Hernando, FL May 21,22,2011

[PHenry]

Flash! 13 Americans brave perfect weather to attend Appleseeds event!

Shocking, but true - absolutely true! 13 people turned off their TVs, and left their air-conditioned homes to come out and spend two days under near cloudless skies, with a cool breeze blowing for some shooting fun. It is reported that some of them didn't even have DVRs, which means that the episodes that they missed on TV will be gone forever! (at least until re-runs, and that's just not the same) Sounds pretty traumatic I know - perhaps even far-fetched given the habits of most modern Americans, but I am here to tell you that it did in fact take place - saw it with my own eyes I did. 

Two families made up more than half of the firing line Saturday AM. And fine families there are. What they may have lacked in experience with a rifle, they more than made up for by bringing teachable attitudes and a can do spirit. The line was rounded out with some "repeat offenders" - always a welcome sight for an old trail weary shoot boss, whose hat clearly needs replacement. Present and accounted for were Wayne, Tim, Adam, Ruth, Phillip, Kyle, Stacie, and Martha - a fine bunch for sure - always a pleasure to see all ya'll.

Whilst we enjoyed much improvement across the board, it weren't looking like we would reveal any new Riflemen by mid day on Sunday and I had near consigned myself to seeing my unbroken  "A Rifleman at every event" record go up in flames. Oh well, my delicate ego would just have to get over it and with a little luck and a lot of pleading, perhaps Fred would let me keep my faded red hat.

But, what's this? Coming up from behind like a long shot at the horse races is young Judah! 180, 200, 203, 213! Huzaaah! Judah makes Rifleman at his first event with a tube-fed, open sight rifle. Who's the man? Judah the man! Now my worry over my record had nothing to do with my enthusiasm right?  All kidding aside - Judah listened, applied, focused and persisted until he prevailed like David agin the "Goliath" of the AQT. Congrats sir!

We can all learn a valuable lesson from this. A teachable attitude beats the "I already know what I am doing" mindset every time.

Of course more important than anything else, we all had a safe weekend honoring the traditions of the Founders. The fact that I git to keep my red hat is of little concern in the grand scheme of things. 

Bless every one of you for coming out - attendees and instructors alike. I can think of no better way to spend a weekend than to be surrounded by good and decent men, women and children who appreciate Liberty.

PHenry