How To Turn A Worm Into Lunch For Five

This is the New Pond and was built over forty years ago.  It shall remain the New Pond until we build another, I guess.

Marcy loves to fish.  My friend has been collecting Catalpa worms for her and Marcy decided to give them a try.

...and the biggest one got away.  I think they always do considering the tall fish tales I have heard through the years.

The ones Marcy did catch are not going anywhere because TP is on guard.  She would tell Marcy if one got too close to the edge and was in danger of rejoining its room mates.

TP also kept a look out for incoming.  She may be directing Marcy on the proper way to handle the fishing pole or telling her where to cast her line.

This is one that got away.  Marcy reeled it close to the bank and they both had to rest after the battle, the fish and Marcy.  Even after it slipped the hook, it lay and rested before it swam away.

Marcy was happy, we were happy.  Marcy cleaned the fish, cooked the fish and delivered a full platter of fresh cooked warm fish to us as we returned home from work.  Thanks, Marcy and TP.

It Was A Dark, Warm Night...

as I stalked the trespassers.  Dressed in my pjs and knee high rubber boots, I quietly crept to the pond.  My ancestors, in the form of floating orbs, were with me the whole time.

The dogs were sniffing for smells that did not belong.  I had a plan, I had a camera, I was gathering evidence.

The pond greeted me with silence.  I saw no one but I would not believe my eyes, I kept searching.  By golly, I was there to take names.

I found this.

Looks like a sneak in and fish gate to me!

I will endeavor to persevere.

Marcy's Fishing Morning

Marcy is always saying she wants to fish. Bev and I said go, but Marcy said there was too much work to do. Bev said if you wait until the work is done, you will never go.

So Marcy went fishing and the fish were biting. Her view from behind the fishing pole.

Bringing one in, he has finally quit fighting. She reels in three and looses three and of course the biggest ones got away.

Channel catfish, farm raised. Fresh from the pond and ready to prepare for the skillet.
The three Marcy did get to shore were all twenty-two inches long. Do not know the weight but it doesn't matter. Marcy fried them and brought a huge plate over warm for supper. I was not thinking about how much they weighed, only that they were delicious. Can't get any fresher fish than these.

Thanks, Marcy!

Father's Day Fishing

Hey, one day without lots of work!!! I lost count of the fish we caught but we kept every one. We had bass and very large sun perch. It was fun although it was hot. We have many stocked fish ponds but rarely take the time to enjoy them.

Den and Marcy are quite the devoted fisher people. I, on the other hand, was taking pictures as I fished. Sometimes this is difficult to do both proficiently.

The Dragon Flys were out in all their glory. I tried to catch them in mid flight but I am not quick enough.

You can see the refections in the water behind the dragon flies.

The Button Willows were starting to bloom.

Some one is after my Dr Pepper.

It was so hot, the sweat dripped and I was blinded. I am surprised I did not fall in. We called it quits about 11Am and headed to the house.

I did not forget it was Father's Day and cooked Den two of his favorite dishes...pineapple upside down cake and beef brisket. He is now happily napping in his recliner with a full stomach.

Another day in Paradise

My husband, Dennis, is in the hay. It is late for a second cutting but since last summer's drought and lack of hay, we want ever piece we can get. Today I will join him in the hauling.

Yesterday was not good. Dennis broke the shearing pin on the baler. It had been so long since that had happened, he could not remember how to get it back in time. That was just an end to a wonderful day. Thirty percent chance of rain and only him working. The life of a farmer!

Don't get me wrong! Farm life is good. There is nowhere else you can see the hay growing and take pride in it. You can see your young calves being birthed. You can smell a barn full of good hay. Jump on a horse and ride your boundarys. Here you can also take a walk and find an arrowhead. You can fish in the ponds and play in the creek. You can drink fresh spring water. Most of all you can enjoy the quiet and peacefulness at the end of the day knowing it will all still be here tomorrow. Sit and wonder at the beauty of nature. Wonder did my grandparents see the same view? I would not trade this life for another.