Adapting and Changing

Last night I had to make a break from my past, and move one step ahead in order to recognize how my body works now with quadriplegia.

It's nothing very dramatic, but I traded my long time hunting rifle in on a model that works better for a person with quadriplegia.

Even though I have not shot that particular rifle at a deer in 15 years, it was still difficult letting it go. I thought about all the adventures I had with it. The long shots, hunting trips with friends etc.

Sometimes it's difficult to recognize my limitations physically. I resisted change and that put limitations on me. Today's blog is not about hunting or rifles it's about willingness to change or adapt to new situations.

Disability forces me to make changes. But you do not have to be disabled to recognize the need for change in your life. What are you resisting? What changes do you need to make to be more adaptable and successful in your own environment?

Elusion Camo

I have been emiling Lee the owner of Elusion Camo about the difficulties getting back into the woods as a hunter with a spinal cord injury.

He took it upon himself to design a camouflage poncho with accessories that will cover both myself and my action trackchair. I should have the completed design very soon for my September crossbow hunt.

This is just one of the things I have going on right now in regard to hunting. When the package arrives from Elusion Camo, I will post pictures, you may have to look closely to find me! Yes, its that good.

Here is a company that definitely cares about all hunters including those with disabilities! Thank you so much Lee and all your team members for making camouflage accessible for everyone not just the able-bodied.

My Time of Year

We are approaching my favorite season , fall. The weather is turning cooler and I am finally able to sit outside for longer than 15 minutes without requiring treatment for heat exhaustion.

What is your favorite season and why? Fall is mine by far, in addition to the cooler temperatures it's archery season, and as my friends and family know, that's like Christmas to me.

Everything is coming together with equipment and the way I am shooting. Now I just need Mr. and Mrs. Whitetail to cooperate with my plan.

Summer does have its place though... lol. What, I like Margarita's

Enjoy your day and check back for some exciting upcoming news!

Thanks So Much

Crossbow Shooting

Dogs Are Mans Best Dr...

Dogs Sniff Out Lung Cancer in Humans

Here is a very interesting article, it seems that dogs are not only man's best friend but they can be a very good diagnostic tool in the fight against cancer.

I know we are only touching the surface with canine abilities. It never surprises me when researchers document the uncanny ability of our four-legged friends.

Exciting News

I received some very exciting news from my friends at Dreams Become Reality . They would like me to speak at their BOW BASH this Saturday.  This great charity benefits individuals with disabilities and gets men and women into the outdoors.

There are a few other surprises that I will be mentioning later on this week.  But I urge you to visit the Dreams Become Reality site and attend this  event on Saturday if at all possible .  Chris and Tina are quality people who really are  advocating for all of us to enjoy the outdoors.   

So Close

On Thursday morning I was on my way to the library, it was a beautiful morning, the sun was shining and I was enjoying the roll there.

As I crossed the street approaching the library I was almost hit by a speeding Cadillac ... this car came around the corner from nowhere .  It was actually pretty scary.

I always try to be extremely careful when navigating the streets .  I realize how dangerous it can be in a power wheelchair .    It's very similar to when I was operating a motorcycle, people have a hard time seeing a rider or wheelchair user. 

When people wonder why we need curb cuts and well-maintained sidewalks , this is a perfect reason !   I often have to travel on the side of the road because of  inadequate sidewalks, placing me at odd's with traffic .

Five Years To Freedom

I am currently reading Five Years to Freedom by James N. Rowe on my Kindle. It's a very interesting book and I would like to recommend it to everyone.

We can certainly learn from his experiences as a POW. I can't imagine spending five years in captivity under the conditions he endured. 

We all think we have problems in life, until we learn about the experiences of others.....

Good Morning

I realize my posting has been a little hit or miss lately. I have been deciding whether or not to continue this blog.

It contains over 1700 posts, my thoughts over several years and a record of my adventures... It's not something easily put aside or killed off.

I enjoy reading the comments and interacting with other bloggers throughout the world. But I also enjoy expressing my opinions (without interruption or being told I should not feel a certain way or have a certain opinion) does this make me narcissistic? Maybe.

The blog averages over 100 hits a day these days, down a great deal from what it once was. The comments are fewer and I'm wondering if it's time to pull the plug or at the very least pullback.

What are your thoughts, would anyone really care if Pittrehab went on hiatus or shutdown entirely?

22 Seals Killed

NATO Crash: 38 Killed Including 25 Navy SEALs in Helicopter Crash in Afghanistan - ABC News

What a terrible loss to their families, the Navy and all Americans...

2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games Results

If you're wondering how Pa veterans are doing in the national veterans wheelchair games, you can see the results here .  It's an easy way to check the results by competitor or by the state he or she lives in.

I would like to personally congratulate each and every competitor, all of you are true champions!

Eric Church Springsteen

Six Months Together

It's hard to believe that Misty and I have been partners for six months already. Time certainly has gone by quickly.

A partnership between an individual with a disability and a service dog is a very special relationship built on trust, interdependence, respect and love.

The bonding process takes time. Time to develop the trust necessary to be a true working team. Able to face new challenges together each day, problem-solving new obstacles and of course overcoming pirate adventures.

As I write this Misty Morning is laying beside my right wheel tucked in between the counter and my wheelchair. She could lay anywhere in this entire house, she chooses to lay beside me. I choose her, that's how it is.

National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Today thousands of athletes from around the country are in Pittsburgh to compete in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. I would like to wish every competitor the best of luck.

I think it's amazing that Pittsburgh has the opportunity to host this extremely important event. All the athletes are winners, just by competing!