pass it on

As a parent of two boys, I am excited to enjoy the many activities that they will participate in as they get older.  Whether it's sports, chess club, drama club (hopefully not), mathletes - whatever it is, I will provide them my full support.  I can remember my parents being extremely busy ushering four boys around to various athletic practices and games as a child, and as frantic as it was, it was also very rewarding to engage in team sports as a child.  And, of course, I was also a member of the debate team (shocking I know).

HOWEVER, I also will do my (small) part to influence certain activities that I want them to take interest in - and I'm sure there is no surprise as to where I'm going with this.  The other night I decided after a very profound discussion with Drake (who, mind you, is 3.5 years old), that it was time for some backyard drills with a fly rod.  No pressure, just fun, and boy did we have fun. 

I'm certain that watching Drake smile while wildly whipping line around with my very first fly rod made my soul laugh - and not the courtesy laugh brought on by a bad joke, but the kind of belly laugh you hear at a bar when it's obvious that two old friends are getting re-acquainted.  I better start jogging - otherwise I might faint when Drake actually catches his first fish on the fly!!

8 is great

As previously suggested, my Dad was looking for a new 8 weight fly rod -something with enough backbone to take on steelhead/salmon, etc.  After looking at some rods, he decided he might be better off having one built instead.  After kicking some ideas around, I volunteered to build it for him.  Many hours of hard work later, I'm proud to announce that the project is finished.  The rod looks great - can't wait to sneak a few casts in before delivery!! (sshhhh). 

Here's a few pics...........