Bloggin' Time Or Something From Ground Control...........

Sometimes it seems that even during the winter months a fly fishing fanatic can be busy enough that sometimes it is hard to keep caught up.  For instance, check out this Blogger.

Anyhow, a few things have been going on to keep me more than busy it seems.  Time to catch up my blog readers with a few updates.

Let's begin with the announcement that I have started a new Facebook Group over on, of course, Facebook.   It is called Budget Minded Fly Fishing Gear.  

Being a Senior Citizen on a restricted budget really causes me to have to shop very closely and thoroughly when determining rather I can afford to add a piece of gear to my current fly fishing world.  There are many fly fishers out there just like me.  So, I decided to put up a page for Group input and feedback on those fly fishing related items that will help us all when looking for just the right piece of gear at the right price,  Anyway, we are off to a good start on the Group with about (40) participants already.  If you are interested please feel free to take a look at the link to the page and join in on the fun and sharing of real and practical information that any budget minded angler could use.  Your participation is appreciated.

Like most other fly fishers, winter is also a time for staying pretty close to the fly tying vise and I am no different than anyone else.  Here is picture I took just this morning of a hodgepodge of flies I have cranked out over the last 2 or 3 days.  This is just a sampling of the flies I have been adding to my boxes for Spring season.

To finish up with this update, Colorado has had some unusually warm days for a short stretch of time.  With that the ice has melted off some of the ponds.  However, I suspect we will have more cold and ice and snow before too long.  Spring is coming and I am going to be ready.  I have not yet received my custom Blue Halo Fiberglass rod from Average Joe's Fishn Poles.  However, Phillip, has it near ready and sent a photo yesterday.  I wanted to share it with you.

I am stoked to get this in my hands so I can begin my end of the job as a rod tester..............

A New Year's Ramble...............................

Good Morning!

 
 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!

 Oh, well......... At my age you try to take whatever precautions you can.  But, still, I don't like being 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.........................

 Folks, we have a problem here in the land of the free,,,,,,,,,,,,,'Nuff said.

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.
 

Thumbs Up Thursday.................

Well, since it is Thursday, and I had a few items on my mind, thought I would put up another Thumbs Up Thursday post.

Thumbs Up Thursday's may not occur every Thursday, but, I will use this as a theme for when they do...................

Thumbs Up Thursday's will be used to give a shout out or a Thumbs Up to a few of my BlogBuddies for recent work on their blogs, plus, to make note of other stuff I run across while perusing the internet looking for fishy goodness!

So, to cut the blabbering and get to the point, let me begin by giving a Thumbs Up to my Blogbuddy Jeremy over at Troutings.  Jeremy lives in a part of Colorado that I have not had the opportunity to explore for fishing purposes.  Visiting and reading some of his blog posts certainly whets the appetite to make sure I have a chance someday.  Here is a link to a recent post that Jeremy has up on his blog about fishing the Grand Mesa. 

Now, if that doesn't get your fish ticker going then I don't know what would.  Thank you, Jeremy, for making this ol' guy have Grand Mesa fish in his dreams.

Another BlogBuddy that I have followed for a long time, (you will see why) writes about his time on Utah Waters.   Justin's blog, the Utah Water Log, is always crammed full of beautiful pictures of gorgeous Utah and many, many great fish that his waters offer.  Here is a link to a recent post titled "All Over The Place"

Enough already, Jeremy and Justin, you two guys have convinced me that you both have wonderful waters to fish and some awesome fish stories to tell.  Well worth a fishing blogger to follow both these blogs and keep up on what is shaking the fishing dreams tail this week.

I could not finish this post without saying thank you to all my blogging friends who have re-connected with my blogging efforts in the past week or so.  You can and do make a difference in this ol' geezers life..................................

Hope You Have Not Thrown The Pond Stalker Overboard Yet................................

Well, here is hoping that all my blogging friends have not thrown the Pond Stalker overboard yet for being the most dysfunctional Blogger on the boat.  If you have already, here is hoping that you threw me a life preserver and are willing to give me another chance at this blogging stuff.  For, I cannot swim a lick and would quickly sink to the deepest part of depths unknown.

You see, in a fit of disgust with myself and my blogging skills, I have been all over the place of late.  Blogging about Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing, and other non-sensical matter.  Heck, I even thought I wanted to be a "Dot Com" guy with my own neat web address.  You see that was my first mistake.  No sense trying to be a fancy blogger with your own web address.  I am too old for all that, especially when it comes to remembering technical jargon and how to be in complete control of your own site.  Oh, I did move my blog over to Wordpress and set it all up and immediately became  a blogger there.  I will say this, it is a more complicated system over there.  I struggled with it.  My blog hits went way down.  Less readers means less feel of community!  Some of my favorite followers of my blog struggled to get their posts through a tricky spam system there so that they could even post on my blog.  In the end, I did what I felt was the right thing and kicked that blog system to the curb.  

I thought that I had blogged my last word.  Retired Blogger was my new title.  That lasted just a few days and I could not just pack it in, so, here I am back at Blogger with my new blog site and look.  Blogging on Blogger is just way more fun and Blogger has a great community of bloggers to share with.  

So, if you find your way here and want to be a Follower of my blog writings still, then I will most appreciate it.  If you came and you don't like what you see or are tired of following my words and nonsense of following me all over the internet from one corner to another, I completely understand that too!  

If you decide to link me up on your Blogroll you will need to use this link:
http:pondstalker.blogspot.com

Hope to see you back in touch with me here and long live the Pond Stalker, My BlogBuddies, and, the Pond Stalker Community.

With that said,
I think I will go fishing and not worry about it anymore!

Mel
 

Pond Stalker Blog Spring Clean Up

Is Spring ever going to get here? Someday's, I think so.  On other days, I think or say something different.  It is April 1st, and, I am more than ready to start my warm water fishing season.  It is, also, time for a new Colorado fishing license for the season which begins today and runs through March 31st, 2015.

All that aside, let me take a few moments to share what is going on around the Pond Stalker blog.  It is Spring Cleaning time.

I have been thinking about a re-modeling job of my blog for the new year.  So, after some thought, and feedback from my fellow blogging friends, I got too work.

I began with bringing back a Blog Header that I used previously and added text too it.  This pond in the picture is currently one of my favorite places to fish in my area.  The fish are numerous, but not big necessarily.  Lot's of fun and I thought it deserved the honor of being my Blog Header for the new look.

Next, I redesigned the layout.  I will be using the full page look to my blog, without the use of sidebars to clutter the place up.  I will be using one post per page.  Following the post are graphic links to some of the good folks and organizations that have supported my blogging fun for all these years.  They deserve a shout out!

I have also added a few new pages to my blog which will encompass some of the materials that used to be in my sidebars with a few changes.  Let's begin with my About Mel page.  I have written a brief update on what my current focus is on my blog efforts that should help my readers better understand where I am going forward here on the blog.  Take a minute to do a quick read.

Next is my BlogBuddy Community page.  After giving it a lot of thought, from all the feedback on a recent post on my blog, I have decided to use a page on my blog for the purpose of giving my BlogBuddies a shout out.  I am currently in the process of constructing this page.  So at this point, it reads like a general blog list.  However, I will be updating it in a day or two to something I really good that I have in mind.  Not different, but, different for me.

While you are browsing around on my new look format, please take a minute and check out my other pages which include my From My Vise page, and, my Blog Post Archive page. 

P.S., before I forget to do it, I want to add a link to my Other Brother's blog over at Windknots and Tangled Lines.  Yes, I finally met up with Howard! No, we didn't fish together, but made plans to do so.  See what we were up too this past weekend!

Some Blog Posts Are Self Serving......

Ok, 99.5% of my blog posts are written with an attempt to share some information, knowledge, fun, or, just plain goodness with all my blogging friends (AKA: BlogBuddies).  My hope is that someone will read them and benefit from whatever tidbit they want to take with them.  The post becomes a part of my written memory bank for me to reflect back on.  In that sense, the blog is self serving for me.  However, this particular post is 100% self serving as a reminder too me before I go fishing again.

That is a new Colorado 2014 fishing license for me.  In Colorado, I have to get used to the wrinkle in the fishing season.  While living in Eastern Idaho for (35) years, fishing season ran from January 1st - December 31st of each year.  Licenses were required for all adult residents as long as they monitored and followed the Idaho Fish and Game Regulations.  That being said, once I retired to Northern Colorado, I have had to change my thought process.  In Colorado, fishing season begins on April 1st of the current year and runs through March 31st of the following year.  So with very few days left in March and winter still hanging on, I doubt if I get out before the new season kicks in.  Therefore, this post, will be front and center for me to remember to purchase my license in the next few days before I head out to chase me some Bluegill, Crappie, or Bass.  To all of my fellow Colorado anglers, don't forget to ante up for your new license real soon!

With that out of the way, I would like to share with my readers that more than any other year, this year seems like Winter and adverse weather has had a real grip on my fellow Bloggers around the country.  Everyone appears to be chomping at the bit to get some warm weather and break out the casting arm and have some fun.  There are some that have toughed it out and had a good time with some fun catching.  Like, Bill over at Fishing Through Life.  Great Dry Fly fishing already!  Or, Kevin at The Feather Chucker.  He is on ready, set, go with some new Bombers for Bass!  Then there is Alan at Small Stream Reflections.  He has been getting out in the winter weather more than us and is a great read.  Here he shares some Jack Gartside fly patterns that are Pond Stalker Approved.

I just could not finish this post without directing you over to a great  post I read yesterday from Quill over at Fish In The Barrel Pond.  Oh, boy can I relate to this post!  No, I have not forgotten  Mike's last post over at Mike's Gone Fishin.  Read it for yourself.  Which half of the bottle do you prefer?

Blogroll Dilemma? An Open Discussion

Sometimes a post comes along, unexpectedly, in strange ways.  Never been one to have a string of blog posts on file for me to turn too when I wanted to update my blog.  So today's post wasn't a planned and thought out activity.  

I have spent all day it seems watching it snow outside and reading from the Blogosphere and wondering if I ever am going to get to fish again.  I know, woe is me.............

Actually, what I did is spend the day pondering the use of Blogrolls on our blogs.  The plus's and the minus's of having a Blogroll and how to maintain or manage effectively a Blogroll.  Today, I looked at as many Blogrolls as my ol' eyes could take.  I looked at various styles, content, size, and management of said Blogrolls.

Being a long time Blogger, I decided after all that research, to just reach out to my readers or as I affectionately call them, my BlogBuddies.  I would like to have an ongoing discussion, forum like I guess, as to how you feel about Blogrolls?

Let me give you some of the things I am pondering and we can go from there.

Is a Blogroll necessary?
Plus's or Minus's
Who goes on your Blogroll?
Do you bother to maintain your Blogroll?
How big do you want your Blogroll?
What do you expect from your Blogroll?
Do you expect a return link from the other Blogroll?

Ok, fellow Bloggers let's make this a worthwhile post.  I need your help.............................

Pond Stalker In Distress

I had full intention of putting up a new post with some of what I have been up to at the tying bench during January.  With the new vise I received from Mrs. Santa Claus, I had been re-energized and looking forward to focusing on filling my Bluegill and Crappie fly boxes with some fishy looking patterns.  I have worked on some Soft Hackles, some non-descript nymph patterns, some Stayner Ducktails, and some small versions of my Mohair/Bugger patterns just right for Mr. Bluegill.  Heck, maybe even an unsuspecting Bass might give it a whack if I was lucky!

Ok, flies tied.  Thought I would take some pictures of the flies and have them ready for my post.  The flies, along with some fly tying chat would make for a good post.  Ok, pictures taken!

Next, I needed to transfer them from my phone camera to my email.  Thought everything had gone fine and  was ready to fire up this post.

Wrong, my email has crashed and somewhere in cyberland is my pictures.  Well, no post without the pictures.  I will post them along with the other matter as soon as my email is up and running again.  Ok, so I was distressed.  But, only temporarily!

I came across this video posted by Hopper Juan over on his blog.   Problem solved! This is one of the most dramatic and incredible videos I have seen on the net.  Thanks, Juan, for sharing.  Now, I will share.  Besides, this video puts my blog writing post that I was going to post in shame!
Damsels in Distress from Sharptail Media on Vimeo.

Fly Fishing Goodness From My BlogBuddies!

'Tis the season for sharing Love, Kindness, and Peace.  Wanted to do a quick BlogBuddies shout out and the Thumbs Up award for some things they are doing over on their blog sites for the Christmas season and Blogging goals.

First off, Mike over at Dub The Thorax, has been giving in the Spirit for the past few days and continues for a few more.  Mike is celebrating (3) years on the blogging scene and has gathered some nice fly fishing related items for giveaways.  Still have time left to get over and join the fun. Here is a picture of what is being given today.  Updated 12/7/13 Hey, one never has enough good looking t-shirts to wear in warmer times. Plus, a cool new hat from Eat My Fly Outfitters!

In addition, Cameron and The Fiberglass Manifesto, is back again with his great (12) days of Christmas giveaways.  Cameron, as usual, has gone to great work to bring together some great fly fishing related companies to share the the Christmas goodness with us all.  Don't miss out on all the fun.

This great Celebration begins on Monday, December 9th.  Be sure and check out then how you can become a winner in the (12) Days of Christmas.

I will be leaving this post up a bit on the blog so if I have any other BlogBuddies that I missed that are having similar Giveaways on their blogs be sure and give me a shout and I will edit this post so as to make it current.

Have fun!

Time To Salute Some Friends Of The Pond Stalker

Things are a rush this time of year!  So much is happening with my BlogBuddies and other fly fishing resources that I thought I would take a moment today to give them a Salute from the Pond Stalker.  Let me first begin by addressing the fact that fellow BlogBuddies, fly fishing retailers, etc. seem to go out of their way to make the Christmas season a fun and exciting time.  

I want to take care of some happenings that have been going on with myself and the Pond Stalker blog to begin with.  I have been fortunate lately and I would like to say thanks a bunch to the folks at Rocky Mountain Anglers Fly Shop and also the good folks at H & H Outfitters for their efforts in having drawings that I was lucky enough to win.  A great new fishing cap from Rocky Mountain Anglers and a classy new t-shirt from H & H Outfitters.  Here is a picture that I hope does justice to both.

My new favorite hat

(Note: The Hat Patch with the flies

is another gadget I will get too in just 

a bit)

My newest Fly Fishing related T-shirt

Love the color!

Also, recently had a nice surprise in the mail from the folks at Nature Boy Designs.  They had read my previous post on "Do I need a lanyard" here on the blog.  They had sent me the 

NBD 225 Lanyard to use.

In addition, they sent along the Hat(ch) Patch to wear on my hat and give them some feedback.

Now look back at the previous picture of my hat with some flies loaded and ready for use.  This is a neat new product and I think will be an item that anyone who uses a ball cap when fishing will appreciate.  Just clips on and holds flies securely.  Want to change hats.  Just pull off the Hat(ch) Patch and put on another hat.  Simple, and, very useful.

It is also about time that Rebecca Garlock over at the OBN received the Thumbs up Award from the Pond Stalker.  If you are an outdoor blogger at all, I am sure that you have heard of or otherwise participate in activity over on that great site.  If not, go right now! Join, participate, share, it's Blogging Heaven!  Recently, the OBN and Chippewa Boots linked up to provide an opportunity for lucky outdoor bloggers to have a chance to be chosen to receive a pair of Chippewa boots to use and then review on their blog.  Actually, (5) outdoor bloggers got that opportunity.

I am very excited to let everyone know that I was chosen to receive a pair of these great boots to use and abuse for awhile while in the outdoors.  I will do just that and am more than happy to do a review on my blog.  Thanks, Chippewa!

Not to leave off here some of my fellow BlogBuddies who have also been in the spirit of giving during the holidays.  I will do a follow up post to address all the goodies and opportunities they have going on.  So don't forget to check back.

Blogging & Fly Fishing: A Sense Of Community

Psst, Pond Stalker, wake up! This is supposed to be a blog about fly fishing for Bluegilll, Bass, the occasional Crappie, or a big bad Carp!  What is that you say, Pond Stalker?  You thought we were closed!

No, Pond Stalker, you big dummy! That's our Federal Government that is closed.  You know they can't figure out how to get out of the way of a disaster, so, they shut the door and are waiting for the Big Bad Wolf to come a knockin'.  

You, Pond Stalker, can go fishing! Forget about the flood.  That is the past.  Presently, the effort being applied by all those who have gave time and money into helping assist with the clean up mess and the do-overs in Northern Colorado is well on its way.  We as Coloradans will rise again! Let there be time and we will see sparkling waters, beautiful trout, ponds filled with Bluegill and Bass.   Those, big ol' Carp, ain't going nowhere we can't find one with a little effort.

You know having lived through the Flood of 2013 in Colorado, and, seeing the relief efforts that are in place brings forth with pride the great Sense of Community that we have here where I live.  It is truly remarkable!  

With that being said, I would like to direct this post to the Sense of Community that we all share in the blogging world with our blogs, and, with our individual fly fishing interests whatever they may be.

I have been a Blog writer for many years now, and while I in no way consider myself to be an expert at anything, I do have lots of experience and thoughts about the concept of Sense of Community via blogging.   Good blogs have to have regular content.  Good blogs must be able to capture the reader with information that they can use and apply in their own life experience.  Good blogs must draw the reader back in the future wanting to read more about what you have to share with them.  

The Sense of Community on a blog begins with the post, acquiring some readers, readers being willing to post a comment in regards to the post, and finally, the blog author taking the time to respond to those comments given by his or her readers.  Pictures, videos, Blogrolls of your favorite blogs etc, all bring about a sense of community to a blog.

As an example, on the Pond Stalker Blog, down the right sidebar you will see Picture Links that take you to just a few of the many blogs I enjoy from other fly fishing or outdoor oriented blogs.  In this case, I have linked up to the most reliable group of folks who have been long term supporters of my blog writing.  They visit often, they comment often, offer wit and advice, and give me the feeling that they enjoy being a part of this community.  This particular group of bloggers have followed me all over the road map of blogging for at least (5) years that I know of, probably more.  I am willing to add others there also as the Pond Stalker blog grows, since this is a newer blog, as supporters come forward to share in the Sense of Community.

Note also that I have decided to go forth with a Facebook page for the Pond Stalker.  Lots of stuff over there that you won't see here,  So make sure you hit the the Facebook "Like" button and see what is going on on the Pond Stalker Facebook page!

I realize I am getting a little long winded here, but, the Sense of Community is just that.  I read dozens and dozens of well written blogs every week and leave comments on those blogs on a majority of the posts I read.  Let me wrap this up by saying how frustrating it is too me to leave a comment on another fishing blog, wanting to be a part of that community, only to "never" have the blog author respond to not only mine, but, any of the comments left by other readers.  It happens way more than you think! There are those that respond to comments on their blog and always make you feel  welcome,  Those are not the ones I am talking about here.  I am just asking that you do a little self evaluation of your blog.  Do you respond to your readers? Do you provide them a Sense of Community?  If not, you might find that the Sense of Community is the very reason your blog is getting less views or maybe just less comments being provided.

Hope you all stayed with me through this ramble!  I like the Sense of Community!

So What Was In The Box?

My last post alluded to a package being sent to me in the mail from a blogging friend.  I asked the question, "I wonder what it could be?"  If you read through the comments on the post you will see that several of my blogging friends had suggestions on what it could be.

Everything from  a new fly tying vise with a built in light, left over cookies from Howard, carved or stuffed fish, a "Leg" lamp, fresh trout caught last week for dinner the day they arrive, something Italian that may or may not be ticking, a glass plaque to commemorate the sense of the outdoor blogging community, and, I am sure a few ideas that never got posted on the blog.

Well, yesterday the package came.  I was excited to see what was in the box.

 Certainly "fragile", all right.  Lots of bubble pack air package to keep things from moving around much.

Ok, buried in the box somewhere it says "RD's Special Cookies".  Yes, I am the Cookie Monster, and, I am going to dig them out, now!

Oh, how I like Cookies! Neatly wrapped in colorful paper with ribbon that could be used for Flashback Nymphs, were Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, and Snickerdoodles.  Emily, graciously, had sent enough for me and my wife, plus, all my grandchildren.  I was more than happy to give them the taste test and deliver a package to each pod of grandchildren I have.

 RD's Special Cookies get the "Thumbs Up" Award from the folks here at Pond Stalker Headquarters.

 RD, thank you so much for your time and effort and demonstrating to us all the sense of community amongst us Outdoor Bloggers.  Be sure and take care of you for me.

I wonder What It Could Be?

Ok, blogging friends of the Pond Stalker, I need your help here.  You see I was sent this picture this morning from a dear friend I have never met.  It is suppose to arrive in a few days and I am wondering what in the tarnation could it be.  It's a surprise!

I noticed the word "Fragile" marked on a couple of spots on the package in the picture.  Fragile means something that might break if smashed.  Boy, am I excited, however, I am not sure what in the world it could be.

I am sure that it must have something to do with Fly Fishing since that is how I made the connection with this dear friend.  I like Fly Fishing "stuff".  My wife says I have too much fly fishing stuff already.  She's wrong!

But, fragile, come on now.  I need some help trying to determine what fly fishing "stuff" could be regarded as fragile.  I have ruled out a fly rod.  Don't think it fits in a square box like that.  Can't be a fly reel because they are not meant to be treated so fragile.  New hats, new flies, I have pondered them.  But, Fragile!

 So, I turn to you my readers and ask, "Wonder what it could be?"  I would be interested in knowing what you think might be headed my way that is fragile and for fly fishing.  Let's get some ideas going here before it arrives.  I can't wait!

Blog Blackout! I'm Back.............................

No! It will not be done!  A few weeks ago, I needed a significant break from all things Google and from the blogging scene.  Why, you might ask?

Well, I think I had pushed the "Limit" long enough.  I was totally exhausted, emotionally and physically, and my brain and heart unitedly said, "Mel stop what you are doing.  You won't be able to maintain at the level you are going.  Besides, this summer has been especially busy for me and my family.  We have done a number of fun things, unusual things, and some serious bonding.  Believe me it was all needed.  Blogging just was not going to get any time from me.  So, in the end, I deleted everything "Google" oriented and called it a day.

Here is an example of what I have been doing while I have been unwinding you might say.  Hope you enjoy this unusual look at my life.  All in the name of fun and getting totally away from things "Google".

Now, as soon as you all quit laughing, I must say check out the "DAME" I have been blessed with for (40) years now!  She is also the only "Counselor" I have ever listened too.  

That being said, "She asked the other day when I was going to start blogging again.  Trying to be cool, I calmly stated, oh, maybe sometime."  She said, "No, you need to start blogging again,  Go, blog, and don't ever turn back".  She continued, "You have to be a writer!"  I reminded her that being a blogger and being a writer are not really included in the same paragraph of life.  She continued, "You will not be Muzzled! You have a very strong personality characteristic.  You must express yourself or you are never happy."

So, here lies the un-muzzling of my blogging career.  Hope to re-establish all my blogging friends as I move forward with a new Blog, and, a focused direction that should meet all of my blogging needs, fishing needs, and family bonding time all in one.  Look forward to all the support I can get from my bogging friends and any new friends that come along.

I will not be Muzzled! Welcome to the Pond Stalker blog.  Thanks for being there for me.