Gone Fishing

Tomorrow I will be fishing with my favorite fishing guide in the whole world - my dad. Check out his website.

Dad has a charter business and has been a professional guide for the past 32 years. He certainly knows all the hot fishing spots in the Thousand Islands.

My dad taught me all that I know about fishing. I think he had a fishing pole in my hand before I could walk. I was 17 when I caught my first muskie with him. What a thrill to reel in a 53 inch fish weighing close to 40 pounds; this prize catch hangs on my wall today.

I also got to be the first woman to appear on the Rod & Reel show with my dad. Again, I was 17 when this happened. Bill Saiff, the star of the show, kept out fishing me early, but my dad kept warning him that I would finish strong in the end. This I did do and out fished Bill for the day. What a thrill for me and my dad; I know that dad was proud of me and my fishing accomplishments.

I will be bringing a novice fishing buddy with me tomorrow. He has only fished once before for about 30 minutes with me earlier this summer. We caught 2 Rock Bass. I'm hoping that we catch something a little more exciting tomorrow.

It is neat that I get to share my dad's fishing knowledge with a novice fisherman. Of course, who could he learn better from than my dad.

Check back in a few days since I'll probably post some fishing stories and pictures.

A Birthday Outing

Yesterday was Connie's birthday and we celebrated on Monday. We spent the afternoon in Lake Placid and then had a marvelous dinner at the Mirror Lake Inn. For those who have never been, I highly recommend going sometime.

Appetizer - Bowl of French Onion Soup

Connie's Dinner - Grilled Rosmary Chicken served with roasted baby veggies & house potatoes

My Dinner - Grilled Pork Loin with blueberry chutney & sweet potatoes

Surprise dessert for Connie.

Vacation Time

As of 12:00 pm yesterday, I am officially on vacation until September 5. This is wonderful!!

Here is a snapshot of what I'll be doing:

• sleeping in until 6 or 7 am each morning (I know you're thinking that is not sleeping in, but is for me since I get up at 4:30am to go to work);
• spending time on the St. Lawrence River with some great friends - thanks Dave & Connie for inviting me to share the cabin on the river with your family;
• lots of kayaking;
• some golf;
• visiting family in the Thousand Islands; and
• washing & re-caulking my log cabin.

I'm off to the river now. What fun!!

Unexpected Bed Guest

My mom and I arrived home Saturday night after seeing the Sound of Music production. It was late, 11:45 pm, and we both were dreaming of finding our beds. I kissed mom good night, headed up to my room and was anxious to jump in my waterbed. I decided to fluff the covers up before I made the final splash. When I did, I found an unexpected bed guest - a dead mouse.

My cat, Shadow, is an exceptional mouse hunter and I figured he had brought it to me the night before to show me his proud catch. I guess I was too sound asleep to notice his trophy and he buried it underneath my cover. I quickly got a paper towel, swooped the little guy up, and threw him out the door. I then went to bed and had a restful sleep.