From the Editor — May/June 2019

As the special days arrive to celebrate Mom and Dad, I would like to reflect on a couple of memories I’ve shared with my folks.

When I was a kid, my dad taught me how to fish and I loved it … still do! Early one summer morning, we traveled up the river to his favorite spot. He told me what bait I should use and after having no luck with that, I had my own ideas. I switched to my old standby, and after just a few casts, I caught a nice walleye! As Dad was watching me take the bait out of its mouth, he said, “What did you catch that on?” I said, “Um, my bucktail, Dad.” He said, “No you didn’t! Walleye don’t bite on those.” (Jokingly of course.) I still get a chuckle when I think of the look on his face when I caught the big fish of the day!

My dad also taught me how to hunt … with help from my mom. One year, I arrived at the family’s hunting cabin just as the first day of the season was winding down. As I pulled in, I saw someone was in the garage. It was my mom hanging up her second deer of the day!

All of the guys (Dad and uncles) said where she was hunting on the land behind the cabin was no good and that she wouldn’t see anything. Not only did she see the deer, she shot, gutted, dragged, and hung them both herself. It was a proud daughter moment! The guys couldn’t believe it when they came back from the “Big Woods” with no deer.

I’m so thankful and proud to call my parents my own. I have thousands of memories that I cherish just as much as I do the two I shared with you.

From all of us at Countryside to all of you moms and dads, Happy Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!

Do you have a favorite family memory to share? I would love to hear from you! Include your photos as well! If you would like your photos returned, please send along a self-addressed, stamped envelope.You may send your memories to: Countryside Editor, P.O. Box 566, Medford, WI 54451 Or email: editor@countrysidemag.com