSIMMON HILL from its Editor Judy Hilovsky. She suggested I look at page 56 and there was the nicest full page article on Jim. The issue also included results from the Prix de West show there at the Cowboy Hall of Fame so if you’re interested, the web site is www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/involvement/PHillMagazine.aspx.

 I haven’t eaten good venison in years so a cousin, Ric Chaudoin, took me hunting. I’m still so excited—got the first mule deer buck we’d seen in 4 days, and with my first shot at 140 yards! I could never have done this without him—for many reasons: he took me to the southern Chiricahua Mountains, where he’s hunted most of his life; he has all the gear, including the 30.06 rifle I used; but mostly because he both field dressed the animal, got it back to camp and butchered it!I shot it just at dawn when the temperature was freezing. So by the time the sun warmed us to shirt sleeves, we could do the butchering in camp. There’s no point in getting wild game if the butchering isn’t done exactly right and Ric did it perfectly. I helped and learned so much. I’ve been home less than a week and have had delicious venison for 7 meals—and not a trace of gaminess!He’s also invented an incredible campfire cooking set up. He would make a fortune selling them. His grill can be adjusted to any height, and swings easily out of the heat and smoke when you want to check the doneness of the food. There is both a solid grill and a grate for steaks and they can even be used simultaneously. An optional attachment at the top holds a lantern.The Chiricahuas are in the southeast corner of Arizona and it was especially fun hunting here, where generations of our families have hunted for over a century. He had a fascinating or funny story about most every canyon and mountain ridge around us.I still can’t believe he agreed to take me. Words can’t adequately express my admiration for this man. I have such unbounded love and affection for him as a man—a devoted proud husband and dedicated loving dad. He is a man of integrity, grit, humor, kindness, wit, and amazing strength, stamina and intelligence. I am so proud to know him and so grateful to his parents for helping to raise such a man. He gave me a hunting experience of a lifetime—a great outfitter, guide, cook, coach and the best campfire company.