Over the weekend I had the opportunity to admire life in the wild, and I marveled at what all Mother Nature provides this time of year.
Red, yellow, pink and orange are all vibrant colors scattered throughout downtown Pella. It’s amazing how many families gather to take pictures in front of flower beds lined with tulips.
There were just as many flowers as there were babies dressed in bonnets and adorable attire, as they were forced to pose in front of the early bloomers. I overheard many say the tulips may not last two more weeks before the annual Tulip Festival arrives, thus making my friend and I glad we had made the early trip when we did.
I have never attended the festival, but I’ve heard about how wonderful it is for the town and how big of a crowd it draws. Flowers make people happy. Add Dutch food and entertainment, and I can see why the 82nd annual event will be so popular.
After exploring the brick-paved town and hitting up Tassel Ridge Winery, it wasn’t those places that I found the most beauty in. (Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the wine.)
For four days, my fiancé went turkey hunting for the first time. Three days straight he went out at 4 a.m. and didn’t come home until usually dark. I didn’t realize it was such a tireless hobby, not to mention it’s not even near Thanksgiving, so I didn’t really understand what the fuss was all about.
Thursday night, no turkey, Friday, no turkey, Saturday, no turkey and then Sunday afternoon came around and still no turkey. He decided to go out one last time Sunday evening and I have to admit, I admired his persistence. I now know if there is ever a famine he will be determined to make sure we are fed.
Around 5:45 p.m., he called and said he was going to wait a little bit longer but would probably head home soon. I was thankful he was keeping me updated because this was the first time he went out to hunt by himself.
Then, another call at 6 p.m., and I could tell by his voice how excited he was. He had shot his first gobbler on some of my family’s farmland, and he wanted me to drive out and see the thing. I really wasn’t into it at first but I did drive over.
As I was taking a picture of him and the jake, which is a juvenile turkey, (I learned something new), I couldn’t help but stare at its wings and its beautiful features. I surprisingly even felt its soft feathers.
Now, this was the most beautiful thing of the wild I had seen over the weekend. I have to admit I’m a little excited to cook my first “wild” turkey, and I hope it turns out.
Although it’s much easier to go to the grocery store and buy your pre-packaged turkey, it’s so amazing to see how God provides to those who don’t get discouraged, even during a tireless hunt.
Contact Kayla Langmaid
at klangmaid@newtondailynews.com