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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,712 Likes: 3
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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OP
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,712 Likes: 3 |
I found Pond Boss about 10 years ago. I was welcomed like a very wealthy long-lost relative about to re-draw my last will and testament.
My wife Lynda and I have made many wonderful Pond Bosas friends, ranging from the Pond Boss himself, and his lovely bride, on down to hundreds more.
We have shared more happy times than we can possibly remember (age, Peroni, local law enforcement, etc. may have interfered with some of these memories). As we've aged, we've also shared some difficult momements, especially with the loss of some of our greatest Pond Boss friends.
About a year ago, Lynda and I decided that Catmandoo Estate and Mansion (hey, it's WV and the Mansion ain't on wheels), and Game Preserve (I still cant' catch some of those darn big catfish) is just too much for us to care for. Just since the first of the year I've probably spent 50 hours on my tractor maintaining the 1/2-mile driveway through snow plowing and dragging tons and tons of gravel back up the steep slopes from all the rain we've received.
We will miss this place tremedously.
Tonight we will enjoy fresh caught (from this morning) HSB filets. The filets will be fixed English style as Fish and Chips. The "chips" will be made from fresh dug potatoes from our garden.
We were awakened early this morning by 18 noisy wild turkeys outside the bedroom window. Many of you have enjoyed the venison treats I make from the deer we harvest.
A little over a year ago we purchased a home on Oak Island in very south eastern North Carolina. We have owned/rented/vactioned there for nearly 40 years. The single family detached 3-bedroom home, with garage, is actually a condominum. That means I don't have to do any outside maintenance if I don't want to. Our front yard is the ocean, but protected by a quarter mile of dunes and yaupon (live oak) trees. Our back yard includes about a 1/4 acre pond that is home to an ever-changing population of alligators ranging from about 3 to 8 feet in length. The back yard is actually a golf course. One big alligator (6-8 foot) can live peacefully with several 3-4 foot alligators. Igor, our homeless and rescued big Siberan Forest Cat, does have some issues about being a totally indoor cat while being at that house. He doesn't understand alligator's appetities.
Fishing is great down there. Having been a part-time resident there for almost 40 years, I've gotten to know the good fishing spots -- whether surf, brackish, etc.
There are dozens of public access points in our area for small boats. Our island is separated from the mainland by the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The island and waterway connects to many tidal creeks and watery estuaries filled with fish during the higher tides.
This winter I plan to buy a used jon boat with a small gas motor and an electric motor. Although I've kayaked and canoed these areas for decades, I plan to re-take a Coast Guard Auxilary course before I set out with a "power boat" (maybe a super-powerful 10-15 HP).
Several years ago, we also inherited a similar "condominium" detached home with garage near where we live now. It is in an over-55 community in the city of Winchester, VA, about 15 miles away from here. Lynda, and one of our two cats, has been living there during the snow season, for the past several snow seasons. We expect we will be spending the hot tourist seasons away from our beach home, at this house.
So, we don't know exactly what we will be doing. But, our country home in WV will be put up for sale next spring. I will no longer have ponds of my own to manage.
I'm extremely thankful for my Pond Boss family. We are extremely thankful for our good health as we approach 70 years on this earth.
You may have already noticed that I haven't been real active on the forum for the last several months. I will be slowly withdrawing even further over the next several months.
Thank you to everyone for such a wonderful 10 year run. I'll be around, but just not as much.
Ken (Catmandoo)
Last edited by catmandoo; 08/27/16 03:53 PM. Reason: Typos and correcting the spelling checker
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,184 Likes: 44
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,184 Likes: 44 |
Ken, You don't get to leave us just because you sell you pond. Knowledge and friendship is why this place feels like family. And now that you don't have a pond of your own, think about visiting the rest of us from time to time. Your inputs will be welcome and helpful.
And BTW, your jerky is top shelf!
Brian
The one thing is the one thing A dry fly catches no fish Try not to be THAT 10%
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,794 Likes: 71
Hall of Fame 2014
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Hall of Fame 2014
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,794 Likes: 71 |
Ken I can certainly empathize...our places are a labor of love, but still a lot of work.
People ask me "are you done?"....I say "NEVER!"....they look puzzled sometimes and I jokingly say "are you done with your house?...is there not one single thing that needs some work at your house or yard?"...lol
I hope to get to the point that weekends will be more relaxing and not putting out fires. I may follow in your footsteps if it doesn't change....but I honestly think it will change and I will get some fun relaxing years.
I agree with HighFlyer, your wisdom is needed here whether you own a pond or not.
I wish you the best in your new endeavors that sound very rewarding as well.
ps: would love to see a pic of your new beach place when you find the time.
Fishing has never been about the fish....
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 670
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 670 |
Catmandoo,
First, may the Good Lord bless you and keep you wherever you go, whatever you do. I hope you make many more good friends and pleasing memories.
Second, stop into the forum, say hello, if and when you want to. We will always be happy to hear from you.
Cmm
CMM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 74
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 74 |
Ken, I don't even know if you saw my recent post where I thanked you for your knowledge and help. I am truly thankful for your help when I started my pond and I wish you all the best.
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 977 Likes: 1
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 977 Likes: 1 |
Ken, You probably don't remember, but I met you at the conference in'15. You and George graciously invited this Newby to your breakfast table to chat. Thank you, for welcoming me as a friend. I have enjoyed your posts. Best of life, in the next chapter of your life. Selling your place is no reason to leave the forum. God Bless, Charlie
Last edited by stickem'; 08/27/16 09:23 PM.
...when in doubt...set the hook...
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96 |
Good luck Ken. Sounds like you are leaving a really nice place but you are also going to a really nice place. Most important, have fun.
John
I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,864 Likes: 298
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,864 Likes: 298 |
Hope you enjoy North Carolina, Ken. Keep us posted from time to time!
By the way, what do you intend to fish for there? Reds & specks, like the marshes here in Louisiana? Redfish are not only great fighters, they are delicious when fresh & grilled on the half shell.
Last edited by anthropic; 08/27/16 11:40 PM.
7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,798 Likes: 68
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent Lunker
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Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,798 Likes: 68 |
We've already discussed this, you know my sentiments. Stick around, we need you here.
Also, when are you sending me a key to my new beach house?
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau
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Joined: Jun 2016
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Joined: Jun 2016
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Ken, I am fairly new to this board, but wanted to say.....Welcome to NC! Plus wanted to just let you know if you get "homesick" for caring for a pond....come on up to Mount Olive and I will put your mind to work. LOL (MO is approximately 100 miles from Oak Island!) May your move be blessed!
Gayle Kabes
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,596 Likes: 36
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,596 Likes: 36 |
Ken, I think you will really enjoy living on the BIG pond in the east without having to worry about managing it. My folks made a similar move when they sold their pond in 2008 and moved to the northwest to live on the BIG pond out west, no regrets so far. Please stick around and keep posting, we enjoy your company.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,053 Likes: 277
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,053 Likes: 277 |
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,534 Likes: 840
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,534 Likes: 840 |
Ken, you don't have to move on. Even though you won't have the level of ponds that you do now, you still have the knowledge.
Besides, who will we ask about how to cook this or that?
We had George for fly fishing information, and you about cooking, in addition to many other things.
Hopefully you will stick around, even if it is in a more background sense.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,712 Likes: 3
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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OP
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,712 Likes: 3 |
I sure appreciate all the wonderful comments. They are what we all love about Pond Boss. I participate in several other internet forums, but none are like the Pond Boss forum. So, I'll still be lurking and checking in now and then.
This is the only on-line place where I've become very close personal friends through the Internet. The many wonderful international get-togethers we've had is incredible. Many who have posted in this thread have hosted, organized, and participated in the Pond Boss get-togethers all over the US.
We've fished together in Canada, where our Canadian Pond Boss friends couldn't keep the fish they caught in Canada! My wife and I have hosted several Pond Boss gatherings. Bob Lusk has been at two of them.
Yes, I'll still be lurking.
As many of you know, our doors are always open for guests -- yes TJ, you should know that you too are always more than welcome.
I'm sure I'll need a place to share my recipes. (We just got back from two weeks in the Scottish Highlands. I enjoyed lots of great haggis and lots of great fish. Come join me for some great haggis recipes.)
Gayle -- while we were on vacation, my banana peppers and cucumbers produced perfectly. Between last night and this afternoon I put up this season's fourth batch of pickled peppers and pickled cucumbers. Also, for many years, our last stop on our way to Oak Island has been for gas, for a snack, and for a rest stop in Mt. Olive. The "new" road is much quicker than the old road.
Lastly, besides my alligator pond, I realized I do have a pond that I manage at our beach home. Our community association has about a 1/10 acre pond with a colorful fountain. Unfortunately, the pond is ugly and awful. Even the alligators seem to avoid it. I started working on it last spring. This coming spring I will be adding tilapia and koi.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 204
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 204 |
I'm in Burlington NC. I've been going to oak island since 1982. It's a wonderful place. You can't be going to a better place. If you ever get bored and want to fish in my pond, It's a little drive but you're more than welcome. Congratulations to you
dentist by day pondboss by night
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,493 Likes: 266
Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
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Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,493 Likes: 266 |
Ken we are all looking forward to you remaining active !
You know you can check in here , but you can never leave ! !
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,712 Likes: 3
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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OP
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,712 Likes: 3 |
Eric, You make it sound like the Hotel California. Relax, said the night man We are programmed to receive You can check out any time you like But you can never leave! docg -- We spent four years regularly visiting the Burlington area. Loved it. Our older son got his undergraduate degree at Elon.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,012
Hall of Fame
Junior Member
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Hall of Fame
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,012 |
Ken, It's been a pleasure to make your acquaintenace on this forum and in person at the PondCon... Good luck in NC!
1 ac pond LMB, BG, RES, CC
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,312 Likes: 300
Moderator
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Moderator
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,312 Likes: 300 |
Ken, I'm with TJ. A key would be very nice.
As you know, DD1 and I aren't afraid of a road trip. And now we know that if you see a sign that says Savanna GA next exit, you'd best turn around.
AL
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96 |
Ken we are all looking forward to you remaining active !
You know you can check in here , but you can never leave ! ! ewest I think you have a good point. PBF should be considered a little bit like the Hotel California. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave! Hotel California - Eagles Hotel California
Last edited by snrub; 08/29/16 12:20 PM.
John
I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 204
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 204 |
dentist by day pondboss by night
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,746 Likes: 294
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,746 Likes: 294 |
Ken, and Lynda, best of luck with the new changes.
What's that saying? ......"You can take the redneck out of West Virginia, but you can't cook a possum unless it's been dead on the road for 24 hours.." .....or something like that???
You broke all the rules!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love you, Mabro!!
Sunil
Excerpt from Robert Crais' "The Monkey's Raincoat:" "She took another microscopic bite of her sandwich, then pushed it away. Maybe she absorbed nutrients from her surroundings."
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,435
Ambassador Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
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Ambassador Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,435 |
Just saw this. Best of luck Ken & Lynda. I'll miss my "twin brother"...
Just do it...
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,505 Likes: 3
Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame Lunker
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame Lunker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,505 Likes: 3 |
Wow. I don't quite know how to process this one, Ken. I'm happy for you guys that you are moving into what sounds to be a wonderful situation for the next phase of your lives, but it breaks my heart to know you are selling the home place. I have so many wonderful memories of visiting with you guys there, of being part of fun get togethers with other PB friends and the Boss himself, and enjoying the land side by side with you. I've always taken a bit of comfort knowing you were just a short trip away and I could drop in and be welcomed nearly any time. I'll miss that a lot. As for the forum, you darn well better not think this change of circumstances is a pass to leave. Once you've been brought into la famiglia, you don't get to just walk away! So, is the real reason you are headed to Oak Island the fact that you are going to try to cash in on that TV show? I've never seen it, but now that you may become a regular, I need to start watching for your cameo appearances! I wish you and Lynda all the best and sure hope to continue to see you here and, from time to time, in person. You are one of the great resources here and a part of what makes this place what it is.
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 887 Likes: 3
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 887 Likes: 3 |
My current home sounds a lot like yours. 2 acre pond, 5 acre yard, 1/2 mile gravel driveway, pasture, cattle, and fences....
If something happened to me, I don't think there is any way the wife could handle what we have for very long. I understand exactly what you are doing, and may need to do it someday myself, after I retire.
You still have a lot of advise to offer, and can only read the AARP junk mail so long, so log back in to PB and laugh at all us still trying to keep up with the weeds, FA, otters, GBH, no rain, too much rain..........
1.8 acre pond with CNBG, RES, HSB, and LMB Trophy Hunter feeder.
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Moderated by Bill Cody, Bruce Condello, catmandoo, Chris Steelman, Dave Davidson1, esshup, ewest, FireIsHot, Omaha, Sunil, teehjaeh57
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