Hi friends. I didn't realize it's been over a year since the last blog posting. I'd like to say I've been on sabbatical and resting, but that's not the case. I've been working my tail off and participating in a precious few more outdoor adventures. First I'm happy to report your prayers of support for the Dilmore family did very well. Eric is well on the road to a full recovery. I thank you on behalf my friends, Bob, Angie, Eric and Andrew.
I managed to survive another exciting hunting season and came home with a bag full of good stories. Although I ended up providing more dinner fare for the coyotes than I did for my family, I would have to say it was one of the most successful seasons to date.
In between hunts and work, I refurbished the canoe, continued touching up the old camper and caught up on a few more items on the ever growing honey-do list.
In most recent times, I'm proud to report my son Michael has just graduated high school and is reporting for boot camp June the eighth to pursue a career in the Army. He, along with his brother Daniel, now gives me two sons serving in the military. Please pray for their well being along with the rest of the members.
I'm also pleased to report my youngest son, Patrick, just completed the ninth grade and has been accepted into the prestigious Louisiana School of Math, Science, and Arts located at Nortwestern State University. He will be shipping out next weekend. He also bagged his first deer last season. And it was an eight point buck! I have to say he inherited both of his best attributes from each of his parents. Can you guess which came from what side?
There's still a lot more to catch up on but, we'll do it later.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
NOTICE!
My webmaster (Rocky) has informed me the greater majority of my visitors are accessing this blog site thru my webpage at www.rodneyhennigan.com. He recommended I use a new blog site accessed directly thru the home web page to make it more conveinient for all guests to navigate.
Please give it a try. Go to www.rodneyhennigan.com and click on blog for the most recent postings. If you encounter any difficulties please let me know.
Thanks,
W. Rodney Hennigan
Please give it a try. Go to www.rodneyhennigan.com and click on blog for the most recent postings. If you encounter any difficulties please let me know.
Thanks,
W. Rodney Hennigan
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Almost There
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.
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.
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!