Changing Times - Being Grateful - FM Journal

[Rick G]

Greatful for my old hound. She's getting starting to get slower the last few years. This mornings walk she was really showing her age. Still very greatful to have her

[IceHawk]

Grateful I found FM 18 years ago . Over those long years I have made many friends and plan on making many more. Maybe even some eyes a few enemies  Some have moved on different venues but I still keep in touch and fish with many of them yet.  But  some have sadly past on. Just want everyone to take a moment of silence for some of previous members who are know longer with us . And I thank you for that Many know a member who is no longer with us. We all interacted chatted became friends  with someone who has past on from here. They may be gone but not forgotten.  Fished with some of theses guys and the memories will last for a lifetime! Still can see the smile on SO HADDS face when we went catfishing together that man was a trooper full of laughs. Miss you bud but know your with me in spirit when I set the hook!  This place has always been like a  second family to me. Even though I haven't met as many members as I would like to I'm making a full effort to change that by all means. By  reading and interacting with you guys on here I honestly feel like we are bonded by more than a website  I probably know you and you probably know me better than we think. Thanks to all of you on here who contribute as much as you can. Interaction laughs and smiles  will always ease the mind and bring a smile to everyone's face. . 

Edited April 2, 2020 by IceHawk

[IceHawk]

Today I reflect on and am Thankful for  some of the positives  I have seen come out of this whole mess. Sure everyone has noticed or know of people going for walks by themselves or family members and pets. Family's hanging out in there back yards, Grilling sharing laughs, Playing board games together etc. Neighbors talking to each other from back yards. Hearts in Peoples windows. American Flags in yards more now then ever,   I know I have. Maybe after this whole mess is done we all will change some. Most of us live a hustle and bustle life so to speak. We go out to eat rather than sit at a kitchen table like when we grew up. Run to bars to drown our problems, fears anxietys rather then face them and deal with them. Watch to many sports on TV's or to much TV general when our kids and spouses need that bonding time support. Put our jobs and work before family and friends. Just some of the things for all of us to ponder about? We all I'm sure have been there done that with a few of these items. Lets  all just take a deep breath and realize what's important in life. Maybe some of us have forgotten.  Call a loved one, Say Hello to a Stranger, Open a Door for a elderly Person. Give your wife and Kids or significant other some time alone together share a good heart to heart talk.  Honk a horn at someone you see walking and wave out the window. You might just bring a smile to them on a day when they really need it!

[mrpike1973]

Thankful today we got are hitch for our new to us car i was able to put it on and save a lot of cash that we needed. We put the boat on went to a local frozen lake could not go out far but my wife stopped me and said she has not seen a smile on my face in awhile and I was grinning pretty good the car towed the boat way better and safer than what I had. I had to stop and smell the roses my wife even being unemployed she is a beacon of life. If any of you are praying people please pray for us my wife has been unable to get any unemployment there is some mix up or mess with them and unfortunately you can't call them they are not taking phone calls it's getting frustrating 2 weeks without pay. She called the first time and everything they said was good but who knows. We would appreciate that this gets solved soon or may need to start eating the boat. I'm thankful for the time my wife and i are having together it's been a blast and she won after 25 years of marriage her first monopoly game with me boy is she rubbing it in We have been power cleaning like crazy and was able to give some stuff away to people in the neighborhood that was well worth it met a couple we never new and enjoyed talking with them 6 feet apart of course keep these posts up my wife is even joining to read them.

[PRO-V]

I wish you luck Mr. and Mrs. Pike. Did you try going online? Worked for my wife right away.

[Rick G]

Best of luck Pike. The Mn unemployment system is a little backed up right now..lol.

Took me s couple tries to get through the system. Keep faith, hopefully things work out for you and the wife soon!

[Bigfatbert]

I am grateful that  I have such a wonderful, caring , and loving wife and wonderful daughter .

 

i am also grateful that during these hard times that at least some people understand , and are following all implemented rules/regulations that have been handed to us All !!

 

Im also grateful for all the essential workers that are putting their and their loved ones life at risk everyday during these hard times ,they truly are amazingly wonderful people , especially when they have to witness people who don’t get it .

 

i

[IceHawk]

Today while fishing I had some time to ponder. I though about how lucky I am to have the Parents I have. They were great role models. Not everyone is so fortunate and lucky.  Yes when I was in my teenager years I didn't think I needed to listen to them at times and thought I had the world figured out was bullet proof,  but you know what I didn't. I realized that with age! Something we all do.  The great advise they gave me back then about treating people with respect listening being polite do onto others and you want done to yourself has made me hopefully into the person and Role model I try to be today. They taught me how to work hard listen observe  ask  and answer questions. Help others when you can.   One of the best things POPs said was Invest wisely some advise that has played huge dividends now. Man I still thank Him today for this ! He always said land will never go away it's always there when yours.   I did take his advise buying a good chunk of land in my early years struggled making payments some times but got it done! A milestone but that investment has increased dramatically in value and will always be there in a world that things are declineing.  Way better than my 401 k that's sliding all the time It's those small things Parents  Uncles Aunts and others tell you teach you that set you up to be strong confident and successful in a world of uncertainty! Hopefully I'm doing the same for my two daughters and someday they will thank me 

Edited April 6, 2020 by IceHawk

[ANYFISH2]

Today, I was grateful for these trying times.

As my son and I collected maple sap for boiling(wow, did the sap run today), and we wandered outside most of the day.  I got to see him finally start to truly notice all the critters and less obvious wonders of our world.  It really seemed to click with him today.  He noticed a few grouse that walked through the woods checking fallen trees to drum on.  Watched a group of wood ducks land and roost in our oak trees, beautiful Drakes.  And the ever growing number of squirrels in the yard he wishes he could shoot so he could try his new recipe.  I had to inform him season closed. 

He has been practicing will the 22 he bought with his Christmas money.  To the tune of over a thousand rounds into one of my oak trees since February.  He's a pretty good shot now.

I appreciate the boring days getting and giving grief with my daughter over these extended days stuck at home.

What a wonderful couple of kids I have.  I have always known this. But with our/their busy schedules, I probably didn't make enough time, to really appreciate them for the people they are becoming, the way I should have.  

 

If there is one positive thing this situation will be good for?  It will hopefully be that we should all slow down a bit and enjoy each thing we do.  Start to notice the little things we pass on noticing, because we are so busy.

Edited April 6, 2020 by ANYFISH2

[Rick G]

Anyfish.... your lucky you sapping season is still going. Ours here in St Cloud area dried up by last wed.... my taps are still in, but its all over.  One of the shortest sapping seasons I have ever seen. 

[ANYFISH2]

26 minutes ago, Rick G said:

Anyfish.... your lucky you sapping season is still going. Ours here in St Cloud area dried up by last wed.... my taps are still in, but its all over.  One of the shortest sapping seasons I have ever seen. 

Rick G, we still had snow on the ground in the woods last week so I think it kept the ground cool enough.  Our season has been odd, a couple great days separated by many very poor days.  We are pushing 400 gallons of sap so far usually get 600-650 yearly.  Temps look good end of next week, hopefully the trees stay sweet.  No budding yet and syrup is still light in color so we should have some time still.

Edited April 6, 2020 by ANYFISH2

[Rick]

Things like this show how life can be slowed down. Really living in the here and now. I got to spend time with my daughter and her friends partying last night. On Xoom of course. It's refreshing seeing how kind and generous these soon to be additions to a productive society are dealing with the CCP Virus.

 

I'm also grateful that we live in the USA. Where differing opinions allow us to shift to those that are working best. Not getting stuck on any one ideology or model. Fact is, we value individual rights so much that a dogma is usually thrown off as soon as it appears to be controlling our lives.

 

I'm grateful for you and our diversity. It makes life interesting. It created a very interesting and wonderful weekend for me.

 

God bless you and the USA!!

We will persevere and thrive!!

[mrpike1973]

Morning everyone one! Prayers do work my wife was able to get ahold of unemployment today in 2014 someone attempted to use my wife's info to get benefits it was denied because it was incorrect. The person helping her said she should get her check on Friday and they took care of the issue. Here is hoping We have been looking at our boat like Wile coyote waiting to eat it.

 

So I don't want to get to personal or to much info but please bear with me.  In 11th grade I was thrown out of the house I was homeless during this time somehow managed to graduate and go to post secondary school. It was very rough but made me who i am today. Well as you can imagine I have not talked much to my folks since. After reading many of the posts on here about families I got to thinking they are still alive and why not reach out to chat they can only say no. I called them this weekend and we got together. I felt like I was on my first date and the Dad was cleaning the shotgun It took awhile but we started chatting some I have kept in contact with my Mom some but not like a son should. Lets just say some healing went on and yes I know you should not be visiting people but this could not wait longer. I don't know what the future holds but let's just say these posts really helped me assess what life is about. 

 

My Mom asked me if we can go fishing this summer You know my answer

[Mike89]

good for you mrpike1973!!!!!  and I hope the relationship gets better too!!!!

[ozzie]

Thanks for sharing this personal story with us mrpike1973!  It takes a lot to get the nerve up to lay your emotions out there to possibly be rejected.  Here's hoping that you and your parent's can resolve the past, and move forward, with healing the wounds time has created.  Good luck and good for you to open the door to start the healing process!!

[mrpike1973]

Thanks everyone! My Mom just called me a bit a go to see how I'm doing Wow!

[Rick]

I'm very proud of you and happy for you MrPike that you are reconnecting!

 

Heartwarming to say the least.

[mrpike1973]

Thanks Rick and thank you for doing this post!

[ANYFISH2]

Great to hear @mrpike1973 thank you for telling your story.

[Borch]

That is heart warming MrPike.

[dutchboy II]

My dad passed away many years ago before we totally patched things. It's one of those regrets you can't fix.

 

Swallow a little pride if you have to but make things work.

[Mike89]

15 minutes ago, dutchboy II said:

My dad passed away many years ago before we totally patched things. It's one of those regrets you can't fix.

 

Swallow a little pride if you have to but make things work.

you are a good man.................

[IceHawk]

20 minutes ago, dutchboy II said:

My dad passed away many years ago before we totally patched things. It's one of those regrets you can't fix.

 

Swallow a little pride if you have to but make things work.

Well said let ByGones be ByGones  . Sorry for your loss Dutch. 

[IceHawk]

Pike Thanks for your story and opening up to us , it takes a real man to show his inner feelings. Hope the reconnection brings all of you closer again! 

[mrpike1973]

Dutchboy 2 sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing.

[BobT]

This is not intended to be selfish although I know it sounds like it is and I apologize for that but with the pandemic issues I'm grateful for living on an 87-acre hobby farm in out-state MN away from the crowds. Being in this location my life is barely interrupted by the situation we're in and in a couple weeks, God willing, I will be busy in my fields cultivating, rock picking, fertilizing, and drilling seed. 

[DonkeyHodey]

Times are crazy, but I am thankful.    I am blessed. 

This was a beautiful evening last summer. 

I am in Good hands.  I have a Hope and a Future. 

Hoping to hit the shore of the Missi this evening for a “therapy” session with the kids and hopefully the suckers will be running.  I’ll keep ya’ll posted. 

Stay safe, friends.

[BobT]

By the way, I had to run to Alexandria today and I noticed the lakes' ice is getting pretty dark. I'm thinking a run to Lake Traverse might be on the menu in the nest week or two. 

[Borch]

9 hours ago, BobT said:

By the way, I had to run to Alexandria today and I noticed the lakes' ice is getting pretty dark. I'm thinking a run to Lake Traverse might be on the menu in the nest week or two. 

Yeah, I saw Big Stone opened up Friday or Saturday of last week.  

[mrpike1973]

Thankful today got out on MinniBelle today with the wife before work very cool out but it is our favorite lake. We tried fishing but got zero saw a few small pike scooting about made us feel good to get out wife is getting a little home bound so I need to keep her spirits up. We discovered today some Yahoo stole a rod and reel out of our boat when it was parked for 15 minutes at Walmart. I really did not need that however being this is a grateful post they did not take my good rod and reel. I have another reel from warranty coming back and hopefully I can buy a cheepie rod to get by with for a bit. Yep my fault I should have put both in the car but you always think only 10 minutes you will be gone oh well. My job has went back to 40 hour week so that is great to hear and my wife and I are starting to enjoy watching the birds in our yard. Have a great day everybody!