Deer Season In Michigan

Today is the twelfth, opening day of deer season in Michigan is the Saturday the fifteenth. The beginning of fifteen days of tradition here in the heartland of the state. From Kent County to "The Bridge" and everywhere in the U.P., this is more then just a time to hunt deer. In many families it is a right of passage.
Sure there is bow season before and after, but it is rifle season that marks the bonding of parent and child in the rite of deer hunting. It is a time so important that many factories close for "Deer Day" and schools call it safety day and shut their doors.

On farmland and in woodlots around the region legions of orange covered hunters will be counting down the seconds till sunrise and official start of the season.
For most of them it isn't just killing a deer. People around here really eat the meat, and getting a deer means food on the table this winter. The season also means money. Down state and out of state hunters bring much needed dollars into the area. Bars, restaurants, motels, gas stations, and grocery stores all see extra business at this time. What they spend now will help keep the heat on in allot of homes this winter.
In short deer season means hunters mean money spent and that means jobs for a lot of people who would otherwise be laid off.

While I do not hunt, I understand the importance of these fifteen days on the economy of the state. I must admit I also like the taste of a nice venison roast. Hopefully one of my hunting friends will be willing to share.

Food And The Seasons

Thanksgiving is coming up in a couple of weeks and the weather is getting colder. Those two things got me thinking about different foods and what they represent.

As we grow up foods become family traditions. The holidays and the seasons become linked in our minds with these foods to the point where they become one.
Thanksgiving is turkey, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole. Summer is cookouts with hamburgers and brats. Fall is apple cider and donuts. Easter is linked with ham and hard boiled eggs.
The list goes on and on. For each of us it changes based on our family and where we grew up. I am sure that people in the southwest don't see cold weather in the fall as soup time and there are those who don't have the same holiday traditions.

One thing remains the same for all of us, food can bring comfort and memories from our past. Family gathering around the table at grandma's house or a cookout at the beach. We each have memories triggered by smells, tastes, and the time of year.

Whatever these things mean to you, take the time to pause and reflect when you smell dinner in the oven during this holiday season.