I am pleased to report, Nancy's new utility room is now in full operation! The women of the neighborhood have put their seal of approval on it and Nancy is very pleased. Me too. Once I hang the door and build a work station, I'll be out of the dog house and running free in the woods.
God is good! He knows of my desire to catch of a mess of catfish and knowing that I can't leave, sent me a mess, via an unexpected source. My good friend Sam, whom I love as a brother and doesn't fish, showed up yesterday afternoon with . . . a mess of catfish! He recieved an unexpected phone call from a guy he knows which had a problem on his hands. He had caught too many fish to clean and didn't know what to do with all of them. My brother Sam did. He took it and ran with it. We'll be frying them Friday.
More good news! I've been a little concerned with the rather large outflow of funds for the remodeling and truck repairs. I knew I needed to replace the two couches in the living room. Unfortunately they were forced to fall lower on the list of priorities although they were literally beginning to come unglued from the wear, tear and abuse from my seven sons and two dogs. And they really weren't that old either. To make another long story short . . . Two neighbors (one living on each side of me) were remodeling and exchanging their couches for ones to match the new colors and sent me their older ones. They are in excellent conditon and match the colors of the interior of our house. I shouldn't have worried. My friend Andre would call it lucky, but I know better. He knows. And I do thank Him.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Reminder
The Dilmore family continues to ask for prayers to uplift them in the fight against their son, Eric's illness. Please try to remember them. For more information on Eric's condition visit Angie's blog at (http://www.angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com/). Thank you.
Fishing Report
Kile made it into town with Tiffany. They had driven straight through the long night from Kansas. After catching up on a little rest at Daniel's appartment they came to the house to boil ninety pounds of crawfish. It was Kile and Tiffany's first time to participate in a boil and try to eat the mudbugs. I'm proud of both of them. Tiffany tried to eat the popcorn lobsters but couldn't quite handle the idea. The warrior spirit in Kile did much better. He kept any revulsions to himself and ate several. Quite a few of Daniel's friends from his highschool days came over to greet, eat and welcome the Kansas pair to Southwest Louisiana. My relatives Colleen, Gloria and Wayne rounded out the old timers gathering. Everyone had a good time and ate their fill.
The next day Daniel, Kile and Tiffany appeared back at the house a little earlier than I had expected, to go fishing. They caught me in the final acts of customizing my climbing tree stand to make it more comfortable to pack into the woods, next season. Everyone pitched in to get the fishing gear and canoe out of the shop while I finished and put up the stand.
After stopping by a store to get out-of- state fishing licenses and snacks, we left and launched the canoe at Prien Lake Park. Daniel parked the truck while I attempted to start the motor. It was the first time since the Christmas boat parade to use the motor. I primed the bulb, engaged the choke and pulled and pulled on the starting rope. Wouldn't you know the darn thing wouldn't start. I smelled the obnoxious odor of gas and saw the connector to the motor from the gas line leaking fuel.
Daniel and Kile went back to the store and bought a new connector while I had the pleasure of waiting at the launch and visiting with Tiffany. She was eagerly looking forward to the new experience of salt water fishing. I gained a lot of respect and admiration for her. If she felt any anxiety of how the trip was beginning, she didn't show it or utter a word of concern. I'm sure she thought she was in good hands and everything would be just fine.
I on the other hand, being the seasoned veteran of many unusual outdoor experiences that I am, was beginning to suspect something was up and began to wonder if everything was going to work out like it was supposed to. The leaking connector on the motor was working just fine for the parade and was the first clue to arouse my suspicions. Not wanting to alarm our guests or present the persona of being a worry wort, I kept my thoughts to my self.
The young soldiers returned with the new part and I replaced it and tried again, to start the motor. It fired right up and laid my growing suspicions to rest. With a great distance to travel, I opened the throttle and applied the gas to run at full speed. About eight hundred yards later the motor died and stubbornly refused to start. We were stranded.
I had looked before leaving the house and knew Daniel had forgotten to put the paddles into the boat. Here's how the conversation sorta went, after I announced the motor was kaput.
" Dad, what are we gonna do now?"
"Did you get the paddles?"
"No sir, I forgot."
"Well, I didn't. I found yours and put it in the boat. I meant to go back and get mine, but forgot. It's on the floor, under the net and ice chest." He looked at me with a crooked smile and didn't argue. He knew I had him and was determined to make a good impression in front of our guests. I was proud of him and worried at the same time. I knew he'll find a way to get even.
To make a long story short. We made the best of it by casting out the lines to fish. Kile's pretty girlfrienTiffany had a lot of fun by catching the greatest number and the largest, a black drum. As a matter of fact, as much as my pride hates to admit it, I am quite sure she ended up reeling in more than all of the rest of us, combined.
At the end of the trip Daniel and Kile (being the good sport and friend that he is) took turns paddling against the wind, all the way back to the landing. I sat in the back entertaining Tiffany with outdoor stories and occasionally shouted out words of encouragement to the warriors furiously paddling. You know the words.
"Keep paddling boys!"
The next day Daniel, Kile and Tiffany appeared back at the house a little earlier than I had expected, to go fishing. They caught me in the final acts of customizing my climbing tree stand to make it more comfortable to pack into the woods, next season. Everyone pitched in to get the fishing gear and canoe out of the shop while I finished and put up the stand.
After stopping by a store to get out-of- state fishing licenses and snacks, we left and launched the canoe at Prien Lake Park. Daniel parked the truck while I attempted to start the motor. It was the first time since the Christmas boat parade to use the motor. I primed the bulb, engaged the choke and pulled and pulled on the starting rope. Wouldn't you know the darn thing wouldn't start. I smelled the obnoxious odor of gas and saw the connector to the motor from the gas line leaking fuel.
Daniel and Kile went back to the store and bought a new connector while I had the pleasure of waiting at the launch and visiting with Tiffany. She was eagerly looking forward to the new experience of salt water fishing. I gained a lot of respect and admiration for her. If she felt any anxiety of how the trip was beginning, she didn't show it or utter a word of concern. I'm sure she thought she was in good hands and everything would be just fine.
I on the other hand, being the seasoned veteran of many unusual outdoor experiences that I am, was beginning to suspect something was up and began to wonder if everything was going to work out like it was supposed to. The leaking connector on the motor was working just fine for the parade and was the first clue to arouse my suspicions. Not wanting to alarm our guests or present the persona of being a worry wort, I kept my thoughts to my self.
The young soldiers returned with the new part and I replaced it and tried again, to start the motor. It fired right up and laid my growing suspicions to rest. With a great distance to travel, I opened the throttle and applied the gas to run at full speed. About eight hundred yards later the motor died and stubbornly refused to start. We were stranded.
I had looked before leaving the house and knew Daniel had forgotten to put the paddles into the boat. Here's how the conversation sorta went, after I announced the motor was kaput.
" Dad, what are we gonna do now?"
"Did you get the paddles?"
"No sir, I forgot."
"Well, I didn't. I found yours and put it in the boat. I meant to go back and get mine, but forgot. It's on the floor, under the net and ice chest." He looked at me with a crooked smile and didn't argue. He knew I had him and was determined to make a good impression in front of our guests. I was proud of him and worried at the same time. I knew he'll find a way to get even.
To make a long story short. We made the best of it by casting out the lines to fish. Kile's pretty girlfrienTiffany had a lot of fun by catching the greatest number and the largest, a black drum. As a matter of fact, as much as my pride hates to admit it, I am quite sure she ended up reeling in more than all of the rest of us, combined.
At the end of the trip Daniel and Kile (being the good sport and friend that he is) took turns paddling against the wind, all the way back to the landing. I sat in the back entertaining Tiffany with outdoor stories and occasionally shouted out words of encouragement to the warriors furiously paddling. You know the words.
"Keep paddling boys!"
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Waiting
My writing is taking somewhat of a sabatical (time out). The lap top I normally use crashed on me the other day. Fortunately, Nancy had encouraged me to back up my files on something called a thumb drive. She is wise beyond her years and saved me from a lot of anxiety. The computer is now being rehabilitated by my friend, Mikey. I thank God for Mikey, he really knows his stuff and has kept me writing. You see, he knows I have to scrimp and save to go on my outdoor adventures and helps me out with the cause by saving me a lot of money with repairs. Right now if I was forced to make a choice between spending time in the great outdoors with God's nature and a new computer, guess which choice I'd make. You're right the computer loses. Although if I were to recieve several more comments from folks following along I have to admit I may forego a hunt or two.
So here I am, forced to wait, sharing time on the household's main computer with five other family members. Waiting on the electrician to come over for the final hook-up, so I can complete the remaining two percent of the utility room (Nancy and Vicky are being very forgiving and patient). Waiting to get back to work in the old silver bullet. Waiting to be able to go on a fishing trip in the great Red River WMA. And waiting on next Monday, when I have to bring my pick up truck (ol Betsy) to the Ford place for repairs, to the front end. And again for the repairs to be made (at least three days). Sometimes I wish this writing business paid a little something. Getting ol Betsy's innards fixed is gonna cost a lot, but she deserves it. She has served me well.
A break may occur this weekend. Daniel's (my son in the National Guard) buddy from bootcamp (Jonesy) is making a special trip from Kansas to visit this weekend. You may remember Jonesy is the only recruit to have tied Daniel in marksmanship scores, on the rifle range. Each one scored high enough to be named experts. The only two in the company to do so. Their drill sargent informed me that having one in the group is a rarity and two is almost unheard of. To settle the ie and have the right to represent the company on the field of honor for graduation day the young soldiers challenged each other to a physical showdown. Jonesy from Kansas defeated Daniel the paper tiger from Louisiana to win the honor. We're very proud of both of the young soldiers. I had to remind Daniel what I taught him about trying to keep up with the Jones. I don't think it helped.
Anyway, we'll be boiling crawfish Saturday, with Jonesy. And if you intend to crash it, bring your own sack. Remember, most of my money is tied up, going into the utility room and on ol Betsy. Otherwise we'll take care of everything else.
The day before (Friday) Daniel and I hope to pull out the old award winning canoe and take Jonesy fishing for specks and redfish. Being from Kansas, he hasn't had that opportunity yet. Stop laughing I already knw too. As a matter of fact we all know, don't we? I'm not even going to try to catch the largest fish. Daniel and I know it belongs to . . . Jonsey.
So hurry up Jonesy, give me an excuse, I'm here, waiting . . . to get out there.
So here I am, forced to wait, sharing time on the household's main computer with five other family members. Waiting on the electrician to come over for the final hook-up, so I can complete the remaining two percent of the utility room (Nancy and Vicky are being very forgiving and patient). Waiting to get back to work in the old silver bullet. Waiting to be able to go on a fishing trip in the great Red River WMA. And waiting on next Monday, when I have to bring my pick up truck (ol Betsy) to the Ford place for repairs, to the front end. And again for the repairs to be made (at least three days). Sometimes I wish this writing business paid a little something. Getting ol Betsy's innards fixed is gonna cost a lot, but she deserves it. She has served me well.
A break may occur this weekend. Daniel's (my son in the National Guard) buddy from bootcamp (Jonesy) is making a special trip from Kansas to visit this weekend. You may remember Jonesy is the only recruit to have tied Daniel in marksmanship scores, on the rifle range. Each one scored high enough to be named experts. The only two in the company to do so. Their drill sargent informed me that having one in the group is a rarity and two is almost unheard of. To settle the ie and have the right to represent the company on the field of honor for graduation day the young soldiers challenged each other to a physical showdown. Jonesy from Kansas defeated Daniel the paper tiger from Louisiana to win the honor. We're very proud of both of the young soldiers. I had to remind Daniel what I taught him about trying to keep up with the Jones. I don't think it helped.
Anyway, we'll be boiling crawfish Saturday, with Jonesy. And if you intend to crash it, bring your own sack. Remember, most of my money is tied up, going into the utility room and on ol Betsy. Otherwise we'll take care of everything else.
The day before (Friday) Daniel and I hope to pull out the old award winning canoe and take Jonesy fishing for specks and redfish. Being from Kansas, he hasn't had that opportunity yet. Stop laughing I already knw too. As a matter of fact we all know, don't we? I'm not even going to try to catch the largest fish. Daniel and I know it belongs to . . . Jonsey.
So hurry up Jonesy, give me an excuse, I'm here, waiting . . . to get out there.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Welcome Vicky
Thank you Vicky, for becoming a follower of the blog. I'm looking forward to hearing from you, often. I know Nancy has informed you, I have placed a high value to your comments. I am also happy to report they have successfully motivated and delivered me from a cauldron of steaming-hot water, on the verge of boiling. You will be happy to gain the knowledge that the promised-remodeled utility room is now ninety-eight percent complete. I hope to move the appliances into it later on, this week. Nancy is so proud of both of us. You of course, for your powerful words of motivation inspiring me to get to work. Me for actually doing it.
Peace is now restored, anxiety laid to rest and all is well. Why, the love of my life has even said that I could take time off from working on the endless list of my honey do's, to go fishing. How's that for a just reward? Now wait a minute, let me finish. Of course, you're right. The fishing comes later, after I complete the remaining two percent of the utility room.
For those of you who are wondering why I am so grateful to and prostrating myself before Vicky, read the comment she left for me on one of the previous postings. It's blistering.
Hold oon, please, put the spatula down Vicky. Send the women home. I'm trying to be sincere here, even though I almost bit my tongue in two, laughing.
Warning to all: As you can see, life as an outdoors minded individual and/or writer can not only be difficult, but dangerous to your health.
All kidding aside Vicky, GLAD TO HAVE YOU ABOARD!
Peace is now restored, anxiety laid to rest and all is well. Why, the love of my life has even said that I could take time off from working on the endless list of my honey do's, to go fishing. How's that for a just reward? Now wait a minute, let me finish. Of course, you're right. The fishing comes later, after I complete the remaining two percent of the utility room.
For those of you who are wondering why I am so grateful to and prostrating myself before Vicky, read the comment she left for me on one of the previous postings. It's blistering.
Hold oon, please, put the spatula down Vicky. Send the women home. I'm trying to be sincere here, even though I almost bit my tongue in two, laughing.
Warning to all: As you can see, life as an outdoors minded individual and/or writer can not only be difficult, but dangerous to your health.
All kidding aside Vicky, GLAD TO HAVE YOU ABOARD!
"My Hero and the Shark" is online
I spoke to the owner/publisher of The Christian Star Newspaper, Monica Soileau. She suggested I inform you that the newspaper can be viewed online. Go to the website www.christianstarnewspaper.com and click on resources. Located in the center of the next page is a listing of the issues printed. Click on the March - 2009 issue. On page five of the newspaper you will find the small story I contributed. If you visit the site and read the story, I would surely appreciate to hear your comment on the story.
If you want one, I still have some printed issues available, Let me know.
If you want one, I still have some printed issues available, Let me know.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Update
My friend from The Bayou Writer's Group, Angie Dilmore and her family still need your prayers for her son. Eric had major surgery performed yesterday on one of his lungs. He has been in the hospital now for four weeks and is still in intensive care. For a more detailed and indepth report visit Angie at her website, http://www.angiekaydilmore.com/.
The newspaper, "The Christian Star," containing my story went to the presses last night. If anyone would like a copy, let me know and send or call me to give me your address. I'll try to obtain copies to mail out as long as they last.
Not much to report as far as new outdoor adventures are concerned. Since returning home from the great Red River WMA deer hunt, I've worked in "the old silver bullet" swapping out appliances and changing wiring. I'm glad to say she is doing well.
I had to leave the bullet alone and neglected to begin catching up on my list of honey doos, I leave the list on the back burner on an annual basis during open season. Nancy is a great sport and is very patient in this regard. Some of her loyal friends however, are not. I'm not going to mention any names here, but one ringleader in particular, Vicky, comes to mind. She left me a scathing wake up call with a comment on one of my blog posts (titled "The Last Hunt"). I felt threatened, as if she would soon begin recruiting reinforcements and all of them would appear at the house, armed with spatulas, demanding I get to work on the room. With this frightful vision filling my mind, I hurriedly stopped working on the "Old Bullet" and picked back up where I had left off of remodeling the utility room in the house. I don't know what all the fuss was about anyway, I had just began working on the room, late last summer. And please remember, I still had to work at my real job, on the railroad.
Speaking of which, it's time to go to work. Please remember Angie and her family in your daily prayers.
Thanks,
Rod
The newspaper, "The Christian Star," containing my story went to the presses last night. If anyone would like a copy, let me know and send or call me to give me your address. I'll try to obtain copies to mail out as long as they last.
Not much to report as far as new outdoor adventures are concerned. Since returning home from the great Red River WMA deer hunt, I've worked in "the old silver bullet" swapping out appliances and changing wiring. I'm glad to say she is doing well.
I had to leave the bullet alone and neglected to begin catching up on my list of honey doos, I leave the list on the back burner on an annual basis during open season. Nancy is a great sport and is very patient in this regard. Some of her loyal friends however, are not. I'm not going to mention any names here, but one ringleader in particular, Vicky, comes to mind. She left me a scathing wake up call with a comment on one of my blog posts (titled "The Last Hunt"). I felt threatened, as if she would soon begin recruiting reinforcements and all of them would appear at the house, armed with spatulas, demanding I get to work on the room. With this frightful vision filling my mind, I hurriedly stopped working on the "Old Bullet" and picked back up where I had left off of remodeling the utility room in the house. I don't know what all the fuss was about anyway, I had just began working on the room, late last summer. And please remember, I still had to work at my real job, on the railroad.
Speaking of which, it's time to go to work. Please remember Angie and her family in your daily prayers.
Thanks,
Rod
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
New Publication
There's a new newspaper in town called The Christian Star News. It's a christian themed paper distributed monthly to churches. I've been honored to be contacted and asked to contribute outdoor stories. This month's issue will contain part one of a two part story titled "My Hero and the Shark." Look for it and please forgive me for ny typos. I understand it is the unedited version that is being printed. Thanks, to everyone of you, for your words of encouragement to keep writing.
Special Request
My friend and writing mentor Angie Dilmore and her entire family need your prayers for strength, preserverance and healing. Her son, Eric, has been in the hospital for several weeks now. He is seriously ill and undergoing surgery, today. For more in depth information please go to her website: www.angiekaydilmore.com