As I grew I up I learned many things which have been valuable to me in my life. I can cook amazing meals. I know how to preserve things - both canning and freezing. I am even going to attempt sauerkraut this year. I can sew if need be, although not that well. And much to my mother's amazement if she was still alive I do know how to clean things.
However, growing up in a single parent home without many male influences (my dad died when I was 5 years old) I did not learn what I might call "traditional" male skills. I did not have the opportunity to hunt. I can count the number times I went fishing on one hand and I would not really know what to do with one if I planned to keep one that I caught. I have minimal building skills, but they are improving because of our ever increasing chicken flock.
In the coming year I have several desires - not ready to make them goals yet.
1. Have a deeper spiritual walk
2. Have closer relationship with my wife and kids
3. Learn how to really fish and know what to do with them besides throw them back
4. Learn how to shoot a rifle
I did do something today I have never done before - I killed something on purpose. We had a sick chicken and I had to put it out of its misery. Now I know my fishing knife really works.
