A few more fish were caught last night. Two ducks make an enjoyable webfoot landing on the lake 35-feet in front of me. The fogs, birds, loons and insects sing joyfully in chorus. The sun makes a grand entrance for the first time today (since I have been up). Despite my continual failings, blunders and shortcomings, God really does love me. Appreciation for nature has been studiously enhanced in my being. Respect for nature of all kinds has been elevated (except for mosquitoes, crows and kamikaze caterpillars). However, a tree hugger I still am not. Jeff is missing this morning.... Continue reading

It is a cloudy day. Many of the men left to fish in nearby Meander Lake. I will probably just meander around here. Isaiah 40:25-26 still speaks to me. Enjoying details and numbers as I do, this one is phenomenal: Stars Visible in the Night Sky (numbers rounded for symmetry) Downtown New York City 30 Urban 300 Rural 3,000 With binoculars 30,000 With a small telescope 3,000,000 With a large telescope 30,000,000,000 I find myself kicking back, drinking Chai, looking out upon the lake, meditating and dreaming. The birds are singing, baby squirrels are playing, the water is shimmering, and... Continue reading

Fishing is not good. Some say the lakes are fished out. However, there is little one can do if the fish refuse to bite. While at breakfast and washing afterwards, it is fun listening to guys talk about favorite comedians. Tim Conway seems to be a hands down favorite. Red Skelton, Mark Lowry and Don Knotts receive honorable mentions. After clean up detail, I take a mile or two photo hike along the lake, covering both sides of my cabin. I follow this with a several mile road hike. Though I have yet to see a live fish (let alone... Continue reading

Lazy days. In fact, they may soon begin referring to me as Lazy. I get out of bed when I wish, nap when I wish, eat only if I make it to a meal on time, sit and read. Jeff has a difficulty with seizures, though infrequent. He wanted to shop for knives and a knife catalogue. Larry was shopping for a prop. I was along to take a break from the intense fishing action. I try to keep an eye on Jeff, while Larry keeps an eye on me. The first store we enter, a lady thrusts a teddy... Continue reading

Lazy days. In fact, they may soon begin referring to me as Lazy. I get out of bed when I wish, nap when I wish, eat only if I make it to a meal on time, sit and read. Jeff has a difficulty with seizures, though infrequent. He wanted to shop for knives and a knife catalogue. Larry was shopping for a prop. I was along to take a break from the intense fishing action. I try to keep an eye on Jeff, while Larry keeps an eye on me. The first store we enter, a lady thrusts a teddy... Continue reading

I awake to peer at the clock . . . 8:24 in the morning. Despite my bunk mates sleep apnea and thunderous snoring, I sleep well. The practice at home has brought practical use. Not being wakened by the others in my cabin served ingenious strategies: One, there would be more breakfast for them; Two, morning devotions would be cut in half without me sharing. In strong contrast to yesterday, the day is beautiful. The sky is pale blue, dotted with thin clouds and bright sun. Loading gear, we jump into a boat captained by Larry and fist mate Jim.... Continue reading

Day 1 Traveling through the night has never seemed like an adventure. Instead, it causes contemplation to the likelihood of purgatory. We arrive in nine hours and fourteen minutes . . . three short of the expected twelve hour gruel. The hail Marys and Our Fathers have worked this time. We stop for breakfast in Ely. No grander place to raise worms and baptize waders. My stomach contemplates an uprising due to lack of sleep. My order of oatmeal confounds the schedules and the cook’s knowledge of drowning instant flakes. I deem it necessary to change my order. We drive... Continue reading

A beautiful afternoon prompts a baseball game between my daughter and me. I pitch, Aimee bats . . . the entire time. There is a fun routine to this game. I toss the ball toward Aimee, she swings the big red bat, and it usually soars over my head (as she is to become a fine softball player). I then declare it a homerun and begin to clap, cheer and yell as she rounds the bases with a big smile on her face. After she slides into home, I chase the ball and return to an almost identical scenario. We... Continue reading

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One of the things I find difficult about getting older, is how to do so gracefully. The area that concerns me most is the mind . . . keeping it sharp. Thus, I developed a test to help myself (and anyone who is concerned about the same). It snowed last night and today. Can you pick which of the three pictures did not come from our home? Continue reading

With 2009 coming to a close, I have been pondering what I would like to change in my life. Without further ado, (and great chance of interrupting myself) I bring my list of things I would like to change for the year 2010. Changes in my health: spiritual, emotional, physical (I’m shooting for the “better” here). Fight more battles . . . instead of giving up because the odds look too great. (see above picture) Changing my attitude more than I change my seatcovers. Both would probably be nice . . . and healthy with relationships. Giving more time to... Continue reading

Before Christmas, we were shopping at Kohl’s and checking out at the jewelry counter. While the cashier was ringing our order, Vicky turns to me and says rather loudly, “We forgot to get you briefs. Go get them quick. ” While wondering when she got her public address voice, I was looking for a place to duck, cover and evaporate. “Not today,” I barely whisper. After the cashier rings up our total, we learn we have earned $10 Kohl’s cash. We usually love Kohl’s cash. The cashier turns to me, smiling. “You have $10 in Kohl’s cash. Are you sure... Continue reading