What a rush! I see I have not posted since a little before Christmas so thought I would kick it in gear with my first post of 2015. I am thinking that there were several small things I wanted to post about. While, perhaps, none of them is worthy of a full post on their own, maybe collectively they will make for a heads up on what is and has been going on here at Pond Stalker Headquarters................ So with that I will begin my ramble...................
We had a wonderful Christmas season here at Pond Stalker Headquarters. In fact, it was probably one of the best Christmas's with family in recent memory. Also, received some blessings from BlogBuddies, Fly Tackle Dealers, and Facebook fly fishing friends. More on that in a minute.
Recently, I went in and had my Flu and Pneumonia shot. Results, I got sick!
A friend asked me the other day about what I thought of the current issues we have in this country about Homeless Veteran's. I didn't waste any words in telling her what I thought. Take a minute if you will, and, contemplate on this.........................
Ok, lets ramble for awhile about how great is to have a wonderful bunch of guys and gals who support our blogging efforts and our efforts through other social networks like Facebook in my case. I want to give a shout out to folks who made my holiday season extra special. First off, all of the Contests and Giveaways from fly tackle dealers over on Facebook always adds to the fun. I enter a lot, and most often, don't win a thing. However, I still feel good about that as friends are winning and that makes me happy! I did win a dozen flies that I am looking forward to receiving from a new Fly Shop down in Eagle Nest, New Mexico.
Thanks, Tim, from Eagle Nest Fly Shack
I, also, received an after Christmas package of fly tying goodies from my long time blogging friend, Owl Jones Art & Design. Now Owl is a fly fisher, fly tyer, and artist. We had talked about sending a long a few things that I could use, but I have to tell you Owl, you out did yourself here and I am very grateful for your blessings.
Also, want to send along a shout out to my friend, John Wood at JWFlyfishing. John has provided flies to me to be field tested once I can get on the water. Please take a moment and have a look at John's Blog and website. He has some great patterns that I think will excite the fish wherever you may be. He, also, makes some beautiful custom fly fishing nets, and, I will be picking up some of his Twisted and Tied Leaders to play with this season.
I have saved some exciting news for last on this post. The other day, one of those sick days, I received a message from Phillip Butterfield at Average Joe's Fishin Poles. He wanted to know if I would be interested in becoming a Field Tester for his custom made fly rods. After a short conversation, an agreement was finalized, and, I am soon to be the owner of a
Blue Halo 8' 4-5wt Fiberglass Custom Build to my specifications from Phillip. As Phillip said too me, "Have a happy Halo New Year". I have so noted on my side bar at the top of this blessing from Phillip.
I am very excited about 2015 and my time on the water. May your year be filled with blessings and happy hook ups.
Sounds like you're starting out the new year right.
ReplyDeleteI sure think so, Mark. I am more excited for this fishing season as I have been for any in the last several years. We are now two years almost removed from the big flood we had in 2013. Expect it to be a better fishing year. Thanks for your support.
DeleteMel
ReplyDeleteWow!! Where do I begin, Mel I am not surprised all of these good fortunes have come your way. I have missed reading your blog and just letting you know I am back after an absence of helping my wife with our Grandchildren; nothing like little Grandchildren to keep you feeling young----Looking forward to a report on the new fly rod and flies. Thanks for sharing
Hi, Bill. Wow, it is great to see you back on the blogging scene. I have really missed reading your posts and sharing all things fly fishy with you. Happy hook ups in 2015! I plan on posting the progress on the new rod as it comes along. I am very fortunate to get an opportunity to fish with a glass rod and share my thoughts. Will make sure I keep everyone posted.
DeleteI can't tell you how happy I am about the great start to the new year. How we fixed for the Fly Fishing Show?
ReplyDeleteHoward, it is a blessing that you are doing so well this time of year and that last year's health issues are in the rear view mirror, hopefully. I am very excited about the fly fishy blessings that have come my way to start the New Year!
DeleteAll that being said, I am going to have to pass on this year's big show. I am fighting the flu bug, and, am just not feeling up too it. I do appreciate your brotherhood and am humbled that you were willing to drag me along.
Not dragging you along Mel, Propping each other up!
DeleteHoward, that's funny, I never really looked at it that way, but, I think you are probably on to something there...............
DeleteHave a happy new year Sir. Glad to hear about that new glass rod you will be receiving. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and the wife, Bryan. I will be more than willing to put it through some test runs on the Big Thompson River for Trout and on the ponds near home. You guys will know what I know about the rod!
DeleteMel my good man. Rambling on is a good thing, it lets all know where you stand or feel. I for one could not make it through a day without some sort of rambling....just ask my wife.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support, Alan. I guess us older guys have earned the right to ramble on and on....................
DeleteI know we have some things in common, so happy to know you are willing to listen!
Sooo many get sick after the shot. = ( Ya know, 2015 should be a good one. And if you can meet me out on the water with that new fiberglass rod, we will make some fish heads shake! = ) Looking at April...
ReplyDeleteEmily, each year since we became online friends I have faithfully tried to coordinate time on the water with you, perhaps 2015 is the Year we finally make it happen. Although, I am a wise ol' guy, I think I could learn a lot from spending the day with you on the water. That is as long as I don't drown trying to follow you too the fish! Excited to see what a really good Fiberglass rod can do....................
DeleteI missed Colorado last year, so it will definitely be on the travel radar this year. You will have so much fun with that new fly rod. Enjoy!
DeleteIt will be a transition for me after using Graphite rods for so long, just as it was back in the day when I transitioned from early Glass to Graphite. Looking forward to the fun.
DeleteMel! I am thrilled to hear that your new year is starting off on a very high note. Looks like it's shaping up to be a stellar year for you, and I look forward to reading all about it, and your thoughts on that Blue Halo rod! That's so awesome!
ReplyDeleteHi, Justin! I truly believe that I have received a few blessings already this year in preparation for fishing season 2015. I am very fortunate to have Average Joe's Fishin Poles contact me as field tester and am willing to share everything I can about Phillip's work and the Blue Halo line of fiberglass. I will be posting an update in a few days about how it is coming along. Thanks for your support.
DeleteMel, you're most welcome and I hope you can make use of at least some of that stuff. :) Thanks for the link, sir and I hope you have an outstanding and fun 2015.
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure, Owl. I never really expected all of the great stuff you sent along. Yes, I will good use of it. In fact, I have already started with some of it. Your link posted on my Sidebar is the least I could do to let everyone know about your talents with the Art side of life. Definitely looking forward to 2015. The best too you.................................
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