By: Bryce Angell

I drove to Sportsman’s Warehouse. Thought I’d buy a brand-new cap. My mistake was walking through the doors. They had me in their trap. I’m not talking ‘bout a mouse trap. Snares his nose and won’t let go. I’m alluding to the shopping trance. Why couldn’t I say no?
I grabbed a cart and made a beeline to a hat filled crate.
But switched gears to a sign that read, “Fifty dollar bag rebate.” Below the rebate sign were sleeping bags hung in a row.
One sleeping bag was rated down to 45 below.
The floor attendant tempted me. “It’s the best sale of the year!”
I had to have the 45 below with all my gear.
The bag was extra heavy. Totaled nearly twenty pounds.
But I stuffed it in my shopping cart. I had to make more rounds.
I was feeling so elated with my brand-new sleeping bag.
I wasn’t checking prices. That would surely raise a flag.
I pushed on past the hats and caps. Found a Levi coat to wear.
I didn’t need another but it’s good to have a spare.
I bought a pair of mittens that I doubt I’ll ever use.
I’ll save ‘em for my wife in case we take a winter cruise.
I purchased ammunition. That is when I heard the cue.
I had too many bullets for a single .22.
So, I bought another rifle. What the heck, it’s just one more. Then I moved on with my frenzy, hadn’t covered all the floor. Aha! My eyes beheld a sight designed for all to see.
A brand-new shiny wall tent that would soon belong to me.
I grabbed a wood stove for my tent to sleep warm through the night. Then I realized my purchases were climbing out of sight.
We totaled up my plunder. I was surely caught off guard.
Two thousand fifty dollars, I said, “Put it on my card.”
I’d spent a ton of money with no permission from my wife. Should I give my wife the rebate? Fifty might just save my life. Although I’ve never learned to save, for sure a shopping sap. But, this time I saved ten dollars ‘cuz I didn’t buy a cap.

By: Dal Houston

As wacky as it sounds, changing the way one sees the world, one of the most profound lessons a human can learn, can be exemplified by something as mundane and seemingly inconsequential as a trip to the men’s room.

Last week, I spent an afternoon at an event, which required three visits to the venue’s men’s room. Without getting graphic, there were three stalls in this restroom. The stall in the corner and the stall closest to the door were functional, but the stall in the middle was adorned with an “Out of Order” sign.

To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

By: Hannah Claxton | Editor

“I like 4-H’ers because they are dedicated to excellence.”

— Dwight David Eisenhower,

As the school year kicks off, local 4-H programs will be start- ing as well. The impact of 4-H in a youth’s life cannot be overstated. Famous alumni include Jimmy Carter, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Reba McEntire. Here are five reasons why you should encourage the youth in your life to be a part of 4-H.

To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.