The Big Fishing Trip

I suggested to Eddie, father of twins Cammie and Tanner, if he might want to take them fishing. He, of course said "yes!" What dad doesn't want to take his kids fishing? I had envisioned something out of Andy Griffith, you know, strolling down a country lane toward some litle fishing hole whistling a tune. So I bought a few inexpensive poles and some red worms at the local tackle shop and we were off.

It didn't turn out exactly like that at all. I also had hoped to catch a few lunkers (Uncle Scott would call them "slobs" but that didn't happen either.

As it turned out, Judy went and brought along much needed snacks and drinks. Ashley brought along Ryland and that was our party. We didn't exactly bring the pond's fish population to the brink of extinction but we snagged a couple of small blue gills and the kids found out what fish looked and felt like.

Tanner, ever the soft heart, felt bad about the fate of the worms and wanted to return them to the environment - I suppose by drowning since he wanted to pitch them into the water.

Ashley also felt sad about the worms but not sad enough to ask for someone else to bait her hook.

The kids had a ball thrashing the water with their poles, playing with the worms, and feasting on Mema's snacks. It was a perfect sunny day and after a couple of hours called it quits driving off just ahead of the game warden.

Ruben Goes for a Swim

Mema and I took Clay, Tanner, and Cammie to the river with Ruben. Ruben loves to retrieve tennis balls thrown into the river, come wading out and shower everyone within reach with water. The kids were just astounded that Ruben could actually swim but he showd 'em a thing or two about aquatics.






Afterwards, Mema had prepared a little picnic lunch of chips and P&J sandwiches.















On the hike back to the car, we came upon a couple of men fishing. Tanner was just fascinated by it. One of the men let Tanner hold a bare line with a worm on it. A fish gave it a little tug and Tanner promptly let go but we think at that moment he was "hooked" on fishing. It seemed to fit his temperament and he just held on the next try hoping for another bite that never came.

Reunion in Wichita

My uncle Bill (Willis) died earlier this year and his family had a private service in Atlanta. This month, they had a memorial service in Wichita near his ancestral home and I, along with my siblings were able to attend. As these things go, it was an opportunity to get together which we don't do enough.

Uncle Bill was a hero to me growing up and still is today. When Tom Brokaw called his generation the "best" I couldn't disagree. Bill, my own dad and millions others went off to fight a nasty and long war, won it, and then came home (the lucky ones) to put their lives back together. No whining, no complaints, just did the job and went on with life. We could sure use a few of million of them for this war.

The gathering allowed us to see my cousins which we only do at funerals but always vow to do at other times but don't. Ken lives in Houston, Kay in Dallas, and Donna in Atlanta. Wish I could see them more often.

My brother, Doug and sisters Sue and Sally were there as well. We took the opportunity to celebrate Sally's birthday and get aquainted with Sally's granddaughter, Charis. What a doll!