October 13, 2011

Needless to say, I am behind on my blog : (  September was an exceptional month for work and October is going well also. Guess I should be thankful, but I sure could use a week or two to catch up on "me time"! In addition to working at my regular job, I am trying to help my daughter get her house remodeled in preparation for the new grandbaby that is due the end of February.

I am also soliciting donations to help provide a holiday dinner in December for disabled and homeless veterans in the Triad area of North Carolina. This is my 4th year to help with this event. Normally I only help with one shelter, but this year my goal is to raise enough money to help two shelters.

Another goal I have been working on is losing weight. When moved into my new apartment in July, I decided it was time to take charge of my health. So far I have lost 26 lbs. I want to lose at least 35 more lbs by March of 2012.  I plan to join my local Curves fitness center during the winter months to help speed up the process and tone up my body from the weight loss.

And...there is the fishing - or lack of!  This year I was plagued with boat problems and work overload and did not get to fish as much as I would have like. The winter tournament series on my local power plant lake are starting up on Saturday. I hope to use these winter tournaments to get back in "fishing shape" as well. My friend Cass will fish some of them with me, but she doesn't care for cold weather, so she may wimp out on me in December and January. I may wimp out too as I can't take the cold like I use to.

August 28, 2011

I guess  most of you who are actually keeping up with my blog have figured out that I am not good at keeping it updated : (  I have been so lucky to have lots of work this year and I with my move to my new apartment, I just can't seem to get everything done that I want.

I was suppose to fish a club tournament this weekend but it got re-scheduled because of Hurricane Irene. I was glad as I really didn't have the money to fish this one.

September is going to be a busy month. I have one more Go Fish Kids event on September 10th. I will end up having 2 club tournaments since the Shearon-Harris tournament got cancelled. I also have my Civitan club meetings. I want to do some writing but just haven't been motivated for some reason nor have I had the time.

I spent yesterday visiting some old friends who I haven't seen in years. I have 2 more on my list that I really need to visit. It felt good to not work and do something different.

My daughter found out that the grandbaby is due the end of February and not March. Now we are in a rush to get her house finished before the baby arrives. So much to do...so little time!

August 9, 2011

I guess a lot of updates are in order : ) I zeroed my last club tournament. It was miserably hot and I did convince the club to end the tournament 2 hours early. My next club tournament is on Shearon-Harris Lake the end of this month. I have never been on the lake but the girl who helps me paint has so I hope she can help me pre-fish and put something together for the tournament.

I had a Go Fish Girl event at Lake Julian on August 3rd. My friend Cassandra helped me teach 31 Girl Scouts to fish. There were a handful of boys there. Once in particular really got my attention. His name is Tyler. I will probably be writing a magazine article about him for the Winter Issue of Bass Angler Magazine. I finally got my Summer issue of Bass Angler Magazine which contains two articles I wrote.

I'm still loving my new apartment, I am just not home much because I have so much work! I am not complaining, but I sure am tired : ( It seems that every time I think I am going to have a week off, I get a phone call. I have actually had to turn down work this week.

I finally got new glasses. I have been putting it off for 5 years. What a difference! I did not realize how bad my vision had got. I also decided to get a second pair to use just for work since I am always coming home splattered from head to toe with paint.

Now for some bittersweet news. My daughter is expecting my second grandchild in March of 2012. Being the worrier that I am, it is hard for me to be happy about it. Had I known before I moved out of the house and into my apartment, I probably would not have moved. Having said that, I am glad that I did not know. I cannot control or live their life. I can only do the best I can for myself while I am still physically able. I am here for my daughter if she needs me.

July 17, 2011

Well...I am another year older now. I made a huge change in my life last week and moved out of the house I have called home for the past 35 years. It had been consuming all my spare time and any extra money I was able to scrape together. My new apartment is perfect for me. I am close to town and the places I shop the most. No more leaves to rake or yard to mow...PRICELESS!

I am not looking forward to my club tournament next weekend. Fishing in 100 degree weather is no fun. I hope they will shorten our tournament day under the circumstances as most of our club members are senior citizens.

July 9, 2011

June was a busy month work-wise and fishing-wise. I held fishing seminars at a Cub Scout summer camp and a local recreation department Summer Nature Camp. I was also weigh-master at a local fishing derby. This was my 4th year to help with that event. I have two more events booked...one with the Girl Scouts in August and one with the Boy Scouts in September.

Now for the big news. I woke up one morning about a week ago and made the decision to move out of the house I have lived in for the past 35 years. I have been down-sizing my life the past two years but really had no intention of ever moving. I will be 63 on the 15th. I am tired...tired of mowing, tired of raking leaves, tired of driving several miles to the nearest grocery store and tired of spending every penny I earn on a house that I have been a slave to since 1976. I am excited about my new apartment and starting over. However...this is not even the most surprising news. When a long-time friend of mine found out my plans, she knew I had very little furniture and was literally going to be making do until I could buy the pieces I need. She called me this week to let me know she had purchased  all the furniture I need for the apartment and it is being delivered Monday morning. Her kindness has been overwhelming. There are still good people left in this world!

June 7, 2011

Where does the time go? I did not realize it had been 3 weeks since I posted. I guess being busy is a good thing. I am just thankful I am able to keep going. Some days are hard for me physically but that is my fault because I refuse to give up many of the things I enjoy doing.

The golf tournament was interesting. We raised almost $4,000 after expenses. As I was sitting at the registration table selling 50/50 raffle tickets and later after the tournament started, I was trying to compare everything to fishing. It was kind of humorous watching all the golf carts run around like giant ants from hole to hole. I guess that is similar to anglers in boats...maybe? The golfers seemed to be serious about competing but I didn't really see the excitement and shop talk going on like I do at bass tournaments. But golf is a popular sport and I respect those who play it. It does take skill and lots of practice to be good at it...just like fishing : )

I fished a club tournament this past Saturday and finished in 2nd place. I missed big bass by .03 of an ounce. I had not been on the lake in 8 years and I did not get to pre-fish so I was very pleased with the tournament.

Lots of stuff coming up in June...teaching fishing at a Boy Scout summer camp, a Go Fish Girls event with a group of Girl Scouts and their fathers. A local fishing derby that I have helped with for the past 5 years. A Civitan project involving disabled seniors at the local recreation center. All this and work too! Oh yea...I also have a June 15th deadline to write an article for Bass Angler Magazine and I haven't even started it yet : (

May 17, 2011

I fished a club tournament last weekend and came in 4th. I am still having boat troubles. Guess I will have to put it back in the shop.

I finally caught a break in work and have been able to spend a couple of days at home getting caught up on remodeling projects and yard work.

Attended my second Civitan meeting tonight. They were already in the middle of organizing a charity golf tournament. It is this coming weekend. I know absolutely nothing about golf, so this is definitely a new experience. I am taking two Girl Scout troops fishing this coming weekend as well. So far the weather is looking great!

My grandson will be 8 years old on Thursday the 19th. I am so proud of him. He is so smart and well behaved. I couldn't ask for a better grandson. My goal is to live to see him graduate from high school and college.

May 10, 2011

Busy...busy busy! Plenty of work...sure glad I hired a full-time helper this year. Also glad I have a club tournament this coming weekend. Might even take a day off to pre-fish! It is on Smith Mountain Lake. I got my new trolling motor installed and also had an assist bar installed to help me step up on the front of the boat. My legs are getting weak in my old age : )

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day. I miss my mother everyday. She passed away 7 years ago. My Dad is 91 and has not been doing well lately. It is times like this that I wish I didn't live so far away. He is in Texas and I am in North Carolina.

Last Tuesday night I joined the local Civitans organization. I am hoping it will give me a social life while I am helping my community. They are very selective when accepting new members. I was very happy that they voted me in!

May 2, 2011

Where did the last 11 days go? So much to do and so little time! I did finally get my hair permed, kept a doctor's appointment and caught up on some housework. This weekend that just ended, I fished a two-day tournament on Kerr Lake in Clarksville, VA as a member of a 6 person team from my club Old Salt Bassmasters. I managed to weigh in 2 bass on Day One but zeroed on Day Two. I caught several bass each day but finding keepers was hard.

I did have a lucky break on Friday during registration. They were giving away several nice prizes. I bought 12 raffle tickets for $10. The last prize they drew for, I won! It was an $800 Motorguide digital trolling motor with 81 lb thrust. Two weeks ago my trolling motor cables broke at a club tournament. I was trying to decide whether to get my old one fixed or buy a new one. A prayer was answered!

April 19, 2011

This past week has been a roller coaster ride of emotions. My life has been so busy and although I am grateful, I am tired. Seems there is no time for me. I have to keep canceling doctor's appointments, need to go to the beauty shop and get my hair fixed, lots to do around the house but by the time I get home from work, I am too tired. Whine , whine , whine!

Anyway...I do have some wonderful news. Finally, after 10 years of making boat payments...my BassCat is now officially MINE! Now I need to find time to go fishing : (

April 17, 2011

Why is it that the older you get, the faster the days, weeks, months and years go by? I am thankful to be busy and physically able to still do the things I love, but sure wish life would slow down long enough for me to catch up!

We had lots of tornados in North Carolina yesterday, but my area of North Carolina was spared. Others were not as fortunate and as many as 22 deaths in NC have been blamed on the tornados so far.

Today's weather was absolutely gorgeous. I held my first Go Fish Girls event at Finch Park in Lexington, NC. 8 Brownies showed up with parents and troop leaders and had a fun afternoon. Not everyone caught fish, but they never gave up until it was time to go home.

I decided to give one of the dating websites another try. I fight loneliness everyday, even tho I stay busy and around other people. But I also wonder if I even have time to date?

April 11, 2011

I have not been able to post lately because of technical issues with the Front Page program I use to update this website. I think I have it figured out for now.

Since my last post, I did go visit my friend who has been diagnosed with cancer. It is not in her neck, but in her chest cavity. The doctor told her it is a new kind of cancer that they have been finding more frequently in women over 60. My friend was in good spirit and ended up consoling me. Her cancer is in-operable and the doctor has no plans to do anything until it starts to show signs of changing.

As for my tournament fishing, I finally got to fish a club tournament and weighed in 4 fish. We fished Kerr Lake. It was however not without mishap. I pre-fished on Friday and at the end of the day my trolling motor cable broke. Luckily there was a quick fix for it thanks to a local marine repair shop. He had a used trolling motor that he installed for $100. It is only 12 volt and I have a 12/24 volt system, but it allowed me to fish the tournament and I didn't have to turn around and go back home like I did at the last tournament. Now I need to buy a new trolling motor.

March 28, 2011

My club tournament was a bust. I had boat trouble and after trying to fish for 2 hours I made the decision to load the boat and go home.

However, tonight is not about fishing. My best friend, the lady who stood in for my mother at my wedding, the first friend I made when I moved to North Carolina, the person who was my business partner for several years, the friend who drove me home from the hospital after my daughter was born, a 20 year breast cancer survivor has been diagnosed with an in-operable cancer in her neck. I found out a week ago and I do not know if I can keep from falling apart when I go see her.

March 24, 2011

I have made a little progress since my last post. My rod sponsor Mike Thompson came over and installed my new-to-me Lowrance unit and transducer. I will get to try it out this Saturday on Lake Gaston as I will be fishing my 2nd Old Salt club tournament of the year. I need to do well in this one since I zeroed my first tournament on Hyco Lake. And of course, they are calling for rain this weekend.

My sponsor logo decals and my tournament shirt has been ordered. My truck is out of the shop and it did not need new brakes, just a brake switch. Now I just need to get busy and file my taxes!

March 19, 2011

I can't believe it has been two weeks since I posted on my blog!  Why is it that now it is great fishing weather that I have so much work? It also seems that my special project has been held up as well. I haven't had the chance to order my tournament shirt. I can't work on my new website because Denese and I can't get it connected to my Front Page program. I am waiting on a quote for 10 custom decals for my truck and boat. I broke the transducer on my front unit last weekend. My truck is in the shop. I need to start working on my income tax return. I have also been booking Girl Scout troop fishing events. Life is definitely not boring!

March 4, 2011

Another week is gone. The days seem to run together and I find myself waking up each morning and having to figure out what day it is. I need to keep up this pace for at least one or two more years, but I don't see how.

It is suppose to rain all weekend. I need to pick my boat up from the shop tomorrow. This visit was $142.00. I hope it is good to go for the rest of the year. I am looking forward to next weekend. My friend Cass and I are fishing an open team tournament on Lake Mayo. Our plan is to pre-fish on Friday and fish on Saturday. Sure hope the weather cooperates.

February 28, 2011

Had a good weekend. I took my daughter and grandson to the Fishing Expo in Greensboro on Saturday. They had a squirrel named Twiggy that could water ski. My grandson didn't believe me until he actually saw it himself. I went back again on Sunday. My new friend Cass and her boyfriend met me there. The best part was getting to see Monica Altman, an angling friend I had made while fishing the WBT. She was working a booth at the expo. Cass was excited as she had been wanting to meet Monica for some time. Believe it or not, I didn't buy anything at the expo. I need hooks and a couple of other items, but would rather order them on-line. I have plenty of plastics and another friend of mine is pouring me some special ones for my up-coming tournaments.

I am glad that there are starting to be signs of spring even tho now we have to deal with thunderstorms. Like everyone else, I am tired of the cold. I should be getting my boat out of the shop this week. This time they are fixing the front pedestal seat base. It wobbles so bad, I could hardly balance myself while fishing.

February 22, 2011

I should have worked today, but I took a day off to re-group. My main goal today was to get a hair cut and buy a few paint supplies so I will be ready for some new jobs coming up.

I booked my first Go Fish Girls event for 2011 today. I will be speaking at a troop meeting on March 1st in Winston-Salem and then we will schedule a date to go fishing in April or May at Tanglewood Park.

Also made some final decisions for my tournament jersey and new decals for my truck.

It has been great reading about my friends on Facebook who attended the Classic. Really excited that the LBAA had a good show, signed some new members and picked up some new sponsors. If everything works out, I may actually get to fish with them at Lake Hartwell.

February 18, 2011

Still wishin' I was at the Classic in New Orleans! I hope my Bass Cat knows how much I care about it since I chose getting it in shape instead of spending the money going to Louisiana. It is actually back in the shop again. The front pedestal seat has been wobbling for the past year. The guy who put the steering cables on it is going to see what needs to be fixed or replaced to make it stable. Once that is done, I have a friend who is going to install an "assist" grab bar to help me step onto the front deck. I have lots of upper body strength, but my legs get weaker each year.

Working this week has been painful, as most of my finger tips have cracked from fishing in the extreme cold last weekend. Even typing on the computer hurts. As they always say, "this too shall pass"!

February 16, 2011

I am having trouble concentrating this week as many of my friends are headed to New Orleans to the Bassmaster Classic. My sister Denese and I had planned to meet each other at the Classic this year, but things didn't work out for either of us financially. Plus, I would have missed some jobs since I have no one to fill in for me when I go out of town. With so many people out of work, I could easily be replace if I am not here to run my business.

I did get a great compliment today on the quality of my painting. The district job site manager was visiting the units in Kernersville where most of my jobs are located. She stopped by the apartment I was painting and said I did excellent work.

My two favorite TV shows are on tonight and of course they are on at the same time and NO...I can't record one while watching the other! I don't have that luxury on my TV. I love American Idol and Survivor. I decided to watch American Idol since I have been watching all the audition shows. This is the first night of Survivor, I can catch up on it anytime.

February 14, 2011

Happy Valentines Day to those who have someone to share it with. It is just another day to me.

I fished my first club tournament of the year on the 12th at Hyco Lake. The weather was not like it was suppose to be according to the weather people. It was cold and windy all day. At launch, the ramp was icy and many of us had trouble launching because our trucks were sliding. My fingers got so cold first thing that I thought I was going to throw up. Once I finally got the feeling back in them, my thumbs were throbbing like a bad headache. If I got a bite, I never felt anything and zeroed the tournament. My friend and new employee fished with me as a guest and she did have one little 6" bass hit a crankbait just before it was time to weigh-in.

My boat did great with the new steering cables and batteries. I just need to fix a couple more things on it and hope that it gets me through another year of fishing.

I am trying to remember to blog, but my painting business is starting to pick up as this time of year is usually my busiest. I am also starting to book my Go fish Girls fishing events. And once I get my other "new website and project" off the ground, I am going to be really busy.

February 9, 2011

Yesterday was long and stressful. I did finish the apartment I was painting, but when I came home to install the new cranking battery for my boat I found out it was not the right kind. So I had to take it back and exchange it. I spent the remainder of the evening watching The Biggest Loser and eating ice cream : )

Today I made a major business decision. I started my cleaning and painting business 5 years ago. I have only advertised one time and that was the first month I was in business. My business has grown each year and last year was my best year ever. I have always worked alone and on rare occasions would hire a helper if I was pushed to finish a job or if there was something involved that I could not physically do. This year is looking good as well. Asking for help is not easy for me. I am an extremely independent person. However, it is time for me to make a change for the better. Today, I hired my first full-time employee - a female! And did I mention she is also an avid angler?

February 7, 2011

I was hoping to get finished early today with the apartment I have been painting in the past 5 days but it didn't happen. Too many other contractors coming and going today, wanting to talk. I did finish the apartment by 5:30. I have another one waiting on me tomorrow and got a call to paint one next week. My work is picking up and I am faced with the same dilemma I struggle with every year. Should I hire someone to help me? I prefer working alone. If I hire someone I will feel the need to get more work so I really would not be accomplishing anything.

Got a call tonight from a fishing friend in Eden. She use to do a lot of tournament fishing, but got away from it after going through a divorce and then having health problems. She got her boat out of storage last year and is wanting to get back into fishing. We kept saying last year that we were going fishing, but she was also involved with remodeling a house to sell and she never could get away. We are going to make it happen this year. She has no desire to tournament fish. She just wants to re-kindle the passion that she once enjoyed.

February 6, 2011

Well, another Super Bowl is in the history books. I got home from work in time to see the half-time show and the second half. It was a beautiful day outside today. I was wishin I was fishin! I stopped by Wal Mart on my way home from work and bought the crankin battery for my boat. I hope to install it tomorrow evening.

My son David called me this evening. He lives in Magnolia, Texas. It has been over a year since I have made the trip to visit him and my Dad. When I was fishing the Women's Bassmaster Tour, I was able to visit them once or twice a year as there was usually a tournament nearby. I haad planned to attend the Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans this year, but those plans fell through thanks to my BassCat.

February 5, 2011

A long day at work and too much time to think while I am spreading paint. The things on my mind are my boat, my first tournament next weekend, my tournament shirt, my new project for 2011, my family, my future...too much on my mind. I have learned that when I am fishing, I am able to tune out the world. I will be glad when spring is here. I cannot imagine living in the Northern states and having to deal with all the snow. I think it would be cool to go ice fishing just once in my life, but that is certainly not at the top of my bucket list.

February 4, 2011

Not an eventful day. It was totally devoted to work. We dodged the bullet on the weather. It is raining now, but not suppose to freeze tonight. I will be working all weekend and probably all next week the way it looks now. That is a good thing. I have been so fortunate to stay busy in this horrible economy. My knee is still doing great. I was thinking today that I feel better than I have in the past 2 years.

I did get a great email this evening that should be a huge advantage when I fish my first tournament of the year on Hyco Lake.

February 3, 2011

It was a good day. I was glad to get back to work. As I have said before, I am only happy when I am working or fishing and I have to work to be able to afford to fish. I had to buy a new cranking battery for my boat today. It is suppose to be cold and raining the next two days, so hopefully I can install it on Sunday after work. It is suppose to be in the 50's. I have a tournament a week from Sunday and need to make sure my boat is ready.

Looks like I will have to go in to work later in the morning if we get the freezing rain they are calling for late tonight. School will probably be delayed as well which means my grandson will need a ride. That is what I love about being self-employed...a flexible schedule!

February 2, 2011

Another peaceful day. My grandson was too sick to go to school so I spent the day with him. Last year he had a perfect attendance. This is the first day he has missed this year.

Finally got my boat out of the shop. When I took it in I could barely turn the steering wheel. Now I can turn it with one finger! I think the next thing on my list is testing the batteries. I have a feeling I need at least one new one...maybe two.

Got a call for some work today. I now have 3 apartments waiting for a new coat of paint. These are rental apartments and there are a lot of move-outs this time of year. I started my painting and cleaning business 5 years ago and have done well each year, but last year was my best year ever. I actually gave up all my cleaning jobs last summer and all I do now is paint. It is something I enjoy and my favorite people are those who hate to paint!

February 1, 2011

A peaceful day for me. I didn't have to work today. I chose to stay inside and finish my sewing project. I sew for an elderly lady in her 80's. She use to be a seamstress, but now suffers with macular degeneration. She can't even see to sew on a button. I know that when I deliver this project to her tomorrow she will have another one waiting for me. I enjoy visiting with her. She treats me like a daughter and is always there to give me advice when I ask for it.

I also made some decisions for my new tournament shirt. This year's color will be teal to match my boat. My sister Denese is working on the layout of the logos. I can't wait to see the template proof.

January 31, 2011

I can't believe that this is the last day in January! I worked half a day, treated myself to lunch and a margarita at my favorite Mexican restaurant and bought a few groceries before coming home. I have spent most of this evening trying to decide on a tournament shirt design and choosing the logos I want on it.

It has been 5 days now that I can walk without limping. Other aches and pains seem to have diminished as well. This has really helped me mentally as well. I was beginning to think my life was coming to a screeching halt and I wasn't ready for that to happen.

January 30. 2011

An absolutely beautiful day considering it is still January. However, I had to work to make up for yesterday. Would have been a great day to go fishing. So I spent the day spreading paint and thinking about my upcoming tournaments and girl scout events. I have no choice but to work but it is so frustrating when I have so many projects I want to complete.

January 29, 2011

Just got home from an evening out with an old friend who's fiance died of cancer last summer. We had dinner at a local Mexican restaurant and then went to a benefit Bluegrass festival for special needs children. It was nice to do something different and have someone to do something with.

I chose to take today off, but will have to work tomorrow to make it up. I used it to remove some old sponsor decals from my truck and to tidy up my boat shelter. My boat is still in the shop, but I should be able to pick it up by the middle of next week.

January 28, 2011

I had a productive day at work today but will have to work one day of the weekend to finish up the apartment. I think I will finish it Sunday as tomorrow is suppose to be nearly 60 degrees and I really need to work on my truck and boat shelter. Belew Wake Marine called me today with a quote for replacing my steering cables...$657.00 : ( Then he asked me if I needed anything else done while my boat was there? Is that not enough?

On my way home from work, I stopped at Bojangles for supper. As I was sitting there eating I noticed a boat pulled up in the parking lot and two guys standing out there talking. The next thing I saw was all kinds of rods being pulled out of the rod box. I looked closer and saw that it was my friend and rod sponsor Mike Thompson with Thompson's Custom Rods and his friend Todd Walters who Mike also sponsors. Once I saw who it was, I went out and said hello. Also got a little info about a lake I will be fishing in February. Mike is giving me a Lowrance unit for the front of my boat. All I have to do is find a transducer for it. The old unit I have isn't good enough for locating fish, especially when I want to drop shot in deep water.

January 27, 2011

I don't know which medication is working, but I was actually able to walk today without limping. I was beginning to think there was no hope and that I was going to have to quit working and fishing. I am sure my knee problem is not fixed, but at least it is tolerable for the first time in 6 months.

I also had a great lunch today that lasted 2 1/2 hours! I met a BassHoles forum board friend and Facebook friend named Cassandra Dildine. She moved back home to Kernersville, NC after living on the NC coast for several years. We have been communicating on the web for the past 3 years and we finally got to meet in person today. It was great spending time with Cass and talking about fishing. She is an avid angler. We plan to fish together some this year.

January 26, 2011

A busy day...wanted to get as much as I can done since I have lots of work coming up and don't like taking time off to tend to other stuff. My doctor's visit went about like I thought it would. I have to go back in 2 weeks. He thinks I have a torn cartilage but x-rays don't show stuff like that so I need an MRI which costs $1000 since I don't have insurance. I have to fill out some paperwork to apply for medical assistance that would also help with surgery if I need it. The first thing he handed me was a prescription for pain pills. I told him I didn't come for pain pills and handed it back to him. I did accept the cortisone shot and a prescription for Naproxen which I have taken before and don't think it will help but I will try it until I go back in 2 weeks.

Took my boat to the shop for an estimate on steering cables. It started sleeting as I pulled out of my driveway. The snow that followed was beautiful coming down. Sure glad it didn't stick! I got some crazy looks from other drivers. Guess they actually thought I had been fishing or was going fishing. This weekend is suppose to be in the 50's but my boat will be in the shop. If I am not working, I need to go through my tackle and straighten up my boat shed. Also need to take some decals off my truck and put a few new ones on.

January 25, 2011

I woke up at 4:45 this a.m. and could not go back to sleep. I hate when that happens! It must be the excitement of getting back into "work mode". I am also anxious to get my boat cables replaced and have my boat tournament ready by February 12th. My sister Denese is helping me design my new angler shirt for 2011. It will include MY new logo that she also designed. Not ready to release details about that yet. It is a work in progress.

Not looking forward to tomorrow as I have an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. I may have to have knee surgery.  I need to find out what is wrong and see what my options are. With no insurance, I  don't really know what I am going to be able to do. I was told I may be able to apply for a grant for help with medical costs. We will see! I know the doctor is going to tell me to loose weight...duh!

I cancelled my subscription to SeniorPeopleMeet.com. I have had it with dating websites. I have been on three the past year. Guys my age and older seem to want someone half my age and half my size!

January 24, 2011

What a difference a day makes! I went 3 weeks without steady work and now I am in overload. It couldn't have come at a better time as I need steering cables for my bass boat and I am probably looking at $400 to $550 by the time they are installed. I can't complain about my boat. I bought it used in 2001 and have had to do very few repairs to it. I only have 2 more payments and it is MINE! This was the only way I could have a boat with payments I could afford. It has been my "escape" vessel in good times and bad. I just hope it allows me at least 2 or 3 more years of pleasure.

It was physically hard going back to work today after being off so much. You would think that with all the leaves I have raked I would be in better shape. I am hoping I can do this kind of work at least 2 more years. I really enjoy painting and being self-employed.

January 23, 2011

It is Sunday. I had a special invitation to go to church this a.m. and I ignored it. My daughter is always inviting me to her church, but this was an invitation from an old friend who has moved back to the area after her husband died. She sits alone at church and invited me to sit with her today. I know how she feels.

I did have a good cry this a.m. that I think was long overdue. A program on Alzheimer's triggered it. It was a re-run. The first time I saw it, I was focused on the disease itself. This morning I got caught up in the caregiver. It was the wife who had the disease and her husband was so devoted to her and still in love with her. He had cared for her as long as he could but finally had to put her in an assisted living facility where he continued to visit her. She would talk about her husband to him with such love and he would sit there and cry because she was talking about him and she didn't even recognize him. I was crying because I think it would be the greatest feeling in the world to love and be loved that much by someone.

The rest of my day was ok. Raked a few more leaves! Worked on the sewing project I have put off for 2 weeks. Watched the football playoffs and kept checking in on my computer for emails and Facebook posts. Looking forward to tomorrow because I go back to work!

January 22, 2011

Wishin I was fishin today, but it is just too cold here in North Carolina. I use to be conditioned for any type of weather, but not anymore. On one of the most beautiful and productive fishing days of my life it was snowing. I will never forget that day.

I did get out of the house today. This cabin fever is starting to wear on me. I have plenty of inside "stuff" I can do and need to do, but I long to be outdoors. I raked a few more leaves today. At this rate, I should have them all gone by spring! I also made a little pocket money today from an item I had listed on Craig's List. Work has been a little slow for me. I have something to do every week, but I like to stay busy 7 days a week. Next week is looking better. In my line of work, it is usually feast or famine.

I went to the seafood restaurant this evening with my daughter and her family. The food was good, but whenever I go out in public, all I see is couples. I long to have someone to date and share my life with. I have no desire to re-marry. I would love to find a fishing partner. Most of the guys on the dating websites seem to be golfers. I guess that if I am meant to find someone, it will happen.

January 21, 2011

Well, I got through another day today. Never thought I would be a "one day at a time" candidate, especially since I seldom ever drink unless it is one or two margaritas while dining at a Mexican restaurant. The most honest thing I have learned about myself the past year is that I am not happy unless I am either working or fishing. That means that when my painting business is slow and it is too cold to go fishing, I am totally lost and miserable. On days that I can't do either one, I have to force myself to do something constructive.

Yesterday, it was warm enough to tolerate being outdoors, so I raked some leaves and washed my work van. Today was cold and windy so I did a few things inside to kill time while waiting on the mail to run before I head into town for what has become my daily ritual to kill time when I can't work or fish. To keep from feeling isolated and being lonely, I venture into 2 or 3 local retail stores, not because I need to make a purchase, but in hopes of running into people I know. In addition to being able to catch up on the latest local gossip, I sometimes get extra work this way as well. I usually get asked for my business card by someone. On some days, I don't feel like getting out so I just sit in my work van in the parking lot in front of the stores and watch the people come and go. I live in a small town and most all the faces are familiar to me.

In the mail today, I got a letter from my doctor telling me I needed to go on a new medication for cholesterol. Last year it was high blood pressure medicine. Being stressed and overweight has sure taken its toll on me. I have always prided myself on not taking any medication and for seldom ever being sick. So far my 60's have not been fun.

Some good news today tho! My sister Denese is working on a logo for a new project that I am excited about. She sent me the proof and I really like the design. I will write more about the project in future blogs.

I do have something to look forward to tomorrow evening. My daughter invited me to have dinner with her Sunday school class at a local seafood restaurant. Now all I have to do is find something to do until 5 o'clock tomorrow evening.