What's up May 2025

Donald Garner · May 02, 2025, 10:29:32 AM

Good morning to everyone,

It's May and Wow time sure is flying by

We're glad everyone is here and hopefully the aches and pains that we all have will be much less this month than last month. I have everyone in my daily prayers for the good health to be on going.

Our weather here around Texas is normal for this time of year. We have these POP UP Thunderstorms with high winds, hail and sometimes some heavy rains. That's the forecast for today. All this nasty weather is suppose to arrived around noon and later on in the early evening. Temps for today are 59-73dgrs with 84%humidity with a NE wind @ 5mphs.

Nothing exciting happening around here today. Made a quick trip to Walmart to restock our bottle water supply. I went out and tinkered around on the Stratos for a little bit. I got a guy stopping by at 10am tomorrow for a Test Ride. Hopefully we'll close the deal tomorrow.

Texas Team Trail Bass Tournament Circuit is having an event tomorrow on Belton Lake. We might stop in later on the afternoon to watch the weigh in. Yesterday while Dwayne and I were out taking a ride in the Stratos I counted 10 boats out on the lake. There were more pleasure boaters out than fishermen. I guess the lake is still off limits to the tournament anglers.

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

Again welcome to May

Canesfan · May 02, 2025, 11:30:45 AM

Donald,
Thank for the update. Hope your boat sale goes well for you tomorrow. Please send that rain here to South Florida. We are in severe draught conditions and can REALLY use it. I know the Everglades is really low and fishing is amazing due to the fish being concentrated in the canals due to low water conditions. Unfortunately I haven't been out there in a couple of years or so because I don't have a boat and people that do that I used to fished with moved, actually died, and don't take their boat out so I just read with envy.

Glad your son is doing better.

EasyKasting · May 02, 2025, 12:12:31 PM

Donald — Appreciate the update and the welcome to the UB family earlier. Hope the boat test ride goes well tomorrow. Have a good day yourself.

Pat Dilling · May 02, 2025, 01:50:48 PM

Good luck with the boat sale! Hope it turns out the way you want. I always look forward to May. Seems that's when the fish really start going nuts around here. Yesterday we caught about 100 fish at Lake Oroville (really!). Last week we we had an overcast day with a breeze and had over 60, including some crankbait fish. Nice to have a reaction bite. In a couple weeks, our old guys fishing club is heading for our annual 4 day trip to Lake Shasta. Fishing is usually awesome, and the friendship and good food are always great! A buddy and I had another trip to El Salto in Mexico planned for late May, but the outfitters have closed down due to risk of violence. We are posponing to next year and hope things will settle down. I ave made friends with guides and staff down there and am concerned for their well being. ON a non-fishing note, next week I will go help our daughters winery bottle their latest vintage. Always fun, and I get paid with some excellent wine!

Hope everyone can get out and get their strings pulled!!

topdsm0138 · May 03, 2025, 08:27:49 AM

Good morning y'all. Out on the lake again, just cruising and scouting a few new spots. Was funny because I made all the "broccoli haired" kids at ramp mad this morning. They had their daddys glitter rockets out and one said "where's your FFS on that junk?!" I replied (loud enough for everyone on the dock to hear.) "If you need FFS to catch fish, you definitely SUCK at fishing kiddos!" I swear, it was like watching a bunch of chimpanzees at the zoo after that.

Hope y'all are having as fun of a day as I am.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

topdsm0138 · May 04, 2025, 07:01:52 AM

Morning guys. Went out yesterday and scouted a few new spots. Water levels are a little down, but not a problem for tin cans like mine. Found a few big shellrock rock piles and a few sunken trees, even found what appears to be a sunken jon boat in about 10 feet of water (Lake Ida). Honestly now that the water levels are low, I'd like to get back on Torry, Ritta & Kreamer on Okeechobee and explore the old farms. It's a perfect time to do it.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

EasyKasting · May 04, 2025, 01:06:38 PM

Good report. Low water like that is the perfect time to really learn a lake's structure. Those old Okeechobee farm areas sound like a good target.

Donald Garner · May 10, 2025, 08:45:45 AM

Good morning to all,

Beautiful bright sunny day here in Central Texas

Forecast for today is 57-78dgrs with 81%humidity with a N wind @ 8mphs. 10 day forecast is looking like lots of sun with low's in the 70's highs in the mid 90's.

Busy day yesterday here at the homestead. Sold the Stratos yesterday to the guy I took on a test drive last Saturday. He and his son are all happy now. I hope they enjoy it as much as I did for the past 16yrs.

Got the outside yard work done mowing and trimming. Dwayne spent the day redoing (Staining) the front porch and steps. My wife had lots of energy she washed her Cruze and Trailblazer. She vacuumed and cleaned all the windows too

Nothing exciting happening here today. Got some errands to tend too a trip to the bank, Walmart and gas station.

I've decided to hang on to my G3 for a while. The Grandkids are coming down this Summer and want to be out on the lake. Dwayne can take them out in that boat.

Glad to see Top & Pat out on the water. Tight lines guys on your next outing.

To everyone hope your weekend here is going to be a pleasant one. Y'all be safe in your travels and be mindful of your surroundings.

Bud Kennedy · May 10, 2025, 10:21:25 AM

Took the Ranger back to storage yesterday. Hopefully after the upcoming medical stuff if taken care of I can bring her back. Wife has her surgery on this coming Monday and after that we will know what we are dealing with. A problem was found during her recent MRI that requires more investigation. All this will take place on Monday.

My neighbor mowed our yard yesterday. He is a younger guy and just did it to be neighborly. I have hired a lawn guy who will be doing the lawn for now or until I am able to resume doing it myself.

Donald, congratulations on the sale of the Stratos. I have had a few lookers on the Ranger but no one really serious as yet. Most just seem to be looking for a super super super deal. one guy wanted me to sell it to him in a deal where he would pay me so much per month. No thanks for that one thats for sure.

Good choice to keep the G3 for a little while. I am sure Dwayne will be able to put it to good use when the kids come down.

Donald, I see your area has had some weather from hell recently. Have there been any problems in your area?

Donald Garner · May 10, 2025, 02:40:54 PM

Bud, tks for the medical update on you and your wife. I have both of ya'll in my daily prayers. That was nice of the neighbor to come over and mow for ya. Lawn care business is a HUGE thing done here. My wife had a couple contractors come in while I was in Iraq to see what they would charge. After the cost was provided to her she decided to go to Lowe's and buy a riding mower.

I had my Stratos for sale in Face Book and on Craig's list. I had a quiet of few calls wanting to make deals but they were all fishy sounding to me. You are so right about them wanting to score a big deal on the buy. They want something really nice for NOTHING

Good luck with your sale I hope you get close to or right at what you're asking for it. It's a really nice looking boat from the pictures you've shared with us.

Our weather here lately has been really bad. Some of that stuff you've seen on the weather channel or heard about actually went around us. We've had some hail storms nothing really bad like last year. Most of the hail this time was the size of a water bottle cap maybe a little smaller. We've had lots of rain thought.

caddyjoe77 · May 10, 2025, 10:38:53 PM

sure has flown by!! have not been around much, or doing much fishing for that matter. However, this has changed recently and been taking more "me" time. Took last week off, got out friday afternoon and going in the AM. Kitty gotta eat!!

topdsm0138 · May 11, 2025, 09:10:39 AM

Hmm...for some odd reason, this wasn't on my subscribed threads list. But hope all are doing well. Thinking of trading my sports car for a Wrangler. It can still pull my tin can and has 4x4 for those slicker ramps.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

Donald Garner · May 12, 2025, 11:36:29 PM

Top, that's a nice looking vehicle there. I would think that it will get the job done towing your boat.
Good luck with making the decision to purchase it.

Donald Garner · May 13, 2025, 10:03:45 AM

Greetings to everyone,

Its the start of a Bright Sunny, Breezy Hot day here across Central Texas

We're looking at 73-96dgrs with 71% humidity with a S wind @ 14mphs. Summer's not here yet but we're going to be having Summer like temps across the area for the next few days

Got a medical appointment with my Kidney Doctor this afternoon. This is the only medical appointment I got this month.

Dwayne and I are tinkering around with the G3 getting it water ready. We tried to fire up the engine yesterday after it sitting since Sept last year. It wouldn't fire up so we're getting rid of the old gas and changing out the spark plugs here tomorrow. Once we get it fired up we'll make a trip over to Belton Lake and run up Cowhouse Creek with it. Now that the Stratos is gone the G3 will be getting more use. I'll let Dwayne take it out and run it.

I hope everyone has a really pleasant day today. Ya'll be safe in your travels if you're out and about. Lastly be mindful of your surroundings also

caddyjoe77 · May 15, 2025, 03:35:26 PM

howdy yall. just another boring week full of BS that is almost over. Mounted the goPro on a yolotek stick on the kitty. tweaking a couple things but should be able to have videos up soon.

hope all are well. Donald, glad you only had one appointment this month and have fun in the G3!!

Donald Garner · May 16, 2025, 02:41:16 PM

Good afternoon to everyone,

It's another warm day here in Central Texas. Our temps for today are 75-92dgrs with 63%humidity with a S wind @ 13mphs.

We finished tinkering around with the G3 yesterday. Once we changed out the old gas and installed new spark plugs the 25hp Yamaha fired right up. Dwayne and I took the G3 out this morning and made a run up Cowhouse Creek to the East Range Road Bridge on Ft. Hood on Belton Lake. It's been a good while since I ridden in the G3 and I'm feeling it right now. The run up was not an issue but the run back with the wind blowing it was bone jargon

Lots of great memories came back as we motored up Cowhouse Creek. Carl Johnson (former UB member) and I have stuck & boated some real head shakers up there

While out riding around I got to looking at the front deck and have decided to remove the Power Pole Butt Seat set up for a sit down folded seat. This will enable me to sit and rest and stand to flip and pitch when I want too. This switch will able Dwayne to better control his kids when they come down and want to go boating also.

My kidney doctor visit on Tuesday went really GREAT...he told me according to my blood test I've made some real progress. So much so that he decided to reduce my med's I'm taking

That made my day right there

Not much happen here this coming weekend. We might take a trip down to the BPS down in Round Rock and wonder through the store. I'm sure there's nothing there I really need but it been a while since we've been there.

Caddyjoe; Man it's been a while since your last visit. Tks for dropping by and sharing the day with us. Tight lines on your next trip out buddy.

To everyone ya'll have a Great Weekend ahead. Be safe in your travels if you're out and about. Tight lines for all those heading out to the water also.

Bud Kennedy · May 16, 2025, 03:50:39 PM

Donald good news on your medical issue. Keep up the good work. Good job getting the motor running and the ride on the water. I sure miss doing being out in the boat also.

Weather has been the warmest of the season. At this moment the thermometer is showing 95 and the skies are high and bright and humidity is also up into the ugly categories. I guess summer is heading for the beach right on schedule. This is the last weekend of Harley Bike Week and the roads are full of bikes everywhere you go. Most bike rally attendees for this rally are of the bit older generations with big bellies and grey beards but they sure seem to be having a nice time. Good turnout this year so I am sure the local merchants are doing a brisk business. Memorial day will bring another bike event that here is called Black Bike Week. The brothers all hit the town looking for fun while riding their crotch rockets. Big difference as this rally has a lot more younger people than the Harley rally. Both rallies have been held here at the beach for many decades. Both groups spend a lot of money and help the coffers of the city thats for sure.

The Mrs has received a cancer diagnosis after all this testing. We will be meeting with the doctors soon to learn about her treatment options. The Doctors have stated that her cancer is highly treatable so at least this is encouraging at this time. I'll let you know what we learn at our meeting

Princeton_Man · May 16, 2025, 07:26:50 PM

Don and Bud, Good thing I dropped in to catch up. There power in prayers, I'm keeping Garner family and the Kennedy family in mine.

Top, I'd go for the Jeep. I once owned a Jeep and that thing would go anywhere. Lot's customizing options and modifications available for them too. Just don't forget that your not behind the wheel of your sportscar, a Jeep doesn't handle curves like a sportscar.

CaddyJoe, You just reminded me... I have a Yolostick in the boat and have never used it. I'm not even sure where my cameras are. Looking forward to your videos.

Donald Garner · May 23, 2025, 12:11:35 PM

Greetings to everyone,

Beautiful day here across Central Texas this morning. We're looking at 76-94dgrs for our temps. We got 57%humidity with a SE wind @ 6mphs. The 10 day forecasts is looking like lows in the 60's with highs in the mid 80's. There's the chance for some rain thrown in there also.

I had a Lab appointment this morning for my Warfin treatment. Other than that I'm going to enjoy the AC and Recliner today. My tree removal contractor showed up early this morning and took out the 10 trees / Big Bushes I had growing along the road. I almost got T-Boned the other morning while mowing around them. Some lady was speeding and talking on her phone while driving by. It looks strange with them gone.

He's got to return here next week and finish the job with a stump grinder. I don't know if Gail is going to want to replant that area or not. I hope not, its a lot easier mowing that area without anything there. We planted there 20yrs ago to keep the across the road neighbors from parking there. They have since moved

Bud I have you and your wife in my daily prayers my good man. I hope her cancer treatments go well for her. I'll be starting my Prostate Cancer treatments here soon also. One more thing life throws at us.

To everyone ya'll have a pleasant weekend. Be safe in your travels if you're out and about.

topdsm0138 · May 25, 2025, 05:13:32 PM

Afternoon guys. I have no clue whats been going on lately. Been too run down to do anything, kind of like the life had been sucked outta me. Tried fishing twice and the heat got to me. Tried working on my car, same thing. It's like I can't "take the heat" like I used to and I spent a whole year in a desert. Is it just me or does anyone else gave this problem?

Hope all are doing well though.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

Princeton_Man · May 26, 2025, 06:28:58 AM

Quote from: topdsm0138 on May 25, 2025, 05:13:32 PMAfternoon guys. I have no clue whats been going on lately. Been too run down to do anything, kind of like the life had been sucked outta me. Tried fishing twice and the heat got to me. Tried working on my car, same thing. It's like I can't "take the heat" like I used to and I spent a whole year in a desert. Is it just me or does anyone else gave this problem?

Hope all are doing well though.

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

When was your last physical?

Donald Garner · May 26, 2025, 10:02:35 AM

Good morning to all,

Woke up to Thunder, Lighting, Hail and Heavy rain this morning

It still raining with Thunder rolling in the back ground

Our forecast for today is 62-76dgrs with 100%humidity with a W wind @ 16mphs. It's suppose to start clearing off later on this afternoon.

I was going to mow the yard this morning but all that rain, hail and wind put the brakes on that plan. Guess I'll tinker around on the computer and relax in the recliner. I'm into watching the Black List now and I got 2 more seasons left to watch. I rearmed my 2 Auto inflate life vest yesterday afternoon.
I was going to put the new boat cover on the G3 this morning but the weather has cause me to postpone that task.

I had to call Emergency Services in to check our HVAC unit late yesterday afternoon. The tech told me there's a possible leak in the coils of the unit inside the house. Instead of having him spend 5hrs here last night working I had him recharge the system. He's coming back tomorrow with all his knowledge and tools and check all the connections. I really don't like this HVAC System we have in our home. We replaced the entire HVAC System inside and out back in 2019.

Top; Hope you get to feeling better buddy. With my health condition I have all my outside work has to be completed NLT Noon when it's hot and humid. I have to take numerous breaks now also while working outside on top of drinking a lot of water. I'm only allowed to drink 5 water bottles of water a day due to my kidney issue. Like Princeton_Man mentioned you might need to have a physical done. Did you take one prior to retiring?

Jim; Hope things are going well at your home front. How's that new hobby coming along?

Hope everyone has had a pleasant and relaxing Memorial Day weekend. Y'all be safe in your travels if you're out traveling.

Princeton_Man · May 26, 2025, 07:40:18 PM

Don, I need to update all of my vests. In fact, I'm going to order the kits as soon as I finish typing this. Veterans Fishing day is coming up June 8th.

Between radios, antennas, rods, and reels, I'm staying broke.

I'm still able to spend a whole day on the water, but I can't stay in front of radios for more than a couple hours at a time. Still, I'm really enjoying the radio hobby. While I don't devote much time to it during the warm months. Still, I'm up to 78 countries and about 1200 contacts. I'm also wanting to get more involved in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and Emergency Communications (EmComm).

Lucy our 4 legged beagle/bluetick daughter is experiencing liver and kidney issues. She's 13 and been on medication for about a year to help slow progression, but the medication stopped working and she's now experiencing failure. The next week or so is going to be tough.

Bud Kennedy · May 28, 2025, 08:30:23 AM

Finally got some beneficial rain here at the beach. It has been off and on for the past few days but yesterday was a good one. More showers expected this afternoon. Weekend is forecasted to be perfect. This should allow us to finish some small outside jobs around the house.

We have an appointment with the Oncologist for the wife's treatment plan. Friday will hopefully will understand our options and what plan we will choose.

Just finished filing an insurance claim for hail damage to our roof that happened in late April. Now we will wait for a call from the adjuster to get this show on the road to replace the shingles on the house and garage. I have never filed a claim on the house so it will be interesting to see how this goes. I did have a claim with the truck a few years ago and it went smooth as silk so hopefully this claim sails through as well. Would like to have the new roof on before the hurricane season gets really busy in September and October. Looks like the probable time frame will be in early August.

I need to get serious to get the boat advertised so it can be sold. Just not looking forward to the process. Terry G sold his boat this week so now he too is boatless. I guess all us old geezers are just passing the torch so to speak. I hate getting older but it is much better than the alternative of not getting older. I just wonder what the heck to do will all my tackle and stuff. I will keep some but I sure as heck don't need as much as I have.

Donald Garner · May 28, 2025, 10:15:52 AM

Good morning to everyone,

Lots of rain with loud thunder, lighting and high winds all across Central Texas these past couple days. There's been a couple tornado to touch down in the surrounding communities nothing here where I live. Walking in the yard is like walking on a sponge the ground is full of water.

Our temps for today are 68-78dgrs with 90% humidity with a NE wind @ 8mphs. We're looking at a thunderstorm passing through the area late this afternoon.

Can't win for loosing. We replace our entire HVAC System 5yrs ago. The system has failed and is not repairable. The coils in the outside unit have sprung a leak. They don't make the parts anymore and only thing available is rebuilt parts. Gail and I are really

about this situation. A new system (Not the same brand) has been ordered hopefully here in a week or sooner they'll have the system installed. More fricking $$$ having to be spent that we could've used for something else

Nothing happening around here today. Dwayne has a medical appointment this afternoon I'm driving him too. We'll stop by and pickup his meds on the way home.

Bud; I have you and your wife in my daily prayer my good man. Sure hope the Dr's can help her with her situation. When you get that Ranger Posted on line or where ever you are going to post it. Get ready for a lot of BS calls and want'a come and check the boat out visits. Some may even want to bring their Expert to check things out. Good luck with the sale...it's going to be tough letting it go.
I had my Stratos for 16yrs and enjoyed every moment in it. It took me 2 months to sell it.

You know what I DON'T MISS IT ONE BIT NOW that's its gone. I think one reason is that I was sick for along time and didn't get to use it. The other thing is our lakes here in Central Texas were all closed during the Drought for several months. The guy that bought it lives in the next community over from me. He has 2 sons that are ATE UP with fishing. He's called me a couple times since he bought it Thanking me for selling it to him. He and his son's are really enjoying it. All my fishing tackle I used in the Stratos I let it go with the boat.
I still have all my gear I used in my G3 all 14 rods and 20 Plano boxes full of soft plastics, crankbaits, spinner baits etc.

Jim; Sorry to hear about Lucy. We now own a cat. My daughter left her cat with us when she moved back to Germany. At first we'd were just watching / taking care of him. She has since gotten a Italian Bull Mastiff dog. She doesn't thing the two will get along with one another. She asked us to keep Auggie and that she would continue to pay all the VET bills that he occurred. He's been with us now for 3 yrs. Pets sure do grow on you real quick.

Glad to hear that your new hobby is keeping you somewhat busy and congrats on being able to stay out on the water for a full day. Tight lines buddy on the next trip out.

To everyone be safe in your travels and I hope your day is being a pleasant one.