Benefits of Fishing

February 7, 2018 / doubledacres / 35 Comments

16864289_10154437604498041_6209379353309898860_n

“Fishing provides that connection with the whole living world. It gives you the opportunity of being totally immersed, turning back into yourself in a good way. A form of meditation, some form of communion with levels of yourself that are deeper than the ordinary self.” – Ted Hughes

Well the little rodent says that we are going to have six more weeks of winter. That tells me that I am going to be fishing in the cold. If you have never fished before you won’t understand but those of you who have, well you understand totally.

Fishing is something that can be shared among friends. It is a way to get together and enjoy each others company and catch up on old news. It is relaxing and a good way to recharge your spirit. It is a great place to find yourself and cleanse your spirit of all the negativity that has latched onto it.

19424300_10154795476963041_2561509777254085320_n

My friend David and me at Bonne Terre Lake

15439822_10154224312703041_7944992086531422925_n

Mark’s grandson, David, Me, and Mark ready to float the river.

Mark and David during a float on the Big River

We have been on a couple fishing trips and we all three graduated together so there is always lots to talk about and we always have a good time. A fishing trip is one hell of a friendship bonding agent. We try to schedule a fishing trip at least once a year. it is always a good time.

19399203_10154775421913041_1670834458240529317_n

My fishing buddy (grandson) Catfish Kid

Catfish Kid strikes again.

One thing I love about fishing is you can share it with the young-uns. Me and the Catfish Kid caught some fish. He sure does love to fish so we have drowned a bunch of worms.

Following pictures are of fish that I have caught.

14232970_10153963553358041_5186003725170795255_n

Channel Catfish

Largemouth Bass

14199247_10153963553463041_4631747801659084257_n

Smallmouth Bass

One of the Big River’s panfish caught by David.

Last but not least. If you have never been fishing on the river before, the scenery can blow you away. One of my favorite times on the river is in the fall when all the leaves are changing colors.

Big River

Big River at Leadwood Access

I hope you enjoyed my little piece on fishing. I can’t say enough good things about it. If you are looking for a new adventure be sure and check out fishing. It is laid back and very enjoyable.

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. Remember to spread the love.

(All photos were shot by me)

I would Like To Teach………..

January 30, 2018 / doubledacres / 6 Comments

“Whenever you feel like criticizing any one…just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Photo by Kasuma from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/alone-boulders-idyllic-looking426893/

When you look at the picture above what do you see? Do you see someone that appears to be a loner or do you see someone that appears to be a person who enjoys nature and sunrises? It is impossible to form a true opinion without knowing a little more about the person and the situation.

We seem to be living in a society that is quick to criticize and very judgemental. We don’t seem to need all the facts and, the “truth”, …… well that is purely optional. We seem to care less whether we destroy someone’s reputation or creditability. We don’t hesitate to destroy one’s self esteem with a wag of our tongue. What changed and why have we turned into a heartless society? It seems that the media doesn’t care if their story is true or factual, they just want to be the first to print or air it.

Photo by Neale LaSalle from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/astronomy-comet-constellation-cosmos-631477/

“The only measure of judging a human being is through that person’s character, because is not determined by race, religion, gender or social status. And one who recognizes this simple fact of human life behaves the same with the scientist, the janitor and the sex worker.” – Abhijit Naskar Human Making is Our Mission: A Treatise on Parenting (Humanism Series)

My Grandma Bobbie told me a lot of things through the years but I think the smartest thing she ever told me was , “if you can’t say something nice about someone then just don’s say nothing at all.” Those I believe are such true words to live by. Native Americans said, “don’t judge me until you have walked a mile in my moccasins.”

You ever wonder how different things would be if we looked at people through our hearts instead of our eyes? How many possible friendships have you lost because the person was obese, nerdy, ugly, backwards, etc.? The reason I labeled them possible is because 99% of the time you probably walked away with out giving them a chance. It happens and you know it.

So you are at a party and you see this person sitting there all by themselves. Your first thought is why are they by themselves. Then the chatter of the grape vine starts around the room and it isn’t giving the person any good reviews. Do you ignore them or do you try and get to know them. News Flash!!!!!! Hearsay isn’t all that reliable and other people’s opinions are nothing more than a manifestation derived from jealousy or egotistical action. Take the time to strike up a quality conversation and listen to them. You never know, you might just find your new “bestest” friend in the world. Take a chance.

So your mission today (should you decide to accept it) is to start learning to put aside the appearance and look into that person’s heart. That is where you are going to find what truly makes this person who they are. It may be the last time you ever see them. Then again one of you may inspire the other to do something great! You had the idea in your head but you needed a nudge and that person might just be the inspiration you needed. There are so many possibilities that something might come out of it but if you don’t interact with that person you will never know.

Photo provided by Pexel

The sun will rise in the east in the morning and a new day will begin. Treat people like you like to be treated and for once let us try and get along for a change. Learn to look at a person through their heart. Listen to your heart and not other people’s opinions.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope you enjoyed it. Remember to spread the love.

What Is “Life”?

January 7, 2018January 7, 2018 / doubledacres / 7 Comments

“Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.” – Joseph Campbell

DSC_0300 (2)

I have been MIA because of that nasty viral infection that is make its rounds. It is some nice stuff, let me tell you. I am behind on reading the blogs that I follow and have a lot of catching up to do.

My combat with the infection took me to the doctor’s office. While sitting in the waiting room I looked around the room at all those that had ventured in to seek medical help. There were around 11 waiting and ranged in age from 27 to 80. There were only 4 males including myself. I watched as they sat there patiently waiting for their turn. As I watched my mind began to ask, I wonder what life means to them?

Is life just existing to them or is it so dear to them they have a fear of dying? Is it exciting and always in party mode or do they prefer sitting in a chair reading a great book and sipping on hot tea? Life is what YOU make it.

Life can be so strong and virile one day and it is so fragile the next. We think we are on top of the “world of life” one day and wake up to find ourselves in the abyss of life gone wrong. Life is full of highs and lows and your quality of life depends on how you manage those highs and lows.

“Whatever we are, whatever we make of ourselves, is all we will ever have – and that, in its profound simplicity, is the meaning of life.” – Phillip Appleman

IPad 194

When one is at their low point in life they, as I see it any way, only have two choices. Put on your big boy/girl undies and take life by the horn and make some positive changes in their life or lie there and wallow in self pity and rely on the enablers in your life to help you along.

“We get to CHOOSE the meaning of our lives. Our lives mean exactly what we say they do – no more, no less. Each of us chooses their path in life.” – Johnathan Lockwood Huie

Life is simply what YOU decide it is going to be. YOU write the definition. People, experiences and God can help you along the way but You have the final decision. Prepare yourself through education, understanding and knowledge. If you don’t love yourself then learn how to. Parents listen to your children, just because you wanted to be a great athlete, accountant, doctor, lawyer, etc., it doesn’t mean that it will be a good fit for them. Let them make that decision. What’s that you say? You aren’t going to let them make a bad decision. Yeah, right just like you never did, right? Encourage them to be their own person and to write their own “Book of Life.”

Once again thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my blog. It as well as any comments, is deeply appreciated. Now go spread the love.

2018 Is Knocking On the Door!

December 26, 2017December 26, 2017 / doubledacres / 5 Comments

IPad 128

“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” – Helen Keller

I don’t know about the rest of you but I don’t know if it is because I am getting older or just busier, but this year reminded me of Secretariat coming down the home stretch at Belmont in 1973. I didn’t get accomplished what I wanted to. That tells me I need to improve my planning for 2018.

To me it is a little ironic that the end of the year and the celebration of the birth of Christ both happen in the month of December. The Beginning and the End so to speak. With the celebration of Christmas comes bouts of depression for some. It is a tough time for those who have lost loved ones, especially those who are celebrating Christmas for the first time after their loved one has passed. Unfortunately it is the time of year when companies trim their work force getting ready for the year to come, adding stress to the lives of those that lost their jobs.

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is the time of year one needs to go to their safe place and reflect on the year and evaluate what happened in 2017. Are you disappointed? Happy? Ecstatic? Was last year a good year but if not, what can you do to make 2018 better? Now the operative word here is “you”, I didn’t say “we”. What’s that? You are married. Congratulations! Sorry the operative is still “you”. When you get “you” worked out, then you can sit down with the spouse and finish your planning.

I am going to go out on a limb here and I am going to bet that one of the things you need to change going in to 2018 is (drum roll please) spend more quality time with family. I went into a restaurant a couple of weeks ago and there were what appeared to be 4 members of a family. My guess was father, mother, daughter and son. Youngest (son) was probably 15. Every one of them were doing something with their phone and maybe, just maybe said 15 words. Do yourself a favor and make 2018, the year of the Family.

This is going to probably put some of your undies in a wad. I am sorry but it needs to be said. If you are one of the many complaining about the current political climate and you DID NOT exercise your explicit right to vote, then shut up! I don’t care if you don’t agree with me or even if I am not politically correct, you don’t have the right to complain, in my opinion anyway. Yes it is my opinion and isn’t supported by any law, local, state or federal. Sad thing though is that these people are the ones that complain the most. (Note: This pertains only to the U.S. because I do realize exercising that right in some countries could get one killed.)

“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” – Melody Beattie

The new year can bring us new challenges so in that chapter of life we will be writing about things that we have never experienced before. Make sure your book of life is an autobiography. Do your own writing and decision making. It doesn’t hurt to seek advice but for life decisions, you make them. After all you are the one that is going to have to live with that decision.

IPad 194

Work on knowing all your neighbors. Learn their names and even talk to them. I know that is asking a lot for some, but think about it. Spread the love. I don’t care what your passion is share that love with everyone around you. Respect those around you. When other people talk, shut up and listen. Respect their opinion whether you agree with or not. I myself have said more than once, “We are just going to have to agree to disagree.” Learn to walk away when a discussion goes south. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Keep your life free of negativity. Last but not least, love yourself.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I hope you enjoyed it. Spread the love! NOTE: I do not have a degree in psychology and am not a psychologist. Just an old geezer that has watched and learned as I traveled down the freeway of life.

We Say “Merry Christmas”

December 12, 2017December 12, 2017 / doubledacres / 4 Comments

IPad 124

“Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.” – Thomas S. Monson

It seems that it is not politically correct to say Merry Christmas and Christmas tree. To be politically correct it is suggested that one would say Happy Holiday and Holiday tree. Really? Excuse me but just how long have we been saying Merry Christmas and decorating a Christmas tree?

What has happened in this country? Why are we breaking tradition all of a sudden? Supposedly it is so we don’t hurt anyone’s feelings that believes differently than we do. Now the purpose of my blog isn’t to bash those folks that say they get offended. It is a blog to explain why I say Merry Christmas.

First I would like to point out that Christians and Jews have been living in the U.S. together for many years. I have had many Jewish friends and I don’t remember any of them being offended when I wished them a Merry Christmas. Maybe they were and didn’t say anything but I hope not.

You see when I wish you a Merry Christmas it is a greeting of joy, peace and love. It is in reference to the day that God sent His Son to be born on earth and start a life where He healed the sick, made the blind see and performed many other miracles. It all ended when my Savior was hung on a cross made of wood and He died for my sins. That is why I say Merry Christmas. It is not to insult you or to hurt your feelings. It is simply my wanting to share with you the joy and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – Calvin Coolidge

With that said I would like to say Merry Christmas! A big thank you to all my followers. You have no idea how much you are appreciated. I wish you all a prosperous new year filled with joy, love and success.

The Man Behind the Blog

December 3, 2017 / doubledacres / 3 Comments

If people could be as loyal as a dog.

I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.” – Henry David Thoreau

I am a simple man who doesn’t relish material things. I have a problem with most technology because I feel it is the “Achilles Heel” of today’s society. We have become to dependent on it and if it ever fails we will find ourselves in a world of chaos and ruin. Maybe I am old school but I just don’t see today’s networks that make this modern technology work as it does, being infallible. Just ask yourself, what would happen if a virus was able to penetrate our financial systems and erase all the data? Could we survive a hit like that? I know what you are sayin, we have safe guards for that. Yeah right. Tell that to the folks that had problems with their tax returns being stolen.

“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don’t take friendship lightly. I have a tough time trusting people, but then there are plenty of reasons for that. Trust is the foundation of a true friendship. Now I am not talking a casual friendship, I am talking a friendship where you bare your soul to that person. A lot of things just don’t mean to people what it did 30 years ago. Friendship is one of those things that I think has lost its true meaning.

I don’t believe in the “everyone gets a trophy” way of life. I think we do our children an injustice by not letting them experience defeat and disappointment.. We are just delaying the inevitable. One will never win every battle they encounter. Such is life so let us prepare them early in life.

Right, wrong or indifferent I believe an individual is responsible for their own fate/destiny. Yes, some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth but that person can fail himself/herself just as easy as the person who was born into poverty. If destiny decided my life I guess I could say my life came with a guarantee. Guaranteed to crash and burn or succeed no matter what I do because destiny has all ready decided that for me.

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” – John Muir

I am not a religious person, I am a spiritual person. I love and respect Mother Earth. I have always been drawn to nature and when I am in the woods or on the river I am home where I belong. There is no better place to go to cleanse your soul and recharge your spirit. Photography is my passion. Horseback riding is another favorite of mine. I dislike the way we teach young girls to judge their beauty by what is on the outside and not by what is on the inside. I would rather be in the wilderness of Montana than on a beach in the Caribbean. If I could have lunch with anyone I wanted, it would be my Grandma Bobbi. Damn I miss her. I would like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. I would to spend a day with Thoreau and Emerson. I want my own cabin and Walden Pond. If I could do one thing to change the world, it would be to put love in everyone’s heart because that would resolve all the other problems. “Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us, and the greatest was love.” – Alan Jackson (Where Were You)

304104_10150325790868041_1335623054_n

Now you know a little more about the man that writes the blogs. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and I hope you enjoyed it. Don’t forget to spread the love.

My Take on Self-reliance

November 21, 2017 / doubledacres / 5 Comments

Just me and my dog Kate

“It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Merriam-Webster defines self-reliance as reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities.

When I hear “self-reliance I think of the early pioneers and the hardships they had to endure. They were pretty much able to take care of themselves. They raised and hunted their own food, played doctor, teacher and were carpenters. They had to be that way in order to survive.

In today’s world self- reliance seems to have left the building. Sad part is that children of today aren’t being given a chance to be self-reliant. The parents just don’t want to take the time out of their busy schedule to teach them. Grandparents have it in their minds that they have to do everything for them, be their best friend and by all means don’t hurt their feelings. Both sides argue that the child isn’t responsible enough but at the same time they aren’t teaching the child responsibility. All of this is done with good intentions however, the child is the one who is losing and will have no ideal how to do things for themselves. They grow up expecting people to do everything for them and . When I look into my crystal ball I don’t see a very good future for them.

Then we have the government using public assistance to enslave John Q Public. Why? They don’t want us to even entertain the idea of self-reliance. Keep us from attaining it and we hand them the control that gives them the upper hand if they need it. Ok, settle down. Quit laughing so hard. Maybe I am getting senile but it is happening more and more as folks lose their jobs. Public Assistance, the New Form of Self-Reliance! by your Congressional Representatives.

We interrupt this program for a message from the turkey above, Please eat more possum. My friends and family will appreciate it.

“Over the years, Americans in particular have been all too willing to squander their hard-earned independence and freedom for the illusion of feeling safe under someone else’s authority. The concept of self-sufficiency has been undermined in value over a scant few generations. The vast majority of the population seems to look down their noses upon self-reliance as some quaint dusty relic, entertained only by the hyperparanoid or those hopelessly incapable of fitting into mainstream society.” – Cody Lundin

I don’t think folks put enough emphasis on self-reliance. Anyone who lived during the “Great Depression” can tell you how important it is. Nobody seems to understand it can happen again and seem to be complacent with the government taking care of them. My way of thinking is I would rather be in control of my outcome in that situation and trust no one else with my surviving. Just look how they take care of our veterans. Still feel warm and fuzzy inside thinking of them taking care of you when the SHTF?

Self-reliance also involves one thinking for themselves and not letting anyone else or the government tell you how to think. It also necessitates for one to be prepared for whatever comes at them.

“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.” – Abraham Lincoln (Parents and grandparents should have this one taped to their mirror so they read it every morning before they start their day. Just saying, if the child is capable of doing it then why are you?)

“If you truly want to be respected by people you love, you must prove to them that you can survive without them.” – Michael Bassey Johnson

Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my blog. It means a lot to me and you and your time are deeply appreciated. I take this time to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and good times with family. As you go through the holidays don’t forget to spread the love.

Goodbye October- Hello November

November 2, 2017November 2, 2017 / doubledacres / 2 Comments

11025977_10153212473028041_7337179338330040442_o

A pic I took a couple of years ago.

“What good is the warmth summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” – John Steinbeck Travels With Charley: In Search of America

October must have been in a hurry to get out of Dodge as it gets out of the way to let November in. It flew by. I don’t know if it is because I am getting older, but time seems to have accelerated the last couple of years. The new year 2018 will be upon us before we know it.

I have mixed feelings as October moves on. It always brings back childhood memories of jumping in a pile of fresh leaves, bonfires, apple cider, trick or treating, and the quest to have the perfect “hoodie”. Chili cook-offs, picking apples, searching for the right pumpkin so I can make the Great Pumpkin proud.

On the other hand I am definitely a “snow bunny”. I love to walk in the woods as the snow falls around me. If you stop and listen real hard you can actually hear it snowing. Making snow angels, drinking hot chocolate watching the snow fall, watching the fire dance in the wood stove, these are some of my favorite things about winter.

Another pic I took.

Growing up in the 50s and 60s found us being quite resourceful when it came to sledding. I remember one year we used the hood of an old Buick for a sled. I don’t remember what year car it was but it was one of those hoods that came to a point in the front. It seemed enormous to us back then. Heavy it was and took two of us to pull it back up the hill. We could get 7 of us on it then we would go zipping down the hill at speeds that seemed like 60 mph back then. Only problem was steering. It had none and one day it went farther than usual and it ended up under a parked car. We all got knocked off and thanks to all the winter clothes we walked away with just bruises.

Another favorite of winter was “snow cream”. My mom made the best “snow cream” you ever ate I tells ya. She would make chocolate or vanilla. Someone said one time you weren’t supposed to eat the first snow but it didn’t stop us and we survived. Snow ball fights, snow forts and making a snowman another few of my favorite things about winter.

“My old grandmother always used to say, Summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.” – George R.R. Martin A Feast For Crows

So as October make its exit and November comes to the forefront I think of all my winter friends and think how lucky I am to have them. I can smell the hot chocolate.

Thanks for reading my blog. Spread the love.