Coach Hughes' Corner
As all of the leaves are gone from the trees, rain will turn to snow, and we will be one more day closer to Spring, I set here wondering how I will make it through the winter. Don't get me wrong, I actually love the winter(more less Fall). I love the cooler temperatures after being in the hot summer months of Southwest Missouri. I love the MLB playoffs (Yes even when the Cardinals are beat out by the Reds). I love the cool crisp mornings of deer hunting. The first snow on the ground, that causes the first snow day. I even like the holiday's, at times. But most of all, I like the fact that it is one more day closer to the Spring Baseball Season!
Let me explain my thoughts of Winter, from a different point of view. I played Basketball and really enjoyed the games. I was nothing on the court compared to teammates, opponents, and even some that didn't play. But I could hold my own. I scored some and tried to play defense, but as you can see from my height and birth given build, I was to short, fat, and stocky to be to good at Basketball. So, I played to get through the winter and be with my buddies. That is kind of why I took up refereeing basketball, plus the money is an added bonus. Basketball is an indoor sport, so it makes sense to play it in the winter. So we have to make it through the winter with basketball. With that said, I really believe our basketball programs are headed in the right direction. We have some outstanding athletes and a great coaching staff. I look forward to trying to catch some games between my own refereeing schedule. So, I make it through the winter watching/refereeing basketball.
As you can see from the picture on my last post, I like to hunt. I didn't take up deer hunting until about 7 years ago, but I hunted since I was able to tag a long with my dad and grandpa. They took me quail hunting every chance they could. I started carrying a single shot shotgun when I was old enough and after numerous hunts sharing my grandpas 20 gauge. Not just being able to feel the thrill of finding a covey and watching a pointer or setter work a ditch full of birds, but also just being outdoors in God's creation. That is what I think about most winters. As the quail, deer, rabbit's, and/or squirrels fight to survive and to find that food source, it reminds me of how great we have it. I love to watch these animals, along with others, do there everyday thing. It is also a great way to provide food for my family and friends. I am not in a point in my life that I can raise livestock to eat, but do have family that help provide that. So, I make it through the winter filling our freezer.
I also enjoy the holidays. We have numerous traditions in our family that change and stay the same every year. My sister and I used to lay in bed the night before Christmas and listen to my grandma read 'The Night Before Christmas' She has passed on, but I try to remember that every holiday. My wife's family used to always get a real tree. The first few years we were married we did this with her family. We went and bought a fake tree a few years ago. It made it through a few Christmas's but now we will be out looking for that perfect real one again this year. Thanksgiving is also Christmas with my family. We will be doing Thanksgiving at noon on Thursday and Christmas after supper with my Dad's side of the family. My cousins come from Louisiana and we share both holidays on one day with my Grandpa. Makes for a long but great day. So, I make it through the winter enjoying the holidays.
How many of you can remember growing up looking forward to snow. I don't like a lot of it, but that first time it snows, whether it is November or March, I love it. When the ground is covered and you find out school is canceled for that one moment, you think the world is perfect.(until 9am and you have nothing to do) But you always remember that feeling. So, I make it through the winter looking and waiting for that 1st snow day.
So, I make it through the winter passing time and finding something to do to make it go by quicker. Why? Because if I make it through the winter, then that means I have one more spring to enjoy baseball. And, as most of you know, baseball is pretty important to me.
Don't forget to be thankful for all God has done to bless you, even in times that you may not be blessed. Remember, when your body aches, someone else may not even be able to feel pain, or if you don't like what your wearing, someone might not even have clothes to wear. Just be thankful! Happy Thanksgiving and have a good weekend holiday
Let me explain my thoughts of Winter, from a different point of view. I played Basketball and really enjoyed the games. I was nothing on the court compared to teammates, opponents, and even some that didn't play. But I could hold my own. I scored some and tried to play defense, but as you can see from my height and birth given build, I was to short, fat, and stocky to be to good at Basketball. So, I played to get through the winter and be with my buddies. That is kind of why I took up refereeing basketball, plus the money is an added bonus. Basketball is an indoor sport, so it makes sense to play it in the winter. So we have to make it through the winter with basketball. With that said, I really believe our basketball programs are headed in the right direction. We have some outstanding athletes and a great coaching staff. I look forward to trying to catch some games between my own refereeing schedule. So, I make it through the winter watching/refereeing basketball.
As you can see from the picture on my last post, I like to hunt. I didn't take up deer hunting until about 7 years ago, but I hunted since I was able to tag a long with my dad and grandpa. They took me quail hunting every chance they could. I started carrying a single shot shotgun when I was old enough and after numerous hunts sharing my grandpas 20 gauge. Not just being able to feel the thrill of finding a covey and watching a pointer or setter work a ditch full of birds, but also just being outdoors in God's creation. That is what I think about most winters. As the quail, deer, rabbit's, and/or squirrels fight to survive and to find that food source, it reminds me of how great we have it. I love to watch these animals, along with others, do there everyday thing. It is also a great way to provide food for my family and friends. I am not in a point in my life that I can raise livestock to eat, but do have family that help provide that. So, I make it through the winter filling our freezer.
I also enjoy the holidays. We have numerous traditions in our family that change and stay the same every year. My sister and I used to lay in bed the night before Christmas and listen to my grandma read 'The Night Before Christmas' She has passed on, but I try to remember that every holiday. My wife's family used to always get a real tree. The first few years we were married we did this with her family. We went and bought a fake tree a few years ago. It made it through a few Christmas's but now we will be out looking for that perfect real one again this year. Thanksgiving is also Christmas with my family. We will be doing Thanksgiving at noon on Thursday and Christmas after supper with my Dad's side of the family. My cousins come from Louisiana and we share both holidays on one day with my Grandpa. Makes for a long but great day. So, I make it through the winter enjoying the holidays.
How many of you can remember growing up looking forward to snow. I don't like a lot of it, but that first time it snows, whether it is November or March, I love it. When the ground is covered and you find out school is canceled for that one moment, you think the world is perfect.(until 9am and you have nothing to do) But you always remember that feeling. So, I make it through the winter looking and waiting for that 1st snow day.
So, I make it through the winter passing time and finding something to do to make it go by quicker. Why? Because if I make it through the winter, then that means I have one more spring to enjoy baseball. And, as most of you know, baseball is pretty important to me.
Don't forget to be thankful for all God has done to bless you, even in times that you may not be blessed. Remember, when your body aches, someone else may not even be able to feel pain, or if you don't like what your wearing, someone might not even have clothes to wear. Just be thankful! Happy Thanksgiving and have a good weekend holiday
posted by jhughes at
1:56 PM
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