From the Home Front Feb 2023

SenkoSam · February 21, 2023, 08:29:33 PM

Southern N.Y. has been balmy by comparison to more northern areas. Last Dec. I was worried my 8' deep pond would dry up due to the long drought that lasted for most of 2022. But the rains began in late Dec. and continued on and off until today with a few days of torrential downpours - so far 2 this week alone! The pond is only 1.5' down from max and hasn't had any ice on it all winter! In fact we haven't had much snow - at least none that didn't melt fast.

Strange but true:
Over 1000 blackbirds were on the both lawns front and back in the morning most likely feeding on grubs coming up through a thawed ground drenched.
Three ducks were swimming in the pond this morning.
Four deer were feeding on the other side of the pond a few days ago in the morning.
A few friends have been catching a few fish from shore locally and no waters in southern NYS have any ice on them. What gives?!

I'm holding off with lure craft for a bit considering how many new lures I've made but not used in the last three months. I keep busy though and will have cataract surgery for both eyes in March. Optimistic I won't need corrective lenses except magnifiers for close up.

Gas has been around $3.25 locally. Hope it comes down though it was $3.70 a month ago so I should be thankful. Eggs are another story! If you weighed a doz. eggs minus shells and figured what it cost per oz and then multiplied it by 16 (oz/lb), you'd get a price far more expensive than fillet mignon. I'm down to 1 egg/ day. oj, coffee and toast. Haven't missed eating two eggs for breakfast at all. Feel for families with 2 or more kids.

Finally some cold weather starting tonight. Just thankful that March is almost here with some warmer days and nights to look forward to along with longer days. Might even launch the boat in late March.

Dark3 · February 21, 2023, 08:51:43 PM

Quote from: SenkoSam on February 21, 2023, 08:29:33 PM
Southern N.Y. has been balmy by comparison to more northern areas. Last Dec. I was worried my 8' deep pond would dry up due to the long drought that lasted for most of 2022. But the rains began in late Dec. and continued on and off until today with a few days of torrential downpours - so far 2 this week alone! The pond is only 1.5' down from max and hasn't had any ice on it all winter! In fact we haven't had much snow - at least none that didn't melt fast.

Strange but true:
Over 1000 blackbirds were on the both lawns front and back in the morning most likely feeding on grubs coming up through a thawed ground drenched.
Three ducks were swimming in the pond this morning.
Four deer were feeding on the other side of the pond a few days ago in the morning.
A few friends have been catching a few fish from shore locally and no waters in southern NYS have any ice on them. What gives?!

I'm holding off with lure craft for a bit considering how many new lures I've made but not used in the last three months. I keep busy though and will have cataract surgery for both eyes in March. Optimistic I won't need corrective lenses except magnifiers for close up.

Gas has been around $3.25 locally. Hope it comes down though it was $3.70 a month ago so I should be thankful. Eggs are another story! If you weighed a doz. eggs minus shells and figured what it cost per oz and then multiplied it by 16 (oz/lb), you'd get a price far more expensive than fillet mignon. I'm down to 1 egg/ day. oj, coffee and toast. Haven't missed eating two eggs for breakfast at all. Feel for families with 2 or more kids.

Finally some cold weather starting tonight. Just thankful that March is almost here with some warmer days and nights to look forward to with longer days. Might even launch the boat in late March.

Ive enjoyed your analysis here and on NYBass (about a dead forum at this point) for about 10 years. Hope all is well and appreciate the time you take to do those write ups on lure characteristics and presentations. Good luck on your surgery from Watertown.

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SenkoSam · February 22, 2023, 04:38:17 AM

It truly warms my 74 y.o. heart to read your kind words. (Not so kind per a few chaps on SDfish.com that disagreed with my posts.)
Fishing is my passion but only as it relates to finding the best lure actions that provoke aggression and then enjoy the fight-for-survival that follows. Are anglers being mean to think like that?

Donald Garner · February 22, 2023, 09:44:42 AM

Good morning to everyone,

We started the morning off with rain showers that were moving across Central Texas. We're forecasted to have this occur throughout the day today. Our forecasted temps for our area today are 55 - 80dgrs with 90% humidity and a NE wind @ 10mphs.

Got a little surprise yesterday morning as I was moving the Stratos out to air up the trailer tires. I found a Rat Snake coiled up under the plywood I have the tire parked on. It wasn't very big maybe 10inches long. It looked to be maybe a year old. That breed of snake we find quite often around here. They have the markings of a rattle snake (-) the shape of their head and no rattles. I picked it up with my grippers and moved it to another location. They eat mice and other small animals. They do get up there in size also. I've seen them 3 - 4ft. long here.

There is nothing planned for today as of right now. With it schedule to rain throughout the day there won't be any outdoor activities going on.

Bud; Sounds as if you got a Spring Prep list going on there with some equipment maintenance. I have that occurring also. The Spring Pollen hasn't happened yet here but will once these temperatures start stabilizing.
Hope you're able to bring the Ranger home soon and get it ready for the season. I have my list of maintenance issues to get preformed on both of my boats and outboards also. I'm debating on whether to let the marine techs service the outboards. I don't have any place to dump the used lower unit oil after draining it.
I wish you well on your new hobby there. You're right when it's a 100dgrs outside there's nothing like being indoors with the AC on. You may as well be enjoying that new hobby of bowling.

SenkoSam; Good to see ya on line here this morning. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and sharing the day and providing us an update. I have ya in my daily prayers for the upcoming eye surgery this coming March.

Allen; Tks for stopping by. I hope you have a pleasant day today.

To everyone I hope y'all have a Blessed Day today. Be safe in your travels if you have to get out and about.

SenkoSam · February 22, 2023, 10:23:31 AM

Don, Good to hear from ya. I deleted the content of the last post because I wasn't sure it fit in with your daily posts.
Thanks again
Frank (SS)

Bud Kennedy · February 22, 2023, 01:06:25 PM

A bright sunny 83 degree day today. Been doing some yard readiness stuff today. Got the watering hoses put out at the front and back of the house. I did water the courtyard where I have some rye grass planted. Just trying to keep it going until the real grass gets going. Took some time to wash the Expedition to get rid of some of the pollen although it will be back on the vehicle by tomorrow morning. Oh well at least it looks better for a short time and will have to do it again tomorrow. Unless we get some rain this will be a daily event all through March and into April.
Thursday is grocery day so I have to make my list or I will forget to get some items. The old memory ain't what it used to be.

Today was the Wife's Social Security pay day and that is always a good thing. She also has a pension that comes in on the 1st but it goes directly into her savings. You know how it is there is our money and her money and has always been that way for the past 56 years. The final thing for Thursday afternoon will be to go bowling. I am really enjoying doing this. Since next week is Boat clean up week I may not be visiting the lanes but you never know.

Donald Garner · February 23, 2023, 10:11:42 AM

Good morning to all

We're starting the day off with partly sunny skies. Our forecasted temps for across Central Texas are 49-70dgrs with 42%humidity and a N wind @ 19mphs. There's a chance of some rain showers tomorrow

Nothing is really planned for today. I made a trip over to the VA Hospital to make a payment for some med's I received in the mail early this morning. I'm planning on taking the wife out for dinner later as it's her birthday today. Other than this there's nothing on the schedule except relaxing.

Bud; Sound like a somewhat busy day not to busy though. Hope your day goes well for ya. Enjoy the trip to the bowling alley hope you have a great game.

Rodney; My good man. Hope your recovery is still going as planned. You heading over to Wegman's for your Thursday shopping and that sub sandwich today?

Frank; Your post was ok no issues that I saw with it. Tks for taking the time to stop by.

To everyone I have y'all in my daily prayers. I hope the aches and pains are being kept in check. Be safe in your travels if you have to get out and about.

SenkoSam · February 23, 2023, 02:02:28 PM

Thanks Don, wasn't sure.

Bud Kennedy · February 23, 2023, 03:48:06 PM

As planned today was bowling day. For the first time since my return to this sport I was able to bowl pain free. This is major for me that should allow me now to begin to work on some of the finer points of the game that need a lot of attention. Pretty exciting stuff, I am encouraged that I may actually be able to pull this off. Bowing and Bassin' sounds like a good combination to me.

Donald Garner · February 24, 2023, 09:03:46 AM

Greetings to all from Central Texas (Belton)

We're going to have overcasts skies across the area today. There is the forecast of rain on and off throughout the entire day. Our forecasted temps are 44-52dgrs with 62%humidity and a SE wind @ 8mphs.

I have an MRI scheduled in the morning for my Prostate Checkup. The doctors want to have my insides cleaned out for the procedure. I'll be having fun cleaning my system out today....not

Needless to say I won't be leaving the house today

Bud; That's great news.....no pain while enjoying your new hobby. Best wishes that it continues and your game improves.

To everyone have a really pleasant day today. Be safe in your travels if you have to get out.

Bud Kennedy · February 24, 2023, 10:09:31 AM

Day started with some partly cloudy skies but still nice and warm. Current temp is 77 with humidity at 70%. Got the house cleaned this morning and then mowed the yard as the clouds are continuing to build off to the west. Rain is in the forecast for overnite and into Saturday but it looks like it could rain at any moment now. Hopefully we get enough rain to wash some of the pollen out of the air for at least a little bit. Yesterday the pollen was so thick that the air looked like it was filled with smoke.

A little later I have to go to the grocery to get a couple items I missed yesterday and I also have to swing by and pay the lot rent for the boat storage. Nothing else planned for the rest of the day but that is always subject to change around here.

Donald Garner · February 25, 2023, 11:32:15 AM

Good morning to everyone,
We are having overcast skies across Central Texas today. Forecasted temps are 46 - 63dgrs with 91% humidity with a NE wind @ 7mphs.

Spent yesterday evening prepping for my MRI Prostate exam this morning. I got to the clinic and tech tried 6 times to find a vein to setup an IV. They failed and told me I had to reschedule my MRI. Due to the med's I'm taking I have a lot of swelling etc. I also have deep veins. Not the way I wanted to start my day. I did lose 6lbs from the prepping yesterday and last night

I wouldn't wish that prep process on anyone. Of course if y'all had a colonoscopy before you know what process I'm talking about.

We left the clinic and stopped in Cracker Barrel for breakfast. I was pretty hungry after not having anything to eat since breakfast yesterday. I sent my doctor a email letting him know that the appointment got canceled. When I do lab work now the techs use a vein finder on my arms when they need draw blood.

I have nothing planned for the rest of the day now. The wife is continuing to gather stuff up for a yard sale we're going to have next weekend.

Bud; Glad to hear you had somewhat of pleasant and easy day. Those are good to have every now and then.

To everyone I hope your Saturday is a pleasant and productive one. Be safe traveling if you have to be out and about.

Bud Kennedy · February 25, 2023, 02:49:06 PM

As forecasted by the local weather guessers, it has been a cool and damp day here at the beach. Current temp is 58 with overcast skies. Tomorrow will be a bit improved over today still cool but no rain in the forecast. At least the rain today have washed away some of the pollen although the trees still look a little smokey. Pollen will likely return tomorrow.

Have not done much today but am preparing to do a Meat Loaf tonight for supper. Other than that a rather quiet day.

Oldfart9999 · February 25, 2023, 07:03:45 PM

Good evening!!! cold with a few light flurries, tomorrow we should start getting rid of the ice from that storm. About 4 weeks ago it was so nice I took a long walk, wrong move, as I was coming up the driveway heading to the side door I suddenly found myself looking up at the sky in an awful lot of pain, I think my right leg buckled and took the rest of me with it. the good news, I landed on my right shoulder and hip, the bad news, it hurt so much my wife took me to emergency, 5 hours and x-rays of my shoulder and hip should no broken bones or dislocations, bad news, they close the MRI unit down at 5 every night so no views of the soft tissue. My right shoulder is doing better my hip is getting worse, I'm going to have to see the ortho doc for that.
I've still been busy looking for a new to us vehicle, never been able to afford a new one, I found one. A 2014 Toyota Rav4 LE, that-s the bare bones one, more on that later. The Rav is black with a black interior, has 91,500 miles on it, with all the maintenance done on it, the oil changes were about every 5,000 miles which is what I wanted to see, it runs well and I should be able to get another 150,000 to 300,000 miles out of it. Monday it goes in for a tranny service along with transfer case and differential services, power steering fluid changed and any others that need attention. The factory says 10,000 miles on an oil change and the tranny fluid is lifetime, that gets the vehicle past the warranty period, I want more, the colling system also gets a fluid change, it's coming due anyways.
Now back to bare bones, it has cruise control, remote door locks, and an am fm, radio with cd player, and a backup camera. The camera comes on when you put it in reverse. The tailgate is manual lift on power, I can deal with that no problem. It's all wheel drive with an economy mode. To unlock the doors one push of the button unlocks the drivers door, 2 quick pushes open all the doors and tailgate. It cam with new brakes, and new tires along with new wipers. Because of state law and the fact the dealers can make a good profit of vehicles like this is why the new stuff, it came from a Chevrolet/Subaru dealer, it was traded for a Subaru, fairly popular around here. I'll have a hitch installed later then start looking for a boat, with what's going on with the body I'm not in a rush.
My wife likes it, at 4'10" she struggles just a bit getting in but is able to, the chevy cruz she was falling into it sits so much lower.
Have a great rest of the weekend and bewell!!!
Rodney

Donald Garner · February 26, 2023, 08:43:37 AM

Good morning to all,

It's foggy and overcast out side presently. Forecasted temps for across Central Texas are 54-78dgrs with 95%humidity and a SE wind that pretty calm right now. The week ahead is looking sunny and warm with cool mornings and mid 80's during the day. There's a chance of a thunder storm on Wednesday.

We're off to church here shortly. The wife is going to fix pizza for lunch after we get back home. There's nothing planned for the day except relaxing and tinkering on the computer etc.

Rodney; My good man glad you had the opportunity to stop in for an update. Glad to hear nothing serious happened during your fall. Tks for that health update I still have y'all in my daily prayers. That vehicle you're looking at / getting is a real popular vehicle here in Central Texas. There are a lot of them around here. Good luck with the purchase I hope it serves you and your wife well.

Bud; Hope your day today is a quiet one also. That meatloaf sounded good. Hope your Sunday is a pleasant and relaxing one.

To everyone have a pleasant and relaxing day. Be safe in your travels if your out.

Dark3 · February 26, 2023, 09:01:36 AM

Don, that sounds like a nice day!

Rodney, Sorry about your tumble. The new Rav4 sounds like a nice looking and economical vehicle.

We are still getting dumped on here. Ive been doing a bunch of web browsing on going into Canada and just fishing Canadian waters. They seem like a PITA. My wife and I both have enhanced drivers licenses. The last time I lived here, It looks like I wasn't following all of the laws due to my own ignorance. I don't remember having a Canadian fishing license or "Outdoors Card" or ever calling the phone number to report crossing the invisible border in the St Lawrence. Im glad I never got a big fine.

Hope everyone has a nice Sunday.

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Oldfart9999 · February 26, 2023, 03:16:43 PM

Good afternoon!!! Somewhere near 40, sunny no wind. I just got done ordering up floor mats and a cargo mat from a Toyota dealer in Massachusetts, they look like the same as Weather Tec, for a lot less money and free shipping, less than half the price, I have a hunch it's all left over stock and they want to get rid of it. Not much going on otherwise.
Rodney

Donald Garner · February 27, 2023, 11:15:29 AM

Good morning to all,

Bright sunny skies are across Central Texas this morning. Forecasted temps for the area are 48-77dgrs with 18%humidity and a NE wind @ 16mphs. There's lots of sun in the upcoming forecast this week. We do have a thunder storm forecasted on Wednesday though.

Somewhat busy day today. The wife is having a yard sale this weekend. I'm looking at getting some folding tables for her to use. I'll be making up some signage as well. Other than this there is nothing planned for today.

Rodney; I was looking at those Weather Tech Mats and those are nice. Expensive but nice. Hope they work out for ya.

To everyone have a pleasant day today.

Donald Garner · February 28, 2023, 09:35:14 AM

Good morning to everyone

We're having Blue Bird Skies all across Central Texas this morning

Forecasted temps for the area are 62-85dgrs with 50% humidity with a W wind @ 3mphs. There's a chance of a thunderstorm moving across our area tomorrow and early Thursday morning. The rest of the 10day forecast has lots of sun and warm temps in it.

Had a couple errands to tend to this morning bright and early. The wife is having a yard sale this weekend. She had 3 boxes of flower vases that she was getting rid of. Flower vases don't sell well at yard sales. I gathered them up and took them to school. I gave them to the teacher that teaches flora design etc.

I stopped by church to coordinate to use some folding tables. Tomorrow morning I'm picking up 7 folding tables for us to use during the garage sale. While I was at school I noticed they have a bunch of pallets stacked up. Tomorrow I'm picking up about 10 of them to use for the Yard Sale Signs I'll be making. I'm going to take 2 pallets and make a sandwich board device out of them. I'm going to staple a butcher chart sheet to each side advertising the yard sale. I have about 5 locations I'm going to set these out on Friday night early Saturday morning.

There's nothing happening here the rest of the day. I'm going to relax cause tomorrow I'm going to be real busy cleaning the garage out so the wife can set up her yard sale stuff inside.

To everyone I hope your day is a safe a pleasant one.