Not in the Card

By Brian G. Schommer

Dearest Friend Fall, I had some wonderful plans for us but unfortunately, most of them came up empty. Some of the failure rests solely upon me and, for that I apologize. Much of it was completely out of either one of our control which we can only chalk up to the fact that, as most things in life, “it is what it is.” Fall, please believe that my intent was to get together and enjoy many different experiences and good times. I don’t hold you responsible at all. Just like when I am playing cribbage, there are times that some things just are not in the cards, while other times, you hit enough hands to win.

Here are a few of the things that I had planned to do with you that fell by the wayside. So many past years, we spent many Friday nights together either at Todd Field or, at the gridiron of one of the area communities playing host to our Raiders. I am sure that you, like me, have some incredible memories of those times. A few of those State runs were action packed for sure. Sitting with you on a Friday night was always fun, no matter the outcome of the game or what mood you were in. I mean no offense by this but, there were more than a few times you were a little cold and, I always could tell when you had a bee in your bonnet when you would bring in that rain, sleet and snow mix. Either way, we made the best of it, enjoyed the time together and got to support the community. This year, we did not get dealt the cards we hoped for. Thankfully, we had KDWA and HCTV providing the opportunity to watch the games, so we at least didn’t lose total touch or hope. One a positive note; not many High School Football teams can say they won their last game of the season. Ours can.

How many times did I tell you that we were going to hang out together in a field and try to harvest some “sky liver” (Canada Goose)? If I had to sit alone with you at a sporting contest, I would but, doing something like hunting alone is not something that I really into. The potential for injury or worse is elevated to the “highly possible” level when you combine a firearm and an out-ofshape 50+ year old walking across a chisel plowed field. I certainly value physical well-being over getting to talk about putting a goose in the freezer. It isn’t that I would have a hard time finding friends who would join us in this experience but, finding the time to do it seemed to escape this year. With the wonderful virus that is infecting people like wildfire, career and family stuff (not just me, but most of my fellow hunting pals) and a minor surgery in early October, we still have a little time to make this happen. There is still some time to chase pheasants as well. It will be interesting to see what cards we are dealt. I was told by one of my cribbage mentors that sometimes it is not about the cards you are dealt, but more on how you play them and how you choose to toss your “crib” cards. There is a lot of truth to that.

Fall, I do have to apologize for one thing though. I really thought we were going to get that 14-foot Alumacraft boat out onto Lake Rebecca a time or two. Again, like hunting, I am not one to go fishing alone, at least from a boat. I have no issue sitting on shore and casting a line by myself as it provides a great time to just be with my thoughts for a bit, but, not in a boat. Yes, I wear my life jacket and am plenty buoyant without it, but I just am not willing to risk it. Also, if the fish are not biting, who would I talk with? Sorry Fall, but while you are a great friend to spend time with, you are not much of a conversationalist. A lot of the same issues that caused us not to be able to spend time hunting geese or pheasants this year can be blamed for this but, I had plenty of time make it happen and, that is one me.

Here is the thing Fall, you are only around until December 21st and then, your pal Winter shows up and you get to take a well-deserved nine-month vacation. Here I am trying to get some final time in with you and the rumor around town is others are getting a jump on spending time with Winter down at Lake Rebecca. There is still open water in some areas and, while you have provided us some chilly nights, I cannot imagine the ice you have provided is very thick. You may find it hard to believe but, my chubby butt will not go out on the ice until it is four inches or thicker. Ice fishing with your pal Winter and my buddies is an activity that I thoroughly enjoy and was deeply saddened that our annual trip to the Lake of the Woods was recently cancelled due to, again, situations completely out of our control. For me, I will stick the “fall” activities that you and I have grown to enjoy together. Tricking people into falling through the ice is not very nice, Fall. I can hear your response and cannot say I disagree. “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.”

Fall, I am not sure if we will get some last-minute time together outdoors. I would like to for sure and hopefully, it will be in the cards. Pheasant season is open until January 3rd of 2021 so, maybe a double dip someday will be in the plans. I know just the place out near Kandiyohi where geese and pheasants exist, so I promise, it will not be due to lack of effort on my part. The calls to a few of my buddies have already been made. Without hope, what else do we have, right? I know you are hopeful as well. I have come to know you very well and, I know you enjoy spending time with others… especially outdoors.

Finally, my friend, if you could do me a favor and let Winter know that I really want to spend some quality time with the Oldman this upcoming year. That Polarall is is so wanting to get out on the trail and, I would really like it if you could put in a good word or two for a little extra snow this season. I know many people do not share the same opinion but, to be able to get out and make some memories with Winter this upcoming year, the snow is a huge part of it. It is not for me that I ask; there are many people who enjoy snowmobiling, skiing both downhill and cross country, ice fishing and so much more that Winter offers us. I am truly asking for of Winter’s friends. As I have told all of you seasons, I do not have a favorite from your family. I love and care about all of you and appreciate the many things you offer all us to do with you, especially when we can meet up outdoors. Here is to a couple good “deals” for the rest of 2020 and even more going into 2021. While a 29 hand would be wonderful, I would settle for a couple 12’s and a 16. What is in the cards… time will tell. Get out and enjoy the great outdoors.