Thoughts from the head

Update

2017-07-07T10:28:00.001-04:00

It has been some time since I have posted a blog . Mostly because at times these days , you can be harassed over your thoughts and opinions . I have finally moved of the farm into my own place . I am still learning to live in a small town again . After living in Charlotte NC where everything is a short bus ride ,and everything is a at least a half hour drive or better away . But I am getting along . Chip my cat has been good company for me , spends a lot of time on my lap watching TV with me .
Last month I got spend time with my daughter and granddaughter when they were in Illinois then they came up to the farm for few days . Which was nice .
Now on to my thoughts about the way things are . I don't get all the but hurt feelings as of lately but people need to get a grip . They need to come out of their safe spaces and put down the coloring books and face reality . This is the way is and we all got to live with it , I survived the ten years and I am going to deal with things the way they are now . People are just so hateful these days .
I got my fishing licence and yet to drop a line in the water . I have not gotten out to meet and get to know anyone . I am still looking to get involved in something . I just want to get with a good group of people . Don't want any trouble .

Moving On

2017-05-17T12:33:00.000-04:00

Well , things are getting better .I have reached a goal , I have moved off the farm . Almost two years ago , my brothers helped me move back to Michigan to start my life over . They have helped in every way possible , I am very proud of them , They did not have to do all that they have for me ,but they did . They have allowed me to work at my own pace . Since I have got a job , a fishing boat , and now I my own apartment . So I am moving ahead in my life . Considering where I was at I have came a long way . Oh yes , can not forget my buddy Chip , my cat . He seems to think he is running things , but he is one cool dude and am thankful for his companionship .
Also my and my dads records are records are in one place finally in one place , I have been listening to them a little every day . What great way to charge your battery . I have yet to do some fishing this year . I considering going to they dam tonight when it cools down and try . All in all , my and Chips life is coming together . I just have to get out more often and meet people and make some friends .

Just Saying

2016-11-15T12:01:00.004-05:00

Here I am again in front of my notebook , I realize I have not keeping up with my blog . Its not that don't have time , it that I do not have the Internet access like I use to have . Right now I am sitting at the library making this entry . Thank God from the library system . The one I am at is a one room library , its more like a community center . People meet here , at times there are activities for adults and children .
Its hard to believe I been back in Michigan for over a year and been at my job here a year . There is starting to be some since of normalcy in my life . There are a few things I would like to change but its working . If it was not for my brothers help it would not be happening . It getting to be thanksgiving soon and I have plenty to be thankful for . Although I wish that I making my life happen on my own . What friends I have are people I work with and see around the job . Because I work a third shift there is no social life what so ever . Not that need one right now . I have not done any fishing lately , I guess I am a fair weather fisherman because its been colder here . I don't do cold very well . I turned sixty this year , but don't feel it except when my body lets me know that I am not am as young as I used to be .
I am involved in my jobs Toastmasters club , I rather enjoy it . It gives me something to do , writing speeches , thinking of things to talk about , thoughts of the day , humor , words of the day , and table topics . These all things that I look out for so that I can be ready when called upon to do so . I just need to learn to be better organized . I learn to use my time more effectively too . I am sure it will happen eventually . With their help and coaching . I have no problem with my organizational and time management skills on the job , its just when I am not at work I have the problems . I am working on it though . Its hard to do it when work all night ,and do things during the day ,when you sleep a lot during the day or at least that's what it seems to be like .
Yes , I know my thoughts have been wondering around , with no direction . When I sat down here I had no theme in mind , didn't want to write about the election . I just so tired and fed up with it . Lets quit crying about it and rehashing it . Lets suck it up and get down to business and make it work . We have a new President , lets work with him and see what can do for the country . Lets just say the system worked , and get on with it . We all have our own lives to live so get on with it .

Thinking

2016-10-12T10:26:00.002-04:00

Here I am at the library during one my work blocks for toastmasters , I know I have not been make entries as I should on my blog . Well I am working on a change it habits and behavior . On my calendar I have blocked out a four hour work time for toastmasters and other tasks that need my attention .
With the up coming election , things are kind of crazy in our world . We are face with some hard choices , but the business as usual is not the way to go . It has not worked ever since I can remember . We need to shake up the system , if we had turned in the same results on our jobs we would not be working . Then why are we accepting nonperformance out our elected officials . If they are not doing the job fire them and put some else in .Do this until we get someone in that will do the job we ask . Our government was designed to have citizens in office not some one whom made career of it . They are suppose to be working for us , not us working hard just to pay taxes . Our money is being wasted , our roads are need of repair , cities are falling apart , our military is being gutted , our money is going to building countries who hate us , let them hate for free and take that money and build up our own country . Enough of my opinion , because these days our thoughts don't count because they may offend some one .

My First Speech

2016-09-01T13:24:00.004-04:00

I have rather negligent my blog along with other things in my life . I need to start paying more attention to the things that I have going on . I still have not finished my boat ,let alone caught a fish . I have bought all kinds of fishing gear and books , but still no fish . Neither have done much more on my wood burning , have a few projects started that I need to complete . However I have given my first speech , I had gotten a good review for that .
I am finding that the Toastmasters club at my job is added benefit , one I am finding I am enjoying the meetings ,two I found that I am take my work in it very serious ,but lastly I am meeting other people in the casino other than those I work with. When I gave my speech I didn't even use my notes , I had them with me at the podium , did not turn a page . The following are the notes I didn't use .

I have thought long and hard about what I would talk about today ,and were many false starts and rough drafts . Like the book said I should talk about a subject I know well, ME . So here going to talk about some of my adventures. They all started with me saying the word Never .
It started with me working at chain restaurant that had opened a new location here in Battle Creek almost forty years ago . I was young , inexperienced , not to mention a bit hard headed . On this day I left work determined that I could not take it anymore . My Mother was waiting outside to take me home , not knowing I was going to ask her something she and my dad were waiting to hear . I got in the car and asked her to take me to the recruiter . Instead of heading home she right then took me there . By the end of my visit with the Air Force recruiter, I had signed papers committing myself to go through the enlistment process. During this whole time she didn't ask me once why this sudden decision . On the ride home I finally said it . I WILL NEVER WORK IN ANTHER RESTAURANT AGAIN! And with that I began my journey through my life.
And with that I found myself at the AFEE's station in Detroit on a cold winters night in December . The night before before I went basic training a group of decided we would go to the movies . Of all movies that was playing it was The Texas Chainsaw Massacre .
The following mourning we were on a plane on our way to San Antonio Texas . I made through basic training easy enough . Then came time to go on with my military career . The Air Force decided to load me on a bus to go to anther school . They decided I needed more training in building trades . I had already went though three years of it in high school and ceta .
Here I am on a bus ,on one of those long hi-ways in Texas that yo hear about in country songs. We were riding along I noticed we were chasing this tree down the hi-way . I seemed that the tree was winning . We chased that tree for what seemed like hours . When we finally caught up with the tree , I found myself looking for the guy in a mask with a chainsaw jumping out from the tree. Imagine that the whole time I was in Texas ,I did not once Think about that movie until we caught up with this single tree .
I finished tech school in Wichita Falls Texas , and found myself California Dreaming .I got orders to a base near where the they had just filmed American Graffiti , Castle Air force base near Merced .
At this base I fond myself DJing Disco at the clubs on base . WE put on a show, behind the turntables we had large gong , to the side of us we mounted a cow bell , we had some smoke machines , the usual lights hooked up to a sequential computer and puppet , god awful green dragon with matching boa . The puppet came out every time we played a Donna Summer song . All the lights were on the dragon . Yes I guess I had A Little to much fun , after a year I found myself on the way to headquarters base in West Germany , Ramstien .
While I was there I made the best of my stay . I travelled around the country a lot . There were the wine fests , the beer tents , the volks marches , all the music festivals I went to . The most memorable times I had was driving along the Rhine River .I had a Toyota Land cruiser . We would on a nice spring day loaded up in the cruiser with the top and doors off , the windshield folded down on a sunny Sunday . With villages along the river ,Castles on the hills ,grape vines up and the hills , the cool spring breeze blowing,and the sun up high .Everything was so right and the colors were so vivid . It was always an enjoyable ride. Each time we always spotted something we hadn't seen .
I was loving it in Germany ,but as with all things my stay came to and end . I came home and found myself on the way to Florida , as a civilian . I worked in a lot of different jobs . Built cabin cruisers , fabricated aluminum tub enclosers built and repaired signs , finished concrete . But the one thing I found in Florida is that I could not get serious about work or career . To me it felt like a vacation all the time . It was to easy to just chuck it and go to the beach .
I found myself on my way back home to Michigan , but I made a stop to visit my brother in Charlotte NC . Well that visit lasted better than twenty years .I wound up hanging marble on a new tower for the hospital there . On this one day we were hanging A large stone stone on the entry way of the tower . we were about 30' up on the scaffolding and chainfalled the stone up to put it in place . We got it up there , all we had to do was lift it a quarter inch or so to set it in place .
Well we were almost there , and my partner let the stone slip. It dropped about six foot pulling me with it . Luckily enough i had all my safety harnesses on and hooked up . Once I got back on the scaffolding , I climbed a little angry and walked over to my car . I then drove to the nearest fast food restaurant and got me a job dropping french fries . I have been in food service ever since and that was over twenty years .
It was not long before my mother got a smile on her face and said remember when you said never . She reminded me of this often . Here's the big question , is never a good thing to say or a bad thing . On one hand I would have never been to or done things I have ,if I had not said Never.

This was my notes I had to give my speech , I had them in front of me and not once used them .

Just sitting

2016-07-15T12:23:00.003-04:00

I am sitting here in Willard Library in Battle Creek Mi. , checking it out and working on the first of my projects for my Toastmasters club meeting in four weeks . I hope I will be ready for my first speech , I rally h/ave not done any public speaking since 4-H in my youth . I am going to turn sixty in a few weeks is it to late for one to try to improve his skills ,I hope not . I have been to a few meetings and I really enjoyed them . As soon as I give my first speech I will post here in my blog . The only way to make it work is to just dive in and see what i can do .
Later on I plan on checking out this southern cooking place downtown , the real test will the sweet tea . I sorry I do not have much to say , I have not been keeping up with the news , have not done any fishing in a while . I plan on it soon .

Just keeping up

2016-07-04T10:48:00.001-04:00

I have been neglecting my blog , for which I have no one to blame but myself . I have been busy with work , bailing hay and some fishing . For the most part I have been pretty much lazy . This week been a good and busy week . My brother got married , my sister was in for Montana . I spent the weekend driving her and my cousin Jimmy around , so that they could go to their class reunion . Also it was Union City's 150th birthday celebration this weekend . There was a lot going on . I also started building a park bench for wedding present for my brother . Him and his wife like to take walks around the the hay field and I found the perfect place to put it . From there they can see the whole farm , it also has a good view of the house and barns from there .
I know I said I would write about my fishing , I have not caught anything yet . My casting still sucks . I have not found fishing buddy yet , from whom I could learn from . Today would be a good day to try but I want to finish my projects . Its a little breezy , cloudy and only 69 out . Yes it would be a nice day to sit around the water and be lazy . Just watch the water and just be outdoors .
I have joined toastmasters to try and network a little in my company so I could have a chance to move up somehow . I have no idea if would help but its worth a try .
Here lately its seems I don't have much to say . I don't talk much and don't hang out with a lot of people now a days . Have no reason to . I am finding there has been less drama in my life these days /

Can you feel it , fishing is in the air

2016-05-01T12:25:00.002-04:00

Can you feel it , I sure can . My boat is almost ready for the water , there have been a few warm days here in Michigan . I have already been out fishing { if you want to call it that } . Well I made a a few attempts at it , with not much luck . Been out to my fishing spots I picked out and talk to a few people whom where out fishing and got a lot of advice . I do not not if its good or not , but it was a varied as the the people I talked to , but I am ready to take my boat out and give it try .
When every you start something new I guess the only thing you can do . Is give it a try and see what works for you . Just get out there and do something . At the very least you are outside enjoying the world around you .I have been for to long in my life been a couch potato , Its been over a year that had done a lot of watching TV . I have been keeping busy with other things , like getting my boat ready for some water and helping my brother around his farm . It will not be long before he has his garden planted and it will need tender loving care every day ,if it is tom produce anything . June not to far off and he will need help in getting the hay off the field and in the barn . Not to mention the weather will be getting warmer , so that means I can start my bike riding again .
Between working third shift and all that I mentioned and this very blog I will be a very busy man . I n the process I should meet some good people I hope . I do not have very many friends at this time because of rebuilding my life ,but if I keep busy doing these thing I should meet some along the way . Fishing is not the act of the activity itself , but a state of mind . So here's to the one that gets away .

Do You Feel It , The I Rather Be Fishing Weather

2016-04-25T11:52:00.001-04:00

Well I am coming very close to dropping a line over the side of my own boat . Really cool ain't it . This past weekend I rebuilt the trailer my brother found the boat on . I just have to install the running lights on the trailer and boat , a new transom to mount the motors on . Also need to get a few things to keep on the boat to make me legal on the water .
This week I plan on taking the online boaters safety coarse . I also have a line on a 2.5 hp outboard that may get . The weather has been so great lately . I have missed a few opportunity's to go fishing , but it was worth it to get a boat in the water . It sure looks like I may have a few more good days coming up . I hope not to waste them . There is always so much to do and life has ways to get in the way . I bought this fishing license for the year , I intend on making full use of it .
When I came back to Michigan last year I never thought I would be fixing up a boat , or have a fishing license . Actually I am putting a life together , mine . Between work ,family stuff ,and helping my brothers out on their farms , I have been really active , I have been trying hard not to let each day go to waste . I try to do something every day . I am beginning to find the new me . Also I am finding a love for the state I was born in , a love for being out doors . I believe I have in the past year I have reduced the amount of time I spend in front of the idiot box {TV} . Last night was such a comfortable night . The nice cool breeze , the night sky , the was such a calm about it . It was so hard to make myself go to work .Actually that feeling was all afternoon .I noticed that because of it I was in a better mood at work last night . The night went by so fast .
Right now its really quite nice out right now maybe I i should take a chance and do do some fishing this afternoon . You know what , you all talked me into it . Bye for now , wish me luck . I just want to catch something , anything just to break the ice . So I can get that fever .

Fishing is a State of Mind

2016-04-18T18:55:00.001-04:00

This past week this where I tried to fish with no luck . The one thing that did happen my cast improved and I messed up up couple of reels . To be truthful I don't know what I am doing when comes to fishing . They tell me all I need is some red worms , hook and line . The next time I go out That's what I will do .
On that day my line got caught up in a tree on the other side of the river and I lost a lure because I did not have tied up right . The lure just went flying and I heard it go plop in the water , while my line just did not go any where . Well I did get out there and spent the day outside doing something . One of the guys at work said something that was cool . Fishing is not the act itself , its a state of mind .

Well , I have made progress on my oars , just a little to do . The Jon boat itself is finally painted .All that's left to is make the new transom , install the running lights . Buy a few things that need like , life jackets , a signal devise , you all the safety equipment needed . Most of all a motor . This also I will get started on rebuilding this trailer to haul the boat around . These projects I am finding is making me much happier . When get home from work I have things to do . I have a life . Since came back to Michigan I find that I do not spend as much time in front of the TV . I am get out and finding out who I lost and make up for lost time for not investing in me .

It Was Such a Nice Day

2016-04-14T09:38:00.002-04:00

You I work a third shift job and yesterday was so nice out , when I got off . I did not want to waste such a nice sunny day . When got home , I worked on painting the inside of the boat . While doing so I let the battery go dead. I just got caught up in working and enjoying being outside . This is just all part of the experience . The point is now matter what is or how it turns out , just do something to enjoy life .You will have something to share in conversations with friends . I didn't get mad about the car going dead , I just pulled out the battery charger .I did feel stuck like chuck , I had a helpless feeling about not being able to drive till I could get it charged .
So whole waiting I worked some more on my oars . I have one ready for finishing and started on the other one . I feel progress is being made . It will not be long before I will be out there on the lake fishing .This is the first time in my life that I can remember that I have been working on my own life .
At the end of day I had a beer and walk around the field with my brother and grandson . Such a great way to end a day .surrounded by family and nature .When am through here I think I will drop a line in the river . Can you think of better way to start a new day . Fishing is what it is all about .

Winter has broken , spring is sprung

2016-04-11T19:28:00.001-04:00

Well I have been neglecting my blog haven't I . Well it not entirely my fault though .With the crazy weather we have been having here in Michigan it been kind of hard to think of anything but I thought it was spring . The snow we got and could temperatures kept from working on the boat . It been kind of to cold to to be working on the boat . After a lot of checking online I found it may be cheaper to make my own oars . this is my progress in the last four days . They are a long way from being done . From the weather outlook for the next four or five days I may get some work done on the boat .
I got an news letter from the Michigan DNR , I see there are some Fisheries workshops open to the public . I plan on going to the one in Grand Haven Mi. on Lake Michigan . Maybe I might learn something and possibly become more involved in some way . Time will tell , I will go with an open mind and the want to learn something .
With every passing day my list of projects just keep growing , my brother showed me the trailer that he found the boat on . He said I could have it . The thing is in need of a lot of tender loving care . Meaning there is a lot of work that needs to be done on it ,to get it road ready . Some where between working on my projects , the workshop , work , classes , helping my brother on the farm where I can and sleep . I need to take the online boaters safety coarse .

The biggest thing is I need to get around to dropping a line in the water , to catch that all important first fish of the season . I need to break the ice some how , right . The purpose of all my projects is to fish . One thing is for certain though since I started on this fishing thing , I haven't had a lack of things to do . It also has given me a topic to write about in my blog . So here's to working on the projects and a chance to post about the progress and dropping a line in the water . The next time I hope to have more to share .

April Fools Day try at fishing .

2016-04-01T11:57:00.001-04:00

Well , today is April first , April Fools day . So I was the only fool out there trying his luck fishing . It was breezy and 39 degrees out , I froze my butt off . To boot the was some strong storms last night , I don't know if that had anything to do with my luck .
At first I tried to use the rod and reel I got sale at Walmart , I could not get it pay out any line . So went to a rod and reel I got from my baby brothers mother in law . She had a bunch rod and reels just collecting dust in the sheds on their farm . It was a five foot Zebco Continental with a Daiwa Rs1600 reel . Amazingly enough it still worked with little or no effort . I had went out at 6:30 am to the closed bridge by Union Lake to give it a try .I did have something tug on my line but I guess I reeled it in to fast and it it let go . If anything I got to see the sun come up and there was about a dozen geese out in the wetlands area near the lake . Could hear the birds chirping as the day got started . I guess that's all part of the experience . It's just the idea of getting out there and doing something . Living life .
If finally finished the cutting board I intend on using to fillet the fish I catch ,if i get so lucky .Its just two piece's of half inch birch plywood glued together , with a wood burning I did on it and seasoned with some cutting oil . I am using a woodworking pinch clamp to hold the tail of the fish while I fillet the fish . Just something cheap , heck I spent less on this than the the fillet boards I saw in the stores .It looks nice and its heavy .I did this yesterday . Its been to wet and cold to work on the boat .They say we are supposed to get some snow this weekend . I sure hope not . I need some warm weather to work on it . I want it ready for the warm spring weather that should be coming soon .Shoot I need to get out there and turn it over ,so the water that collected in it before that bad weather they say gets here .
All in all , its been a good couple of days . Tomorrow mourning , as I pass by the Kalamazoo River by Michigan 311 , Angler's Bend . I will stop and try my luck and see what happens . I will wear a warmer coat and better shoes , so my feet will not be cold . I think that was half my problem was today . Well I just heard on the radio the snow is supposed to come tonight and on in to Saturday . I guess now will see how I will feel in the mourning after work . If the snow is to bad I might not get out there ,but if I was to become hard core I should be out there anyway .

Are you ready to do some fishing

2016-03-31T09:34:00.001-04:00

Wow , I think I came across the right topic to write about for my blog . A beginning fisherman's view on the sport . His attempt at at learning the sport , getting his equipment and learning how to use it . Well , yesterday I made a large investment , got the hitch put on my van , so I could tow my boat when its ready . So now I am at the point of no return . I bought a boat, the hitch , and some equipment , not mention I have a Michigan Fishing License for the 2016 season . So that is making a commitment to the sport .Tomorrow is the first day of the season and I plan on being out there early .
As you know yesterday I went got a hitch put on the van . I would like to mention Midtown U-Haul of Kalamazoo Michigan . The were quite helpful in the whole process , from when first met with them last week to set up the appointment ,to the installation . The staff was very professional and knew their product . If I was to need anything the have again I would use them again . I thank them for helping me to get ready for a great fishing season .
I found the cane pole that my dad gave me as a boy . Apparently he has used it over the years , because he has rigged it . Now I just have to learn to use it . I do have a lot to learn about fishing, but its a lifetime sport and you will always learning something new . I just hope I am up to the challenge . Do I have the right equipment , Will I catch something , or anything tomorrow . Well I will write about it in my next entry .

It's almost the first day of the new fishing season , a lot left to be done

2016-03-29T14:05:00.003-04:00

Well today I went and made the commitment to do some fishing this year . Went to Merchants Hardware in Union City Michigan and bought my fishing license to go fishing for the entire year . So early Friday mourning I will be out there with thousands of others trying to make that first catch of the season .
I got and e-mail from Cabela's whom I ordered some running lights from a couple of weeks ago . They have shipped my running lights for my Jon boat . There was a slight problem in shipping but I can say they quickly resolved the issue and I thank their service department for taking action so quickly . Because of this experience I would order from them again .So now my Jon boat will be on the way to being out on the lake soon . I get some more warm and dry weather I will be able to finish painting it . Then be ready to work on installing the new transom and running lights . I saw on line and idea on how to make my own oars , I will try this and ask my brother for some help in making them . All that's left is to find a trailer to haul her in and get a trolling motor at least a 50 lb thrust . That would at least get me three miles and hour on a good batteries . The go to the state offices to register the boat and trailer and I will be good to go with few minor purchases to make , life jackets , first aid kit , a horn , fire extinguisher and maybe I will be all set .
Tomorrow will be a long day , when get of work I will make a forty mile drive to be in Kalamazoo to get my trailer hitch installed . Speaking of which I need to be getting some rest for work . I need to be at my best for work from now on . Something made sense in a class through work . Everyday is an interview , so I need to look my best , have a good attitude , and give my work my all now that all eyes are on me because I made it known that I want more from the company . So between this my blog ,fishing , the need to find my own place and the job my plate is full . So i guess I need to put into effect to be the best in everything I do so that it just happens naturally . So there is a lot of improvement that needs to happen . So its off to bed I go and will write next on opening day about my first experience fishing in many years .

Some preseason thoughts about fishing

2016-03-28T17:19:00.001-04:00

                          I have got to say fishing as a sport and hobby can be a bit overwhelming . For one there is the wealth of information out there on the sport , two there is the laws and regulations , there is the cost .I found myself looking at books on the subject , even searching the internet , there is so much out there to sort through and to absorb . Even on you tube there is all those how to video's to go through .
                         The first day of the 2016 season is on Friday .My Jon boat is not even close to being ready . I have so much to do to get it ready and at the same time I also need to be working on getting my own place to live . I can't be living on my brothers farm forever . I need my own space , and he needs his .I walk into a sports store or any store that has fishing tackle , wow there so much stuff . What of do I really need , the there is the stuff that you need for the boat just to be legally out on the water . I am now realizing the getting the boat ready may take a little more time . So I will have be satisfied with fishing from the shore line . I found out about a dozen or so spots that could go to . I will be writing about each one I try and each one of my missteps along the way .
                               I should find a fishing buddy to go along with , so I can pick up some pointers from them . My problem is I work a third shift , so there is not much of opportunity to meet people outside of work . So I will go out and check out this spots on my own and maybe meet some people along the way . I fully intend on making this a full time hobby and learn as much as I can . Even if it is by trail and error .As time goes on ,as I blog more about my exploits , hopefully more people will read this blog and give me their thoughts and ideas . See on Friday or shortly there after when I write about my first mourning of fishing .

The Anticipation of the First Day of Fishing

2016-03-25T10:03:00.001-04:00

Not only have I been working on my boat , over the past two months I have collected some basic tackle to get me started . Here is a picture of what I have gathered . Plastic baits , bobbers , leaders , sinkers and a collection of hooks among other things . I also got two books on fishing .
Yesterday I made an appointment to have a class three hitch installed my van . A receiver hitch so I will not bust my knees when loading the van ,when not in use . I also spent the afternoon watching how to videos on you tube . Yes there lots of videos on every aspect of fishing . So much so , that you have to wade through a bunch to find beginner videos . I signed up on the Field and stream web site to use to get information . Still waiting on Navigation lights for my boat . They should have been here by now . I did send off an email to them to find out what happened to them .
Next week is April First , the day to get my fishing license . I promise you I will go out that day to make my first attempt at fishing in over thirty years .I decided I am going to keep a log book on my fishing . Date , time, weather , What rigs I used , what fish if any I caught , size and anything else to help to learn what works .
Its been too wet to work on the boat . I will also be watching Craig's list For a boat trailer and a used 5 horse power outboard in the coming weeks . I see this coming together .I am looking forward to making my first catch and so is my cat Chip whom will be sharing in the rewards . So am I making some progress in the right direction on my new hobby .

D-Dawgs Tub

2016-03-23T13:04:00.001-04:00

This the boat I am fixing up for fishing this summer

Yes , progress is being made , The outside hull painted and ready .Next is to clean up the inside and paint it . I am going to install a new transom also . With a little work she should be ready for some fishing this summer . This week I am having a trailer hitch installed and maybe get a trailer . If I do this I will take it down to the car wash and spray it down to get all the dirt out of it . Then I will be able to finish the paint job. Then all I will have to do is install the new transom , mount the trolling motor and register her . After I paint on the registration numbers ,I will be able to take out on her fist run on the lake . I think I will name her D-Dawgs Tub .
I have made some miner purchases of some fishing gear , rod and reel with some tackle that was on sale , a tool bag . cleaning gear , a 5 gal. bucket . Making my own cutting board to fillet the fish . I bought a a couple books on fishing I have been reading , to get a general idea of what I should be doing . My baby brothers mother in law said she may have some gear she would let me have . I am going to talk to her to see if she would show me how best rig my pole . It would be nice to have a couple of poles to work with out on the lake . I know the boat will not be ready for the first day of the new season on April First . I do have a few places spotted that I could fish from the shore line . At first I am going to keep it simple , and build on that .
I think I will find a bait shop that I will regularly go to , so as I can try to get advise and learn from . What I really need to do is find someone to go fishing with to learn from .

A change in direction

2016-03-18T17:28:00.001-04:00

I have decided to make change in my blog . I am going to write about my learning to fish . My mis-steps and my progress . On April 1st the next years license will available . That's when I plan on starting . I have been making some steps towards this . I have bought a couple of books on the subject ,one more helpful than the other , but still a lot of useful information .
I bought a Rod and Reel on sale , it just a basic one that came with some tackle and other odds and ends I may need . I also bought a used aluminum boat which I am cleaning up . Still need to get a trailer to haul it on , and defiantly a hitch installed on my van . One last thing a trolling motor .This is turning out to be a costly hobby to get in . I always thought it was just a matter of getting a license . Well it could be , but if you want to get to the good spots in Michigan , boat is really needed . Yes , there are places I could probably go with out one .You just have to find them .
I am going to spend as much time as I can fishing to make my investment in it worth while . As I go I will learn the sport , I will share the experiences here . For those of you who may read this blog ,I encourage you to share your experiences and advice as well here . I will be posting pictures as well as I go .Here is to beginners luck .

Snow , Dogs , Fishing , and Trucks

2016-02-12T11:42:00.002-05:00

The snow is steadily coming down , It looks great out there but its cold and really not sure about driving in it . This being my first real winter in years and on top of that I finally have a drivers license after twenty-five years of not needing one . I used live where I could ride a bus or train every where , out here in the country no public transportation . That was hard to get use to . I rode my bike a lot till the temps started dropping . It to cold to ride now , my waist line does miss my ten or more miles a day ride . Truthfully I miss my time out on the back roads , it cleared my head and gave me lots of time to think . Not only that ,the scenery that was there to look at . I think my longest ride was forty-five miles , boy I was tired that day .
I have finally made my first ninety days on my new job . Which I plan on staying at till I retire , unless I get lucky and when the lottery . We all know there is a slim chance of that happening . So I guess I have to count on at least another ten years on the job . Its good thing that I am starting to enjoy my job . So it on to my next goals work on my new hobby wood burning . Also plan on going fishing a lot when the new season starts .So right now I have to get some gear together and boat to use . More importantly a place of my own to live by the end of spring . I just have to keep my eye on my goals .
After all this is said and done , I am considering getting a pet cat or a small dog . On one hand the cat will be easier to take care of . A dog I could ride around in the truck , on my bike , go for walks , and take out on the boat fishing . So I guess I am leaning towards a small dog . It all depends on if the place I get to live allows small pets .
Things are getting better , I am finding I am thinking about what I left behind less and less. I do miss some things about Charlotte NC . The job I had , the people I knew , Bojangles and the southern cooking . The last I will make up for when I am in my own place .
Tomorrow will a big day though , going to look at a truck hope it will be worth getting . I hope to be driving by the end of day .

A NEW YEAR

2016-01-13T10:19:00.001-05:00

Its been a few weeks since my last entry , A lot of things have changed since . I am well on my way to getting life back together . I don't know if I need to writing about this .I realize I should not air out my laundry for all to read also I need to be in a positive mood and thought . I can not be going over my past mistakes , over and over again . If my thoughts stay in or on them I may be doomed to repeat them . I do know its a new year , with a new job , in a new state ,On my way to owning a truck and not long from living in my own place. There is snow on the ground here , the sun is out and the temp is in the twenty's . I am feeling good about that , this my first real winter in many years . I have much to be thankful for . I now have a proper laptop to get back to work on my writing and beginning a new hobby to keep myself busy . As soon as I have my truck I will start on building my strip canoe , hoping to done by spring so I can use it . There is plenty of waterways to go to use it in . All this to rediscover me . Its not too late I think . I have made a lot of forward progress toward my goals .

A lot to be done

2015-12-02T10:19:00.001-05:00

             Its the holiday season now , oh how fast it comes around . I am never ready for it . Especially this year , I have moved back home and working hard to start over . Every year I keep saying this coming year is going to be better than the last . For the past twenty year it hasn't been , with all the drama that I have gone through . Well , I can honestly say this coming year is going to be better and different ,and that is because I have totally moved and left it all behind me . I have started a new job that I hope will be the last job that I have to start over at . I hope to use this start as a foundation to build from .
                I have hard all my life , but guessing have had the unreal expectation that my life would live up to what I dreamed it should be . It is mostly my fault because I had loved in the moment and never tried to build something for the future . To honest with myself , I always thought there was time for that later , and now I find that it is later now . I just have been always been trying to recover form poor choices that I had made . You know something , moving back home is the best choice I could made . I just found out that I may have made the right move for a change .The company I worked for lost the contract for job I was working at , so I already left and found a job and they are having to find jobs now . I already got it out of the way . But I still miss my old job and friends from work .
                 I am looking to finally enjoy a holiday season , I get to enjoy some snow on the the ground for the first time in a long time . Yes I am trying to concentrate on the positive . I so badly want things to get off to a good start . I need to be on the road in my own truck , in my place to live and doing my own thing . I will continue riding my bike weather permitting . The past few months I so enjoyed riding my bike on the back roads , it was so relaxing . I also got in good shape and lost a lot of weight . When I get my truck I can finally begin to rediscover who I am . I want to try canoeing , start camping again , and explore Michigan like I should have when was younger .I guess I have a lot to look forward to and to do now .

A Panther's fans thoughts

2015-11-16T09:57:00.001-05:00

                Well , moved to Michigan before football season started , mind you I was born in Michigan , and graduated from high school here . All the while they have asking me if root for the Detroit' lions , I am sorry to say that my answer was no . See I am a loyal Panthers fan , and have been from the beginning. I attended the first pep rally on the field that was to be the stadium . I have followed the thru all the ups and downs since the their beginning . Yes , I have talked junk about them when they did not do so well . but what fan don't when their team do not do well .
                  They still were my team , I followed their progress good or bad . I walked around with my chest stuck out for awhile the year we went the super bowl . I was a fan for the entire time I lived in Charlotte , I rode past the stadium countless times . I have seen the Panther statue's many time ,looking up into their growling faces . Now that am not living there , they a having their best year ever . It saddens me that I am there to experience the excitement that area must having about the team . Oh can tell you the main reason I will always remain a fan , How many can say they been with the team since their beginning . So give me a real good reason I need to switch teams . I don't think you can give me one that I will accept . I am going to proudly follow this years super bowl run . I will enjoy it , for every year I think this year is going to the year . It looks like this is going to be the year . All can I say about it is go Panthers .
                     I can say though I did and always have followed the Wolverines seasons , no matter where I have lived . It looks like going to be a good season for them . But only game that is the most important to me , it almost the whole season to me . and that is the Ohio game . I have almost always worked with or knew a Ohio fan . We always talk junk to each other about the game all year . I have always been a fan of the Wolverines , ever since the 70's . Seeing my mother listening to the game on the radio while working in the kitchen . On the Saturday of the big game she would put out a big game day spread to munch on during the game and a even bigger one when we went to the Rose Bowl . So yes I do follow a Michigan team . I just wanted to put that out there .

Somewhere Somehow

2015-11-13T15:37:00.001-05:00

         It been windy and cold ,with some rain or snow here . Not much of a chance to get out on my bike . Trying to get as much rest as I can , for tonight I start my new job . Starting tonight I will be proofing to myself that , am I as good at what I do . I will be working in a world class facility for the first time . Everything I have done is sort of pretending to be good . On my first night I have got to set the bar high and maintain it .
             The weather around here lately has been such , that you don't want to spend much time out in it . Kind of lazy cloudy days . My first real winter in decades in finally on the way . They saying that it maybe a mild one . I have not been into doing all that much , this past week I found it hard to make an entry in my blog . I remembered something I read a few years ago . Write every day ,even when you have nothing to say , just write . Its the only way you will get better. Who knows one day you will find your voice . I know I have a story in me , I just to find a way to tell it . I have been through so many changes in my life . I hope the last one will be the final one .
              I have no real idea if I am reaching anyone ,but that's all right though . I do this more for me , its a way to get my brain to do some work . To from getting lazy . At times it may seem like ,I have no idea where I am going with this , it because I really have no idea . So I wonder am I the only one whom feels this way at times . Am I really the one that's stupid and ignorant . The highest I have gone is high school and the school of hard knocks . The later has not been good to me , I have really been knocked around a lot . Life has not been easy . I always seem to get through it . I am now working on my last chance . I intend on ,always putting my best foot forward . Like I always say after someone tells me to have a good day , I say I am going to make one somehow .

Trying to understand my part in it

2015-11-09T11:37:00.001-05:00

                 This week has me excited , I am starting a new chapter in my life . I start a new full time job ,that I have every intension of making my home till I am not able to work any more . This weekend a old classmate from high school , stopped by that I had not seen in thirty years . We got caught up and made plans to get together ,and just hang out , which cool . Things are beginning to come together .
                  Now on to the purpose of this blog for the next year , discovering how a sixty year old should act . See I have no idea for I never been that age before , there is no handbook , no classes to take and for goodness sake not even a test . It just happens and your expected to know how . Your expected to know all the things you need to get done , where to go to do them . See I worked in a business that you always around young people , so you tend to believe and act like your young . I know that I wm not a kid anymore , shoot every so often , my body reminds me now . So what is it I need to know , what is it I need to have . I won't join AARP because it is like an admission that you are old . Also I do not believe they totally represent its members as they wish . It's just a way to separate you from your money .
                    So what programs should I be aware of and join . What should I be doing to prepare . Most of all do I need to dig out that rocking chair and quilt and be ready to just rock away the time . Should start every conversation with "When I was your age " . How should I be . I have a tendency to feel as though I did when I first started out working . That I have a lot to learn and a lot of dues to pay to earn respect . It partly though out my life I have made many poor choices ,that have landed me in the position I am in . Having to start all over again , build a new life . I trying very hard to do the right things so that I will not repeat my past choices . Because of them it is hard to know at times if I am doing the right things . Like right now I know should taking care of a chore ,but I am waiting for it to warm up outside . I should start on it at noon and be done by dark . By all rights to should not take five hours to do , I hope .
                   So I have been harping on this blog about this for over a month . Still no input , maybe I have seen a few quotes posted on Facebook and Twitter and never have the time or pen and paper to jot them down so I can remember them when I sit down to write in my blog . That tells me I need to start carrying a note pad and pen everywhere . Then just make the time to jot stuff down , but could become annoying to those around me . See I really don't take my blog that serious . For one thing not many read it ,and I haven't made any money of it yet . Yes , I understand you only get out of it what you put into it . For the past few years when writing my posts , I have putting my all into it . Some I could have put more thought and work into , but what I do is just sit here and type into my tablet what just flows into my head . That's why its called Thoughts from the head , and for other reasons too . I look at the numbers for the hits on this its mostly an average of ten a day although there is a rare day or almost a hundred hits . So I know its not what people want read about and my thoughts do not amount to a hill of beans compared to everything that's going on in the world . I not trying to impact the thoughts of the world , I am just trying to understand my little part of the universe . So what are your thoughts I really want to know .