We Have Lost One Of Our Own.........................................

I am totally shocked this morning to read of the loss of Bryan Kristopher Dale, from The Rogue Outdoors..

Bryan's death is being confirmed so I have no details to pass on at this time.  Just wanted my fellow BlogBuddies to know of what I have learned this morning.

Bryan, has been a follower and supporter of my blogging efforts at Pond Stalker headquarters for quite some time.  He often commented on my blog, as, I did his.  In fact, my fly box for warm water fishing includes some Crappie patterns that he had sent to me to experiment with.  I always appreciated his insight and blogging creativity.  He has just recently, in the last year, became a married man.  Most recently, he had remodeled his blog and it was looking top notch.   
R.I.P. my friend.  The blogging world will miss you.  
The Pond Stalker sends my condolences to his family and all of his close, personal friends during this difficult time..............................................

****An update from Bryan's wife Jane:

 
For sure plans will be Friday funeral service for Bryan Kristofer Dale in Marshalltown, Iowa. Approximate time at 11am Friday at family church and then celebration of life (with memories of Bryan) to follow at the country club. The church is fairly small so not all may fit there, but family for sure would like a headcount regarding the celebration of life service following so please respond here or to any of the Dale family. They know you may be coming a long way and would like to welcome you. I will provide more details later when I know them.

The "Geezer" Hatch.....................

Continuing to be confined to the home while the most recent blast of snow covered up Northern Colorado highways and surrounding area with heavy snow does have it's benefits.  

Just as in the case of my previous post, 
http://pondstalker.blogspot.com/2015/02/fly-fishing-size-dont-matter.html
fly fishing videos can be a beautiful respite.

So can a blog post by some fellow bloggers.  In this case, from the great blog, at Gink & Gasoline

Let me be up front with everyone.  I am a Viet Nam Veteran.  Some of you may have already known that.  Some not, I am sure.  In any manner, I have been profoundly impacted by my time during the war and have looked for a way to explain who I am and how I feel about it.

Well, when I read this post this morning over on Gink and Gasoline, I can't begin to tell you what it meant to me.  For it said everything about the time and the men and women that lived and died during that time.  Kind of like, "This is us, me, never forget what we have been through".  

If you are a regular follower of my blog and give a hoot about the Pond Stalker, please indulge me and read this post from the folks at Gink and Gasoline.  It is me, one of those Ol' Geezers.

Pond Stalker 2015 and Beyond

From the ponds in and around Loveland, Colorado.

I am a retired Fly Fisher & Fly Tyer who has spent most of his fly fishing past chasing Trout in Stillwaters across the Western United States with brief excursions on small streams and warmwater ponds.

I won't make any attempt to mislead anyone here,  I have loved fishing lakes and ponds for years.  My passion has always led me to these waters and the fun they offer to the flyfisher and fly tyer.  Although, most trips out were for chasing the big trout that lakes produce, my secret passion has been the fun of fly fishing for Bluegill, Crappie, Sunfish, and other assorted warm water fish.  I am currently taking an interest in getting to know more about fly fishing for Bass.  Perhaps even some Carp in the future.  One step at a time you Ol' Geezer, I remind myself!

Living in Northern Colorado where I do offers plenty of opportunity for me to chase my dreams in warm water fly fishing and fly tying.  What I love most about it is that I can drive less than (15) minutes from my home and be on the water with a chance at a good time.  Economical, time saving, and, that word "FUN" again.  Which in turn means more fishing and tying time for me.   I am also very Grandchildren oriented so I have plenty of other activity to keep me busy so time on the water still needs to be worked around everything else.  

I, also, have to be a very budget oriented Geezer.   Being a Senior Citizen on a fixed budget requires that I spend my money wisely and my time efficiently.
I take great pleasure in keeping my fly fishing time as simple as possible.    From the gear I use to the techniques I use. It works! 

 Please take the time to look around on my blog and enjoy what is here. Your support is greatly appreciated! 

Please ignore this silly box here showed up and won't go away!!!!!

Bottom Feeders..............

Thought I would write this post and see how many Bottom Feeders read my blog?  Well, let me see........

I figured I would have to add "Something Fishy" to this post in order to catch anyone's attention.

What I was wondering, really, was how many of my BlogBuddy's actually visit other blogs and take the time to see what all is included on the main page of the Blog? Do you just click in and scan or read the most current post or do you visit the Blogs other pages or check out the other Gadgets on a fellow bloggers blog?  

As an example, I have moved some of my blog's gadgets to the bottom of my page.  There may be some worthwhile information there for you to check out.  For example, if you are so inclined, you will find my Followers who follow me over on Google's Social Network.  Or, you can click to... "Join This Site" which is the old Blogger Follow button.  I just put it back up on my blog, so come on folks, I know I should have more than just 2 Followers.........................

Also, there are visual buttons there for clicking to link to the Outdoor Blogger Network , and, to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.  I have proudly been a supporter of both of these organizations for quite a while now and encourage you to check them out.  Yes, the Outdoor Blogger Network is still functioning to some extent.  Just thought I would add that bit of information at this time.....................

Down on the bottom of my page, you will also find, my blog archives.  Every post that I have written since the Pond Stalker blog was started.  In addition, is a List of Topics that I have written about that might help you out if you are looking for something in specific.  I know that this is just general information, but, it is worth your time if you need to check anything out.

I have, also, added a Form that you may use if would want to ask a question to me privately or wish to make any other suggestion about my blog.  This is all done through Email and I welcome all input..............

To wrap up, I will also be adding more to the bottom section of my blog as we go along, so I encourage you to not only be a reader here, but, check out the Bottom Feeder at the bottom of my page.

If you  have read this long, I thought I would let you know that I am taking my fly tying vise out of my tying bag and getting my desk set up for some Winter fly tying.  More to come..................

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!

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.

Happy New "Gear"!

Note: The Title of this post says Happy New "Gear" just in case you missed it!  I will get to that in a moment.

However, I did want to wish all of my BlogBuddies and other readers and looker inners' a very Happy New Year 2014.  You all are appreciated more than you know.

Now, that I have taken care of that need for today, I would like to show you all my Happy New "Gear" that Santa brought me for all the fly tying work I will be doing at my tying table.  Santa thought I needed an upgrade.  I tried to tell him that upgrading at my age might be dangerous! Anyhow, take a look at this and just imagine all the fun I will have.

Peak Rotary Fly Tying Vise

Here is a look at the first fly cranked from the new vise.  So work has began.  All the local fish in the Pond are either in big trouble or will be running for cover when The Pondstalker arrives!

Conehead Soft Hackle Bugger

The Pond Stalkers Merry Christmas

My Granddaughter dug this ol' picture out of the archives and wanted me to show everybody what the Pond Stalker does for Christmas fun.  Since it's Christmas Eve and I am feeling in a loving mood, I obliged her.

Hope that all my readers and fellow BlogBuddies have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

P.S. I ask that we all say a Prayer for my Geezer Brother, Howard over at Windknots and Tangled Lines.  Howard underwent emergency Heart surgery in a Boulder, Colorado hospital this morning. 
Lots of major work required.  He is currently out of surgery and under care in the ICU at the hospital.  Please keep him in your thoughts on this Holiday season!

Use and Abuse Coming Up!!

In a recent post, I acknowledged that I had been one of the lucky numbers drawn by Rebecca Garlock over on the OBN for a new pair of Chippewa boots.  As Rebecca said in her post on the contest, "The winners selected will receive this new pair of boots from Chippewa to use and abuse over the next several months in the outdoors.  Theirs to keep, in exchange for a review to be posted on the OBN."  

Actually, the Review will be written on my blog here and linked too from the OBN when I have completed it for all my fellow BlogBuddies to read.  Just wanted to let everyone know that the boots arrived today in the mail and I have officially began the Use and Abuse period.

First day impression: Looks like a very solid boot.  Happy they shipped in 1/2 sizes.  My 9 1/2's fit perfectly.  Felt quite comfortable even though they did "not" get any "Pond Stalkin" in today.  I guarantee that I will put them to use and put them through some abuse before I offer a final review on them.  Winter is here so I will be getting them wet and my feet cold.  So we will see....................

I suspect that the final review with more product detail will show up some time this summer 2014.  

Thanks again to  Rebecca at the OBN and the folks at Chippewa Boots for this opportunity to own, use and review this pair of boots.

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.

Trout Lake Musings And A New Book To Read

I walked into my headquarters for the Pond Stalker this evening with the idea that I would attempt to organize the mess on my fly tying bench.  However, in my left hand I was carrying the new issue of Fly Fisherman magazine I had just plucked from the mailman.  My intention was to lay it on my bench after organizing it. Then perhaps take a browse through before I went to bed.  Nothing wrong with fish on the brain as you try to sleep, right?

Well, that is where things went astray and I never did get to organize my fly tying bench.  Cop out? Sounds like it too me.  Anyway, I looked at the cover of Fly Fisherman one more time and admired the the beautiful BC Dean River Steelhead on the cover.  Actually, noticed the beautiful Andrea Charlton holding this beautiful fish for the "Dream Shot".

After coming out of my trance after a minute or two, I opened the back cover of the magazine to read the featured "Seasonable Angler"  It quickly caught my eye.  It was titled, Trout Lake.  Could it be the Trout Lake I am thinking of?  That beautiful small lake nestled near a major highway in Yellowstone Park.  The one with the short, but better be in good condition, hike uphill for a short period before you descend down into the lake.  The one I had fished myself.  The one I knew had big fish in it.  Ones that I tried to fool, but, came away empty handed.  Yup, it was the one.

This article, as it turns out, was an excerpt from the book Troutsmith by Kevin Searock.

This new book was published in the Spring of 2013 and is available at several places online.  Perhaps in some of the Fly Shops also.  Anyway, Kevin detailed his trip to Trout Lake for the day.  Very well written and descriptive.  He talked of stalking a couple of huge Rainbow Trout.  The kind of writing that makes you feel you were standing along side him as he cast.  How did he do? Well, over time he was able to hook both fish.  Both were perhaps in the (10) pound range!  For the rest of the story you will have to grab a copy of Fly Fisherman magazine.  Or, perhaps better yet, is to search out a copy of his new book and read more about not only this tale, but, others far and wide.  I found his article very interesting and the fish tale accurate.  I know, I have been to Trout Lake!

Ok, readers this ol' Blogger has just introduced very large Rainbow Trout and a new book to read this winter to a Warm Water Fly Fishing Blog!

Hope you enjoy.

 

Do I Need A Lanyard?

So I have been considering the use of a Fly Fishing Lanyard as another way of helping me be organized and functionally lighten the load as I stalk the ponds of Northern Colorado.  With that comes the loving statement from my wife, "Don't you already have one of those things?".

Well, yes I did, but this was back when Fly Fishing Lanyards came on the market.  Like anything else in fly fishing, those manufacturers of Fly Fishing Lanyards have gone through trial and error, some have came and went, and others are new to the market.  What I can say is this.  Some of the originals, back in the day, left something to be desired.  Therefore, I parted with the original model I had owned, long ago.   However, nowadays, when I take a look around the 'net and fly shops, these Fly Fishing Lanyards are everywhere.  They catch your eye!  Seem to be much better thought out in design also.  There seem to be many manufacturers also.  Some folks have even made their own.  With that I assume, they must be popular and useful.  But, before I invest in one, thought I would seek out my BlogBuddies and see what you guys think.  

Here are a few examples of what I looked at, of the many, that are on the 'net.  Take a look at these pictures and websites if you are so inclined. 

Western Visions Lanyards

Exquisitely designed by a small company

doing it right.

Morning Star Lanyards

Also, well done. Has lots of good swivels to put "Goodies" on.

Nature Boy Designs

Now this one caught my eye, especially, because it is what

they refer to as a "Half Brother" to a standard fishing lanyard 

in that it can be clipped to your belt, a fanny pack, or what have you, 

and always be handy when you need it.  

Well, I could go on and on with various ones I have looked at, but these (3) companies seem to represent  a good variety in cost, style, and material used to make the Fly Fishing Lanyard.

Keeping in mind that I am the Pond Stalker and fish ponds, usually on foot, but sometimes, from a float tube.  I only carry a selection of flies that I know work or want to try in a few homemade fly boxes from Altoid cans in my pocket.  What say you my BlogBuddies?  BTW, my wife is just smiling!

Fly Fishing With Mother Nature

Since Mother Nature intervened with the all the rain and the "so called 1000 year flood", fly fishing any water in Northern Colorado has been put on a serious hold.  It may be quite some time before she releases her hold and all the damages can be assessed to life, home, family, animals, etc.  

That being said, I have already began to wonder what Mother Nature's fly fishing plan has in store for me and my local ponds that I love to fish so much.  Include in The Big Thompson River locally, let alone that which flows through the washed out canyon, and, it does look pretty bleak for those of us who love to fly fish and fish local waters in Northern Colorado.

The picture shown above is an aerial view shot that I came across that shows what used to be an area for several ponds that I like to fish for Bluegill, Bass, Carp, etc.  Note that I said used to be!  The area is now one flooded looking piece of water that more resembles one pretty good sized body of water instead of some home water for the PondStalker.

The Big Thompson River I love to fish in the canyon or down lower near my home looks like this before the flooding. 

The Big Thompson River looked like this a day or so ago.  Where to begin to assess the problems?

Set me to pondering what happens when Mother Nature takes over, and if you will, moves the fish where she wants them to be.  What happens to the fish in the ponds?  Will they be there when the waters recede and the damages are assessed?  Or, will the ponds have different fish in them?  For example, a top notch pond for bigger bass, will those bass now be gone or spread out to who knows where? What about structures and other holding areas for the pond fish?  Are they all gone, or, do they remain? 

Another concern I have is the warm water ponds are in close proximity to the Big Thompson River in the lower stretches.  Will we see Walleye, Catfish, Bass, and other Panfish, now reside in the Big Thompson river as a result of being washed there via the floods?  Having never been through a major catastrophe like this before, I am pretty much clueless as too what we may find when the waters recede and calmer days are brought to us.  I am sure the rest of 2013 near my home is not going to offer much, if any, fly fishing opportunities.  What will 2014 bring?  Any of my readers want to ponder this situation and provide comments?  Sure hope you do.  I have lots of time to read blog comments.

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!

Cicadas, Locusts, Ponds, and, Buyers Remorse!

Some unexpected family health issues has had my wife and I on the road over the past week.  The wife's father has been moved into a Kansas nursing home and is not doing very well at this time.  We have returned home to Happy Valley with him on our mind and realize that another trip back seems to be in the near future perhaps.

Anyway, just wanted to share with my readers here on my blog that, although we had other thoughts, fishing thoughts never leave your mind.  Except we did not plan on 100 degree days and stifling humidity.  That was a bit of environmental shock for us.  I guess the locals get used too it.  I would not be able to handle that at all.

Anyway, thought I would share some insight on our trip that doesn't dwell on medical issues.  First off, ran into some of these guys just outside the nursing home on the street and sidewalks.

Big ol' rotund Magicada Cicadas.  I don't know that I have ever seen anything quite like these in my travels fishing.  This picture doesn't do justice to the size of the ones I saw.  I have to admit that my fishing mind drifted to what it would be like to put ones of these on a hook, or better yet, tie a large Cicada pattern and just toss it out on my local pond and wait for the explosion from a Largemouth Bass!  I imagine that all hell would break loose.

 In addition, not as unexpected, was the evening call of the Kansas Locust.  They were everywhere you went once you ventured outside.  I commented then that if you let your mind wander that it was like hallucinating that you were surrounded by Martians from some strange far away place.

 Now, just outside the nursing home and still on the property lies a pond.  A pond that looks very fishy too me.  But, alas, I wasn't their to fish anyway and had no gear with me.  However, I did talk with a gentleman that said that he fished the pond the morning we ran into each other.  He said fishing was pretty good and that he had landed about (25) or so Largemouth Bass.  He did say that none of them were bigger fish, but, well worth his time.  Oh, and, Wooly Bugger caught.  That served to satisfy my fishing mind for the time.  Those giant Cicadas enter my thought process again.

As we headed back home from our trip to Kansas, my wife mentioned that a trip to Cabela's was in order.  Well, two points that I would like to make here.  First of never disagree with the wife and secondly, you cannot travel through Nebraska without stopping at Cabela's, can you?  I reasoned that it would be a nice break from the driving and that I could handle the stop without spending a lot of what little money Senior Citizens have.  

Wrong, again!  It could have been a lot worse, I suppose.  However, with a blink of an eye and a twitch of my wrist I was handing the clerk $200 or so.  Now, not all was more fishing gear, but, most of it fit that category.  More stuff, I just had to have.  New fly reel, line and backing loaded with a new leader, Cabela's Advanced Angler Fanny Pack, and, two new fly boxes.  

All the way home as I road the white lines of the highway, I had buyers remorse!  Why, oh why, did I let my wife talk me into shopping at Cabelas.  I could have gotten by without the new fly reel and new line, new fanny pack, and, who needs more fly boxes anyhow!

The remorse only lasted until I got home and spread my new goodies out on my tying table.  Immediately, my thoughts went to OH, BOY!

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.