Fishin report for Lake Iwanttobethere..

[Bobby Bass]

Been sipping on batch #27 here, and it is beginning to grow on me. Guess I should have wrote down what I added to this batch but I was in a hurry this fall and just kind of threw it together. Now I am not so sure if I want to bring it to the Lodge for taste testing. Seems a waste somehow to give it all away. Hmmm maybe I'll just water it down a little with some of Elmers brew. He will just blame the boys if anything is missing from his fridge. Nytelyter has been seen around the ice town and has been making good use of his minnow card at Masterbaiters. He has not brought anything into the scales yet and nothing on the big fish board. Of course he is well out there on the edge of town. And I suppose by the time he catches something and gets it back to the bait shop it will have shrunk. Kind of like some of the fish stories seem to grow the farther you get away from shore or the farther you have to travel from home.

Not very good conditions for the seed racing contests today. Having some problems with water on the ice, really slows things down. I see some of you are not aware or perhaps have never taken part in a seed race. Well back in the old days when we could not afford ice skates we would seed race. Seed racing is basically just taking a corn cob, hollowing it out so you can get your foot inside and then you use them as skates. You leave a row of corn in the bottom of the cob as a blade. If you are new to seed racing you can leave several rows, easier to balance. The really good seed racers will just leave a single row and will even take out every other corn kernel for added speed. Of course if you get going to fast you will POP a kernel. Then you have the problem of the seagulls following you. Feed corn is OK for the little ones but the guys will grow their own corn just to get the right length. Our departed resident FOOT wanted to try his hand at seed racing but with them size 17's of his finding the right cob was a problem.

Lodge TV will be having football on all day today as the season is winding down. Ladies will be in to decorate for the gala New Years eve dance tonight. I don't know why we just can't leave the same decorations up from the Christmas dance but I have been told that is just not right. The ladies do not spend to much time in the Lodge so they are always cleaning and moving things around in the Lodge. Sometimes it takes us days or even weeks to find things and put them back in there places. Like the bottle opener is always kept on the end of the bar but they find drawers to hide it in. Some of them drawers have never been open as long as I have been there. Why put something away that you use everyday. We have a picture of Dan's new puppy on the bar. Am trying to get him to bring her to the Lodge so we can show her off. If it was summer time we would have her at the beach, what a girl magnet she would make. Nothing like a cute puppy and a 12 pack!

Well I better get down on the ice, the seed races are getting ready to start and then of course there is the seed jumping contest off the access hill. Hammering Hank is a favorite there as he is a 4 time champion. The three man hockey games have been moved to after dark as there is just to much water on the rink. I can smell them little donuts cooking away in the parking lot from here. Will have to pick up a bag or two. Rumor has it that there might even be a fireworks display after dark tonight. Will be looking forward to that. Well from Lake Iwantobethere Happy New Year

(8098)

[1lkstage]

I over-heard that someone was thinking of using popcorn cobs. They were hoping the friction would pop the corn at just the right time to give them a boost for their jump to dethrown Hammering Hank. Plus they would then be making the popcorn for the fireworks show!

[Bobby Bass]

A nice sunny day here at Lake Iwanttobethere. A little cool but sunny. The wet rainy weather has been all but forgotten and we are back to making ice. Dance at the Lodge was a fine one, at least the parts that I remember. My beer batch #27 took 2nd place. So I was happy about that. Weekend was fun for everyone except the hockey players. Had trouble with all the water on the ice and then the games were moved to after dark. Except someone forgot to pick the pucks up from the rink and when they went out to play again all the pucks were frozen in under 2 inches of new ice. They ended up playing with frozen apples which made some big welts when you got hit somewhere with no pads. It was so warm there for awhile that they were playing in shorts!

Kids had a lot of fun seed skating and Hank was again crowned the seed jumping champion. There was only one round as there was so much slush on the ice that you came away pretty wet after your first landing. Beer can jumping was postponed to a later date. No problem with that as it will mean that cans will have to be drank again. Kids and grand kids are all back at home in the city and the old dogs Lady and Sadie also returned to the city. Bud and Barney are here it looks like for the winter too this year. Barney has discovered ice fishing, pretty much right up his alley as it is mostly bobber fishing just a different kind of bobber. He likes being in the big shacks where he has more then one bobber to check up on. Bud just likes to lay by the hole and watch one, usually with just one eye open as the other one closed. I tend to do the same thing, only I am leaning up against the shack wall and I am balanced so perfect that a slight tug on my line will tip me back towards the hole. Fishing has been slow but steady, just enough to keep you awake.

Forecast is calling for some serious cold weather here in a week or two, will have to see if that happens or not. I do kind of like being able to sit on the deck and smoke my cigar and not be freezing when I do it. Not scraping ice off the windshield is also nice. I was just changing calendars on the desk and I see fishing shows will be starting up here in another month or so. Winter is half done already, Where has the time gone. Couple of seed catalogs in the mail the other day and I was even out knocking snow of the greenhouse roof. I expect to see the fishing catalogs here shortly. Bird season came to an end here on Sunday to. Have not been out the last few weeks as I was meaning to but something always seem to came up. Now this morning there are grouse in my bird feeder. Bud didn't even give chase, guess he knows the season is over to.

Later this afternoon I will be picking up my barbershop fishing chair from the new cabinet maker in town. Howard, who moved in above Dug's garage this fall has had it. I was talking with him one afternoon this fall when he was behind his shop aging some dressers that he had just made. He was out back of the shop peppering them with his 12 ga. He called it a distressed finished, guess people in the big city really like the look Anyway I told him that while I was fighting a big walleye last year I had some trouble with my chair swivel and he offered to take a look at it for me. Well today I'll haul it down to the shack and re bolt it to the floor. In the next couple of days the crappie school should be by and I want to be ready. High school kids have been tracking them again this winter over their break and they are headed right towards town.

Well time for me to head into the Lodge and pick up my beer bottles and my 2nd place trophy. I didn't get to see Dan pick up his pitcher of root beer but I did hear Mindy and Mandy talking about his puppy Grace. Well from the shores of Lake Iwanttobethere throw another log on the fire and keep your lines tight..(8185)

[Dan Thiem]

Bobby-

Do me and Paul gotta move our huts? I gotta believe there is at least some water around them eh? Maybe not.

Can we get a bunge blast back too?

[Bobby Bass]

Making ice and catching fish, another day here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Dan, you can move your shanty anytime after the 9th Must remember the 30 day launch rule. If you do move you will lose your free plowing to your shack as that is only to the original launch site. Also you must remember that this is Lake Iwanttobethere and our ice conditions are different then others. Right now we are sitting at 14 inches of clear ice and all roads are plowed and clean. The rain we did get just acted like someone resurfacing the lake ice. Snow cover is just enough to allow banking and see where you walked. If you feel that you must relocate your house ( problems with Nytelyter cooking? ) Hank does have the lifting barge all set to go. The barge will be dragged to your house, straps attached and you can be lifted up from the ice. This way you will not have to worry about dropping through holes or be frozen in. Of course a donation is required. As for a re- fling the area in front of the trees is covered in houses. You might not have noticed but the road signs went in this past weekend. Crappie Lane, Wally Walkway, Norton Way and Way out there Drive. Where you and Nytelyter have your houses. I was out your way in the Reliant last night, Did not see any lights on so I just skidded on by. The Reliant only has brakes on the left side so it is hard not to make anything but left turns on the ice.

Burn barrels are out along with the community fishing holes along the roadway. Most of the orange barrels have been collected and are along the shoreline. With the snow we have banks and the barrels are no longer needed. Also the county said they may be picking them up sooner then planned as the rest of the county hardly has any snow and construction may start early this spring. Well at least they may start putting out barrels anyway.

I was told that Lake Iwanttobethere made the news the other day as there was a satellite photo up showing the Lake and all the snow around it and then as they pulled back you could see all the brown. We have received a few e-mail's here at the Lodge asking for directions to the Lake and for ice conditions. We have been forwarding them to Vicki at the Masterbaiters bait shop. The e-mail address is [email protected]

Elmer and I have been working along with Hammering Hank in the Lodge basement. Re doing the shower down there as the sauna has been getting a lot of use and we forgot that it was on our list of remodeling jobs this summer. So now we are putting up new walls and already poured a new floor. A few more days and it will be ready to use. Some crumbling that the guys could not use the sauna after they watched Daze of our lives on the Lodge's TV Some guys really need to find something to do with there down time during the winter..

Looks like the Lodge is going to have a movie night, as we have signed up for one of them mail movie rentals. Have no idea how we are going to select movies. But the guy who owns the new video store said that he would beat any deal and he could bring us movies. So we will have to see how that pans out. Football playoffs this weekend and the boards kept under the bar are almost all sold out. I did buy a 50 cent and a dollar square. So I will be watching!. Well that is it for today. I am headed out on the ice to make my rounds and see if I can get the Reliant out of the snow bank. From Lake Iwanttobethere (8263)

[Bobby Bass]

Today was our first kids day here at the Lodge for the year. We had a busload of kids come up from the city and we had them in the main Lodge room. Elmer gave them some basic instructions on how to use a ice rod and then we all went down to the Masterbaiters bait shop and they were given a lesson in bait from Vicki. After picking up some minnows and some grubs we loaded them up on sleds and Hammering Hank dragged them out to the end of town where we had some luck yesterday catching crappies. Some yelling and screaming a few fish caught, a touch football game and two coolers of sandwiches from Amy's and I think we found ourselves a few new fishermen.

Back to the Lodge and those who wanted to learn were taught how to clean fish and we added some that we caught last night and we had ourselves a fish fry. The youngsters just got back on the bus and us old folk are scattered about the Lodge ready for a nap. But there are a lot of smiles on a lot of faces. Elmer of course is bragging about how his kids with his teaching were the first to land a fish and Hank was bragging about how the young Smith lad had no problem driving the sled. We sat on the old benches in the main Lodge room, and from time to time we would sip on our cider and look out at the ice of Lake Iwanttobethere. "No Kids" I said out loud. "Yup, There all gone" said Elmer. "No, there are no kids on the ice" I said. We all stood up and looked out over the deck and out onto the ice of Lake Ianttobetthere. After a moment Elmer said" You are right, there are no kids on the ice"

After we had taken the bus load of kids off the ice there were no local kids on the ice. Other then some of the local residents fishing from five gallons pails outside of there shanties there were no kids to be seen. It started a discussion between us lodge members, well not really started it as it is an ongoing discussion about membership and the lack of new young members to the Lodge. Just not getting young people to join, Hardly ever see any kids out fishing anymore and if they are not riding 4 wheelers no one is in the woods. Of course we are all aware of the problem, that is one of the reason why we have days like today here at the Lodge. We try and do it several times during the winter. Bring kids in and let them experience some time out on the water of Lake Iwanttobethere. We all agree that we should do more. Hard for kids to get outdoors with out some encouragement from adults. Even harder to get some adults out. With work and homes to take care of but we all had that to. Everyone needs a little push from someone to do something. "There's one" Elmer says.. We follow his pointing finger and in the distant we can see a teenager hauling a sled behind him. We all stand and watch at the window as the lone figure walks across the ice. From the landing we hear car doors slam and soon there are a few more kids running on the ice towards our single fishermen. I take a peek through the spotting scope and say " Jefferson boys" Elmer says " Yup I taught them to jig" "To bad you didn't teach him how to catch fish!" Says Hank and the trash talking starts. But with some pride as we stand and watch the kids cutting holes.

We sit back down and sip our cider. We have the TV on and we are watching some of the pre game shows before the playoff football game. From time to time I glance up and watch the kids fishing, I notice the other guys are doing the same thing. I see Hank is on the phone and he comes back over and says he is going to be gone for awhile. " Where ya going" I ask? Going to go over to Millers and pick up the young one, asked him if he wanted to go fishing. " Good Idea" says Elmer. I'll meet you at the shack. In a moment there is a shuffle of boots on the floor and the phone is in constant use. The door to the Lodge starts slamming and people head out to the ice. Cars start dropping off kids in the parking lot and parents and Grand parents start heading out to the shacks being led by kids yelling and laughing. I see Dug come chugging up on his old Ski-do I go out to the deck. "What's up" he asks. " We going fishing son" he slides up on the well worn seat and pats the open space behind him. " Just a sec" I say.. I go back in the Lodge and pop a tape into the VCR.... Grabbing my hat I exit the Lodge and hop on as only a 53 year old grand pa can on the back of the sled. Holding on for dear life as we roar down the hill and hit the ice. Don't really need a reason to take a kid fishing. From Lake Iwanttobethere (8297)

[Bobby Bass]

Almost time for our semiannual Lodge membership drive. That time of the year when we try to gain a few members and look for new things for the Lodge to get involved with. We did add a few member this last year as we added a few new residents to Lake Iwanttobethere. I know from the readership that we have others who have visited us here but have not said anything or just want to come to town to buy some of Mindy and Mandy's root beer, enjoy the sights and then leave. Like all Lodges we do require some of your time along with a donation to support the Lodge. In return the Lodge can provide you with what we hope is an interesting place to hang your hat and share your stories.

The Lodge has several meeting rooms that are open to members along with a kitchen. These can be used for large family gatherings, birthdays and we have even had a wedding or two here. We also should point out that all members can rent a locker in the basement. These are old high school lockers that we recovered from a town down the road. They are the rarer large ones that are big enough to store gold clubs, fishing rods and shotguns for proper aging before bring home. We also have Internet access and dish TV the furniture may be old but it is big and comfortable and gets cleaned every spring. A crackling wood fire is a common thing here and smoking is allowed and cigars and pipes are encouraged. We have a bar and Hamms on tap. You can always bring your own bottle if you don't like what the Lodge has. Coffee pot is always on as is hot cider in the winter and Mandy and Mindy's root beer most of the summer.

Dogs are allowed so after a hunt you don't have to leave them in the crate in the back of your truck. We have a dock to tie up to during the summer and we have sporting clays and trap to sharpen your eye. If you want to work some of your dues off you can grab an apron and work the bar or try your hand at cooking and working the grill. The large wrap around deck lets you sit back and enjoy the view of Lake Iwanttobethere. A great place to network with new and old friends. Or just sit back and exchange stories about the lake and your experiences.

But between you and me we are more old fashion then new. The TV usually sits dark in the corner and the computer is checked from time to time for e-mail. Cell phone reception is terrible and most of the beer is home brewed. Some of the cigars are wicked and trash talk can be brutal but well mannered. There is no such thing as a stupid question regarding the outdoors and some one will more likely take you down to the dock and show you how to cast then try and talk you through it. There might be better places to spend your time but I would be hard pressed to name them.

So if you are a first timer reading about Lake Iwanttobethere or if you are one of those ones who just stops by for the pickled eggs. Say Hello, lets us know you were here. If ya have a story lets hear it, Got a question ask it. Lots of guys here with lots of answers. Can you imagine the years of experience just sitting here waiting to share? So from Lake Iwanttobethere, throw a log on the fire, pull up a chair and let's here from ya.. (8330)

[BigWadeS]

I want to sit on the wrap around deck with one of those Hamms on tap in my hand a nice cigar in my other

[Bobby Bass]

Welcome to the deck BigWade, I think we got them big cruise ship commercials beat. On any given sunny day here at the Lodge there are guys kicked back in our old wooden deck chairs, feet up and cigars lit. Got to say something about being able to have a cold beer at your side and not worrying about it getting warm. All you need is a lite breeze to keep the air moving and sometimes you might catch a whiff of a cigar that you might like to try. We do recommend that you smoke with at least one glove off as I do remember when Jack Martin caught his mitten on fire and did not know it till Elmer threw his beer on him. From Lake Iwanttobethere, were making ice this week! (8376)

[Bobby Bass]

30 degrees here under a cloudy sky. Hammering Hank has been running the plow truck all day pushing snow towards town. A lot of the houses are lacking enough snow to bank there houses in proper like so the Lodge is donating some hours to help bring snow out to the houses. Weather reports are calling for some serious below zero temps here so I am sure the town will be rocking this weekend. Have already heard from Vicki at the bait shop that her calls regarding ice conditions have been on the increase the past few days. Lodge is happy as yesterday we went out and marked off our ice mining area. Every winter we harvest ice for the winter carnival. Ice sculpture blocks and of course blocks to restock the ice shed. That ice is used during the 4th of July events. The area is blocked off and no ice shanties are allowed in that area. We want to keep the ice as pure and as clean as we can. Nothing makes people think twice then working a ice block then to have a soda can or worse yet a yellow ribbon of ice appear.

Has been an unusual winter again here. We have decent ice and some snow cover but everyone wants more of each. Fishing has been fair to good, But here at Lake Iwanttobethere you always remember the good times. With the lack of snow on the ice the curling rink and the outdoor bowling alley have had a few problems containing there rocks and balls. Does slow the games down some. Some of the guys have been racing away with there four wheelers and sleds on the east end of town. With little snow it looks more a drifting race track. Hardly any straightway just four corners. More of a big circle then an oval. The orange barrels from the county have found a home down there outlining the track.

Did go out and do some hare hunting the other day, did not seem fair at all for the hare as they are bouncing around all in white and there is no snow cover for them to hide out in. Did bag a few and had a nice stew. Elmer does a nice job with them. He pulled up some carrots that he has in his garden under a couple of bales of hay. With the real weather coming I think he said something about pulling everything now. He can't remember when he left them in the ground this long. Time for me to start working again on my do list. All the guns need a good cleaning, and the cabinet should get cleaned to. Time for the tackle boxes to get looked at to, Each day Mark seems to be bring me a new tackle catalog or a seed catalog. Of course plenty of junk mail in there as well. That just finds it's way right to the fireplace. Well time to go out and haul some more wood for the stove to the back deck, Think the fireplace and stove will be burning brightly the next week or so. The cold will be nice for making ice but I hope it does not last to long. Getting pretty spoiled here having to just put a jacket on when I sit on the deck to smoke my evening cigar. From Lake Iwanttobethere (8428)

[Bobby Bass]

The Lodge was in use last night as the ladies held their Disco fundraising dance. Over the past several years the ladies have held the dance as a fund raiser and to have a reason to still wear their outfits from the 70's For the guys it just gives us a night in the winter where we can wear our golf clothes. No matter how much everyone complains about it there is usually a very good turn out. The ladies try to hold it on the first real cold weekend and that has not happen till now. Looking up at the Lodge from the ice town it was a sight. Just enough snow to reflect the light from the rotating ball in the main room shining out the windows. The guys out on the deck smoking cigars made there own smoke show or we should say disco fog. I was at the shanty but was told in no uncertain terms to get up to the Lodge. I actually like Disco, I don't let on to the guys but I can actually dance to it. Well what I call dancing seems to pass for Disco. Does not go over so well at weddings unless it is pretty late in the dance and everyone is having a balance problem. Don't know what it is about Disco but the younger ladies sure do show up. If guys were smart they would to. Anyway it was a good time and the cover charge will help support events around town.

It has been cold out but not as bad as the weatherman was saying. We are making ice and when you sit in the shanty you get that welcome sound of the ice talking. Nothing like laying in your bunk watching the hole and listening to ice groaning and cracking away. Spending the night in the shanty is just one of them outdoor experiences that everyone who has done it can share it by just mentioning it to someone else. The old shanties were the best for that, your feet freezing at ice level, your hands comfortable at waist level and your head sweating. The whooshing sound of the Coleman lantern. The crackling of the small pieces of wood burning in the wood stove. Maybe the sound of a radio in the background. Wind tossing snow against the sides of the house. The small curtain moving in the draft from the window. Maybe even the smell of a pot of beans n franks simmering on top of the stove. The clank of the metal skimmer as it hits the floor after cleaning out a hole. In the distance an auger starting up and then just as abrupt the silence as it is turned back off. A distant laff if the wind is just right. The crunching sound tires make as a truck drives by on the ice. But mostly the silence and the watching of the hole. Watching the bobber make a little ring, then another. The scrape of a boot as attention is given to the hole. A soft voice saying " we got some action" the quiver of the bobber then the slow descent as it goes under.

So you do know what I am talking about. You have been there. Maybe even yesterday you had that bobber go down on ya. There are just things that all you have to do is mention them and the memories start coming back to you. Makes you lean back in your chair and close your eyes. Shut out the sound of the florescent lights humming above you and the sound of phones ringing. Instead you can hear the sound of a loon, the buzz of a skeeter. A splash and the tell tale signs of rings on the water just ahead of you. Wood smoke, Honkers flying overhead. A red squirrel letting everyone know you are here. A chipmunk running from your tent, the sound of a zipper. That quiet "morning" from your partner. Crackling fire and the smoke that follows you around the fire pit. The taste of the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich you ever had. From somewhere on the frozen waters of Lake Iwanttobethere. (8492)

[Bobby Bass]

Just back from a visit to one of my friends uncles. We spent a few days at uncles Gus's and aunt Enidna's a couple who have spent over 70 years together and still talk! I say that because they seem to be one person. They finish each other sentences and sometimes they don't even do that. They will start to say something then just drift off. They know what they are going to say and just stop talking, leaves the rest of us just kind of hanging. Well anyway they are a few lakes away from Lake Iwanttobethere, used to be a few days by dogsled then just a half a day by snowmobile and now just an hour or so by car. When we were young we would go to their cabin then paddle back down to Lake Iwanttobethere, it would take us a few days and we were never much in a hurry when we did it. I hate them plan trips where you have to be here by such and such a time and then here by such an such time. That is no way to really enjoy the outdoors. You should just get out and when you have had enough you come back in. You might run out of food or the weather might turn bad on ya, that is what makes you head back in. Not cuz you have to go back to work or mow the lawn.

As I get older I wish I had taken my time a little more when I was younger, to be a kid again. Not to be young and have to go through school and meet girls and all that stuff. But them three month long vacations, those I could enjoy. Sure there might be a few chores to do but think of the free time. I don't ever remember getting a speeding ticket on my way fishing. Sitting out in front of Ma and Pa's grocery and sipping on a bottle of pop. No rush, no hurry. Last day of school and knowing that you were going to have three months before you had to get up in the morning. But if they were biting in the morning that was no problem getting up and being on the shoreline as the sun started to pop up over the tree line. Sure now I have trucks and boats and all the tackle I want. If I see a new rod or reel I just buy it. I can plan on a fishing trip to places I could never go to when I was young. But isn't that the best part... Wanting to go somewhere you have never been before, catching that fish that you have never caught before. Walking the walk you never took before. Awe if I was young again I think I would have taken more time to enjoy having time.

Maybe that is what we do when we get older, we start to slow down and enjoy ourselves. I don't have to go to Brazil bass fishing, I have Mr. Big just a few minutes away from my cabin. I am pretty sure that I will never go to Brazil but I know that when the ice melts I will be at Mr. Bigs doorstep flicking a new secret bait to try and catch him. I also know that I will enjoy every moment of it. So back to Endina and Gus, he is a lucky guy, He figured out the take your time and enjoy life part a long time ago. I have tried to follow his advice on taking it slow. All those things that the old timers say do have a lot of truth to them. You know the " Do it right the first time" and " Don't put things off" My neighbor Elmer from time to time will make the trip up to Gus's to go lake trout fishing. You get the two of them together and it is just time to sit back and listen. The old days as they call it. When they,, Well I am sure you have heard it from your grandparents of how hard it was way back when. But do you ever listen to what they say? They are not really complaining they are just telling you how it was. For the most part I have a feeling that they would not change anything.

We arrived up at Gus's just after dark, we had already had supper so we exchange handshakes and the coffee was out. In a flash Endina had some hot buttered rolls out and we retire to the living room to talk about fishing plans for the next day and to watch the stars appear out over there lake as they call it. Since we were going to have an early morning we were in bed by 8........ 4 am the next morning I wake to the gentle sounds of chimes.. With my eyes open in the faint light coming through the window I could make out my friend Chuck in the bed next to me looking at me and smiling. It brought me back to the very first time I was ever at Endina's We were in the same downstairs bedroom. I heard the soft ringing of chimes and Chuck told me that Endina would walk through the house ringing the chimes to wake everyone up. Better then having someone pound on your bedroom door. We took turns taking a quick cool shower and headed out to the dinning room. The room was bright in light as every light downstairs was on. Rich smells came from the kitchen. Gus was already seated at the table along with a few other uncles and Chuck and I took our place. This was to be my first real breakfast. I had been warned by Chuck the night before that Endina makes a great breakfast. Licking my fingers after the 3rd hot butter bun I was looking forward to it.

There were several platters on the table with lids and you could just see a tad of steam rising from each of them. Endina made an entrance with a ham already sliced up in half inch slices. She placed it in the center of the table and asked what we were waiting for. With that the lids came of the platters. A bowl of scramble eggs, another of fried eggs. Several jars of homemade jellies. A jug of orange juice and a pot of coffee. I joking said "no toast?" Just then Endina came through the door with a wooden platter of hot bread just from the oven. If I have a weakness it is for homemade bread. Chuck had told Endina and she set the platter and a bowl of butter with in easy reach. This was not breakfast, this was like a thanksgiving meal. After the longest breakfast I ever had we finally started to gather gear and load the sleds for the ride out onto the lake. I made a point of thanking Endina for the best breakfast I ever had. She asked what I took in my coffee and told her I was not that fond of coffee, she patted me on the back and said she would pack something for me.

I don't remember how we did fishing that day but I do remember the cooler, after being on the ice for only a few hours Gus announced that he was hungry again. It didn't take any coaxing for the uncles to haul the big blue cooler over to the fire and flip the top off. Inside wrapped in wax paper were the biggest and thickest roast beef sandwiches that I ever saw. Home made cookies and big slices of apple pie. Thermos of coffee and a thermos with my name on it. I open the top to find hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks in a bag taped to the side. We sat around the fire eating and grunting away. That was 30 years ago and I still remember it if it was like yesterday. Well actually it was just like yesterday because Endina now in her 90's still cooks like that and Gus still eats like that.

So maybe our parents and grandparents were not really getting old when they took us out fishing. Maybe they had learned how to relax and enjoy their kids. It's not always about catching fish. It might just be about being with your kids. Every time I go fishing with Elmer and with Gus I am reminded to just take time and enjoy the moment. Stop and take a deep breath, watch a deer standing on the shoreline watching you. A eagle in a tree a dragonfly on the tip of your rod. You may have seen it a hundred times before but if you are a kid it may be your first time. The Line "stop and smell the roses" didn't really mean you had to smell roses. From the ice of Lake Iwanttobethere (8627)

[Dan Thiem]

Bobby, as usuall, good readin!

[Bobby Bass]

Bright sunny day here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Lot of the shanty doors are standing open and people are sitting on there chairs outside chatting and fishing. I made my way down main street and it only took me about an hour. Kept on getting side tracked talking and checking out houses. Usually it is just a ten minute walk to get back to the Lodge. I had a few errands that I had to run for the Lodge and also had to pick up a few supplies for the Town Hall. Now that Tax time is here we try and keep paper and pencils handy to help out. I see Reed the Realtor will be doing taxes again this season, he has his sign in the window. Several people are taking advantage of the sunny day to clean off storefront windows. The last of the Christmas paintings are being washed off and a few are putting up their Valentines hearts. A little steam is coming up off the drying blacktop making it look warmer then it really is.

I ducked into the Dew Drop for a quick cup of coffee and the guys are busy hashing out ways of being creative with their taxes. I know Del is trying to find some kind of credit for his pizza cannon. After picking up my pencils from Earl's I went to the post office to check in with Mark and see if he has gotten any of his tax forms in yet. He now having his very own office/post office was looking forward to having forms on hand.

Found the road grader and Frank the county driver inside Amy's he was complaining of not having anything to do with the lack of snow. As long as I was there I had me a nice roast beef sandwich and enjoyed the sun shinning through the window. Town was kind of busy as I was sitting and eating I did notice a lot of foot traffic going up and down the street. Floyd at the hardware store was out in his shirt sleeves checking in an order and Elmer and old man Walter were chatting away outside Ma and Pa's grocery. For just being the 23rd of January it was more like the 23rd of March

We are getting to the point of no return here soon. Almost the end of the month and not a lot of snow to talk about. Good thing we do have some decent ice and we are catching fish. Last year with all the fall storms the water was stirred up some and fishing never really did take off. This year we got some decent ice and the snow stayed away. Now after that cold snap the ice is just fine. We did get some snow, much more then people away from the lake. On the other hand I for one do not mind these temps My wood pile is in good shape and that is less that I will have to go and cut next month with Hammering Hank. If no snow comes we should be able to use the truck and trailer to haul wood out and that will save us at least a day. Besides I would rather split wood in the upper 20's the the 20 's below...

Winter carnival will be in just a few weeks, I think next week we will start harvesting ice from the lake. We might have to push some snow in towards the landing but then again maybe we will get some before then. As I was walking back towards the Lodge I spend some time with Vicki at the Masterbaiters Shop. Eyeballing a new reel. With the mild winter the oil man has been kind to me. Been warm enough just burning wood so I will have a little windfall there in the budget. Can't think of a better way to spend it then on a new reel. Will name it 06 that way I will remember the winter. Since Mr. Big fried my big reel I need a replacement when I go after him this Spring. I did take a ride down in the bay and checked out his lair. I do hope we get some rain this spring, the water level is low and with no snow it won't be much of a run off. Heck it can rain all April if it wants. O wait, I still have to finish the rest of then shingles on the shed. I'll have to put that back on the top of my Honey do list. Along with a few hundred things that I ran out of time to do...

O gee I almost forgot about the fishing contest this weekend!! Yup the fishing contest will be held by the Lodge this next weekend. We have it during the off time during football playoffs. The signs have been up for awhile and the Lodge has it's big fish sign up sheet and raffle. There are prizes through the first 25 places and once again Mindy and Mandy will be on the ice selling raffle tickets. We did have to cancel the dog sled races but we will still have the puppy contest and the beer can jumping contest along with a casting contest. Lots of fun for the kids and it looks like a good weather day is in the forecast. So come on out to the Lake. Well from the frozen waters of Lake Iwanttobethere (8693)

[nytelyter]

well tomorrow make it two weeks since i have put out my fishhouse closer to home out. and i must say. i am in absolute heaven. i get to spend my weekends at lakeiwanttobethere, and my weeknights in the home shack. and since this has happened my home bed does not know me. and the cats have an attitude. except when i bring an occasional fish home. and that in itself is a kinda cute story. as i have mantioned before in this forum, i do have two cats. a very fat 10 y/o orange tabby, and a very spoiled 9 y/o siameese, both males. well the spoiled one used to drive me crazy when ever i started cleaning fish. he would do circles around the table meowing and whining, at top of his lungs. well after a bit of "retraining" on his part, he and the tabby now sit on the edge of the carpet just outside the kitchen. watching very attentively. and on the siameese's part not having a fit. and they wait for me to call them for treats.

welll again back to the being on the ice thing. i do love to do some summer fishing. and although i have friends that fish. i spend most of my summer times at the lake, taking in the company of friends, sitting by the morning remains of a smoldering campfire pit. sipping coffee, listening to the loons early morning calls, and one of the things i love most about those mornings are, watching the world wake up around me. i also hope for a good stiff breeze so i can take out the hobiecat for some very exciteing sailing. this is all good and i love the social thing about it.

but what i treasure and value the most, are the times on ice. ya see lots of people hibernate in the winter. become less social. and with the eception of the holidaze. tend to become homebodies not wanting to embrace and the beautiful winter seen we have been provided with. heck i guess i am guilty too. but, those of you that have the "ice fishing bug" know what i am referring to. infact i do know a couple of people that only icefish. not many but a few. they dont like sitting on a boat on a windy day. or with the hot sun beating them down.

i just love being on the ice. sitting in a peacefull location on the lake. an occasional bell ringing from a fish hitting an active fathead. the different sounds the ice makes as it creeks, cracks, and moans. the way it sings as it does on early ice. and thumps and pounds when it is nice and thick. or the way your adrenalin jumps when that crack comes right thru the house, or even thru the hole you are stareing at.

last year showed me how much this means to me. we did not have great ice around here and i did not put out the sleeper house. and i did manage a nite or two in a house. i missed it so much, because it wasnt everynight.

the end of the walleye season, as much as i hate to say it, looms around the corner. soon i will have to put the fishhouse back into the backyard. and store it for another year. the time the sleeper spends on ice seem to be shorter as of late. looking back into the log books we keep, we have had them out as early as right after thanksgiving. and this year it was two weeks into the new year. and because of that is the reason my bed at home stays empty. would it be wrong or goofy of me to maybe spend a nite or two init while it is parked in the back yard? wouldnt be on the ice but the memories may lead you to believe you are. i do spend alot of time in my portable, and enjoy those minutes too. ice fishhing is ice fishing. and that is what i love to do most. but the nights i spend in my fishhouse are where i recharge my soul. i know i have mentioned this before, and probably will again. i have heard that the all time you spend fishing, is given back to you at the end of your life. well i aint been the nicest to my body. i spent half of my life as an appliance deliveryman. that and other things i ahve done and believe me... i need all the extra time i can get. hehehehe

welll from the point on lakeiwanttobethere that seperates waconia bay from sylvia bay i wish you many comforting days on the water, beit hard or soft. ... paul

[Bobby Bass]

Well I am here just watching the sun slip behind the trees. I will admit that I am all tuckered out after this weekends ice fishing contest here on Lake Iwanttobethere. A lot of people were here over the weekend and the Lodge did a bang up business. Between the grill and the bar being open to the general public we served a lot of people. Our group of kids from the big city were up on Saturday and they were entered in the contest and one of the young fellows took 7th place in the walleye division. The landing area was busy all weekend long with the coming and going of fishermen and of course some of the town's business had there tents up. The area was rich with the smells of BBQ and deep fryers making turkeys. One of the favorites was the corn being roasted over a large fire. A few of the local chain saw carvers were busy on Saturday carving up some ice blocks that were harvested from the lake.

We had a two day fishing contest and you need not be present to win. Along with the raffle some nice presents were awarded. Mindy and Mandy did a good job working the crowd. Dan and his puppy Grace won the puppy contest and he sure did have a crowd of kids following him around all day. Was sunny but cool both days and we could not have asked for better weather. I didn't get a chance to wet a line as I was busy running around organizing things. Now I am getting ready to watch the sunset and lite up a cigar and take a deep breath or two. Maybe tomorrow I'll get back down to the house and see if I can get a pull on my string. My sons used my house and they caught fish but nothing to put them in the money. They had a good time and that was what is important. That and the Lodge made some money to help with some other planned events later in the year.

Gets a little busy this time of the year for me as Hammering Hank and I will be out collecting firewood this next week. No snow so it looks good for using the truck and trailer instead of the snowmobiles. As I mentioned before I am doing well on firewood at the cabin as the mild winter has been good to me. Even if it does get real cold I will still have plenty left over. Hank on the other hand is still going through the wood as he is selling quite a bit. The tourists coming up to fish the lake still like that fire to chase away the chill when the sun goes down and the smell of wood smoke makes a trip.

Nytelyter has been seen coming and going off the ice. I never seem to catch him. Have been meaning to rap on his door when I see the lights on but I am usually on my way in a hurry somewhere else. I think he is sleeping out there. Can't think of a better winter cabin myself then the ice shanty. I do know he is sure taking advantage of that minnow card at the Masterbaiters shop! He moved his house to. Now Dan is out there all by himself. A few people have relocated houses, seems to be moving toward shore and where the town was last winter. Fishing has been fair, better then last year. End of January already, winter is just zipping by. Well I hope you made it to the ice this weekend and maybe I will see your name on the prize list when I help contact winners. From the frozen and quiet waters of Lake Iwanttobethere (8815)

[Dan Thiem]

It's kind of lonley out there too. Maybe I should see if I could get Hank to help me get back to the main road.

[Bobby Bass]

Well a touch of the past has left us here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Mark the mailman took possession of a new postal mini van. Yup, they came and got his old little Jeep this morning and left him this min van. Told him that he had to upgrade like everyone else has. He also said when I talked to him that since he is a postmaster that just wearing a hat is not enough anymore. He may even have to wear the uniform all the time. As it is now he just puts on the pants and coat when he has to go to the regional office. I saw him outside his office just standing and shaking his head looking at the mini-van. He was hoping to chase down the old Jeep later this afternoon and see if he could buy it but was told it was going right to the shredder..

On a better note I got my wood harvested already, Hammering Hank's cousin Harland brought his two mules over and they are trained loggers. We managed in just a few days to drop our trees and the mules skid them out to the clearing for us. Well with three chain saws going we made quick work of the logs and the splitter took care of the bigger pieces. I have a nice pile down by the shed and I will work on that come Spring.

Winter carnival this weekend and we have had to make a few changes due to weather and lack of snow. The snow blower races are out unless we get some snow in the next few days and that does not look like it is going to happen. As a matter of fact there has been a pretty brisk wind the last few days and most of the snow has been blown off this end of the lake. Bad for snow blower races but good for the speed and seed racing. There will of course be a fishing contest on Saturday and a kids only contest on Sunday. We have been harvesting ice for the sculpture contests and that will start on Friday afternoon with judging on Sunday morning. The almost naked Slip, Dip and try to scream ice water plunge will be held on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Donations will be going towards the Lodge youth days.

We expect several vendors to be in the park and also several local business will be there with there tents hawking goods and services. Saturday will also feature our own Lodge softball team against the town down the road in a winter softball game. This will be the first time in recent memory that we will be playing on a grass field. Before I forget I must also remind you that Mindy and Mandy will be in the park baking their hot caramel rolls from scratch in their Dutch ovens. Worth making the trip to the lake just for that!

Super bowl Sunday is here but not to worry most of our events will be done by the middle of the afternoon and you can always come to the Lodge and catch the game there. The Lodge will be holding there super bowl party so if you are a member you should be there anyway. We have borrowed the big screen projector from the Mpls couple and will be watching the game on a 10' screen. I will start the chili the night before so it will be ready in time. Mindy and Mandy have promised to put on a half time show of their own for us, something to do with the left over caramel.. Well from the frozen waters of Lake Iwanttobethere, where I might add we are still making ice. Have a good one..(8891)

[nytelyter]

CHILI??????????? did some one say chili cook off??? i am already pickin up my supplies for my batch of 8 hour chili. a recipie that has been refined for the last twenty years. a true taste of chili in its finest form, if i may say so myself. there may just be a return of the green cloud around my shack after the game. see you all there. oh by the way fishing has been great. however the catchin has slowed a bit. i love waking up in the morning with the warm sun shineing thru the fishhouse window. gonna be a cold one this weekend. may just want to bring along a few more things along to the lake. better off prepared. than kickin ones self. see you on the ice. ill be the one in the tee shirt, getting ready for the winter swim. ... paul

[Bobby Bass]

Always welcome another pot of chili on the stove, Makes mine taste all that much better!!

[Bobby Bass]

Well I banged up my knee on the ice the other day and it has slowed me down some. I went and saw Doc Burriem and told him how I had fell and popped my kneecap out. He checked the knee and said it looked like I got it back where it belongs but maybe I should go into the big city and have one of them city doctors look at. But for now just to take it easy and keep some ice on it. Well what better place to do that then in the shanty. So here I sit on my pail in the doorway with the sun on my face. Ice town is quiet today as it is cold and the ice is talking. It will be busy tomorrow with the carnival fishing contest. Going to be very cold so we will have to see who comes out. Before I left the cabin I printed out my e-mail to read at the shanty and a friend sent me something that I thought I would pass on, here have a read...

AHHHHHHHHHH MEMORIES!!!

Close your eyes...And go back...

.Before the Internet or PC or the MAC......

Before semi-automatics and crack....

Before Playstation, SEGA, Super Nintendo, even before Atari...

Before cell phones, CD's, DVD's, voice mail and e-mail....

way back.... way.....way.....way back.....

I'm talkin' bout hide and seek at dusk

Red light, Green light

Red Rover....Red Rover.....

Playing kickball & dodge ball until the first...no...second...no...third Streetlight came on

Ring around the Rosie

London Bridge

Hot potato

Hop Scotch

Jump rope

Duck....duck....GOOSE!!!

Parents stood on the front porch and yelled (or whistled) for you to

come home - no pagers or cell phones

Mother May I?

Seeing shapes in the clouds

Endless summer days and hot summer nights (no A/C) with the windows

open

The sound of crickets Catchin' lightning bugs in a jar

Running through the sprinkler

Cereal boxes with that GREAT prize in the bottom

Cracker jacks with the same thing

Ice pops with 2 sticks you could break and share with a friend

but wait.....there's more....

Watchin' Saturday Morning cartoons

Fat Albert, Road Runner, Smurfs, Picture Pages, G-Force & He-Man,

Schoolhouse Rock

Watchin' Sunday morning oldies (Abbott & Costello, Three Stooges)

Wonder Woman & Super Man Underoos

FONZIE.....AYYYYYYYY

Christmas morning

Your first day of school

Bedtime Prayers and Goodnight Kisses

Climbing trees

Swinging as high as you could to try and reach the sky

Getting an Ice Cream off the Good Humor Truck

A million mosquito bites and sticky fingers

Jumpin' down the steps

Jumpin' on the bed

Sleep-overs in the back yard

Rope swings

A 13" black and white TV in your room meant you were RICH

Runnin' till you were out of breath

Laughing so hard that your stomach hurt

Being tired from PLAYING

WORK: meant taking out the garbage or doing the dishes

Your first crush

Your first kiss

Rainy days at school meant playing "Heads up 7UP" or hangman" in

The classroom, Remember that?

Oh, I'm not finished yet....

Kool-Aid was the drink of the summer

So was a swig from the hose

Giving your friends a ride on your handlebars

Wearing your new shoes on the first day of school

Class Field Trips with soggy sandwiches

When nearly everyone's mom was at home when the kids got there

When a quarter seemed like a fair allowance;

and another quarter a MIRACLE

.

When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to

the fate that awaited you at home. A ruler across the knuckles

Basically, we were in fear for our lives but it wasn't because of

drive by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc.

Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! And some of

us are still afraid of em!

Didn't that feel good? Just to go back and say, "Yeah, I remember

that!"

Well, let's keep going!!

Let's go back to the time when...

Decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-mo"

Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, "do over!"

"Race issues" meant arguing about who ran the fastest.

Money issues were handled by whoever was the banker in "monopoly"

Catching fireflies could happily occupy an entire evening

It wasn't odd to have two or three "best" friends.

Being old, referred to anyone over 20.

The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was cooties.

Nobody was prettier than Mom

Scrapes and bruises were kissed by mom or grandma and made better

It was a big deal to finally be tall enough to ride the "big people"

rides at the amusement park.

Bragging about wearing an x-large shirt

Spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for giggles.

The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team.

Water balloons were the ultimate, ultimate weapon.

Older siblings were your worst tormentors, but also your fiercest

protector

I'm going to put this on the door here, Sometimes when the fish aren't biting it's good to have something to read to get your mind wandering.. Have a good day from Lake Iwanttobethere. (8967)

[Bobby Bass]

Well it is down right cold here at Lake Iwanttobethere. We are not so dumb as to be bragging about how cold it is. As you get a little older you tend to get a little wiser, I won't say smarter but there comes a time when it is just to dang cold to be outside Yes it can get cold enough outside that you wear a hat and you don't need your ma to tell you to do it. We had to cancel the plunge as we could not keep the skim ice off the open hole. People still donated money and we thank them. Was not safe with temps in the minus 20's and with the wind chill down into the 40's Everyone open up their shanties to strangers for the ice fishing contest as it was not safe to be on the ice if you did not have some kind of shelter. A lot of new friends were made and more then a few rounds were bought at the lodge for strangers by strangers.

Even Mindy and Mandy were covered up, all you could see where those pretty eyes behind the goggles. Fishing was poor but prizes were awarded by the raffle drawing. The ice sculptures took a little long to cut and they are all still out there for everyone to enjoy. The seed and speed skating were held and no records were broken. I think because there were to many clothes being worn. Ice can jumping was canceled because not enough beer was being drank. Hot cider and cocoa ruled the day.

On Sunday the wind went down some and people were out fishing on the lee side of there houses. Not a cloud in the sky and although it was still cold the sun made it bearable. Bud and Barney made it to the end of the deck, did their thing and made a dash back to the cabin. Was to cold on there feet and they know where the sun warms the cabin floor. Glad I have wood stacked with in reach and no need to go anywhere. Glad for a touch of real winter but I was enjoying the nice temps and I would be lying if I don't want to see them return. I think some snow would have made it better but I still no see any of that in the forecast.

Sitting at my desk here looking out the glass patio doors on to the frozen water of Lake Iwanttobethere it looks like a post card. Then you notice that the smoke coming from the shanties are blowing level with the ice and you don't see any one moving down there. Have not seen a bird for several days and not a new rabbit track in what little snow we have. Guess they know when it is time to wait it out. I did see Elmer this morning, He was tossing some firewood in his pickup and with a quick wave he jumped in and was heading towards the ice town. Looking down the hill I can see smoke coming from his shanty. Can't keep Elmer from his Sunday morning appointment with his auger. Chuck was over this afternoon borrowing some tools. His tool shed shifted and he can't get his door open. He knew what he had to do to fix it but of course all his tools were inside his shed. Seems that is the way it always works.

Will be time to head to the Lodge here in a few hours for the Lodge super bowl party. My chili is being stirred as needed by Mindy and Mandy as they are at the Lodge giving us members a break today so we can enjoy the game. I think I am going to just plan on staying the night as the card game will start after the game. We are going to try and get Nytelyter involved, rumor has it he is a card player and we are always looking for some new money at the game. We have a couple of boards under the bar and they are all filled so there should be some interest in the game and of course some side bets. Not to mention a few drinking and chip eating contests. This is also that time of the year when we get rid of all the old or should I say aged pickled eggs and pigs feet that have been sitting on the back bar since last spring. By the 4th quarter some people will eat anything on a dare. Well from Lake Iwanttobethere where we are really making ice! (9022)

[Bobby Bass]

Another cold night here at Lake Iwanttobethere but it is sunny out and only 2 below as I took a drive around town this afternoon. I was killing some time waiting for Doc to show up at his office so I could get my knee checked again. As I was parked out in front of the cafe I thought to myself that I have not really kept you readers informed off all the doing that go on around town here. Sure some things I mention but there is always something going on here and if some of you are thinking of spending any time here at the lake you might be more interested in some of the things that don't really get involved in. I know the women would like to hear more about whatthe town here has to offer them. Of course it would be from a man's perspective.

It's the first Monday of the month so the caravan is parked down by the town hall. The caravan makes it around the country side bring in services to us small towns. The Library van is followed by the Bloodmobile which is followed by Bucky Snaggletooth in his pickup towing the mini donut trailer. You go and pick up some reading material then go donate blood and follow it up with some hot little donuts to regain your energy. The bloodmobile frowns on the health of the deep fried donuts but I have seen the nurses sneak out the side door and buy from Bucky.

First Monday also means the ladies auxiliary meets at the Dew Drop Inn for lunch. During the summer they meet every week but in the winter there does not seem to be as many causes for them to unit and support. Also they don't seem to have the same impact in the winter. Having someone outside your business or home picketing in fur lined parkas and moon boots in not like the summer time when they are in their pink flowered dresses and matching sun umbrellas.

Most of the ladies are widows who in my opinion have nothing better to do. So they find something to support or find fault with and then for several weeks or until something else catches there attention they protest for or against it. Elmer went to school with several of them and he stays away from the cafe when they have there meetings. He has always said that if they target him he will have to leave town as having one woman pester you is more then enough. Can you imagine ten of them! They are good enough people just somewhat misdirected sometimes. They learned the lodge was serving home made beer and started to picket us. That was settled by Elmer spiking their ice tea and then telling them they were drinking home made shine. They could not in good faith protest something that they were drinking by the gallon under the the shade of the oak tree. By then they had moved on to the red shades that Amy had at her sandwich shop saying that they were not proper for a single woman. Mindy and Mandy walk the other way when they see the auxiliary coming down the street.

Reed the Realtor is busy today as his tax service is open and there are local people coming and going. Big Earl is out front of his shop sweeping away at the sidewalk. Ma is outside of the grocery wiping her hands in her apron and chatting away with Mrs. Maxwell. Billy Ray honks his horn at me as he drives by with a load of hay in the back of his pickup. I see Sunshine Ray from the radio station come out of his building and then rush back in only to reappear with a coat and hat on this time. Must have been playing one of his summer forecasts and forgot it was winter. Mark the mailman drives by and parks at the post office, he gets out and shakes his head at his new mini-van. I see he is wearing an official looking u.s. Postal parka today, but still has jeans on.

Old Man Iverson pulls up at Earl's and he has a clipboard in hand. They talk briefly and I can see Earl nodding his head. They head inside the store. Iverson must be up to something. You remember his special pontoon boat from last summer. I hear he is making some more changes again. Well time for me to move on here and enjoy this fine mid winter day. From Lake Iwantobethere I think we have enough ice..(9042)

[Bobby Bass]

Coming up on a year since our friend and fellow Lodge member FOOT passed on to better fishing waters. Seems fitting that we should spend a little time reading some of his writings. So here you go "some best of FOOT" Tom Miller

Bobby, well as you can tell from my lack of posting it's been rather busy for me. I decided to take some extra time off and work on the cabin. The nice thing was the guys came up with me.

You should stop over sometime, it's looking pretty good right now. We've added a few hundred square feet and actually have indoor plumbing now. New windows were installed as well as outside doors. The old carpeting, full of cat p, was pulled up and burned. Sorry we really didn't think it would smell that bad or put out that much black smoke. The porch has been re-leveled and a new roof installed. The old furnace and window A/C have been replaced. In fact I would have installed central A/C if I could but Barry said it was too cost prohibitive, which means he couldn't get me one at cost.

If you get over to the cabin and want to look inside there is a spare key sitting under the 14th rock from the left side of the porch under the cedar tree. Please don't tell anyone about the key and please replace it when you leave.

I've never worked so hard in my life, here's a typical day.

Up by 08:15 - get coffee going and drink 2 cups while discussing who will make breakfast - after 30 minutes we all head to the Sundown Cafe for breakfast at 08:55 - finish breakfast and return to cabin 10:15 - change clothes and get ready to ge to work 10:30 - One more cup of coffee 10:40 - head to outhouse to get ride of coffee 10:55 - Start work 11:00 - break for lunch at 12:20 - have a beer or 2 discussing who will make lunch - head to Sundown at 13:00 - back from lunch and ready to work by 14:35 - work like a dog until 15:50 when it's time to break for a beer - drink 1 or 2 beers and lose feeling to get back to work - head to Sundown for dinner - stop by off-sale house and pick up a couple of cases of beer - back to cabin by 20:45 - start working on 2 cases of beer - passs out and get to sleep by 11:35 - up the next morning and get back to the grind.

Thank goodness I had the guys to help me out or I'd still be working at getting things done.

[Bobby Bass]

The other night at the lodge several of us were sitting around playing cards and sipping on cold drinks. The fireplace had settled down from a roaring fire to a hot bed of coals. Play was slow and there was more talk going around the table then there was money changing hands. Wisps of cigar smoke hung over the table like smoke from a chimney on a cold winters morning. Which by the way it was. The Lodge was dark with just a few lights on and the glow and flickering of an occasional flame from the fireplace lighting up the area around the table. Just a bunch of friends sharing a moment that there are far to few of. Funny how moments like this make you remember moments like them. Kind of like when you start talking about your best fishing days and that reminds someone of theirs which reminds someone of theirs and it just snowballs from there.

Of course it is not always good things that are remembered, it can just as well be something bad. If you spend anytime fishing then hooks in flesh come in to play. Motor problems, dropping things overboard. Rods breaking and fish lost. Old girlfriends who did not make the grade. Friends that did. Getting lost and being found, claiming you have never been lost. Boasting of how lost you were. Caught in the rain, wading through water. How far you had to walk to school in the dark in ragging snowstorms. About that time on the Lodge radio turned down low comes Jose Feliciano Light My Fire. Perfect song to just sip on your drink and bring back some old memories. A few ashes are flicked from cigars and no one really does anything for awhile. You just kind of sit back and enjoy the moment. A year ago Foot was here at the table playing poker with us. His spot has been filled by another player and as we get older sooner or later all of our places will be filled by another. Just good that someone remembers that we sat at the table. For some reason we must have all had the same thought at the same time. Elmer raised his glass "to Foot" glasses were rased and Foot's name was echoed around the table.

Tom "Foot" Miller resident of Lake Iwanttobethere (9085)