A Christmas Wish from Steve Kleist

[Dean Romig]

This would have appeared in the Winter Issue of Parker Pages but for the fact that your editor was having 'computer problems. Thanks Steve for your very thoughtful contribution.

A Christmas Wish for Cold Feet
by Steve Kleist

Sometime this holiday season take a walk with your Parker. I hope you get outside when it is really cold and I hope you stay out much too long. I hope it’s the kind of cold that chills you to the bone. The kind of cold you experienced as a kid when it was just too much fun to come inside from whatever you were doing outdoors. I hope you get butt cold with numb fingers and cold feet.

When it’s time to come in, stand your Parker in the corner in a prominent place.

Build a nice warm fire. Maybe you’ll find some good dry oak, or ash, or perhaps some birch… add some white pine or red pine or even some balsam to make the fire crackle a little and to add some fragrance to the occasion. I hope the fire burns as only fires will in the coldest weather.
Find a comfortable chair. Sit close.

Perhaps your favorite dog will be there, if only in memory... the one dog that has given you the best years to make your years the best. The dog will know where to lie. Perhaps there is a white muzzle showing while nudging your approval with loving eyes. Maybe the dog will let you put your stocking feet under warm flanks as you sit.
You might need a little something, the good stuff, in one of those special glasses with a wildlife scene on the side. Maybe the glass was signed by a Ned, or a Les, or even by a Lynn. Add a little ice and be sure to make it an extra strong one.
Reflect on the past - Plan for the tomorrows - Be very thankful for today.
It’s the very best cure for cold feet.

Best Wishes & Best Fishes,
Steve Kleist

[C.O.B.]

Steve that was pretty much my day yesterday but I didn't get really cold but I got really, really wet. I went to the Haymarsh for pheasants with Daisy and a new to me DHE 20 with 30 inch barrels I adopted at Hausmanns last year. I was going to take Gunner's Gun but it was wet and dreary so as I haven't used this particular gun since the adoption it's the one I chose. Four hours of hunting in the rain produced one rooster with one shot. On the way home Daisy curled up on the heated seat after I toweled her off some and dreamed the dreams bird dogs do. I gave her some extra food and poured a toddy (ok it was three) and we both dozed off in the recliner.

[Carl Beers]

Steve.....I continue to marvel at your writings....beautifully stated. Thanks for writing it and Dean, thanks for placing it on the web site. Merry Christmas to you all.....Carl Beers

[Dean Romig]

I take no credit for writing it Carl - I just copy-pasted it.

I too, marvel at how Steve can write.

[Hammer Gun]

Steve, That just about says it all, after all Christmas is a time for reflection on things past and anticipation of the future, Gary