The Art of TROUT FISHING

(This is my last blog that never made it to press)

Actually, the title is misleading since I really have know idea how to catch a Trout. I see all the flies, nymphs, salmon eggs, etc.. and think at this point of the learning process we're basically just throwing $ at all the needs of trout fishing person. I'm just not good enough to think like a trout and decide whether I want a mosquito or a fly for dinner.

We practiced with our new fly fishing rods & reels. A whole new way of casting and I thought it always looked pretty tricky, I found that it really is fun to throw.

Not sure why trout fishermen do so much walking down streams, but my muscles in my calves all the way up were talking to me the next day from all the water resistant exercise we got. Oh.. and I fell down once on slippery rocks, rod flew out of my hands as I went straight down and then got splashed in the face. Perry was right in front of me and missed the whole event.

We haven't had the priviledge of catching trout but at least are getting casting practice and I'm sure that we'll have a nice stringer full real soon.

UPDATE

Friday we headed back to our "spot" and I decided that I didn't want to do all that walking, since the dog had taken me for a walk the day before and my back wasn't back to normal yet.

About 15 casts later, low and behold, I caught my first trout! Perry was no where to be seen so had to hold my big surprise until he came back and got to see my trophy on the stringer.

Poor Perry, still fishless, so I decided to share my expertise with him. He soon got antsie and just couldn't seem to stand in one spot and headed down the other way just when I hooked another one! I screamed, "PERRY!!!!!!" because I wanted a picture of me yanking him in, but Perry couldn't hear me because of all the water noise and down the river he went.

The good news! We got to go home, stick our heads to the computer to watch a youtube demonstration on how to clean a trout. Very easy too I might add! The next night, the gourmet dinner... yum yum.

Perry probably won't take me again.....he really needs to learn how to catch fish :)))

Ellie & her new Pillowcase Dress

When Ellie got to my house today, she was sporting her new pillowcase dress that her Mama had been the winner of. Although I'm not a professional, like some people around me, I just had to take her picture and she is always more than happy to pose. I'm sure Mom or Dad will do better but Ellie & I were happy with these.

Thanks so much Mandy! The dress is as cute as can be and my goodness, even I could make it!

Anyone that is not familiar with the magnificent mom that made this, and many other things... you need to check out her blog, or I should say blogs ... and here they are http://mandybeez.blogspot.com & http://craftedition.blogspot.com/. It is definitely worth you time in browsing.

Max's letter home

Dear Daddy Kaan & Mama Tia-

So much has happened since I left home a couple weeks ago, but will try to catch you up.

I have a new name. They call me "Max". I will let you know my fancy registered name when we all figure it out.

I am really having a good time in my new home. Found out I'm stuck with 2 cats. I hold my own and they have learned who is in charge. I love my new authority.

My favorite playmate is a girl named Ellie who is four years old We have fun 3 days week. We play tug of war, tag, ball, and just have fun. I always take a good nap after she has gone home but when I wake up, I always cry because she's gone.

The food is good here! Have not missed one single meal since I left home. In fact, I was at the doctor for an 8 week check up and in two weeks have jumped from 9.5 lbs to a whoppin' 18.3 lbs. Wow! I think I doubled my body weight in a mere 14 days.

I have had just a few upsets. The first evening, I had to go to the bathroom, but didn't know where go, so picked Perry's tennis shoe. He smelled it but couldn't find it!! Carol thought it was so funny that she had to take a picture of it. I also have chewed a heavy duty orange extension cord in half. Glad it was unplugged, oh, and I may have chewed a USB cable in two. It seems like everybody gets snippy when I lay by computer wires.

Check out my pictures that are attached. I move so fast with so much to do that it is hard to get a good pose out of me.

Most of all, just want you both to know that I am loved very much.

xxoo
-Max

meet Max

We have done it! We are in the dog ownership world now. He's a little 7 week old German Shephard. Headed to KC today, although it ended up being just north of Archie on Hwy 71. We got to meet Max's parents, and then fell in love with Max and paid for the little guy, got his registration papers and headed home.
After seeing his dad come down the drive way to "welcome" us, we learned that we have not only bought a dog, but a security system as well when he grows up to look like Dad.

Seems like a smart dog too. Went into the bedroom apparently looking for a place to have a good doggie poop and didn't get any on the floor! It all went in Perry's old tennis shoe. Good dog....good dog. haha

Clyde the cat is NOT happy. He will get over it though.

We are kind of bad about renaming a dog after we look at it for a day or two so he may not be Max next week.

What a pretty bonnet.....

Ellie and her beautiful bonnet that she made at the library!!