ADVENTURE!

Headed out for a night of adventure! It's trolling time again!

My brother and I are heading out on ol' Gun Lake tonight to have a meeting with those phantom Walleye's that have been eating all winter long! Stand by for a progress report!

Did You Know??

Here are some quirky facts for you:

Cool Facts
- Barbie's full name is Barbara Milicent Roberts.
- It is impossible to lick your elbow.
- A crocodile can't stick its tongue out.
- A shrimp's heart is in their head.
- People say "Bless you" when you sneeze because when you sneeze, you're heart stops for a mili-second.
- In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand (or attempted to do so).
- It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.
- A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.
- Between 1937 and 1945 Heinz produced a version of Alphabetti Spaghetti especially for the German market that consisted solely of little pasta swastikas.
- By law, every child in Belgium must take harmonica lessons at Primary school.
- On average, a human being will have sex more than 3,000 times and spend two weeks kissing in their lifetime.
- More than 50% of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call.
- Rats and horses can't vomit.
- The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.
- If you sneeze too hard, you can fracture a rib. If you try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die.
- Rats multiply so quickly that in 18 months, two rats could have over a million descendants.
- Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times.
- If the government has no knowledge of aliens, then why does Title 14, Section 1211 of the Code of Federal Regulations, implemented on July 16, 1969, make it illegal for U.S. citizens to have any contact with extraterrestrials or their vehicles?
- In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere.
- The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.
- Thirty-five percent of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married.
- A duck's quack doesn't echo anywhere, and no one knows why.
- 23% of all photocopier faults worldwide are caused by people sitting on them and photocopying their buttocks.
- In the course of an average lifetime you will, while sleeping, eat 70 assorted insects and 10 spiders.
- Most lipstick contains fish scales.
- Cat's urine glows under a black light.
- Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different.
- If you keep your eyes open by force, they will pop out.

THE MAJORITY OF YOU THAT READ THIS TRIED TO LICK YOUR ELBOW!

G O N E

THE BADGER IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLD!

HALLELUJAH THE BILL STRESS IS OVER!

Gone like a freight train, gone like yesterday, gone like a soldier in the Civil War BANG BANG!

Surprisingly, I am happy. This was a good decision. The ship is now righted! I'll get another one someday....

Fun Week!

I am happy to report that this is my short week and I only work one day between now and next MONDAY! LET THE PARTY BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I always am full of a smile on the way home on this day. Its a screwed up schedule but imagine only working half the month? This last long weekend of 36 hours knocks out my work week in only three days....

So what do I have planned for the week?
FISHING IN THE BADGER (unless it sells)
BONFIRES!
FISHING
Celebrating my 9 year wedding anniversary on Thursday
One beer


Can't Wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ship in the Storm

I really love the beat of this song! It reminds me of a boat crashing through the waves and battling the seas! Its "Down and Out" by Tantric.

After reading the lyrics, THEY DON'T MAKE SENSE for what I want the song to be, but I love those battling violins and the angry voices of the singers!

So just pretend they are singing about this ship! And sometimes, I'm that simple!

Encouragement for Today

Time to sound off almostgunlakers fans.....What holds you back from making changes in your life???? Let's hear it!
Don't look at changes with fear, embrace em and roll on!

I'm not supposed to be scared of anything, but I don't know where I am
I wish that I could move but I'm exhausted and nobody understands (how I feel)
I'm trying hard to breathe now but there's no air in my lungs
There's no one here to talk to and the pain inside is making me numb
I try to hold this Under control
They can't help me
'Cause no one knows

Now I'm going through changes, changes
God, I feel so frustrated lately
When I get suffocated, save me
Now I'm going through changes, changes

I'm feeling weak and weary walking through this world alone
Everything you say, every word of it, cuts me to the bone
I've got something to say, but now I've got no where to turn
It feels like I've been buried underneath all the weight of the world
I try to hold this
Under control
They can't help me
'Cause no one knows

Now I'm going through changes, changes
God, I feel so frustrated lately
When I get suffocated, save me
Now I'm going through changes, changes

I'm blind and shakin'
Bound and breaking
I hope I make it through all these changes

Now I'm going through changes, changes
God, I feel so frustrated lately
When I get suffocated, save me
Now I'm falling apart, now I feel it

But I'm going through changes, changes
God, I feel so frustrated lately
When I get suffocated, I hate this
But I'm going through changes, changes.

-by 3 Doors Down.....GREAT SONG

Maybe it's time to plug your nose and jump off the dock....My most rewarding experiences have been after I surfaced from that cold plunge into the water!!!

A Virtual Badger Ride!

My sister called today and wanted a ride on the BADGER before it sold....Feel the power! (might want to shut the almostgunlakers jukebox off first :)

Chicago Point-The infamous secret cottage of Al Capone!

Wind on the Water!

Full Tilt!

"A little bit of chop out here"

Keep Your Head Up

"The economy in Michigan sucks"......."Gas will be over 4.50 a gallon before the end of summer"...."Homeland Security has raised the terrorist threat level"......

"Foreclosures on the rise"......."The rising cost of Healthcare"......"No contract-and when you do get one, don't plan on a raise"......"America can't compete in a global economy".....

I jumped the ship of negativity and am in the life raft......I am rowing back to shore....I don't have time for all the b.s. of duldrum, gloom and doom thinking!

I challenge you today to believe something, America will survive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am done focusing on how much milk, gas, and everything costs....Next week I get a fat check from the government, and summer is upon us! Soon will be bonfires, Walleye fishing, sunburns, cookout picnics, drives to up north, fires on the beach, corn on the cob, barbecues!

A Pipe Dream

For this post, turn off the almostgunlakers jukebox by hitting the pause button twice, then start this video below. It is actually exerpts from the soundtrack for my all time favorite movie! The music will help you understand and enjoy MY PIPE DREAM!



Today I will share with you a dream I have always had....Something that I have in the workshop of my mind that I have fiddled with little by little over the years. I have always believed it was a pipe dream, (def-A pipe dream is a fantastic hope or plan that is generally regarded as being nearly impossible to achieve.) but wonder now as a ten year milestone approaches in just a few months if it's time to move along to the next phase of my journey in life.

I have always dreamed of living in Alaska. The whole concept of homesteading has always attracted me. I often wonder why this longing inside to go out and test myself in nature keeps surfacing. Is it in fact how God intented us to live life? Free of all the hussle and stress of modern day life? Am I living and enjoying life as he intended it amidst all the modern conveniences and struggles of this life? I can only imagine how peaceful a life in the woods could be. Would it be devoid of problems? Struggles? Frustration? No. But perhaps a large portion of the things that trouble us all now in our lives would vanish. Can you imagine simply having to worry about planting your own crops, harvesting food, and daily maintenance of your soul as being all you had to accomplish? There is hardly a commute into town where I do not ponder if I'm headed in the right direction. As I have reached the age of 33, the thoughts are more vivid and taxing now. With each year the desires and drive to experience nature grow bigger and bigger. Is this all a pipe dream? Is it an unrealistic hope that there is a better life for me that is stress free? Am I underestimating the struggles, stress, and pure frustration that embarking on this type of life altering journey would create? Would my family be able to deal with the change? These are all questions I love to ponder.

And perhaps, in being able to mull this plan over in the workshop of my mind I have truly been able to make the journey and escape from the stress of responsibility. I marvel at this story of the man who left it all and moved deep into the wilderness:


He said it very well:
"It was good to be back in the wilderness again where everything seems at peace. I was alone. It was a great feeling---a stirring feeling. Free once more to plan and do as I pleased. Beyond as all around me. The dream was a dream no longer.
I suppose I was here because this was something I had to do. Not just dream about it but do it. I suppose, too, I was here to test myself, not that I had never done it before, but this time it was to be a more through and lasting examination.
What was I capable of that I didn’t know yet? What about my limits? Could I truly enjoy my own company for an entire year? Was I equal to everything this wild land could throw at me? I had seen its moods in late spring, summer, and early fall, but what about winter? Would I love the isolation then, with its bonestabbing cold, its brooding ghostly silence, its forced confinement? At age fifty-one I intended to find out." May 21, 1968


You can check out his story here------->One Man's Wilderness

Happy Birthday Dad and Sister!

Celebrated the birthday of my dad and sister last night at my sister's house....

Here is the birthday boy getting his cake....A scandanavian torte from Arnie's! Delicious!

My brother, me, and my dear sister...I love em.

My sis and one of the TEAM T girls...

Dad, you have done such a great job raising us. You sacrificed so much! I can you remember you selling one of your prized shotguns to by Ang a flute....Funny how I am in the same predicament but your example makes it easy on hard decisions! You are a man of God and should be proud of yourself! Also, congratulations on making it to finally collecting Social Security! Good to see somebody deserving pullin' cash from the man!

Last Ride

Ok, this is the last sappy BADGER post....

Tonight, as I sat in my blog chair, I began to panic....I realized that soon the beautiful BADGER would be gone...I jumped up, went into my closet, and donned my fishing gear....I HAD TO RUN TO HER! I loaded her up and off onto the lake.....

This may sound goofy, but this Bryan Adams song describes my feelings for this boat...And since boats are considered female, it APPLIES!

Had to say my goodbye's.....Pulled out into the middle of the lake, and shut her off....She ran great by the way....I sat with the motor off and floated listening to the peace of the night, the soft wind, and marvelled at the beauty of the stars and the moon.....

A couple ducks stopped to say goodbye to her as well.....

I loafed on the front deck and rode on the bow while the boat was in gear and felt so free as obviously, since I was alone, NOBODY WAS STEARING (only idling). What a free feeling to coast along with the waves gently lapping against the boat while the wind blew in my face...

I even stretched out in the galley reading this years DNR fishing guide....I let the soft waves rock me and enjoyed every second of it....I had my new Kid Rock CD playing...

Goodbye BADGER....Since I never mounted the name to the boat, it will go on the next one I get....Whenever that may be in the future....But IT WILL BE.

Almost Turkey Time!

This is by far on my top ten list of favorite songs, "Her Strut" by Bob Seger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





Fire up the camo and screw the chokes into the shotguns, Turkey Hunting is upon us!





Nothing better than seeing and "watching her strut!" Truth be told, I have never turkey hunted in my life.....Have you?





Is it realistic to think I can sit that still? Do you need a partner to hunt? Give me some help here....How about some comments.....

Safe and Sound

Vegas is cool to look at, cool to see, but TOO EXPENSIVE! Had fun but wouldn't want to live there....Great to be back here in safe harbor!

Just got back from a GUN LAKE pleasure cruise with the family.....Summer is almost here!

A Walk Through My Mind-WARNING! YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE WHAT YOU SEE!

I often wonder why I was given this mind. Why I have all these racing thoughts of wonder and so many things going on all at once. I so wish I could let you lay your hand on my forehead, close your eyes, and have my mind feed yours with all the thoughts that rage inside constantly.

I have such strong visions of life, goals, dreams, and desires. Words can hardly describe how vivid my imagination is. This all seems to be very taxing at times to me however the strikingly precise detail I can recall memories is so intense. I merely close my eyes and imagine, and I am there.

Clear your mind of all your thoughts and take a walk with me a moment...Take a deep breath, let out all your stress, frustration, and worry.....Now come with me, INTO MY MIND....

As you step down from the last step into the basement, the first thing you notice is the soft smell of a pipe, just like your grandfathers, filling the room with that peaceful aroma. As you gander around, it appears like the basement of an inventor with boxes stacked to the ceiling in an array of clutter. Look there on that shelf, can you see all of the 1/2 finished projects that at one time were being worked on with such fever that sleep was lost and other chores were abandoned? And now, they collect dust and make my stomach turn even to look and see the scatter brained picture painted with all of their unfinished splendor.

I see one shelf that seems to be abandoned and stuffed into the corner. This area of the basement is dimly lit. One of the boxes is taped shut tightly with an excess of tape and the black permanent writing on the side says "bad memories, poor decisions, should haves." The box appears as though it gets opened only occasionally and briefly, and things are shoved inside only to be revisited with seldom regularity.

If you focus toward the center of the room, you will see a raised table which has several bright lights shining down onto it. The table is made of wood and appears to be worn yet is a bright color of wood. It is completely clear of obstructions. The glowing beam of the light shines down on this area which is in such stark contrast to the rest of the room. And underneath that warm yellow glow, sits the current project. At first glance it appears to be nothing, just a pile of colored soft pieces of cloth strewn in a pile. But as you get closer, you see the pieces are arranged in such delicate precision it appears almost to be art-like. The red hue of these satin pieces sit atop a hand carved and painted stem of wood. It is very apparent that the person who works in this shop is paying close attention solely to this project. A quick look to the floor reveals a large group of obviously discarded pieces of the same cloth. You wonder how so much could be wasted as you scan the piles. And then, as you step up to the table, you realize what all the mess is about. It is a beautiful hand-crafted rose. Its soft red petals appear to almost be full of life and fresh dew. The stem is so lifelike and you reach out to touch the thorn with your finger extended until you feel that familiar pinch of pain poking into your skin. Your face now shows a soft smile, and you now realize something. All of the clutter and confusion in this shop is that of a crazy man. But a talented inventor at the least.

WOW. Just for you to understand and see into my goofy mind, I closed my eyes and began typing. I tried to imagine what it looks like in my mind. I began looking around and describing to you what I saw... I must also tell you that as I walked toward the table, I didn't know what was under the light, I just let this CRAZY MIND of mine dictate what was on that table. COULD YOU SEE THE ROOM AND THE TABLE? COULD YOU FEEL IT?

The only thing I must add for you to experience it all is that the room is also filled with something else, the sound of soft music which you are listening to now....You see, my mind is a peaceful place for me where I can go and shut out the world, and work on my "projects". I have found no other place where I am so free to push all the clutter aside and focus on today......Whether it be a beautiful rose, or a half built scheme of a big school bus made into a camper....

And today, my mind wanted to have a rose on that table. And now that I have been able to take a trip into that room with you and look at the rose, maybe you have a little better idea of what goes on in my head! Its a mess but its got potential!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to the Captain from all of us here at ALMOSTGUNLAKERS!!!!



(She is on the right in the photo)

Best of wishes today Captain, that all your dreams come true, the wind is at your back, and your smile gleams on!

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

Well, its off to Vegas Tuesday morning! I will be thinking of you all at your jobs this week while I bask in the sun and glow of the mighty Vegas Strip Lightbulbs!!!! Don't miss me too much!

ROLL ON

My kids are gone.....and I am feeling like a pretty BIG DEAL! They are at my sisters until Saturday!

Rock on

Peace, Tranquility, A CELEBRATION!

In just three hours, the peace and tranquility begins! My gracious sister has volunteered to take the 4 TEAM T girls and they are having a three day two night all inclusive sleepover at her house! I don't know who is more excited, the kids or US! How sweet of her to do this.....

So, its time to GET DOWN ON IT!

I'm getting the strobe light back out and firing the dance floor back up!!!!!! It's time to go to FUNKYTOWN!!!!!

Mystery Gift

Everybody loves a good mystery, especially ME!

SO,

These showed up near my BDAY and answered a question I put on the blog....DO THEY MAKE CAMO BOYSHORTS????

YES THEY DO!

Who are you?

The only description I have is "Miley Cyrus with curly hair"......I am stumped....Give me a clue!

My wife loves the gift, and so do I......Very clever....

Don't Drink the Koolaid!

I'm fairly certain that I have figured out who the ANTICHRIST in sheep's clothing is....And she is escorted/endorsing OBAMA

Gears are Rollin!

I sat racking my brain today. What is the next big party celebration I can plan? Something to kick life up a notch? AND BLAMMO! IT HIT ME!

It's time for a red hot rollerskating party!!!!!! Hot hits, skatin, and fresh blisters on the feet! Stand by for details!



I'm thinking that a SUPER 70'S DISCO PARTY would rock!

Enjoy the music from some old classic roller skating hot hits....

The Legend of Walkin' Jim

This post is a tribute to an Allegan/Barry County legend. Any of you who live and travel around the north portions of Allegan County surely have seen ol' Walkin Jim. Here is an exerpt from the article:

Locals knew his as "Walkin' Jim", but by any name James Hendrick was a familiar part of the Allegan County landscape. Hendrick was a staunch believer that daily walking did a body good, but his idea of a daily walk could have challenged even avid walkers. Up until the age of 80, Hendrick distance walking, said his great-niece Julie Miles.

"Every day, he would walk from Shelbyville, to Gun lake, to Patterson and back, " Miles said. His routine included a monthly round trip hike to Plainwell. His hiking gear included a hat, orange suspenders, and a backpack. The Allegan county Sheriff's Office required him to wear the orange suspenders.

I have my own special memory of Walkin' Jim. About 11 years ago, I lived in an old farmhouse in the town of Shelbyville. I rented it at the time. Man do I have some good memories of that place. It was the poorest time of my life and quite possibly left the best savory warm thoughts I can remember. The house had that old classic charm of a country farmhouse. It did not, however, have HEAT. That was a fun winter sleeping on the waterbed cranked on high and running a few electric space heaters.

So one day, I hear my girlfriend at the time screech from downstairs and I came running down with the shotgun. It was evident in her voice that something was seriously wrong. As I cleared the last step of that old staircase, I was shocked by what I saw. There, standing in the dining room, with his classic old form stooped over and sporting his cowboy hat, was WALKIN' JIM. I spoke with him and asked him kindly what he was doing. Jim spoke in a somewhat mumbled group of words and I calmly put my hand on his shoulder and said, "Jim, sit down. You want a glass of water?" And as he carefully pulled the chair back and sat down, not uttering a word, a memory was etched into my soul. The LEGEND, WALKIN' JIM, graced my presence for just a little while. It amazes me that some 11 years later, even without saying a word, what a memory he left.

After sitting for a while and softly mumbling in a response I took as "thank you", Jim sat the glass down, stood up and pushed the chair in politely. He then tipped the front of his hat and out the door he went.

Walkin Jim died on March 30 of this year from complications with pneumonia. He was 90.

Thanks for the memories Jim.......

Work

So, today I head back in for work....In trying to keep a positive attitude, here are a few other people that haven't kept the stress at bay!

Satisfaction!

I cannot even put into words what happened today.....The weather was unbelievably gorgeous, the boat ran absolutely perfect, no problems whatsoever, all went better than planned, I WAS SO EXCITED THIS MORNING THAT I THREW UP IN THE DRIVEWAY BEFORE CASE GOT HERE! Today approached one of the best days of my life.....I can think of 6, maybe 7 days that would rival it, and I'M NOT TELLING WHAT THOSE ARE!

In spite of the song, I must say I am satisfied...The BADGE-R is much more than I ever hoped it could be or ever would be......WOW....I knew it when I laid my eyes on her, THE BADGE-R ROCKS!

We went two for four and one of the four almost pulled us out of the boat!

This is the only picture I have as Case forgot his camera and mine isn't working....You all hopefully can be so lucky as to ride on this beauty, THE BADGE-R!!!!! (this is a Coho Salmon we caught!)

Satisfied....Yes....I have recently found some things that have touched me deeper than ever....I can only be so thankful for all of it....

This song playing is so timely....Let it touch you today...

"How many times have you heard someone say

If I had money, I would do things my way.

But little they know, that it's so hard to find

one rich man in ten, with a SATISFIED MIND!

Money can't buy back, all your youth when you are old,

a friend when your lonely, or peace to your soul......

The wealthiest person, is a pauper at times

compared to the man, WITH A SATISFIED MIND!"

When my life is over, and my time has run out

my friends and my loved ones I will leave them no doubt

That one things for certain, when it comes my time

I leave this old world WITH A SATISFIED MIND!

SATISFIED

Green Acres

I don't know if I've ever told you about my sister. She is a rockstar and I love her dearly. She has a farm and cares wonderfully for her family....And it's not that she stays home and loafs around, she is so smart I fear she can figure out my every scheme....And she has! I can't slip anything by her. This post is dedicated to her veracity, tenacity, and fiesty personality, let alone her beauty.....YOU ROCK SIS! (people have said she looks like me with a wig SO SHE MUST BE BEAUTIFUL!)

Here we are at Easter with her GOAT GOAT GOAT and chicks!

Anxiously Awaiting!

I am anxiously awaiting the trip tomorrow morning!(this is a pic from Gun lake last year-SUNRISE!) It will be the maiden voyage of the Ol' Badge-R onto Lake Michigan! Good buddy Case and I will depart on Sunday morning from Port Sheldon for the extravaganza! I have to wash my fishing outfit today as I've been wearing it for the last two days, minus the lucky shirt of course....The lucky shirt has been stored in the helm of the ship as good luck....

Just got back from taking the family for a ride (although an important part of our family was missing:) ) Gun Lake is wide open now and the Badge-r ran absolutely perfect. To once again hold that throttle in my hand and feel the surge of power, UNEXPLAINABLE! A long sought after dream for sure....(Here's a pic of the rod holders, all mounted and ready to do their job!)

Look for an update tomorrow night after Case and I get home.....DEPARTURE TIME: 5AM. Leaving from Port Sheldon. Look for the boat on the bottom near the bubbler if we don't come back. Or just figure that I have finally left to quench my lust for the sea!

Dreams

I keep having a recurring dream.....That I am going to win the MEGAMILLIONS....I don't know why it keeps happening.....I've had several dreams of note lately....Last night was a torrid of being shot....WOW....I've had some other pleasant ones recently that I won't share....Why is it that I WANT IT ALL! And I want it now!

If I won you would see some unbelievable changes in my life......The next plausible question is, do I need to win the lotto to make those changes????? I would beg to differ!!!

What is it you would change in your life?

Lovely Day!

Goodmorning! Thanks for coming to visit me this morning.....Today, is a lovely day!

You are alive! You have freedom. You have a home to live in and food to eat.




Its a lovely day! Get Living it!
(This is one of my favorite songs, helps me wake up!)

Sunday

Sunday morning, ITS ON.

Me and Case are out with the BADGE-R for the first trip on Lake Michigan!!!!!

I CANNOT WAIT! THERE IS NOT MUCH THAT GETS ME THIS EXCITED!

View From Above

As I sat today holding the hand of my Grandfather as he lay in the hospital bed, I couldn't help but step back again and think about my life. I want you today for this post to take a time out from your hectic day and take.....A VIEW FROM ABOVE...

Now that we are in a position where we can take everything into perspective, what is it that is important? Is it the bills that are due? No. Is it what we are worried about today that is so important? No. From this view looking down on my life it seems that most of the things I fight over, worry about, and fret over are trivial.

In looking from up here, I think that PEOPLE and LOVE and LIVING LIFE TO ITS FULLEST are what should be occupying my time.....Not worry, anger, jealousy, greed......

I know that this whole "GET LIVING" theme continues to run through my blog lately....It is very heavy on my mind...I just don't want to live this life here on earth and wonder what could have been different, what more I could have experienced, and most importantly how I could have left an indelible mark on the people in my life that I encounter....This statement sums it up well:

"God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."

I would add the following: "It is also up to you what legacy you leave behind, what impact you leave on the hearts of this earth."

I would challenge you each today to make a difference in someone elses life, in their heart, and leave behind a long legacy of love and kindness to others. Take that whole list of things you have been "wanting to do" and start crossing them off the list!

In closing, I looked my Grandfather in the eye today and whispered to him, "You are a good man. You should be proud." He smiled softly and said, "I tried." I could see in his eyes that he was not long for this earth. I wonder what he thinks of today. What is it he would change? What is it he would do more of?

I suspect that he would not take back the love he showed to his family, and to people that were put in his life by God. I believe he would spend more time smiling, praying, loving, and telling others about the Eternal Hope there is in Jesus after this earth.....

Grandpa, those arms you will soon feel around you are "the arms of an angel"....Fear, worry, and want no more....