The storm of the century came and went without much a fuss.
Santa Clause came to town and delivered for all the good girls and boys .
Plans went through for most and were postponed,cancelled, re-worked or otherwise fit in.
Our family saw the dreaded double postponement due to the weather delivering not only a punch here but there so travel became treacherous and common sense said we can do this later.
This provided a re opportunity to spend time with just my bride and girls.
Christmas eve saw plenty of snow and my neighbors were of great help in getting my long driveway cleared. They were rewarded justly with home made sugo fresh from the cooling tray to jars which merrily made their way down the drive way.
After warming up and eating a bit we constructed a Ginger Bread House that my daughters agree is quite ugly but tasty.
Gnocchi, Polenta, Sugo, Bologonese served with the meat that cooked along with the sauce was not only tasty but disappeared quite quickly but still left room for dessert. A family game and a classic Christmas movie as well as Mid Night Mass rounded the day off and everyone retired full and tired.
Christmas day found us opening gifts over coffee and cocoa and lounging until we attacked the driveway which took the better part of five hours creating huge appetites which needed taking care of.
Chicken,Beef,Pork, Potato's,veggies and dessert followed by movie night and reading in my favorite chair rounded off a most unusual be memorable Christmas.So much fun we had as we repeated our efforts on the 26Th until the girls looked restless and we cut them loose but to my surprise they worked together learning their new I Pods.
So, thank you mother nature and hope to see my family for New Years.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Home: Part 2
Dinner can be just as tasking as morning coffee but a bit more private as it is usually just Mom, Dad and myself. Conversation can be all encompassing but mostly revolves around what the girls are up to and dad and I discussing a recipe or a ball game. It is not a written rule nor does mom always expect one to be on their rigid schedule but it will be assumed that dinner will be served at four thirty and tardiness is not well accepted and one will hear about ones willingness to be tardy.
As I found out today relying on intelligence Brother Mike relayed to me indicating Mom and dad were expecting me much later. I chose to stay awhile longer at Happy Hour enjoying another twenty ounce jug of tea and talking with Black and the unexpected arrival of Roger whom I have not seen in some while.
At fifty four has some of the most perfect hair I have seen. In fact him and his friend Ron are known as the hair brothers.For it is a well established observation that during the hunting season that we can make a push for deer that would make General Patton proud of our physical ability and never give up attitude. Upon completion we may have made a push of up to one plus miles through young aspen and pine growth along slopes and river bottoms and as us mere mortals are disrobing wet clothing for dry Roger and Ron do the head sweep with their fingers acting as combs and their hair is perfect and there is no sweat.
Roger and I catch up on matters and wish each other Happy Holiday Greetings, glancing at the clock I figure i would make it home on time for dinner. arriving home a mere ten minutes behind schedule to mom already cleaning up the kitchen.
Sitting down all is quite and mom lets me know that I am late and she will need to warm up dinner and I will need to wait a bit longer. Knowing one has already blown the ground rules one must sit and wait but it will be worth it.
The portions have shrunk considerably from the days of every recipe in the house was for twenty people.But Rigatoni with red sauce and homemade meat balls along with salad and in my case juice is great when it is made from the heart.
From the dinner table dad exits and retires to the chair in front of the television and is intent on catching the news. At this point the hearing aide is off or adjusted too low and the television thunders with noise. I do not recall Kiss AC/DC Van Halen or the Who concerts i attended ever being this loud and to add to the decibel level is that the commercials are automatically louder by design.
My usual plan is to hang in the kitchen with mom and read the Papers to catch up on anything I may have missed and asked mom if anyone I know has been arrested as this is here favorite part of the paper although she will not admit it and will comment on how the world is falling apart. it is probably a good thing that they do not have a computer as she would lose all hope in man kind.
Dishes done Mom will retire to the couch and catch the weather and they both settle in to watch Wheel of Fortune as Vanna still turns letters and looks amazingly well as I realize she has been on Television for 25 plus years causing a sigh as I realize than that I too am that much older. A quick channel change to get the lottery numbers which has become dads twice weekly routine.
Carefully concealed in a vinyl bi-fold document holder lays the lucky numbers in which remain the same and have never been changed. He presents the card to the cashier at the local pump and munch on Wednesday and Friday while picking up milk because it is the best price in town. I have never seen the numbers but have been responsible for picking up tickets when dad has been under the weather or not in the mood to make the journey down town. His numbers have never been called but he has had some small monetary awards for putting together three numbers and roles that back into tickets for the next drawing.
Game shows and lottery complete and no professional sports of interest on the television Bed time comes early allowing Mom to catch up on some of her favorite programing. I retire to my bedroom as the day proved to be long and physically i was tired and ready to read and sleep.
From the room I hear soft music coming from the television and realize mom is watching figure skating, Her favorite.You can see it in her eyes as she is in complete unison with the dancer on the ice. I believe that as a young lady growing up in France that she probably dreamed of dancing on the ice as any young girl dreams of being a ballerina or a singer. Some days it is hard to imagine that our parents were once much younger and had dreams of being many things or going many places and one must ask if they they have accomplished what they once dreamed of doing.....
As I found out today relying on intelligence Brother Mike relayed to me indicating Mom and dad were expecting me much later. I chose to stay awhile longer at Happy Hour enjoying another twenty ounce jug of tea and talking with Black and the unexpected arrival of Roger whom I have not seen in some while.
At fifty four has some of the most perfect hair I have seen. In fact him and his friend Ron are known as the hair brothers.For it is a well established observation that during the hunting season that we can make a push for deer that would make General Patton proud of our physical ability and never give up attitude. Upon completion we may have made a push of up to one plus miles through young aspen and pine growth along slopes and river bottoms and as us mere mortals are disrobing wet clothing for dry Roger and Ron do the head sweep with their fingers acting as combs and their hair is perfect and there is no sweat.
Roger and I catch up on matters and wish each other Happy Holiday Greetings, glancing at the clock I figure i would make it home on time for dinner. arriving home a mere ten minutes behind schedule to mom already cleaning up the kitchen.
Sitting down all is quite and mom lets me know that I am late and she will need to warm up dinner and I will need to wait a bit longer. Knowing one has already blown the ground rules one must sit and wait but it will be worth it.
The portions have shrunk considerably from the days of every recipe in the house was for twenty people.But Rigatoni with red sauce and homemade meat balls along with salad and in my case juice is great when it is made from the heart.
From the dinner table dad exits and retires to the chair in front of the television and is intent on catching the news. At this point the hearing aide is off or adjusted too low and the television thunders with noise. I do not recall Kiss AC/DC Van Halen or the Who concerts i attended ever being this loud and to add to the decibel level is that the commercials are automatically louder by design.
My usual plan is to hang in the kitchen with mom and read the Papers to catch up on anything I may have missed and asked mom if anyone I know has been arrested as this is here favorite part of the paper although she will not admit it and will comment on how the world is falling apart. it is probably a good thing that they do not have a computer as she would lose all hope in man kind.
Dishes done Mom will retire to the couch and catch the weather and they both settle in to watch Wheel of Fortune as Vanna still turns letters and looks amazingly well as I realize she has been on Television for 25 plus years causing a sigh as I realize than that I too am that much older. A quick channel change to get the lottery numbers which has become dads twice weekly routine.
Carefully concealed in a vinyl bi-fold document holder lays the lucky numbers in which remain the same and have never been changed. He presents the card to the cashier at the local pump and munch on Wednesday and Friday while picking up milk because it is the best price in town. I have never seen the numbers but have been responsible for picking up tickets when dad has been under the weather or not in the mood to make the journey down town. His numbers have never been called but he has had some small monetary awards for putting together three numbers and roles that back into tickets for the next drawing.
Game shows and lottery complete and no professional sports of interest on the television Bed time comes early allowing Mom to catch up on some of her favorite programing. I retire to my bedroom as the day proved to be long and physically i was tired and ready to read and sleep.
From the room I hear soft music coming from the television and realize mom is watching figure skating, Her favorite.You can see it in her eyes as she is in complete unison with the dancer on the ice. I believe that as a young lady growing up in France that she probably dreamed of dancing on the ice as any young girl dreams of being a ballerina or a singer. Some days it is hard to imagine that our parents were once much younger and had dreams of being many things or going many places and one must ask if they they have accomplished what they once dreamed of doing.....
Home: Part 1
Waking up in a fog has become a normal part of my everyday.
Waking up stiff and sore has also become a regular part of my days.
But in return I have slept better than any other time that I can remember.
So after being homeward bound since October I felt the urge to leave the security of the nest, spread my wings and fly.
My travel took me North to Duluth with 2 mandatory rest stops which were needed.
Sitting is not necessarily the problem as is the motion and constant and rhythmic slap of the tire on the cracks and expansion joints of the highways and by-ways of Minnesota.The motion causes stiffness and stiffness causes discomfort and the two combined crate stirring and the body must stop for at that point I am no longer in control of what is ordinary in the world. My body on the other hand is really good at communicating it's feelings to how I am treating it.
Duluth went fine and was stop number three and I was back on the road at lunch time.
Hunger set in which happens quite quickly these days and in my rush and excitement of impending travel I forgot to pack my lunch. Fast food was not an option as it was banished from my life in May and has probably been a good choice since.
Healthy snack at a gas station would have to do and my thoughts immediately went to the biker who now teaches other bikers how to eat healthy meals at service stations!
Not a bad idea since I spend quite a bit of time traveling.You could possibly eat really healthy if you tried but the odds are not in your favor of low calorie healthy food that will fill your hunger needs.
An Apple, A Banana and a Pop Tart were my choice, Not bad and if were not for the fact that the Pop Tart s were sitting on the counter near the cash register I would have been home free. Better yet it could have been a Pop tart without Frosting or sprinkles. Yes Sprinkles, the delectable and festive looking clusters of color embedded into the vanilla frosting which snap when bitten into.
Well any how it would do as I knew that Mom would have something really good on the menu for dinner and she would make a little extra cause she had company coming.Although it be her son it was company and special treatment is a must. A Sunday dinner mid week.
The snow of and fog of the early morning had been replaced with the warmth of the mid afternoon winter sun. It was 14 degrees which was 28 degrees warmer than the day before.Funny how 14 degrees can feel so warm but 28 degrees is 28 degrees.
A quick stop in Virginia and onward to Chisholm with my final stop before home would be Tom and Jerry's. The unofficial Welcome Wagon of the Range town.
The corner of the bar was the usual suspects that gather twice a day for comrade and fellowship of other men,sharing news and views of the morning paper or the happenings that took place in between visits.All retired, All busy in their own right But all enjoying the fruits of their 30-40 years of labor.
No bank executives, Real estate Moguls, Land Barron's. mostly Miners and Trades Men who worked for one of the many mines around the area.arriving for the afternoon meeting there was beer in hand versus coffee from the morning,although coffee is usually available.The coffee its self is some of the best in which has passed these lips and I have had coffee in a thousand different places over the years of traveling and a cup of Tommy's brew is worth the trip.Big City types would pay a premium price for this coffee that requires patron to throw a buck in for a bottomless cup and the stuff in the decaf pot is the same as the non decaf.
The conversations vary and are ever changing and cover the entire spectrum of topics,social issues,local gossip and of course politics. Today's conversation revolved around Ice conditions and early fish reports and a few stories from the
summer past.
Normally after such a trip I would be kicking back and knocking down a few beers and planning my relaxation techniques for the next few days but today a Ice Tea would suffice versus Lemon aide.The banter of comments and jokes makes its round as I am warned against drinking and driving all loaded up on sugar drinks.
The endowment makes anyone who left this town after graduation and returns at home and many of classmates and acquaintances have ended up coming home and working for Tom and Jerry while they re-group or take care of Mom and Dad, recover from marriage or lost job or business. A safety net as I have never experienced but is also comforting to know as in these unsteady times, at times wonder if that could be me behind the bar.
Finishing my Green tea I decide I have been over educated for the time being and need to venture the few block to Mom and Dads House and plan the errands which will need to be run the next day.It is also the time to smell the aroma of something fresh and home made being cooked just for me. Naturally hunger sets in immediately and unabated as every room within the house has the aromatic smell of Pot Roast, Potato's and Bread.
Settling in as a guest in mom and Dads domain requires a staging process that needs to followed to the smallest detail as the heat within the house is treated as if it were a nuclear reactor and if any heat is lost,wasted or otherwise set free it is cause for alarm and a near melt down as warnings are voiced from both parties to hurry up so it stays war. The towels rolled up for the base of the doors to keep heat from escaping must be replaced immediately and without reservation or else they may come and inspect to ensure its precise placement.
The Bags get placed on the front stoop and than one enters through the back door since the center of activity is the kitchen. One must announce the entrance and exchange greetings and than immediately announce the plan to bring the bags in to the compound. Homeland Security could take some valuable lessons from our parents
rules of the house.
Enter the front porch which is unheated closing the door behind you and moving the rolled towel towards the TV so it will not interfere with the baggage process. Open the front doors and move bags from the front stoop into the porch area making sure no snow enters the area which could contaminate the sterile environment which during the winter months resembles a museum as ever thing has been prepped,covered and put in its winter place.
Now, Shoes need to be removed and the entry door must be cracked not opened widely thus creating a vacuum which sucks the cold air into the living room and sending it rushing into the kitchen. Bags and personal items are than stacked at the base of the stairs and arranged in a fashion as to make the next step of dispatch as smooth
and error free as possible.
Shoes are now picked up and carried through the house and walked through the kitchen where another door needs to be opened to the UN-heated and or insulated back porch which also serves as a fine food cooler and wine cellar.Shoes can be placed in the visitors shoe section which is designated by the small area rug which is placed on the all season carpet next to the home shoe area which is a nice series of wooden shelves and a plastic tray sitting on a small area rug sitting on the all season carpet.
Upon re-entry the door need to be checked to make sure it is closed securely and and no cold air is allowed to enter.it helps if mom sees you have done this and allows her to relax somewhat.
Back through the kitchen and to the base of the stairs where the bags await their journey to the rooms. If their is numbers of bags an assembly line is made and the bags are sent up the stairs to the landing and than placed in the appropriate room were they will await the proper placement as to not impede movement or require attention from mom if she so happens to make it up stairs.
While moving baggage one also checks the floor for sounds and squeaking to see if any new booby traps have been set to catch movement from below if one chooses to stay out late or the kids decide to stay up and play rather than go to bed three hours earlier than they normally do.
The rooms have not changed much in the thirty years in which I have been gone. The bed Spreads are the same, the pictures, the books, pillows ,sheets. all the same as the day I left for college. The beds are made tightly and one must use care as to not disrupt thee tension setting as you will never be able to re-set the covers as tight as they were when you arrived causing them to be washed as required whether used or not.Bags go on the floor being careful not to move the area rugs as they are carefully measured after each visit and compared to the prints stored in the banks of moms memory. If there is anything moved or not replaced it will be used against you and family around the coffee table. This is where all your inequities as a son or daughter get revealed in your absence in the form of critique or periodic review as I refer to the process. Sometimes the pressure of this event causes individuals to fold and leave the room regrouping in the living room which will be noted and cataloged.
One must be strong and take their seat and participate knowing that you are under tight scrutiny from the boss. John Gotti would have crumbled under the pressure and one should have tough shoulders as you must let things roll off them after they hit you.As most of us have found with our family is as they get older they open up and not always in a good manner. They speak their mind which is very commendable but yet at times uncomfortable.
Waking up stiff and sore has also become a regular part of my days.
But in return I have slept better than any other time that I can remember.
So after being homeward bound since October I felt the urge to leave the security of the nest, spread my wings and fly.
My travel took me North to Duluth with 2 mandatory rest stops which were needed.
Sitting is not necessarily the problem as is the motion and constant and rhythmic slap of the tire on the cracks and expansion joints of the highways and by-ways of Minnesota.The motion causes stiffness and stiffness causes discomfort and the two combined crate stirring and the body must stop for at that point I am no longer in control of what is ordinary in the world. My body on the other hand is really good at communicating it's feelings to how I am treating it.
Duluth went fine and was stop number three and I was back on the road at lunch time.
Hunger set in which happens quite quickly these days and in my rush and excitement of impending travel I forgot to pack my lunch. Fast food was not an option as it was banished from my life in May and has probably been a good choice since.
Healthy snack at a gas station would have to do and my thoughts immediately went to the biker who now teaches other bikers how to eat healthy meals at service stations!
Not a bad idea since I spend quite a bit of time traveling.You could possibly eat really healthy if you tried but the odds are not in your favor of low calorie healthy food that will fill your hunger needs.
An Apple, A Banana and a Pop Tart were my choice, Not bad and if were not for the fact that the Pop Tart s were sitting on the counter near the cash register I would have been home free. Better yet it could have been a Pop tart without Frosting or sprinkles. Yes Sprinkles, the delectable and festive looking clusters of color embedded into the vanilla frosting which snap when bitten into.
Well any how it would do as I knew that Mom would have something really good on the menu for dinner and she would make a little extra cause she had company coming.Although it be her son it was company and special treatment is a must. A Sunday dinner mid week.
The snow of and fog of the early morning had been replaced with the warmth of the mid afternoon winter sun. It was 14 degrees which was 28 degrees warmer than the day before.Funny how 14 degrees can feel so warm but 28 degrees is 28 degrees.
A quick stop in Virginia and onward to Chisholm with my final stop before home would be Tom and Jerry's. The unofficial Welcome Wagon of the Range town.
The corner of the bar was the usual suspects that gather twice a day for comrade and fellowship of other men,sharing news and views of the morning paper or the happenings that took place in between visits.All retired, All busy in their own right But all enjoying the fruits of their 30-40 years of labor.
No bank executives, Real estate Moguls, Land Barron's. mostly Miners and Trades Men who worked for one of the many mines around the area.arriving for the afternoon meeting there was beer in hand versus coffee from the morning,although coffee is usually available.The coffee its self is some of the best in which has passed these lips and I have had coffee in a thousand different places over the years of traveling and a cup of Tommy's brew is worth the trip.Big City types would pay a premium price for this coffee that requires patron to throw a buck in for a bottomless cup and the stuff in the decaf pot is the same as the non decaf.
The conversations vary and are ever changing and cover the entire spectrum of topics,social issues,local gossip and of course politics. Today's conversation revolved around Ice conditions and early fish reports and a few stories from the
summer past.
Normally after such a trip I would be kicking back and knocking down a few beers and planning my relaxation techniques for the next few days but today a Ice Tea would suffice versus Lemon aide.The banter of comments and jokes makes its round as I am warned against drinking and driving all loaded up on sugar drinks.
The endowment makes anyone who left this town after graduation and returns at home and many of classmates and acquaintances have ended up coming home and working for Tom and Jerry while they re-group or take care of Mom and Dad, recover from marriage or lost job or business. A safety net as I have never experienced but is also comforting to know as in these unsteady times, at times wonder if that could be me behind the bar.
Finishing my Green tea I decide I have been over educated for the time being and need to venture the few block to Mom and Dads House and plan the errands which will need to be run the next day.It is also the time to smell the aroma of something fresh and home made being cooked just for me. Naturally hunger sets in immediately and unabated as every room within the house has the aromatic smell of Pot Roast, Potato's and Bread.
Settling in as a guest in mom and Dads domain requires a staging process that needs to followed to the smallest detail as the heat within the house is treated as if it were a nuclear reactor and if any heat is lost,wasted or otherwise set free it is cause for alarm and a near melt down as warnings are voiced from both parties to hurry up so it stays war. The towels rolled up for the base of the doors to keep heat from escaping must be replaced immediately and without reservation or else they may come and inspect to ensure its precise placement.
The Bags get placed on the front stoop and than one enters through the back door since the center of activity is the kitchen. One must announce the entrance and exchange greetings and than immediately announce the plan to bring the bags in to the compound. Homeland Security could take some valuable lessons from our parents
rules of the house.
Enter the front porch which is unheated closing the door behind you and moving the rolled towel towards the TV so it will not interfere with the baggage process. Open the front doors and move bags from the front stoop into the porch area making sure no snow enters the area which could contaminate the sterile environment which during the winter months resembles a museum as ever thing has been prepped,covered and put in its winter place.
Now, Shoes need to be removed and the entry door must be cracked not opened widely thus creating a vacuum which sucks the cold air into the living room and sending it rushing into the kitchen. Bags and personal items are than stacked at the base of the stairs and arranged in a fashion as to make the next step of dispatch as smooth
and error free as possible.
Shoes are now picked up and carried through the house and walked through the kitchen where another door needs to be opened to the UN-heated and or insulated back porch which also serves as a fine food cooler and wine cellar.Shoes can be placed in the visitors shoe section which is designated by the small area rug which is placed on the all season carpet next to the home shoe area which is a nice series of wooden shelves and a plastic tray sitting on a small area rug sitting on the all season carpet.
Upon re-entry the door need to be checked to make sure it is closed securely and and no cold air is allowed to enter.it helps if mom sees you have done this and allows her to relax somewhat.
Back through the kitchen and to the base of the stairs where the bags await their journey to the rooms. If their is numbers of bags an assembly line is made and the bags are sent up the stairs to the landing and than placed in the appropriate room were they will await the proper placement as to not impede movement or require attention from mom if she so happens to make it up stairs.
While moving baggage one also checks the floor for sounds and squeaking to see if any new booby traps have been set to catch movement from below if one chooses to stay out late or the kids decide to stay up and play rather than go to bed three hours earlier than they normally do.
The rooms have not changed much in the thirty years in which I have been gone. The bed Spreads are the same, the pictures, the books, pillows ,sheets. all the same as the day I left for college. The beds are made tightly and one must use care as to not disrupt thee tension setting as you will never be able to re-set the covers as tight as they were when you arrived causing them to be washed as required whether used or not.Bags go on the floor being careful not to move the area rugs as they are carefully measured after each visit and compared to the prints stored in the banks of moms memory. If there is anything moved or not replaced it will be used against you and family around the coffee table. This is where all your inequities as a son or daughter get revealed in your absence in the form of critique or periodic review as I refer to the process. Sometimes the pressure of this event causes individuals to fold and leave the room regrouping in the living room which will be noted and cataloged.
One must be strong and take their seat and participate knowing that you are under tight scrutiny from the boss. John Gotti would have crumbled under the pressure and one should have tough shoulders as you must let things roll off them after they hit you.As most of us have found with our family is as they get older they open up and not always in a good manner. They speak their mind which is very commendable but yet at times uncomfortable.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
December 7th 1941
A day that will live in infamy.
December 8th 1980
Room 224
Fleming Hall
University of Wisconsin Stout
Classes Cancelled
Bitter cold morning.
And finally to our friend "Bonzo"
whom we are reminded of every time we travel home for the holiday or weekend
The cross on the side of the road will never let you forget him.
But will remind you of how quickly it can change.
God Bless
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
First Snow
The Fire PitFirst snow of the season
Followed of course by Cold.
The Pines
Reflection, Every year I pick one of the pines to string lights on.
This year it was the runt of the litter.
four feet tall and 15 years old.
Only need one light turned on in the whole house.
Bad picture but this is the fish and hunt tree down
in the man cave.
Worked until noon than lost interest so I retired to the kitchen and baked most of the afternoon away.
Cookies
Desert
Dinner
Thanks to my neighbor for clearing the drive way.
Monday, December 7, 2009
You have to like Gary's philosophy on his rods.
He intends them to be different,
Nothing light and fluffy about these and nice,
Combo's come with a 4 ball bearing reel with a one way clutch. Grease used is a special low temp freeze proof good to -60 below.
Gary is still one of the most genuine gentlemen in the buisness.
You will find Gary and his Wife Beverly promoting their rods just as much as they are out on the lake fishing.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Musky Recipe's
To protect myself these recipes have remained unchanged.Fishermen, and Musky fishermen in particular, are a storied and sorted bunch.
In a world measured by
"How many did you catch?"
Does not matter the species. Crappie,Walleye,Sauger, Saugeye, Sun Fish, Blue Gile, Pike,
Perch, Whitefish, Salmon, Trout, Catfish, Bullhead, Suckers, Alligator Gar, Gators of course and so forth.
"Any big ones?"
"Twenty nine inch,How much she weigh??"
"Two pound crappies measuring 10 inches hey"
"Buckey full of sunnies."
"Aah Just some hammer handle pike. Good for pickling you know."
"That calls for a Grain Belt!!!"
"Got me a forty two inch Musky today."
"What did you do with it?"
"Filleted her out of course."
"Steaked the or did you get the Y bone out?"
"Filleted it like a crappie and than boned it."
At one time or another while traveling I have received recipes or talked to guys about every fish species and recipes to cook them with.
But never. Never in as many years have I heard anyone talk of eating a Musky.
This is very dangerous to bring up and just may find me in the Musky witness protection program.
Why?
This is a fish that guys will fish 12, 14, 16 hours a day and if they receive a follow it is a successful trip.
Now if you see or visually spot a fish of trophy size it is worth at leasts a day of drinks bought for you by fellow Musky Hunters.
If you should see two or three it could be worth a week and one of a dozen offers to shoot a video on the storied Lake X.
If you should see two or three it could be worth a week and one of a dozen offers to shoot a video on the storied Lake X.
Never divulge the Lake.
Musky guys are good at this .
Unless at a show where I suspect when one fella leans in towards another and whispers in his ear while his eyes glanced in all directions making sure no one is within ear shot.
I will assume he is not asking him for a date.
But I maybe wrong.
The above two recipes I found while digging through a treasure trove of recipes given to me.
Taken from some cook book and left for all to see.
So please do not call and punish me as I am only reporting what was being given to me at the time.
"Keepa Da Line A Wet"
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Ice Fishing Show
The first week of December usually brings the first big cool snap of the season and the area lakes begin their solid transformation with the Northern Lakes already well on their way to making Ice for the upcoming winter and all the activities that go along with Being Minnesotan.Launching frozen turkeys across the ice at bowling pins is one of my favorites but I have considered tossing the Bocce Balls don my frozen driveway on occasion.
This week is also marked by the Ice Fishing Show.
This is a totally unique consumer venue with as loyal a following as you will find.
Like Rock Star Freaky as my daughters would translate this mass of bodies.
I dare say that Metallica,Aerosmith,Eagles and many other bands would be impressed with the throngs of people that travel from a five state area and Canada to wind their way through the aisle crowded with families and guys wearing enough flannel and carhartt's that would bring a tear to even Larry The Cable Guy.
Their is no empty hands as theses same fellas carry around $8.00 Beers and $5.00 Hot Dogs and plastic bags with Manufactures Logos on them all filled with catalogs and a signed calendar from the famous Bikini Clad Ice Fishing Gals,worth the price of admission right their boys.
Working for Factories means Shows and plenty of them.
Most Reps despise the consumer show circuit and would rather suck on a gun barrel,as the saying goes, than hang around dealing with the same sales pitches we hear every year from consumers who may have had one too many barley pops.
"What do you got that's free?"
Therefore bags and catalogs.
Foe myself I still enjoy talking with people and working with my dealers at these shows.
Most people do not realize that we are at these shows to support the dealers that buy product from our factories and we actually do not sell, we inform and send them to Thorne Bros, Reed's, Joe's, Marine General,
The Bobber Shop and if you cannot find it at the show we can tell you where to look for it.
With the Nils Master, Gary Roaches Ice Pro Rods and Triple Fish Ice Line we are happy to say we got pretty good coverage with or dealers and every year it grows.A lot of new faces many familiar faces coming back and we especially like those who come back to tell us there Big Fish Stories.
Of course we also deal with customers who have not had good experiences or want to know warranty information which is by far the biggest request we get. Guys being guys they throw stuff away.
With lines winding out the doors and down Kellogg ave or blvd today was record breaking busy and found people buying which is better. Our industry has held its own and people will spend money on past times in which they are impassioned to.
So, Here what I felt worthy of looking at this year.
Fishing Suits, Kinda like rain gear for Ice and Cold continue to be very popular,
Expensive but popular especially if you spend a lot of time on the Ice.
These will run from 250.00 and up for a jacket and Bibs.
The Artic Armor Suit will also keep afloat if you are unfortunate enough to go through the ice.
Gloves and Boots are always a must see.
with warmth being measured in Thinsulate values these days one must apply the value to what conditions they are facing when they step outside.
For me. 1500 grams of insulation are required for my feet and gloves that allow me to be functional without removing them a must.
My favorite was the Add Heat Vest which works like the ole battery pack sock warmers but more techie.
Wool!!! its making a come back.
Another must for people who fish in the elements is a wind proof jacket. A Must Have and you will use it for the open water season to.
I prefer wool over any of the new light weight sweat wicking stink tank garments which although comfortable and perform as claimed smell awful and need to be cared for more often than wool.
I have a friend whom purchased wool base layers for this reason.
Filson is a recognized name ( The Mackinaw Pant)
and Browning Highland wool series was nice. also
Fish shacks,shanties,huts or whatever you want to call them.
Many styles, Shapes sizes and prices on portables.
The trend is insulated and base camp shelters for those highly mobile ice anglers.
There is a good better and best scale win regards to these purchases from companies such as.
Otter, Frabill, Clam and Shappel.
Their are custom builders such as Canvas works and for the guy that wants everything the Ice Palace which I saw models on display from 14-19 thousand dollar's.
The other trend is to accessorise your sled and house with lights,cup holders tackle bags, real comfy seats and rod holders.
Ice Augers:
Nothing new but electrics continue to be the buzz.
Jiffy and Strike Master have new motor companies as well as Nils Master
Strike Master
Jiffy
Ice Gator( whom I could not find at the show)
and of course yours truly Nils Master.
A very steady stream of people to look at the Nils which made me quite happy and saw 10 units move from the floor to the door on Friday evening alone.
Everyone ran very competitive show specials and for the most part ran in range from 350-499depending on model and engine size.
Tackle.
Plenty of new tackle from everyone and lots being sold.
Lindy, Northland, Rapala and Hali.
And plenty of tackle storage systems in every shape size and form.
Electronics for the most part remained unchanged with Hummingbird, Lowrance,Vexilar, Marcum and Garmin being represented.
Map chips and GPS units for the angler on the move are the trend.
Find the spot immediately.
Your fathers secrete reef is no longer a secrete with Mapping systems from Navionics and Lake Masters.
My dad would be amazed at how this has changed.
Well Practice safe fishing.
and have a good season once it finally gets here.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Therapist
Squirrel Chaser
The Guard Call it what you want it is therapy,
Coco makes sure I am o.k. each and every morning.
Wakes me up by tugging on the bed covers and will grab my slippers.
They will ring the bell on either the front or back door which is my indication they need to go out.
It is winter so Coco cannot let herself out .
Yep, slides the screen door open and leaves. cannot shut it but open it yes.
We walk 2-3 times a day.
1st walk is my get the kinks out 2.5 mile saunter.
Followed by a 1.6 mile walk after lunch
and .75 mile walk at sunset.
Coco always leads and protects me from the vermin squirrels.
Coco always leads and protects me from the vermin squirrels.
For the most part she does a good job ,but more often than not she is over fixated on the trees and the critter is staring at her from the ground.
Mandy stays at my side nudging me every now and than to let me know my flanks are covered.
At the stop sign the sit and wait for the leash.
Coco again must lead and can she pull.
Dog Sled material.
Mandy assumes her position on my right or left side.
Both dogs were rescued and have good ability to smell out game as they jumped many a pheasant for me to watch fly across the fields and occasional fox and the ever bewildering cat who shows no fear of either dog.
Once home they assume their guarding of the castle.
One at the front window and one at the back.
Warning barks coming for anyone within sight of the yard.
Mail
UPS
Neighbor
Preachers
17 year old daughter breaking curfew.
But these gals are nothing as I am also entrusted to care for1 exotic Rabbit named Buster
1 Gecko
2 Fiddler Crabs.
Today I found myself having a conversation with Buster the rabbit and had to caution myself against getting carried away with these often one way conversations.
Buster is a fussy fella who lets me know when I have missed the daily ration of fresh vegetables and makes it known by trashing the cage if it is not what he was expecting.
Buster also has a habit of chasing the dogs and will often hop with them nipping at their paws.
quite humorous.
Fiddler Crabs if left on their own are quite quick to disappear and can take days to find as was found out but make quite the racket with their pincher's when given the chance.
So my days are quite entertaining and i consider them my employees.
Staff meetings over coffee every morning to plan the days business.
Well tomorrow will be a busy morning than off to the Ice Fishing Show.
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