Day 33 Plus Additional

Day 33

 

 

Fox Lake fishing---

22 bluegill for Beth…

“0” for Dad!

 

I am---Simple! My direct mannerisms sometimes put people off; they don’t understand.

Life! Just happens to be my “passion”. I steadfastly refuse to allow any entertainment of those evil twin step-sisters, Worry! And, Fear! My naïve attitude is: Just do it! That may be perceived as “immature” and “irresponsible”, even, “childish”, but I am not going to limit my life-ambition ( to live fully) with a conjuring of un-imaginable “conclusions” which will never happen, anyway. You do not need to go looking for “trouble”---it’ll find you…in its own good time!

I began my continuing life-long learning experiencing of understanding and appreciating the treasures available through participation in the sports of fishing and hunting from little on. Many times I traipsed along behind my dad as we stalked squirrel in my Grandpa’s woods, chased wily cottontails in the winter woods, flinched at the suddenly unexpected flush of a covey of quail.

Years later, I was introduced to deer hunting; not much different ’cept they’re bigger and smarter. (Bagging a wily whitetail is about 97% pure luck and 3% some-skill! Maybe!?

Naturally, enjoying the outdoors and its myriad worthy distractions resulting in pleasantly rewarding conclusions, when my progeny came along---well?...just a chip off the ole block!

Beth was five at the time of her mentoring to the Ole man!

Late February warmed to springtime high sixties with three days of bright cerulean skies.

Perfect---for…fishing. I belonged to a club named “Fox Lake” which sported three farm ponds offering fishing surfaces of 5-, 3- and 2 ½-acres to challenge any angler’s acumen.

Beth and I set off on our “early” spring fishing adventure shortly after lunch; my “little” girl put on quite the clinic on outdoor “fun” that particular day for the ole “expert”.

The bluegill were “active”. I baited her hook and showed her how to lay the offering gently into the pond. Before I could get my own rig put together and ready for operation, she had a sunfish on her line. Wow! Was she ever excited! Landing her very first challenge, she prompted me to get the catch off the line, re-bait her “weapon” and get out of her way. She was hooked!

For the next two hours, or so, she hauled them in while I struggled to keep up with the hectic demand as she pulled in one trophy after another. Final tally: Beth---22!...Expert?!  “0”! Wow!

She never let me live that one down! I wouldn’t have it any other way! Amen!

Beth was already an aspiring equine rider with talent at that early time in her life; with the fishing trek I hoped to instill a love and appreciation along with respect and reverence for Mother Nature as I celebrated her successes and pointed out weather warnings and wildlife movements.

Simple pleasures are the very best---and…in the end, the only thing that humbly matter.

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet Memories!

 

 

 

Plus:

 

 

 

 

 

Innkeeper

 

Holy Mary with Joseph sojourn to Bethlehem attend

No welcome for expectant mother did anyone extend

 

“Full house” a host’s prized perfect dream

Double price, five times, then ten, the scheme

 

Offered travelers quarter in rustic stable nook

Unread the King’s arrival in Spirit holy Book

 

Not aware the Innocent, Jesus-born, mankind’s Savior

Might display a little class, show a bit saintly behavior

 

Must have felt uncomfortable twinge of danger

Viewing celestial star above Redeemer’s manger

 

Awakened to the herald angel clarion trumpet call

Announcing God’s Son-birth to shepherd and to all

 

Blessed Virgin mother’s Son lay in a crib of hay

Lowly animals bow respect and glory, honor pay

 

Innkeeper impressed by gifts three wise men bring

While heaven endowed man with our greatest King

 

Had he only known then, offered his own house for sure

For Him, of you and me, keep each spirit-soul white-pure

 

Profit room-renter, in reflection, offered forgiveness prayer

Confess, we humbly ask redemption in His Light full glare

 

Forget know Him when we stumble only to fall?

Wear Faith, badge of honor, always to stand tall

 

Where found I on God’s sanctified Salvation tree?

On His holy trace! Pray I! Led my loving Family

 

Bestowed free will to live Christian values come

Choose virtuous decisions to honor true Freedom

 

Have, even I, worshiped Him more than an ancient hotel man?

Humble me, Lord, to become near, at least, like a holy man