From the Home Front Feb 2023

[topdsm0138]

Good morning everyone.

  Was an "interesting" Duty weekend to say the least. Had a soldier bring two loaded pistols and two boxes of ammo for them to Duty. Kidbis known for being "off" a little as he always carries atleast seven knives, no matter how many times you punish him for it. We stopped him as a courtesy check to make sure he's doing and feeling good, but the LT noticed something sticking in his pocket. We calmly asked him to come to our Office and talk (we also had a runner go fetch the other Leaders from our platoon. We had a shakedown.

*Ten knives
*One taser
*Two pistols
*Two boxes of ammo
*One extra mag for the pistols
*Three fold up batons
*A belt that has a razor edge on it for cutting wood (a chainsaw belt)
*Two brass knuckles (I didn't even know they still made those)
*Two rings that have a fold out razor blade in them

WHY?!....

After a LONG talk with him, swrars he isn't trying to hurt anyone, and he's obviously paranoid over something. (Yeah, he's one of those I saw it on Social Media, so it's 100% true! types) he is on Watch now for 8mo or more. Every time he shows up for Duty, he will be searched out of sight of others. We will then escort him to his car, make sure it is locked up and take his keys. That goes for his locker as well. If he needs anything, we will have to escort him personally.

This is the part I hate about being a leader, it's having to babysit grown adults and treat them like they are little kids.

Enjoy y'all's day

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

[Dark3]

Good morning everyone.

  Was an "interesting" Duty weekend to say the least. Had a soldier bring two loaded pistols and two boxes of ammo for them to Duty. Kidbis known for being "off" a little as he always carries atleast seven knives, no matter how many times you punish him for it. We stopped him as a courtesy check to make sure he's doing and feeling good, but the LT noticed something sticking in his pocket. We calmly asked him to come to our Office and talk (we also had a runner go fetch the other Leaders from our platoon. We had a shakedown.

*Ten knives
*One taser
*Two pistols
*Two boxes of ammo
*One extra mag for the pistols
*Three fold up batons
*A belt that has a razor edge on it for cutting wood (a chainsaw belt)
*Two brass knuckles (I didn't even know they still made those)
*Two rings that have a fold out razor blade in them

WHY?!....

After a LONG talk with him, swrars he isn't trying to hurt anyone, and he's obviously paranoid over something. (Yeah, he's one of those I saw it on Social Media, so it's 100% true! types) he is on Watch now for 8mo or more. Every time he shows up for Duty, he will be searched out of sight of others. We will then escort him to his car, make sure it is locked up and take his keys. That goes for his locker as well. If he needs anything, we will have to escort him personally.

This is the part I hate about being a leader, it's having to babysit grown adults and treat them like they are little kids.

Enjoy y'all's day

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

I mean if this is NG he only has to show up without being crazy for those weekends and your field time without being crazy, that shouldn't be a big ask. You may want to consider separation, and if so hopefully you are putting these events on a 4856. In the regular army, this would be immediate UCMJ punishment with possible confinement, and a chapter packet being initiated.


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[topdsm0138]

Good morning everyone.

  Was an "interesting" Duty weekend to say the least. Had a soldier bring two loaded pistols and two boxes of ammo for them to Duty. Kidbis known for being "off" a little as he always carries atleast seven knives, no matter how many times you punish him for it. We stopped him as a courtesy check to make sure he's doing and feeling good, but the LT noticed something sticking in his pocket. We calmly asked him to come to our Office and talk (we also had a runner go fetch the other Leaders from our platoon. We had a shakedown.

*Ten knives
*One taser
*Two pistols
*Two boxes of ammo
*One extra mag for the pistols
*Three fold up batons
*A belt that has a razor edge on it for cutting wood (a chainsaw belt)
*Two brass knuckles (I didn't even know they still made those)
*Two rings that have a fold out razor blade in them

WHY?!....

After a LONG talk with him, swrars he isn't trying to hurt anyone, and he's obviously paranoid over something. (Yeah, he's one of those I saw it on Social Media, so it's 100% true! types) he is on Watch now for 8mo or more. Every time he shows up for Duty, he will be searched out of sight of others. We will then escort him to his car, make sure it is locked up and take his keys. That goes for his locker as well. If he needs anything, we will have to escort him personally.

This is the part I hate about being a leader, it's having to babysit grown adults and treat them like they are little kids.

Enjoy y'all's day

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

I mean if this is NG he only has to show up without being crazy for those weekends and your field time without being crazy, that shouldn't be a big ask. You may want to consider separation, and if so hopefully you are putting these events on a 4856. In the regular army, this would be immediate UCMJ punishment with possible confinement, and a chapter packet being initiated.


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We're Reservists, so we're Federal. Which means we have to be careful in how we approach certain situations. We want the soldier to get the help that they need, but we do not want to completely destroy their life. With National Guard, it's a lot easier to skirt certain things and handle situations without major negative action. Being a federal employee over state, means we have to find other ways to approach something to get the job done while keeping the higher-ups hands out of it. That is the Dilemma. I am finishing out the last couple years of my contract with this reserve unit. I know all too well how bad they would destroy this kid even if he didn't intend to do anything if this was active duty. The number one problem with active duty is that yes programs do exist to get soldiers help that they need, but what people don't know is that higher command will discourage anyone from trying to use those programs, all because it will make the unit look bad. Sometimes, you need to fly under the radar to get soldiers to help they actually need.

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

[Dark3]

Good morning everyone.

  Was an "interesting" Duty weekend to say the least. Had a soldier bring two loaded pistols and two boxes of ammo for them to Duty. Kidbis known for being "off" a little as he always carries atleast seven knives, no matter how many times you punish him for it. We stopped him as a courtesy check to make sure he's doing and feeling good, but the LT noticed something sticking in his pocket. We calmly asked him to come to our Office and talk (we also had a runner go fetch the other Leaders from our platoon. We had a shakedown.

*Ten knives
*One taser
*Two pistols
*Two boxes of ammo
*One extra mag for the pistols
*Three fold up batons
*A belt that has a razor edge on it for cutting wood (a chainsaw belt)
*Two brass knuckles (I didn't even know they still made those)
*Two rings that have a fold out razor blade in them

WHY?!....

After a LONG talk with him, swrars he isn't trying to hurt anyone, and he's obviously paranoid over something. (Yeah, he's one of those I saw it on Social Media, so it's 100% true! types) he is on Watch now for 8mo or more. Every time he shows up for Duty, he will be searched out of sight of others. We will then escort him to his car, make sure it is locked up and take his keys. That goes for his locker as well. If he needs anything, we will have to escort him personally.

This is the part I hate about being a leader, it's having to babysit grown adults and treat them like they are little kids.

Enjoy y'all's day

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

I mean if this is NG he only has to show up without being crazy for those weekends and your field time without being crazy, that shouldn't be a big ask. You may want to consider separation, and if so hopefully you are putting these events on a 4856. In the regular army, this would be immediate UCMJ punishment with possible confinement, and a chapter packet being initiated.


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We're Reservists, so we're Federal. Which means we have to be careful in how we approach certain situations. We want the soldier to get the help that they need, but we do not want to completely destroy their life. With National Guard, it's a lot easier to skirt certain things and handle situations without major negative action. Being a federal employee over state, means we have to find other ways to approach something to get the job done while keeping the higher-ups hands out of it. That is the Dilemma. I am finishing out the last couple years of my contract with this reserve unit. I know all too well how bad they would destroy this kid even if he didn't intend to do anything if this was active duty. The number one problem with active duty is that yes programs do exist to get soldiers help that they need, but what people don't know is that higher command will discourage anyone from trying to use those programs, all because it will make the unit look bad. Sometimes, you need to fly under the radar to get soldiers to help they actually need.

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

Ive been active duty for 15 years and am yet to see anyone discouraging getting Soldiers to the proper programs. But at the end of the day I would hold the Soldier accountable for their actions while getting them help. All in the name of preserving standards and discipline in the unit. Also this doesnt sound like somebody that has the potential to lead others or to be trusted in any position of real responsibility especially deployed. But I also understand from working side by side with AGR/NG etc for the last few years that these organizations are desperate for workers and its almost impossible to get kicked out.


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[Donald Garner]

Good morning to everyone,

We had a rain shower move through the area early this morning.  The skies are clearing and it looks like its going to be a pretty nice day today.  Forecasted temps for across Central Texas today are 47-74dgrs with 83% humidity with a SE wind @ 10mphs.

The wife is taking me to lunch today for Valentines Day.  We're going to check out one of the new restaurants ( Black Bear Diner) that just opened in Harker Heights.  The reviews look really good so we're going to stop in and check it out.  I have a couple task to complete today while out.  The flags at our church are in need of replacement.  I'll stop by and change them out after lunch today.  Other than this there isn't anything planned for the rest of the day.

Top; Allen; Hope you guys are doing well.  Tks for sharing the comments with us.  Top hope this guy in the future doesn't do something that the chain of command will be sorry for.  I'd sure hate reading something reference this that could have been prevented.  Hope your unit can get this guys some help.

Bud; I don't see how you'll be able to move around with those braces and trying to bowl.  I've never seen a hip brace etc. before.  I hope these help you out while bowling.  Have you thought about taking up Skeet & Trap Shooting as a hobby?  Are there places there in town that offer this event?

Rodney; My good man sure hope your recovery is going well for ya.  I still have ya in my daily prayers. 

To everyone I hope y'all have a really pleasant day today.

[topdsm0138]

Good morning everyone.

  Was an "interesting" Duty weekend to say the least. Had a soldier bring two loaded pistols and two boxes of ammo for them to Duty. Kidbis known for being "off" a little as he always carries atleast seven knives, no matter how many times you punish him for it. We stopped him as a courtesy check to make sure he's doing and feeling good, but the LT noticed something sticking in his pocket. We calmly asked him to come to our Office and talk (we also had a runner go fetch the other Leaders from our platoon. We had a shakedown.

*Ten knives
*One taser
*Two pistols
*Two boxes of ammo
*One extra mag for the pistols
*Three fold up batons
*A belt that has a razor edge on it for cutting wood (a chainsaw belt)
*Two brass knuckles (I didn't even know they still made those)
*Two rings that have a fold out razor blade in them

WHY?!....

After a LONG talk with him, swrars he isn't trying to hurt anyone, and he's obviously paranoid over something. (Yeah, he's one of those I saw it on Social Media, so it's 100% true! types) he is on Watch now for 8mo or more. Every time he shows up for Duty, he will be searched out of sight of others. We will then escort him to his car, make sure it is locked up and take his keys. That goes for his locker as well. If he needs anything, we will have to escort him personally.

This is the part I hate about being a leader, it's having to babysit grown adults and treat them like they are little kids.

Enjoy y'all's day

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

I mean if this is NG he only has to show up without being crazy for those weekends and your field time without being crazy, that shouldn't be a big ask. You may want to consider separation, and if so hopefully you are putting these events on a 4856. In the regular army, this would be immediate UCMJ punishment with possible confinement, and a chapter packet being initiated.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We're Reservists, so we're Federal. Which means we have to be careful in how we approach certain situations. We want the soldier to get the help that they need, but we do not want to completely destroy their life. With National Guard, it's a lot easier to skirt certain things and handle situations without major negative action. Being a federal employee over state, means we have to find other ways to approach something to get the job done while keeping the higher-ups hands out of it. That is the Dilemma. I am finishing out the last couple years of my contract with this reserve unit. I know all too well how bad they would destroy this kid even if he didn't intend to do anything if this was active duty. The number one problem with active duty is that yes programs do exist to get soldiers help that they need, but what people don't know is that higher command will discourage anyone from trying to use those programs, all because it will make the unit look bad. Sometimes, you need to fly under the radar to get soldiers to help they actually need.

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

Ive been active duty for 15 years and am yet to see anyone discouraging getting Soldiers to the proper programs. But at the end of the day I would hold the Soldier accountable for their actions while getting them help. All in the name of preserving standards and discipline in the unit. Also this doesnt sound like somebody that has the potential to lead others or to be trusted in any position of real responsibility especially deployed. But I also understand from working side by side with AGR/NG etc for the last few years that these organizations are desperate for workers and its almost impossible to get kicked out.


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That it is. (Impossible to get kicked out). I've got almost 13yrs in as of now, hitting the 15 and taking Med Board for "Early Retirement" ("The rules of the game are simple. Learn the tules and play the game better than anyone else." -Albert Einstein)
Basically, I want someone to get the help they need, but not completely ruin their life if that makes sense. When I was deployed, I saw soo many people get denied Mental Health Evals or even a chance to talk to a Chaplain. As the Battalion XO (one I was deployed under) put it, "If too many people use these resources, then they look at us (Unit) like we're a problem and we can't have that." God....I hated that guy and am glad I took my demotion for attacking him.. WORTH IT!

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

[Bud Kennedy]

 Nice weather day today.  highs in the 70s lite winds and more of the same for tomorrow.  Wife got a hair cut today as planned and I was able to go to the bowling pro shop and have some work done on both bowling balls.  So, all in all we got done what we had planned.

Wife had voice some concerns about selling the boat.  She is aware that I am getting a few calls and today she called her physical therapy place and is doubling her therapy efforts.  She had recently cut back and now she realzes if she wants to keep fishing she will have to keep working on her health and keep up with the therapy.  Good for her, I think she sees what will happen if she can't improve her physical health.

Tomorrow the wife is going to lunch with a friend down to Pawleys Island.  I have an errand to walmart and that is about it.  Thursday is shaping up to be bowling day once again.  Hopefully the new braces will help and also having the balls adjusted should help put me on a good track. 

Donald, time to get your boats all ready for action.  They have sat around long enough time for some of the Texas fishing if you can find any water deep enough.

[Dark3]

Its been feeling a but mild the last few days here. Highs getting into the 40s. About a week ago we seen negative 26. I felt terrible, and the air felt so thick that it made breathing feel almost a bit labored.

We have the house all set with the exception of wood blinds throughout the house that should be done and delivered before the end of the month. Not sure what we will do with this house in 3 years if we have to move again for the Army because its a 5bd 3ba and that may be challenging to rent. I would need 2500 a month atleast. Selling will probly be a good option with the improvements we have made on the house already. New floors, interior paint, fans, light fixtures, appliances with stove and a new big single tub kitchen sink with the drain on one side. Looks really nice. But I would prefer to keep it as a rental and let somebody else pay the mortgage through rent.

The boat, 2023 Lund Predator 2070 with a Merc 150 was orded back in early October. The dealer said it has a status of complete and "loaded" as of 2 weeks ago but still hasnt arrived. I will be deploying again in June or July and want to get some use of it before I go. Hard water should be gone next month. I had them order electronics for the boat so they would be here when it arrives. Minkota Terrova 24v iPilot and a graph for the console, a Lowrance HDS Live 9". They have the deep cycle batteries in stock and it comes with a cranking battery. So should just need an anchor, PFDs and safety gear and a small tool bag.

I am about 100% on restocking all my fishing gear. I have 7 dobyns rods, 3x DX, 1x Champ, 1x Kaden, and 2x Fury. Reels are 2x Chronarch MGL, 2x Curado 151 MGL, 1x Aldebaran 51 MGL, and 2x NASCI spinning reels. I have everything from net, scale, bags, boxes, line, and every major technique worth of lures and terminal tackle built in boxes. The rods reels and tackle set me back about 4k but I built a good baseline.

Work is going good but I still am without a job until after the unit returns from JRTC. The CSM may want me to remain a PSG because we have a high priority mission for one of the batterys. Im excited to be a part of whats coming this summer. And Ill be back just in time for spring next year.

I dont update here much lately so I will add a couple pictures.

Don, That weather sounds great. Hope you can find somewhere deep enough to float soon lol. I didnt know they had black bear diners down there

Bud, if you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a a ball; if you can bowl you can boat lol. I assume you are entertaining offers but haven't committed. I booe whatever choice you make is one that will bring you happiness.

Rod, rest up brother.


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[Dark3]

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[Dark3]

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[Dark3]

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[topdsm0138]

Sounds fun and nice little collection ypu have started. I take it you're Artillery. I'm an Engineer. (Drunkards with Dynamite )

The Unit wants me to be a PSG, but NOPE! Did my time overseas, no more for me. I'll keep training the current one until I leave in 21mo. The BDE keeps trying to get me to volunteer for MOB again. (If they think im re-enlisting, they're gonna be sooo disappointed..). Both my student loans are paid off, my son has my GI Bill gor trade/tech school, I'm debt free after last deployment and wife and I are about to go buy a house with our inheritance money and my VA Disability. Will pretty much be retired at 45 (age when enlistment ends) once this contract is up.

I've decided that my Engineering day job will just be my "killing time and play money"

My soldier called me last night and asked if I can take him to the VA this weekend so he can talk to a therapist there. It's a start, so I won't say no to him.

Have a great day everyone..

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

[Donald Garner]

Good evening to all,

We had a pretty nice day across Central Texas today.  We started off with ground fog that burned off by 10am.  The sun came out and it we had clear skies.  By afternoon the high winds showed up bringing a front across the area.  Forecasted temps for today were 46 - 72dgrs with 81%humidity with a S wind @ 7mphs.  The front is bringing in some rain showers late tonight early tomorrow morning.

Busy day today I worked outside trimming and mowing and cleaning up the yard.  It's been a while since the mower was started so I'd figure there would be issues.  The John Deere fired right up after checking the oil and putting in some fresh gas.  The Left Front tire was flat so I had to remove it and get it fixed.  By the time I got back home from getting the tire fixed the ground fog had burned off. 

The wife spent the morning working with her Master Gardner friends over at their office.  They worked outside cleaning and trimming the surrounding grounds up.  She brought some plants home and planted them in one of her flower beds.
All of the planting and yard work was completed by 1pm.  We had lunch and got cleaned up.  I fell asleep in the recliner after eating lunch.  The power nap felt pretty good.  I'll be up late tonight now after taking that nap.

Top; Tks again for your service (Drunkards with Dynamite) I've been around a lot of engineers in my 30yrs of being in the Infantry.  I've never heard them called that before.  I always had a lot of respect for the work they did.  Tks for the update on your soldier also.  I hope he gets the help he needs.

Allen; That quite the up start you got going on there with your baits and tackle.  I'm slowly changing out my BPS Extreme Rods for Dobyns Fury Series Casting Rods.  Tks for the update on your house also.  It sounds like y'all put a lot of work into it.  Best wishes and safe travels in your future deployments.  Yes sir that Black Bear Diner opened late last year.  This was my first visit and there will be more I assure you of that.  There's no hurry to hit the water (There's not much to start with) it's pretty dangerous out there right now with this low water issue. 

Bud; Tks for sharing that piece reference your wife's physical therapy.  I wish the very best for her as she continues to get well.  That's good news and I hope you're able to keep the Ranger for a while longer. 

Yes sir we're getting close to pulling the covers off the boats.  I got to pull the Stratos out one day this week and get the tires aired up.  I noticed today while working on the mower that the driver's side tire was looking a little low.  I'm going to work on the G3 first as it will be the boat I'll use the most due to the low water situations.
I need to replace both batteries, my livewell / cooler and reattach the carpet that has come loose in a couple places.  I'm thinking about removing the carpet and spraying the interior with that bed liner material.  If I do this I'll wait till Summer Time this way I can leave the cover off so it dries good.

To everyone hope your day today was a pleasant one.  Y'all have a great day tomorrow. Be safe in your travels if you have to get out and about.
 

[Donald Garner]

Good morning to everyone,

Forecasted temps for across Central Texas today are 30-50dgrs with 54%humidity and a NE wind @19mphs.  The rain and high winds came through around midnight and lasted till around 3am.  It's pretty chilly out there this morning but it suppose to warm up this afternoon.

The wife is taking me to lunch today at Cotton Patch inside of the Temple Mall.  This is one of the nicest restaurants in the mall.  She plans on doing some shopping at Dillard's afterwards.  I'll just tag along and burn off lunch    There's nothing planned for the rest of the day once we get back home except to relax.  I'm getting used to this relaxing thing   

Once the weather stabilizes I'll be outside working on my boats and getting things ready for the upcoming fishing trips.  One of the biggest things that needs to occur prior to these trips is for the lakes to fill back up with water.  It's pretty dangerous out there now if you don't pay attention to your surroundings.  Launching is a major undertaking at some ramps.

Hope everyone has a pleasant and relaxing day today.  Y'all be safe out there. 

[Bud Kennedy]

Temps to 79 today but a stout wind from the W makes it feel a lot cooler.  Been feeling a little poorly this week anyway.  Sunday I had chills and all my joints and muscles ached.  The last few days have been good after taking some pain meds.  Today however the chills and aches have returned.  I decided to stay home today and forego the bowling planned for today.  Maybe tomorrow will be better.  On top of all that I seem to also have a bit of intestinal problem that has made the day a bit worse.  I don't have a fever or the sniffles just chills and aching joints and muscles including a dull headache.  Oh well, hopefully that too shall pass.

[Donald Garner]

Good morning to all,

We're starting the morning off with partly sunny skies and forecasted temps of 27-51dgrs with 51%humidity and a N wind @11mphs.   These bright sunny skies fool y'all till you get outside with the N wind blowing.  It's a little on the chilly side 

I have a couple errands to tend to this morning but after that its back into the relaxing mode   

Bud; Sure hope you get to feeling better. 

To everyone I hope your day is a pleasant and enjoyable one.

[topdsm0138]

Afternoon guys.

Autocorrect has been going haywire on ky phone lately and I've been noticing a lot of misspelled words, so I apologize for any terrible replies or posts.

Now, I moved my PolarKraft to a buddys house, until my Dodge R/T sells. Once it sells, I'll move the PK into the garage I rent and start on building my floor. Man, it will be nice to have it stored out of the weather, especially in storm season. Decided on buildi g an aluminum frame for the flooring, coating a sheet of plywood with resin or epoxy and topping it off with some astroturf. Since my son has decided he doesn't want to go fishing as much anymore, I can build me out a front deck w/storage under, along with get me a foot controlled MinnKota for once.

22 months left on my military contract and I'll pretty much be retired, so I will be able to start fully enjoying my weekends again.

Almost finished filing for my VA Disability from OEF & OIR, along with finalizing our inheritance from my father-in-law. So we can usey VA Loan to get an actual house, no more mobile home!

Have a great one everyone.

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

[Donald Garner]

Good afternoon to everyone,

We've had partly sunny skies across Central Texas today.  Our forecasted temps were 30-55dgrs with 42%humidity with a S wind @ 10mphs.  We got another front moving into the area later on.  This one is bringing in some warmer weather with it.  Temps are forecasted to be in the mid 50's for lows and low 80's for the highs   

Somewhat lazy morning at the start.  The wife fixed egg sandwiches for breakfast.  We made a trip down to Salado, TX this morning to find a school her and her Master Gardner Friends will be working at on Monday morning.  Stopped in at Walmart and did a little grocery shopping.  The rest of the day has been relaxing for the most part.  I watched The Bassmaster's LIVE show from the Big O.  I'm going to watch the Weigh in when it comes on also.  The rest of the evening will be in the recliner watching tv.

Top; Have fun redoing your boat.  That is something I've always enjoy doing > Tinkering with my boats <

I hope everyone has had a pleasant Saturday so far.  Be safe in your travels if you have to get out and about.

[Dark3]

 The weather has turned back to s*** the last couple days. More white stuff falling from the sky. Today I started making a new rod/reel wall mount. The wife loves me enough to let me put it in the living room lol. I have the whole house at my disposal but being that Im typically a bit of a reel enthusiast I think they look really nice. Plan is to mount a shotgun under them. The rest of my fishing area will be downstairs near the gym area. Too cold to leave stuff out in the garage thats for sure. In the summer alot of if not all the rods will be in the boat, in the garage. Our new Suburu Outback is on a truck from the factory. Loaded up Onxy edition XT. We ordered it back in November I believe. Its the wifes new car, and her old car a crosstrek is going down to my daughter. We replaced the front brake pads and rotors on that car this morning. I feel guilty that I took the last 2 days off of the gym. Daughter and I went today and got there 3 minutes before it closed so here is a 3rd day off. Trying to get in a lift day before I do Cardio again which I can just do here on the treadmill.

Don, glad to here you are taking it easy.

Top, I bet you are getting excited about hanging up the Patrol Cap soon. Check out tiny boat nation for ideas for that framing and deck.


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[Donald Garner]

Good morning to all,

We've started the day off with overcast skies across Central Texas.  Forecasted temps for today are 55-69dgrs with 75%humidity and a SE wind @ 6mphs.  Our 10 day forecast is looking great with temps in the mid 50's for the lows / 70's > low 80's for the highs.

Nothing exciting happening around here today.  I fixed breakfast and attended church on line.  I got the laundry done for the week and got the breakfast dishes all washed and put away. The rest of the day is going to be spent on line watching fishing and sitting in the recliner relaxing watching tv later on.

Allen; I hate that white stuff and the cleanup that follows its.  Your rod and reel wall mount looks great.  After I get my boats cleaned up etc. I'm going to move all my rods and reels back out into the boats.  I keep them in the garage hanging up on peg board during the Winter months.


To everyone y'all have a pleasant and relaxing Sunday.  Be safe in your travels if you have to get out on the roadways.

[Dark3]

Good morning to all,

We've started the day off with overcast skies across Central Texas.  Forecasted temps for today are 55-69dgrs with 75%humidity and a SE wind @ 6mphs.  Our 10 day forecast is looking great with temps in the mid 50's for the lows / 70's > low 80's for the highs.

Nothing exciting happening around here today.  I fixed breakfast and attended church on line.  I got the laundry done for the week and got the breakfast dishes all washed and put away. The rest of the day is going to be spent on line watching fishing and sitting in the recliner relaxing watching tv later on.

Allen; I hate that white stuff and the cleanup that follows its.  Your rod and reel wall mount looks great.  After I get my boats cleaned up etc. I'm going to move all my rods and reels back out into the boats.  I keep them in the garage hanging up on peg board during the Winter months.


To everyone y'all have a pleasant and relaxing Sunday.  Be safe in your travels if you have to get out on the roadways.

Thats ALOT of combos! My short term goal is about 10 and then Ill probly slowly add to over the years. If only I havent sold gear over the years. Ive had so many high end reels. For example Ive had 3 Aldebarens over the years, 2 of them JDM and never even fished them just always buying and swapping gear. I just let go one of them here on the forum because I switched to lefties. Water is still hard but its like a revelation the way they feel in my smart hand. My biggest regret that I let go was a Steez limited I bought about 10 years ago. That reel is impossible to find for reasonable money now.


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[Donald Garner]

Good morning to everyone,

We started the day off with overcast skies. Our forecasted temps for today are 59-81dgrs. with 82%humidity and a SE wind @ 12mphs. 

Somewhat busy morning here.  We had the HVAC techs come out and do a Spring check of our system.  All is good and there weren't any issues found with the system.  The wife started cleaning house she got 2 -3 bathrooms cleaned.  I knocked the last one out after the HVAC tech left.  I don't have anything on my list to get accomplished but I'm sure the wife will find something for me to do

While out with the tech checking the AC unit I noticed the next door neighbor is having a skylight installed in one of the rooms.  I wonder how long that's going to last before it starts leaking?  She just had a new roof installed on her house a couple weeks ago.

Allen; I remember when you were buying all those reels.  You had a really nice collection going on there.   For sure stuff cost a lot more than it did when you were buying those.  I hope you're able to get back into that again. 

I have rods that I keep in the Stratos and G3 all the time during the fishing season.  This way all I got to do is just hook the truck up to the boat and head towards the lake.  I have combos I use only when I fish as a co-angler also.  This way I don't have to go out into the boats and grab an outfit.  Sometime I have people that fish with me that don't have any equipment.  I let them use some of my stuff also.  I generally keep those rods hanging up in the garage.

To everyone I hope today is a really pleasant and relaxing day for y'all.  Be safe in your travels if you have to get out and about.

[Bud Kennedy]

Routine Dr. appointment today and all is well except for a weight gain this winter.  That is always good to hear, especially when you are an old geezer.  After a stop at Home depot and another stop at Lowes foods for some chicken tenders for tonights supper it was home for about 30 minutes when the Mrs returned from her Physical therapy that was cut short today as one of the therapists called in sick.    Shortly after the wife's return home Walmart called and I had a prescription ready for pick up so off I went to pick it up and also get some gas in the Expedition.  Good price today  $2.95. 

Next job on my plate is to do the taxes and get that all taken care of.  Warming trend here at the Beach with some temps will reach 80 by Thursday.  Currently it is 75 and a light breeze with some high cloudiness.  The rest of the week is shaping up to be quite nice.  Won't be long now until I will be bringing home the Ranger for a clean up and hopefully a run on the river if the weather continues to cooperate.

Donald, what is your forecast for getting some water in your lakes.  If it stays dry down there where will you have to go to exercise the Stratos?

[Donald Garner]

Greetings to everyone from Belton, TX 

Its the start of a beautiful day across Central Texas.  We got Blue Bird skies with forecasted temps of 68-81dgrs. with 86% humidity and a S wind @ 5mphs.  We have lots of sun in the up coming forecasts this week 

I got a couple errands to run today.  I have an appointment this Saturday for an MRI and I need to go and find this clinic at the hospital.  I'm going to take the Stratos and get the tires aired up on the trailer.  They're looking a little low from sitting all Winter.  The wife is off doing her thing today I'll see her later on this afternoon.  I have nothing else planned for today.

Bud;  Glad to hear you had a good doctor's appointment.  A little weight gain isn't too bad after a long Winter.  Our gas prices around here are hanging around the $2.78 dollar range. 

There isn't any heavy rain forecasted in the future at all.  If the drought conditions etc. continues and the lakes continue to get drawn down the Corps of Engineers will close the lakes to all recreational usage for safety reasons.  Both Belton and Stillhouse Lakes provide water to the communities South of our area down towards Austin and the surrounding areas.  This has happened before during the previous drought seasons.   All I can do is dump some fuel additives in the Stratos and let her sit in the storage area with the cover on it.

Hopefully this Spring and early Summer we'll get some rain.  If it doesn't occur then neither boat will get used.  Nolan Lake over on Ft. Hood is really low also.  The only place to fish on that lake is the main creek channel.  All of the flats and coves are dried up or fixing to be.  There aren't any launch ramps there so it would be really easy to get stuck trying to launch.

To everyone one I hope your day is a good one.  Y'all be safe out there.

[Bud Kennedy]

Pollen season has started here at the beach   This morning the Expedition has a light coat of the yellow stuff.  The last few days of spring like weather has the trees starting to bud a bit and the grass is greening up so I guess that is the source of the pollen.  The worst pollen comes from the pine trees in our area.  Temps today hit 80 and warm weather mostly into the 70s will continue through the week with a chance of rain maybe on Saturday.  Feels like it is time to bring the boat home even if it is just to re load the tackle and safety stuff.  I also need to maintenance the trailer hubs.  Soon I will also change the lower unit fluids.  Also planning on giving the carpet a good cleaning.  Always a special time in the spring to be able to mess with the boat.

Ordered some replacement drive wheels for the mower and a new mower blade also.  Need to stop by lowes and pick up a spark plug and a new air filter and we should be good to go for the mowing season.  When the temps stay a little warmer at night will apply some weed and feed to the yard.  Each year we get our first 80 degree days in February and this year keeps the tradition alive.   This summer when it is 100 degrees and the humidity is sky hi you likely will find me at the bowling alley.  At least now I have something to do when it gets really hot.