This is another departure from the fishing thing, but hey it's my blog so please, a little patience.
How many of us have heard that phrase?
We read an obituary and somewhere inside the body of the document you read "at least he died doing what he loved to do". Or you attend the funeral of some poor unfortunate soul and a member of the mourners committee pops that one on ya.
My position on this is that I have never heard such bullshit in my entire life.
There is no freakin moment of clarity just before the plane crashes into the ground. Nor is there any moment of quiet understanding for the climber that has broken free from his earthly tether and is rushing headlong to his impact point 500 feet below.
The other day I read that a sky diver had died doing what he loved to do, skydiving. Not only wrong but fuckin wrong. That skydiver died screaming and clawing at the air before him imagining what it was going to feel like as his ass went screaming helter skelter through his forehead.
In short he died doing what he had been trying to avoid for the 1100 previous sky dives. He died when he slapped the ground like a fast ball hitting the glove of a major league catcher.
I love how we have to rationalize what death is either all about, or means.
My position is and has always been that death is simply what it is. It will mean different things to different people largely based on how they were raised. You either fear it, embrace it, or ignore it. Regardless of how it hits your brain pan, the result is the same...no more you.
So as we go forward and I die in a tragic trout fishing accident. Please whomever writes my obituary, refrain from saying that I died doing what I loved to do.
Chances are unless I died because Jennifer Aniston walked out of the woods nude and offered to make love to me and I died from the resulting heart attack just as I finished...I probably died kicking and screaming pissed to high heaven and scared shitless.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A departure from the water to the desert
My wife is of Egyptian descent and although I have only been over to this amazing country once, it didn't take long for me to fall in love with this place. The people are warm and friendly, the food amazing and of course the scenery is breathtaking.
The recent swine flu outbreak hit this country hard. Egyptian Government officials forced the slaughter of all the pigs in Egypt, which although stupid, became tragic when they refused to compensate the farmers for their losses. Most of these folks were depending on these animals to make their living for the next year.
The reason I bring this up is becuase I just read an article that speaks to something I had considered doing, but these folks actually followed through. This is truly an example we should follow.
I appreciate these folks for taking care of their fellow man.
CAIRO – The aisles were empty in Country Homes Furniture in Wilbraham, Mass., and owners Hazel and Nazih Zebian were sitting in their office doing what they described as the "usual whining and complaining" about how bad business had become and questioning how much longer they could last.
"Like so many people in these economic conditions, furniture has been hit hard," Hazel said. "It’s the last thing people want to buy."
Out of boredom, she began to surf the Internet and came across a story on msnbc.com about another man half a world away facing hard times: Abu Sayed in Cairo.
We reported on how Sayed had just lost his small herd of pigs, the only source of income for his extended family of 14. The Egyptian government began culling all pigs in a misguided attempt to prevent swine flu. But pig farmers, most of them living below the poverty line, lost everything when police seized their swine herds without any compensation.
Sayed was no exception. He was beaten by police when he asked what would happen to his herd. He had no idea how he could continue to feed his own children or help provide for his brothers and sister.
But after reading Sayed’s story, Hazel silently calculated how much it would cost to replace the 25 pigs.
"I read it to my husband and as I started reading it, multiplied in my head and all it amounted to was $1,125. I said, ‘I wish we could give that to him ourselves.’ And he said, ‘If that's what you want to do, just go ahead and do it.’"
Soon after, I received the following email from the Zebians: "I would like to know if there is any way possible I can make a financial contribution to this man and his family… I want someone to physically hand him the money on behalf of myself and my family so that he does not go without the income his pigs would have brought in for him."
A few days later, after a flurry of e-mails and a trip to Western Union, the grateful Egyptian family was given a fresh start. "I was astounded when I found out there are people who care and are still good," Sayed said. "They are good people. Human beings should support one another and they are a good example of that." Sayed plans to buy a flock of sheep with the money to replace his herd of pigs. "God willing, this will replace what I have lost."
He and Nazih, a Lebanese-American, spoke briefly by phone. "I thanked him and expressed my appreciation," Sayed said. "Nazih is a respectable person and he wished me luck." Nazih said he hopes to come to Egypt and meet him in person.
By giving Sayed a second chance, the Zebians gained a fresh outlook on their own struggling business.
"After reading the article, we just thought, ‘What are we complaining about?’ and felt really good after doing it," said Hazel. "We will never forget."
Do some good folks, the world will be a better place.
The recent swine flu outbreak hit this country hard. Egyptian Government officials forced the slaughter of all the pigs in Egypt, which although stupid, became tragic when they refused to compensate the farmers for their losses. Most of these folks were depending on these animals to make their living for the next year.
The reason I bring this up is becuase I just read an article that speaks to something I had considered doing, but these folks actually followed through. This is truly an example we should follow.
I appreciate these folks for taking care of their fellow man.
CAIRO – The aisles were empty in Country Homes Furniture in Wilbraham, Mass., and owners Hazel and Nazih Zebian were sitting in their office doing what they described as the "usual whining and complaining" about how bad business had become and questioning how much longer they could last.
"Like so many people in these economic conditions, furniture has been hit hard," Hazel said. "It’s the last thing people want to buy."
Out of boredom, she began to surf the Internet and came across a story on msnbc.com about another man half a world away facing hard times: Abu Sayed in Cairo.
We reported on how Sayed had just lost his small herd of pigs, the only source of income for his extended family of 14. The Egyptian government began culling all pigs in a misguided attempt to prevent swine flu. But pig farmers, most of them living below the poverty line, lost everything when police seized their swine herds without any compensation.
Sayed was no exception. He was beaten by police when he asked what would happen to his herd. He had no idea how he could continue to feed his own children or help provide for his brothers and sister.
But after reading Sayed’s story, Hazel silently calculated how much it would cost to replace the 25 pigs.
"I read it to my husband and as I started reading it, multiplied in my head and all it amounted to was $1,125. I said, ‘I wish we could give that to him ourselves.’ And he said, ‘If that's what you want to do, just go ahead and do it.’"
Soon after, I received the following email from the Zebians: "I would like to know if there is any way possible I can make a financial contribution to this man and his family… I want someone to physically hand him the money on behalf of myself and my family so that he does not go without the income his pigs would have brought in for him."
A few days later, after a flurry of e-mails and a trip to Western Union, the grateful Egyptian family was given a fresh start. "I was astounded when I found out there are people who care and are still good," Sayed said. "They are good people. Human beings should support one another and they are a good example of that." Sayed plans to buy a flock of sheep with the money to replace his herd of pigs. "God willing, this will replace what I have lost."
He and Nazih, a Lebanese-American, spoke briefly by phone. "I thanked him and expressed my appreciation," Sayed said. "Nazih is a respectable person and he wished me luck." Nazih said he hopes to come to Egypt and meet him in person.
By giving Sayed a second chance, the Zebians gained a fresh outlook on their own struggling business.
"After reading the article, we just thought, ‘What are we complaining about?’ and felt really good after doing it," said Hazel. "We will never forget."
Do some good folks, the world will be a better place.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Fishless in Seattle
So I have been thinking about Seattle alot lately for no super good reason. I had a chance to eat dinner last night with some old friends and they are from Seattle, thus the segway.
Todd and I hit the Berry this morning and as many of our other tour stops, it was less than inspiring. Todd hooked up with a beautiful Cutt that was about 21" and probably 3 lbs or so.
In almost the same spot 2 minutes later I hook up with...you guessed it, a chub.
In fact I should have called this entry the fish whisperer because that was the topic at hand when these two fish hit. Todd said "here is my fish whisperer secret" and proceeded to say "Here fishy fishy" and then he got the cut.
I chose to use a slightly different approach and said "Cmon, hook a brother up" and got the chub.
This prompted a whole new conversation about the fish whisperer style etc.
The bottom line though was that although we fished for several hours and threw everything in the box at them, there was no further love forthcoming.
It wasnt a skunk, but it damn well sure as felt like it.
Then 10:00 AM hit and the freakin wind comes roaring in. So off we went to Deer Creek (your getting a twofer report today.
Before you get all excited about the bonus report, let me just say, it sucked down there as well.
We fished Charleston Bay directly over the channel and out from the bridge about 400 yards. No hits, no runs, and the one big error was showing up at Deer Creek. The one big plus was that apparently someone had vandalized the pay envelope box and the ranger was right there and said since that happened, it was a fee free day. Silver lining.
I think the best part about all this is despite the absolutely wretched fishing we have had over all, Todd and I are having a blast just hangin out and fishing. I hope it picks up, but having cool people to hang with is worth more than a good day fishing.
I am shooting one or two pictures each time I go out, but I am using one of those crappy little disposable cameras and I haven't shot the whole thing out yet. When I do I will go back and amend the log with whatever pics I have at hand.
Whats next you might ask? I have no bloody idea, but we will look at the weather, and the absolutely false ass, lying through their teeth fishing reports to plot our next stop on the Fishapalooza Tour. (I wonder if we can get Ozzy to come fish with us?)
Todd and I hit the Berry this morning and as many of our other tour stops, it was less than inspiring. Todd hooked up with a beautiful Cutt that was about 21" and probably 3 lbs or so.
In almost the same spot 2 minutes later I hook up with...you guessed it, a chub.
In fact I should have called this entry the fish whisperer because that was the topic at hand when these two fish hit. Todd said "here is my fish whisperer secret" and proceeded to say "Here fishy fishy" and then he got the cut.
I chose to use a slightly different approach and said "Cmon, hook a brother up" and got the chub.
This prompted a whole new conversation about the fish whisperer style etc.
The bottom line though was that although we fished for several hours and threw everything in the box at them, there was no further love forthcoming.
It wasnt a skunk, but it damn well sure as felt like it.
Then 10:00 AM hit and the freakin wind comes roaring in. So off we went to Deer Creek (your getting a twofer report today.
Before you get all excited about the bonus report, let me just say, it sucked down there as well.
We fished Charleston Bay directly over the channel and out from the bridge about 400 yards. No hits, no runs, and the one big error was showing up at Deer Creek. The one big plus was that apparently someone had vandalized the pay envelope box and the ranger was right there and said since that happened, it was a fee free day. Silver lining.
I think the best part about all this is despite the absolutely wretched fishing we have had over all, Todd and I are having a blast just hangin out and fishing. I hope it picks up, but having cool people to hang with is worth more than a good day fishing.
I am shooting one or two pictures each time I go out, but I am using one of those crappy little disposable cameras and I haven't shot the whole thing out yet. When I do I will go back and amend the log with whatever pics I have at hand.
Whats next you might ask? I have no bloody idea, but we will look at the weather, and the absolutely false ass, lying through their teeth fishing reports to plot our next stop on the Fishapalooza Tour. (I wonder if we can get Ozzy to come fish with us?)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Strawberry Fish Forever
Our tribute to the Beatles although weak, sums up our next trip.So this Sunday is Mother's Day and as all good children should, what will we be doing on this holy of holies?
That's right...fishing at the Berry.
The rumor is that the fishing is hot. This seems to be a recurring theme with us. It is sort of like standing in line at the grocery store and the other line is moving faster, so you electric slide over to that one just to have them put Corky from the wonder years on as the new cashier and you realize that you are never going to make it through the check out.
Before anyone sends too much hate, I love Corky and if you are that bothered by my little warped sense of humor, stop reading and go find something better to do. Pfffft freakin people.
Anyway the new word is that this place is going to be the place to hang come this Sunday, so we will be there with bells and wooly buggers on to see if we can't break this horror show losing streak and put some hogs in the net.
I am hoping to have some photo's to add to this because it's this years first trip to Strawberry reservoir.
In the mean time, here is Todd with a nice Silver until we can actually catch something worth posting.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Fishapalooza Tour
So I have decided to post our various fishing trips and call it the Fishapalooza Tour.
Todd Hindmarsh and I have made it out to Tibble Fork Reservoir (awesome evening, lots of small Browns brought to boat), East Canyon Reservoir (started out great and then 45 seconds later shut down like a steel door slamming shut), and the most recent was today at Rockport Reservoir.
Adam King was the special guest fisherman for the day and he along with Todd and I went fishless for the first time in the tour. It was over cast, rainy and a little cold. I pulled up to the boat ramp about 7ish and got ready. I managed to get a few hits, but nothing solid and thats how the day pretty much went.
I did stop by a small gas station down near the freeway and the owner told me he saw a photo of a 9 pounder taken last week trolling very deep. He seemed like a nice guy, but we proved there are no fish in that lake, and when someone says a fish weighed X amount, I usually divide that number into thirds. So someone supposedly caught a 3 pound trout out of a barren lake...see how easily I can make myself feel better?
I know, it's a gift.
Todd Hindmarsh and I have made it out to Tibble Fork Reservoir (awesome evening, lots of small Browns brought to boat), East Canyon Reservoir (started out great and then 45 seconds later shut down like a steel door slamming shut), and the most recent was today at Rockport Reservoir.
Adam King was the special guest fisherman for the day and he along with Todd and I went fishless for the first time in the tour. It was over cast, rainy and a little cold. I pulled up to the boat ramp about 7ish and got ready. I managed to get a few hits, but nothing solid and thats how the day pretty much went.
I did stop by a small gas station down near the freeway and the owner told me he saw a photo of a 9 pounder taken last week trolling very deep. He seemed like a nice guy, but we proved there are no fish in that lake, and when someone says a fish weighed X amount, I usually divide that number into thirds. So someone supposedly caught a 3 pound trout out of a barren lake...see how easily I can make myself feel better?
I know, it's a gift.
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