Survival Seeds

Monday, October 25, 2010

MY first deer of 2010

This weekend was the opening of black powder in Oklahoma. I was bummed because I had to work opening morning but Mister go to go out. At 5 am I woke up to hear rain beating down on our roof. I will be totally honest, I was somewhat glad that I was working. I just really didn't want to go hunt in the rain. Mister and his grandpa went out and didn't see anything until they were walking to the truck. It quit raining before they got to where they were hunting but the wind was blowing something fierce.

We were planning on going somewhere else that night but it was raining and we all discussed it and decided to not got Saturday evening. The wind was still blowing like crazy and none of us really wanted to fight it. There were gusts of over 30 MPH! We watched the UFC fights and got home about midnight.
Sunday morning they went while I stayed home to do homework and work on the house a little bit. They got home and didn't see a thing again. We decided to meet up at 4ish and go out to one spot where we have different tree stands.
I am going to give you a little background. I shot my first buck last year out of the tree stand that I set in. This was my first buck. I spotted him myself and was so proud of him. I actually thought that he was a she!!! I told Mister's grandfather that I shot big doe. He was a spike and was 115 lbs field dressed. This is why I am picky about who or IF anyone hunts in my stand. It is a perfect location and we are trying to manage the population of the deer in this area.
Now that you know all that let's move forward. Sunday evening as we were getting ready I looked at Mister and said " I am going to shoot a deer tonight". He grinned and said "I hope you do but don't get your hopes up so high that you will be upset". He was trying to prepare me since it was still windy and was 78 degrees outside.
I put on my camo and we headed to the stand. I crawled up into my stand. Made sure everything was ready and waited. I got excited when the cows left the area that I was in. I am in a stand that is a box so I can move around a little bit and take my phone to play with. I saw a coyote run down the fence line, lay down and look around and then get up and start running again. I had a wasp up in the trees stand that was hunting with me. A squirrel runs across the field and jumps into another tree. The nature that you see is amazing but I also had my phone to keep me company. I had been playing Words With Friends and had ran my battery down so I put it in my bag and switched sides of my trees stand to where I was facing west.
I heard something behind me and looked over my shoulder. I saw a forked horn buck (four point) coming up and decided that I would take a shot if it presented itself. I switched to the other side of the stand to where I could face the east. He is a buck that we had pictures of on the trail camera and I had already said that if the opportunity presented itself I was going to shoot him. I pulled up, clicked the safety off and waited for him to turn perfectly broadside so that I could take a shot. Then I noticed something coming up behind him. I looked up over my gun and saw a gorgeous buck. I decided to see how big he was and saw that he was at least a 7 point buck (I thought), so I made my decision that I was changing bucks!
I pulled the gun over and put my cross hairs on him. He was still walking towards me so I just watched him. He was so pretty. The smaller buck walked up to him and the bigger buck stopped and just bristled. The smaller buck smelled the bigger bucks horns and the big buck turned away. The big buck then began walking again and soon turned broadside to me. I had been watching him the whole time through the scope so I was ready. I centered the cross hairs just behind his shoulder, took a deep breath and pulled the trigger. Instead of the BOOM that I was expecting to hear, I heard CLICK. My stomach dropped then.
I think every hunter gets nervous or excited when they see the deer and make the decision that the one particular deer is "the one". Hearing that click was a stressful sound to me though. Like I said, I am basically in a box so I reach over to my bag, grab my extra primers, open them up and grab one. I kept my head still the whole time and really figured that they were going to run when they heard the click, but they didn't. I pull the bolt up and back on my muzzle loader and watch them when it makes the noises that it makes. Again, I thought they were going to run. They were still standing there. I take the primer off the nipple and put a new one on. I push the bolt frontwards and down and it makes a noise again but they stayed.

When I looked up this time I saw a sight that Mister still hasn't gotten to see and I had only hoped that I would see - the two bucks had started fighting with each other. I have seen it on TV but to see the two bucks looking at each other and the hit horns/heads and go at each other is amazing. I watched for a few seconds and got the big buck in my cross hairs again, waiting for a good broadside shot. I took a deep breath to relax, because honestly I was shaking from the stress of all the little accidents that were piling up. When I got my good broadside shot I lined the cross hairs up behind his shoulder and pulled the trigger. His legs kicked up higher than his head and they both took off.

I made a rookie mistake and watched both deer. It is amazing to see what they do when spooked. I immediately called Mister whose first words out of his mouth were "did you get him?". What came out of my mouth was YeahhekickedrealhighandIthinkitisa6pointnoa7pointbutitcouldbean8pointandtheprimerdidn't
gooffandsoIhadtoputanewoneonImadeagoodshottheywerefightingandheisagoodbuckthey
snuckuponmehe'sareallygoodbuck. Which was a run-on sentence that is said in one breath and actually comes out to be - Yeah he kicked real high and I think it is a 6 point no a 7 point but it could be an 8 point and the primer didn't go off and so I had to put a new one on I made a good shot they were fighting and he is a good buck they snuck up on me he's a really good buck.

Keep in mind I was shaking like a leaf from the adrenaline that was pumping at that time. Mister got down out of his stand and came over to mine which is 200 yards from mine. As he was walking over the small buck came back! He walked back and forth in front of us for 10 minutes, never getting spooked. We talked while he was there since Mister was 15 yards behind me and once he left Mister came over to my stand. I got down and we started looking for blood knowing that we didn't have long. I made the shot at 6:28 pm. We couldn't find any blood and I was getting worried. I kept telling him, "I made a good shot and I saw him kick his legs up. I know I hit him". We had his grandfather with us who can be a bit impatient so we went to pick him up and brought him back to help us look. It was dark by this time and I was worried. I crawled back up in my tree stand and told them about where I shot him.

Before I even started to get out of my stand I heard Mister say that he had found blood. We kept looking, putting a flashlight where the last spot of blood was, tracking him. We actually found very little blood. Any blood that we saw was a little bit bigger than the top of a pencil eraser. Grandpa made a big loop around and didn't see anything. He thought that I was too worked up after the primer and hadn't made a good shot. Mister was bound and determined to find him though. He made the same loop that Grandpa did and just about missed my buck also. He was laying up against a tree and looked like a log! Mister called me over and we drug him out of the woods.
He was an 8 point buck that field dressed at 140 lbs. He was beautiful and we decided to get him mounted. This is the first deer that either of us has thought was big enough to be mounted. It is also the largest deer that either of us has shot. We put the time on the tag and took it to show a few people. The rack is around 120 inches, which is not a bad deer at all!
I kept trying to check it in but couldn't. Oklahoma now has a program where you can check your deer in online. We did that with Mister's deer the weekend before and I tried to with mine. I though that maybe I was just having issues with the phone so when we got home Mister got everything together and started to process the deer, while I tried to check him in online. I still was unable to check him in. Mister called one game warden that we know and got his voicemail and we left a message explaining that we couldn't check the deer in. He called another one and got his voicemail, explained the situation again and then we called his home number. No answer on that line either, but we did get a phone call from the 2nd game warden within 2 minutes and I learned all sorts of information. You have 24 hours to check the deer in, the game wardens are very nice and helpful and when you screw it up the next day checking it in they are really nice in OKC.
We got him skinned and cut up at about midnight. We took care getting the cape skinned off of him and throwing it in the fridge to take to the taxidermist tomorrow. The quarters are cooling out in the freezer. I am still on cloud nine from the buck that I worked to get, held myself in check to get and who was fighting to keep his territory. It also isn't a bad thing that I shot a bigger deer than Mister and get to put the first mount on the wall!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Canning Pears in Syrup

Here is the syrup recipe again. This way you will have it all together.


Ultra-Light Syrup - ½ cup sugar & 5 cups water - yields 5 ¼ cups
Extra-Light Syrup - 1 ¼ cups sugar & 5 ½ cups water - yields 6 cups
Light Syrup - 2 1/3 cups sugar & 5 ¼ cups water - yields 6 ½ cups
Medium Syrup - 3 ¼ cups sugar & 5 cups water - yields 7 cups
Heavy Syrup - 4 ¼ cups sugar & 4 ¼ cups water - yields 7 cups
Corn Syrup - 1 ½ cups sugar, 1 cup corn syrup & 3 cups water - yields 6 cups
Honey Syrup - 1 cup sugar, 1 cup liquid honey & 4 cups water - yields 5 cups

In a stainless steel sauce pan, combine sugar, other sweetener (if using) and water. (Use amounts listed on the table for the syrup that you want to make.) Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat to low and keep warm until needed, taking care not to boil syrup down.
Allow 1 to 1 ½ cups of syrup for each quart of fruit. It is best to use the lightest syrup. This allows the pears to be used in pies or cobblers. You will be surprised how little syrup you will use.


Preventing fruit from browning - submerge cut fruit in a mixture of ¼ cup lemon juice and 4 cups of water. You may also use citric acid or Fruit Fresh.


Pears in Syrup
Makes eight pint jars or four quart jars
8 to 12 lbs ripe but firm pears peeled, cored, halved and treated to prevent browning (this is listed above) and drained
1 batch hot light or medium syrup

1. Prepare canner, jars and lids.
2. In a large stainless steel saucepan, over medium-low heat war pears, one layer at a time, in syrup until heated through, about 5 minutes.
3. Using a slotted spoon, pack hot pears, cavity side down and overlapping layer, into hot jars within a generous ½ inch of top of jar. Ladle hot syrup into jars to cover pears, leaving ½ inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot syrup. Wipe rim, Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to finger-tip tight.
4. Place jars in canner, ensuring they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil and process pint jars for 20 minutes and quart jars for 25 minutes. Remove canner lid. Wait 5 minutes then remove jars, cool and store.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Syrups for canning fruit

I have been enjoying my peaches that I canned and I haven't tried my apples yet but I am sure that I will enjoy them this winter in making cobblers or pies. I canned them in the extra-light syrup and they are sweet enough to just open and eat but will be able to be used in other recipes as well. This is recipe to keep around for all your fruit canning needs!

Ultra-Light Syrup - ½ cup sugar & 5 cups water - yields 5 ¼ cups
Extra-Light Syrup - 1 ¼ cups sugar & 5 ½ cups water - yields 6 cups
Light Syrup - 2 1/3 cups sugar & 5 ¼ cups water - yields 6 ½ cups
Medium Syrup - 3 ¼ cups sugar & 5 cups water - yields 7 cups
Heavy Syrup - 4 ¼ cups sugar & 4 ¼ cups water - yields 7 cups
Corn Syrup - 1 ½ cups sugar, 1 cup corn syrup & 3 cups water - yields 6 cups
Honey Syrup - 1 cup sugar, 1 cup liquid honey & 4 cups water - yields 5 cups

In a stainless steel sauce pan, combine sugar, other sweetener (if using) and water. (Use amounts listed on the table for the syrup that you want to make.) Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat to low and keep warm until needed, taking care not to boil syrup down. Allow 1 to 1 ½ cups of syrup for each quart of fruit. It is best to use the lightest syrup. This allows the fruit to be used in pies or cobblers. Always check with your recipe and see what the recipe recommends you use though. Some fruits require a heavier syrup. You will be surprised how little syrup you will use.

Tomorrow I will have a recipe for canning pears! I am getting ready to go and get some to can and I can't wait to see how they turn out!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Just Thursday

Outside my window..sunshine
The time is..8:49 am
Today I feel..much better than I have the previous two weeks!!
I am thinking..I am so glad that I am over poison ivy, the bronchitis that was a secondary infection and the rash that all of a sudden popped up (and we don't know what caused it) is basically GONE!!!!
At the moment, I am thankful..for a husband who is willing to do whatever to get me through my last semester of school.
I am going..to be muzzle loader hunting this weekend. Let's hope I can get a deer!
I am wearing..a lavender top with a cream cami underneath and navy slacks.
I wish..that I could figure out what I am doing for a job this spring. I am just stressing out too early, but still!!!
I am reading..The same things. I really need to take some time and read a bit more.
I am working on..school stuff and canceling the movie channels on our satellite.
I am hoping..that I can get a deer this weekend. Mister has already got one.
I am hearing..the radio playing light rock.
I bet you didn't know..I am getting my flu shot today. Since I have had bronchitis already I figure I should be careful and go ahead and get it. And I used a Neti Pot for the first time last night.
One of my favorite..things to see while hunting is the wildlife. Even if I don't get to shoot anything!
Weekend Plans..
[Thursday] relax
[Friday] shoot my muzzle loader, learn how to clean it and go to a visitation.
[Saturday] hunt
[Sunday] hunt

Tree Stand sights

Sometimes you see the strangest things in a tree. Mister took this picture with his phone. This squirrel came up to him 5 or 6 times. Nature is amazing!!

Monday, October 18, 2010

fair results 2010

I told y'all that I would update you on my fair entries. Well, I am finally getting around to it! I had put a baby quilt that I got fourth with and then I entered salsa, blackberry jelly, plum jelly, jalapeno pepper jelly but didn't place. There were so many entries and I was excited to do as well as I did. My spicy bread and butter pickles placed first overall!!! I was so excited about this. These are grandmas that I was competing against!













I have recipes for all of these and if any of them tickle your fancy and you would like them leave me a comment or email me!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

First deer of the season

Look at what Mister got! About 100 lbs. 5 points. He made the shot from 50 yards with his bow. First deer of this season. I am so proud of him. Next year I will try and get the first one. I have been home with bronchitis and have not been feeling good. I don't think that coughing will draw the deer in and I can't stop so no crawling up in a tree stand yet.....



Thursday, October 14, 2010



My sis-in-law playing for state this week!!! They won the first game and are playing this evening again. I am so rooting for them and will be listening on the radio. Go K!!!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Just Thursday



Outside my window..I see sun. I wish it would go away!!! I am tired and want to be in bed.
The time is..8:58 am

Today I feel..TIRED! I had a long long work day last night.
I am thinking.. I am glad that I am married and don't have to try and find someone.

At the moment, I am thankful.. for my hubby

I am going..to rest this weekend

I am wearing..khaki's, white top and a jacket

I wish..I had today off and could stay home.

I am reading..Life of Pi and Genuine Lies
I am working on..getting homework done.

I am hoping..to be able to rest this weekend and for the poison ivy to be GONE!!!
I am hearing..radio
I bet you didn't know..I have never gotten poison ivy before but that it kicked my butt this time! I ended up going back to the doctor and being put on oral steroids.
One of my favorite..meals is goulash!!! I am fixing it tonight!
Weekend Plans..
[Thursday] Relax
[Friday] football game maybe, hunt

[Saturday] work, hunt

[Sunday] hunt


Head over to Abby's and link up! We all want to know about you!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

CSN Stores & Pressure Cooker Review

I was so excited to be approached by Jessica to do a review and knew exactly what I wanted to do it on - a pressure cooker! I have been wanting one and thought that this would be a good time to get one. I made my order online and was very impressed and it went smoothly.


I did make one mistake and forgot to make an account so I had to call and have them help me make a password so that I could check the status of the order. The customer service representative was wonderful and was so helpful. I was impress with how she seemed to WANT to help me.

On Monday night (7/26/10) I checked my email and squealed, it was shipped. They had upgraded me, free of charge to ship quicker. I should receive it on Wednesday it says!!!

On Wednesday I checked my email and it was on the truck to be delivered! I am ready to sit down and look through everything that comes with it and maybe even can some green beans!

I have received it and it has been put through the wringer!!! I have canned 40 pints, plus 7 quarts of chili and a ton a brown beans. I canned two batches, one right after the other and it worked perfect. The book is self explanatory and has tons of recipes. I am looking forward to seeing what else I can do with this.

I have always been scared of using a pressure cooker. I have heard so many stories of them blowing up in the middle of canning. Presto has a high quality product that has safety devices so that the stories that I heard wouldn't happen. This was refreshing to me and was also somewhat expected. After dealing with CSN and knowing their customer service standards, it is only right that their products have just as high of standards as they do.

Christmas is coming up so I suggest that you look at their numerous stores online and get to shopping!!! Everything is conveniently located and easy to find. They have everything that you could want for the pets, babies, husbands, wives and everyone and everything in between. What are you waiting for???? Go and check them out!!! You can finish all your Christmas shopping from the comfort of your own home and you will have gotten a great deal!!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a $60 gift code in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Tiffanie @ Pineapples and Pickles

This is one couple that has really been on my heart. Tiffanie has been nothing but upbeat through all of the trials that have be thrown at them. I met them through my friend Bre and I have been praying for them daily. I know that my readers are a good hearted bunch so if you would say a few words for them and get the word out I would appreciate it so much. I know that she is taking a short break from blogging to get herself centered, but I am sure that the kind comments and acknowledgements would be helpful in this time of uncertainty for them. The diagnosis has just changed again and is very uncertain right now. It is very rare and they don't know what they are going to be able to do. They have gone from having a plan to having no idea... This is an excerpt from her blog....

"Well, I sit here very confused and, for the first time during this whole
process, scared. We received completely different news at our cardiologist
appointment today. At this time we're not sure if it's good news or bad news.
It's all so confusing at this point, and I'm even in the medical field.
I'll give it a go anyways... "

Please go and give them some love through this hard time.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Bow season opens today!!!

I am so pumped because today is the opening day of bow season in Oklahoma. It is 74 degrees with a 3 MPH North wind. It is going to be perfect. Mister and a friend went out this morning and didn't shoot anything. The friend saw a doe but she wasn't within range. The deer have been eating my corn so I am excited to see if I can finally shoot something with my bow!!!!

The picture that I put up yesterday was of poison ivy that I got into sometime. I went and got a steroid shot yesterday morning at the AM clinic and was worried about whether I would be able to wear contacts or not today. I woke up this morning and the poison ivy as less noticeable than yesterday and my MIL said that it would be okay to put my contacts in!!! So I am looking forward to getting off work and heading out to the woods. Good luck to all you other hunters!!!