I can’t believe that it is almost the end of January. It seems that, as you grow older, the days and months seem to fly by. I am not saying that getting close to spring is a bad thing, but slowing the horses down a little wouldn’t hurt anything. I see from the weather forecast that we are going to be in a bit of a warming trend. I can definitely do that.
Once we get past the middle of February, I usually start to get a case of the dreaded “cabin fever.” March is probably the hardest month, because it tends to tease us with a few nice days followed by some more cold temperatures and snow. If it snows in April, it is just a reminder of what we will be missing when the calendar turns to July or August. As a true Minnesotan, I have no desire to become a “snowbird” and vacate the premises for a few months.
In looking back at the many flash drives that I have used for storing all of the pictures that I have accumulated since the digital world took over from film, I never cease to be amazed at the number of pictures that I have saved over time. I have a cupboard full of pictures that I’ve had developed from years past. Everything from Christmas gatherings to birthday celebrations and vacations.
I have many pictures of family members holding fish that they’ve caught. All of these bring back fond memories of days gone by. When I see some of those pictures of my sons and the grandsons and granddaughters, I get a warm feeling inside, recalling the times that I took many of these pictures.
I feel that I have shared my love of the outdoors and fishing, in particular, with all of them. My grandsons all like to fish and hunt. My two granddaughters enjoy fishing as well. Emma, the oldest, really enjoys fishing and will go with her dad any time that she gets a chance. I think that it is important to introduce our youth to all of the beauty that nature has to show us.
Getting our youth involved in outdoor activities is important, not only in introducing them to the outdoors, but to teach them the value of our environment. This past year I was able to spend a few days at the cabin with each of my two sons. It meant a lot to me to have that quality time and do a little fishing with them, just like the old days. We caught some fish and shared a few memories, which made the experience even better.
In driving around Fountain Lake, the other day, I spotted a few fish houses, none were what they call permanent, but there were a few out there. My oldest grandson, Trevor, spent some time on Fountain a couple of weeks ago, but only caught a few small perch and panfish. I think that he got spoiled when he went up north a few weeks ago.
As winter trudges on, I occupy myself by thinking about the cabin and looking forward to spending time there as soon as the weather allows. I enjoy looking back and reminiscing about the many times that we have enjoyed being there over the years. There are times when I am at the cabin when I just enjoy being there, watching wildlife and periodically checking the trail cams to see if I had any visitors the previous night. Sometimes I am surprised by what I find.
Until next time: If you find yourself suffering from cabin fever there are ways to cope. Planning a week’s vacation can be one way to make the time go by. Another is to put fresh line on your fishing reels and cleaning out your tackle box. Visiting Cabela’s or Fleet Farm to check out some fishing tackle always seems to do it for me, although if you ask my family I have more than enough tackle.
Please show your support for our troops who are deployed. These servicemen and women are making that sacrifice, so that we may have the many freedoms that we enjoy today.