What's up April 2025

Donald Garner · April 03, 2025, 11:20:47 AM

Howdy

Wow April

snuck right in on us

Welcome to April everyone. Hopefully the new month will bring improved health to those that need it. A double digit Big Ole Bass would be nice thing to hook into and have the bragging rights for the new month

Our weather here across Central Texas is what we normally have this time of the year. We got rain showers and humid weather across the area now. Forecast for today is 63-80dgrs with 88% humidity with a SE wind @ 3mphs. The 10day forecast has more rain in it. The temps are looking pretty good though with lows being in the high 40's / highs being in the high 60's> 80's.

Mission complete on getting all the flower beds cleaned up

With these rain showers we've been getting the flowers are blooming out every where. I've been sending pictures to Gail whenever I see the blooming occurring.

Got the Diesel back home and what a BIG DIFFENCE a New Turbo Charger makes WOW. That truck flat out hauls azz. I've driven that truck a lot since Dwayne and now that Pam owns it. It's never ran this great. I had a guy stop by the house a couple days ago and wanted to know if the diesel was for sale. I talked with my Daughter about it and she hasn't made up her mind yet. I sent her the bill for the Turbo Charger replacement last night. The cost just for the turbo charger was $4000.00 dollars. This is the 3rd one that been replaced since 2009.
The dollars she's and I have spent (ALOT) these past couple years is why I'll never own a diesel.

There's nothing on the 'To Do List' that is pressing. Of course there's things I could do like replace the carpet in the G3 and get it ready to sell. I'm not in the mood to get that done yet. The Stratos is still being listed on Craig's List. I posted it in Face Book yesterday. I've had a few caller's nothing serious yet.

To everyone thanks again for all the prayers for Dwayne and my family. I did an update on Prayers for My Son posting earlier this morning.

Y'all have a really pleasant day and be mindful of your surroundings. I hope the day is a good one for you and the evening ahead is a relaxing one.

Dark3 · April 03, 2025, 11:47:33 AM

Don,

Im glad your son is trending up. Sorry for the late prayers. Why are you selling the boats?

Alan

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Donald Garner · April 03, 2025, 01:06:03 PM

Quote from: Dark3 on April 03, 2025, 11:47:33 AMDon,

Im glad your son is trending up. Sorry for the late prayers. Why are you selling the boats?

Alan
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Alan I have to sell them due to my health issues I have now.

topdsm0138 · April 03, 2025, 01:52:00 PM

How's it going everyone. Just got word that the Enviromental Dept is officially done with the project that has tied up my boat the past year. So, guess that means I will be starting on my floors, front deck and front trolling motor phase of the build.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

Bud Kennedy · April 06, 2025, 09:42:16 AM

Looks like we are finally get some soaking rain on Monday. Here on the coast we have been in drought conditions for a while so the rain is much needed. Daily temps recently have been in the 80s with plenty of sun but low humidity that if starting to come up a bit. After the front moves through on Manday temps will drop into the 50s and 60s for a couple days.

The wife and I both have been fighting some medical issues. After some minor outpatient surgery the wife has an oncology appointment on this coming Friday. It is a bit frightening but we are dealing with things as they come. We still don't have a final diagnosis but hopefully after Friday we will have a better idea of what she is dealing with. I think prayers will be needed to help her through the treatments. I am still struggling with an ongoing lung infection that is slowly improving but a long way from where it needs to be. Kind of a one step at a time deal. I have lost about 25 pounds so far and have had to go buy some clothes that fits. My old clothes just fall off of me and I look like a bag man trying to wear them. My weight after the last doctors appointment had dropped down to 155 from my normal (but chunky) 180. The weight loss has happened over a period of 2 months. I am starting to eat better but cant eat all that much at a time. I do not want to be this lite and hopefully I can stop the slide.

Still have not got the boat ready to sell. It really does not need anything other than a good cleaning and some routine spring maintenance. Just have not felt up to doing what I need to do. I am now thinking that I will sell the Ranger 365V for $5K. This will provide a good price for a new owner who will want to do things like replace the batteries or update the electronics, pumps etc. I have very basic electronics that is fine for me but a new owner might want something a bit newer. The Ranger is a 1991 and has provided years of good service.

topdsm0138 · April 06, 2025, 04:17:59 PM

Afternoon guys. Man, this lure was on fire Saturday. I got bass, peacocks, clowns, and snakeheads on it. Lost it on a clown when my rod snapped. Good news was that I found two at Tackle Warehouse.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

Donald Garner · April 13, 2025, 05:27:29 PM

Good evening to everyone,

We've had a wide range of weather here across Central Texas this past week or so. Today's forecast is 62-90dgrs with Clear Blue Skies and some really strong winds. We're looking at 31%humidity with a S wind at 17mphs. There a HIGH WIND advisory out now till later on tonight.

Been kinda busy around here working in the yard and spending time talking with Gail about Dwayne's situation. I did a quick update on him earlier on Dock Talk. Bottom line is this, his second surgery to reattach the flap over his brain and reattach his skull was very successful. Thank you all for the daily prayers for him and my wife. They monitored him for a day or so after the surgery and gave him a clean bill of health for flying back down here to Texas. Thursday afternoon I'm heading to Austin to pick them up. I'll be glad when they get here so Gail can rest. I know she's stressed out to the max.

Dwayne will have to attend Speech Therapy Classes for a while here our our regional hospital. Don't know how long could be a couple months or it could be longer. We'll take it one day at a time though. I'm just glad he's vertical and breathing.

I'm putting the finishing touches on cleaning up the G3. I just finished putting new carpet in it and I'm redoing some of the wiring. I'm getting ready to put it up for sale also. I got the Stratos for sale on Face Book & Craig's list. I've had a few guys stop by and look it over and ask a bunch of questions. Couple guys had cash on hand but changed their minds over night. Oh well I've learned a few things about selling this boat. I'm in no hurry some one that's really interested in it will be getting a Real Sweet Deal when they buy it.

Bud; I got you and your wife in my daily prayers my good man. I hope you both get to feeling a lot better soon. Good luck with selling your Ranger. I hope you get what your asking for it. IMO it's worth more than what you're asking for it. FYI I went on line and found out what the Average Price was for my year and model of my Stratos. I took the high end price of it being in Really Good condition etc and I set that as my price. Of course I already knew those wanting to buy it was going to talk me down.

I have a Bottom Line Price in my mind that I'll let it go for that price. It's killing me seeing it sit in the storage yard covered up and I can't use due to my health. With all of that I'm not going to give it away either.

Top; Glad you're able to get out on the water. Tks for stopping by and sharing the day with us also.

To everyone ya'll have a pleasant and relaxing evening ahead. Safe travels for everyone if you have to be out and about.

topdsm0138 · April 13, 2025, 07:42:52 PM

Hope all are doing well. Been taki g the boat out every Saturday for the past three weeks. Man, the bite had been great. Even trying a few spots that I always overlook. Started making a list of things I want to change or add to it. Hey, gotta do something with my weekends now that I'm not allowed on the mountain bike trails (VA Dr's orders...again..) and I'm retired from the military. Lol.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

Bud Kennedy · April 16, 2025, 01:04:05 PM

Just wanted to report some great news from the Kennedy household. As you know, my wife has been going through some medical diagnostic actions about a problem she has been having. Her local OBGYN declared that in her experience it was a very high likely hood that she has some cancer as part of her female organs. It has now been determined by the specialists at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) that there is no cancer present. There is still some follow up procedures to complete for an ongoing corrective treatment but it was a clear relief that she does not have cancer.

It is amazing to me that we go from a high likely hood of more than 99% chance of cancer to a 0% chance. We are truly blessed by this discovery and want to thank all of you who offered their prayers and support.

topdsm0138 · April 16, 2025, 01:53:22 PM

Quote from: Bud Kennedy on April 16, 2025, 01:04:05 PMJust wanted to report some great news from the Kennedy household. As you know, my wife has been going through some medical diagnostic actions about a problem she has been having. Her local OBGYN declared that in her experience it was a very high likely hood that she has some cancer as part of her female organs. It has now been determined by the specialists at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) that there is no cancer present. There is still some follow up procedures to complete for an ongoing corrective treatment but it was a clear relief that she does not have cancer.

It is amazing to me that we go from a high likely hood of more than 99% chance of cancer to a 0% chance. We are truly blessed by this discovery and want to thank all of you who offered their prayers and support.

That's AWESOME news. (I can't find the clapping emoji right now....)

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

Donald Garner · April 16, 2025, 07:39:35 PM

Bud that is Great News🤗. Tks for the update. We'll still keep y'all in my daily prayers.

Oldfart9999 · April 17, 2025, 04:31:16 PM

Hi guys. I know it's been a while since I've posted anything, just haven't had the heart for much of anything.
These last 4 years or so have been a bit rough, my wife had to have both hips replaced and I have a list of items.
For me it started with a back surgery, discectomy/laminotomy, I had a badly bulged disc and stenosis that closed one side of a vertebrae. The surgery was quick, the disc burst as the Doctor was trimming it, that was all that happened and the surgery was done quickly. I had 1 day in the hospital and was sent home, pain gone. At my follow up the incision was infected but some wonder drugs took care of that quickly, then took almost 3 months for the incision to heal, I had a hole in ,y back. Needless to say that ended my fishing for the year.
After the back was done I had to have my left shoulder replaced, joint number 4, it was August before I got back on the water, not often , short trips only. I then had a fall, don't know what happened, just fell on my right side then woke up on my own driveway, I had been out for a walk. My right shoulder, hip and knee took the brunt of it but rather quickly healed up. The right hip then flared up and I wound up having to have it replaced.
I sold my boat and got rid of my truck, the truck needed to have the frame welded, that's a no go for me, so I sold my boat. The chevy cruise we had I sold and picked up a Toyota RAV 4, wouldn't tow my boat. In 03 I bought a 14 foot StarCraft, 1976, with 1986 Merc 10 on it, it's only been on the water once, ran like a bear, no leaks, haven't been able to get back to it.
. Last year I had to have my back injections, took forever, in the meantime I needed my prostrate to be worked on, took over a month to get into the Urologist's office, it had become huge and my PSA test was way over the top, first thing mentioned was cancer, off for a CT scan that showed everything normal, no dreaded C
word. I needed to have the prostate cut up, at this point It was difficult to pee, took over a month to get the surgery set up, got it done and had every complication I could have, not being able to pee, that was tough, catheter plugged, that wasn't so bad, just 8 hours in emergency to get it taken care of. 6 months but I pee now. I would rathe go through a total knee replacement, it's easier.
While I was healing up from that I needed to get my back injections including for sciatica. got them everything was going fine except.....
The sciatica bounced back with a vengeance, if stand for more than a few minutes I'm in pain. I'm on oxycodone and arthritis strength acetaminophen, when they start wearing off the pain starts up and it comes back 9 out of ten pain level. My neurosurgeon retired so I'm going to another, I have an appointment for May 30th, the Doctors around here are very busy. Needless to say my boat won't won't hitting the water soon, when I'm back on my feet I'm putting a deck between the middle and bow seat, so it'll become a baby bass boat. I have to mount a apiece on the bow for a trolling motor, Terrova from Minn Kota. I have 2 Lowrance units for the boat, my batteries will go in front of the middle seat to balance the boat out.
Hope I can remember how to catch a bass. I'm really itching to get out on the water again, I turn 80 next month so I don't a lot of years left.
I'll check in every so often to get caught up on what's happening and to reacquaint myself to the site and everyone else.
Rodney

Bud Kennedy · April 17, 2025, 04:48:03 PM

Rodney, so good to see you posting. Have been wondering what was going on in your life and was worried about all those medical issues you and your wife have been dealing with. Don't be a stranger for so long we missed you around here even if you just stop in to say yellow and know you are still kicking

Oldfart9999 · April 17, 2025, 07:08:44 PM

Thanks Bud, there's still hope to finally get back on the water even if it'll be later in the year. Good to be back on the site Rodney

Donald Garner · April 18, 2025, 09:41:49 AM

Good morning to everyone,

Weather forecast for across Central Texas today is 70-88dgrs with partly sunny skies and lots of wind.
There's a wind advisory out with winds gusting to 22mphs.

Got the family home late yesterday evening. Their flight from Seattle was delay for an hour. They got into to Austin and had to sit on the tarmac for a bit till a gate opened for them. It's great having the wife and son back home for sure. Now comes all the continued rehab that he'll have to attend for speech therapy etc. Guys and to everyone Thank You for all the prayers

There's nothing happening around here today it's so darn windy to be working outside. Guess I'll just tinker around on the computer.

Rodney; My Good Man it's great seeing you on line buddy. I've had you in my daily prayers. I know the last time we talked you were busy taking care of your wife. Thanks for stopping in and providing us an update.

To everyone I hope your day is a pleasant one and Happy Easter to everyone. Ya'll be safe in your travels this weekend. Be mindful of your surroundings while your out and about.

Oldfart9999 · April 18, 2025, 01:33:34 PM

Thanks Donald, good to be back if only occasionally for now.
Rodney

Donald Garner · April 20, 2025, 01:41:17 PM

Greetings to everyone,

Happy Easter to everybody.

Weather across Central Texas started off wet this morning. We had some thunderstorm move across the area. There was a lot of thunder and lighting but for the most part light rain. Forecast for later on today calls for partly sunny skies 55-82dgrs with 46%humidity with a W wind @ 10mphs. We're looking at a couple days of rain next week but mostly partly sunny skies lows in the 60's highs in the mid 80's.

Nothing planned here today except relaxation. We attended church this morning stopping in at Olive Garden for lunch. The belly's full and I hear the recliner calling my name

To everyone hope your Easter Sunday is a pleasant and relaxing one. Be safe in your travels if you're out and about.

topdsm0138 · April 23, 2025, 06:47:42 PM

They say dogs can't lie...

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

topdsm0138 · April 24, 2025, 03:27:27 PM

Afternoon all. Cut a section of 1/4" aluminum from my stock (I have two 4'x8'x14" sheets) to make a bow mounting plate on the Polarkraft. Now to go "mock it up" to see where I will be trimming, then I can weld it up. The joy of having two aluminum welders.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

topdsm0138 · April 24, 2025, 03:29:20 PM

Quote from: topdsm0138 on April 24, 2025, 03:27:27 PMAfternoon all. Cut a section of 1/4" aluminum from my stock (I have two 4'x8'x14" sheets) to make a bow mounting plate on the Polarkraft. Now to go "mock it up" to see where I will be trimming, then I can weld it up. The joy of having two aluminum welders.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

Forgot my pics..

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

Donald Garner · April 25, 2025, 10:04:15 AM

Good morning to all,

Overcast skies with several chances of thunderstorms through out the day here in Central Texas. Our forecast for today is 68-82dgrs w/96%humidity a SE wind @ 5mphs. It's a dreary humidit day here in Central Texas.

Not much happening here today. I think we're going to the movies here latter on this afternoon. The Accountant II is playing. Tomorrow Dwayne and I are taking in the Weigh In of the Texas Team Trail Tournament here on Belton Lake. He's never been to a live weigh in before. It will be interesting to see how the fishery is as I've not been fishing in 4yrs now.

I hope everyone is doing well I don't spend much time on here as I use too. Other things have occupied my time as of late.

Top; Sounds like a good project you got going there? Where's the pictures $:-\$

To everyone hope your day today is a pleasant one and the evening ahead is a relaxing one. Y'all be safe in your travels and as always be mindful of your surroundings.

Bud Kennedy · April 25, 2025, 12:18:05 PM

Brought the Ranger home today so I can clean her up and perform routine spring style maintenance. We had a short hail event here on Wednesday afternoon and I wanted to see how the cover made out as it is not quite old and would be subject to some tears or have some holes due to the hail. Hail did not amount to all that much and the cover was fine.

I did have a problem backing in the driveway because the trailer brakes came on. It appears the connector from the boat to the truck might have some problems so I will have to apply some dielectric grease to see how that goes.

The other thing is that boat is big time dirty after sitting in the storage lot for so long. No big deal I will get it taken care of in the days ahead. I want to have it all done before the community yard sale on May 3rd. You never know who must might be looking for a boat or knows someone who is.

topdsm0138 · April 26, 2025, 04:31:43 PM

Today I learned just how much abuse a Dobyns Fury rod (705CB) and Dobyns Maverick casting reel could take. Answer: a 5 1/2' gator.

Jackwagon ate my rattletrap.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

topdsm0138 · April 27, 2025, 10:56:44 AM

Have to vent, went out to Lake O just to do some bank hopping. Tried Belle Glade & Pahokee Marinas. It was insane today. Everyone wanted to cast overtop of you as soon as you got a hit. And the WORST thing is all the "Indigenous People" there want to fight you because you won't give them the fish you caught and release it. Think I had just about every racial slur they have, thrown at me today, just for catching fish..Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.

Now that I got that out of my system, I hit the North end of the Lox Wildlife Refuge on my way in and the peacocks there were out in force again. The Glades and Lake bite has been awesome lately.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

Donald Garner · April 27, 2025, 06:06:15 PM

Good evening to everyone,

Central Texas weather here lately has been a lot of rain with high winds. We're looking at 71-84dgrs for today with 63%humidity and a S wind @ 10mph. Our 10day forecast has some rain mixed in with temps in the high 70's low 80's for the days ahead.

Busy week ahead with some yard work getting done. With all this past rain the weeds have gotten out of control. The wife is home now and she plans on tackling those flower beds. I'm into the mowing and trimming of the yard. Dwayne is re-staining the front the front porch and steps.

I've had a few individuals stop by and check out the Stratos and G3 I got for sale. The nature of people I'm seeing are they want something for nothing. I'm not asking for anything above FAIR MARKET VALUE for either boat. The weather is suppose to be fairly nice on Thursday this week. Dwayne and I will be taking the Stratos out for a run. Both local lakes have been drawn back down and it's a real shame. Summer isn't here yet along with the Texas Hot Summers and the CORP is already drawing the lakes down.

Top; Tks for stopping by and sharing the day with us. Yep there's some real AH's out there when it comes to Catch and Release. It was a little bit like that in Alaska when it came to COMBAT FISHING there on Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage. Hey tight lines on the future trips and don't forget to share the up grade pictures of your boat project.

Bud; My good man glad your up and about. Good luck with getting the Ranger for sale. I was surprised too when I pulled the cover off the Stratos of sitting all Winter how nasty and dirty it was. Hope your wife is getting to feeling better as well as yourself.

To everyone y'all have a pleasant and relaxing evening ahead. Hope the week ahead is a productive one for everyone. Be safe in your travels and be mindful of your surroundings.