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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 123
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 123 |
As I have mentioned previously, we have, for health reasons, sold our place and are moving into the city. As of May 1, the new owner, a truly nice guy, is moving in and taking over. We will continue to live in a smaller house on the place until our condominium is ready, probably in September, but it won’t be our pond.
Over the years, I have made many “friends” out here. Most are true friends, and we will miss them fiercely. Others, however, are actually friends of the pond, especially this time of year. The pond is big enough that I worry more about underfishing than overuse. I almost always say yes to anyone whom I know and who has proven to be a good guest, but I have always enforced a policy of “call first” before anyone comes fishing. Coming to the door to ask with rod in hand won’t do, and since we can see almost all the pond from the house, poachers have not been a problem.
I have a few tips about “fishing friends” for anyone living on their pond. These seem to have been useful for me, and maybe they will be for some of you. For one thing, I tell almost everyone no at least once a year, just to be sure that they don’t forget that they are guests and not part-owners. I have also always refused offers to help out with the pond, because I don’t want anyone to think they have purchased the right to fish because of their labor or material. I keep the boathouse locked and don’t let anyone use my boat, because when I go fishing, I want everything to be just the way I left it. I also go take a look at any boats I do allow on the water to be sure they haven’t just come out of some weed-infested slough and that there are no minnow buckets aboard. If I don’t already know someone (and it is surprising that some people who have never met the owner think that a cold call is all it takes to get an invite), I don’t let them come. I tell them that if a mutual friend is willing to talk to me and vouch for them, they might be able to fish occasionally. None of those has ever called back. Finally, I don’t let more than one party of fishermen a day use the place. If I find trash, I want to know whose it is, for they are never allowed back.
But, now, I have been telling anyone who calls not to ask me anymore after April 31. In fact, I have told them not to ask the new owner unless they already know him. He deserves a fair shot at choosing for himself who his fishing friends will be. I have recommended only two people to him, both in their 80's, and both of whom sincerely offer to help. One of them knows my wife’s weakness for boiled (yuk) peanuts, and frequently brings her a coffee can of them when he comes.
It really hasn’t sunk in yet that we are leaving, and I know we will miss the place once we do. But, time moves faster and faster, and we move slower and slower, so I am thankful for a childhood dream coming true for a decade and a half. I am also thankful for PondBoss and for all of you, all of the good advice I have been able to put into practice, and all the laughs you have given me. I hope to continue to keep up with this forum, and I have saved all my old magazines for the new owner to enjoy. I also hope the new owner will get as much pleasure out of Lusk and Friends on the net as I have. Thanks for everything, Lou
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,765 Likes: 302
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: 13,765 Likes: 302 |
I got a little teary eyed there, Lou.
Peace Brother.
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: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,256
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,256 |
I hope you hang around here and give us youngsters some advice. The new owner is lucky to have bought from you...it sounds like you've given him a first-rate setup from a first-rate gentleman.
"Only after sorrow's hand has bowed your head will life become truly real to you; then you will acquire the noble spirituality which intensifies the reality of life. I go to an all-powerful God. Beyond that I have no knowledge--no fear--only faith."
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 219
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 219 |
Wow... Awesome post. Both food for thought and a que to be thankful for the days pondside while they last, as most everything in life is just a season anyway.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,713 Likes: 35
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Administrator Lunker
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Lou, Gail and I were reading your post and at one point we looked at each other and the tears flowed. Gail’s tears, as you know, men don’t have tears....... We have talked about the day we have to leave here. We haven’t figured it out, though. We wish you the very best! Dwight & Gail
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,025 Likes: 1
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Lou, you and the Mrs. enjoy the next phase of your lives. We occasionally need some more Mudcat Joe tales.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 957
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 957 |
Lou, You will be making a major life style change, buckle up for the exciting ride, switching from lakeside to poolside living will be a quantum leap. I wish you both happiness and enjoyment. I would have liked to have been one of your friends who fished your pond.
1/4 & 3/4 acre ponds. A thousand miles from no where and there is no place I want to be... Dwight Yoakam
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,510 Likes: 269
Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
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Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,510 Likes: 269 |
Lou you never leave the PB Forum. It goes with you pond or not. One can be absent for a while but you never leave. I hope for all here when one door closes, 2 more open. When you get by here for a visit I have a couple ponds for you to sample. The bright side is you keep your knowledge with you and may even have more time now for mudcat joe stories. Here's a toast to you Lou our PB friend. Remember the Lords not through with your journey yet. We need you to help us here on our collective journey.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 370
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If your ever in my neighborhood, I have a guest house and an extra rod n reel just begging to be used.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,074
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,074 |
Lou, your well received and appreciated post, brings recollections that I closely relate to your situation.
When our son built “our” pond I was recovering from a lengthy hospital stay. The magic medicine provided was a recliner on their patio, watching the heavy equipment sculpt the pond with the dam emerging in the background.
So don’t let the memories fade – better that any medicine. Hang in there with the health problems.
There is always hope – stay positive – never give up, and knowing you as a forum friend, MudCat Joe wouldn’t allow anyway.
I will share with you the good news that Monday my doc reported that I am cancer free for the past 12 months, after a perceived death sentence three years ago.
We have become a family on this forum. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Life is good, George Glazener
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,365
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Lunker
Joined: Jun 2005
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For one thing, I tell almost everyone no at least once a year, just to be sure that they don’t forget that they are guests and not part-owners. I have also always refused offers to help out with the pond, because I don’t want anyone to think they have purchased the right to fish because of their labor or material. Good thinking. It's human nature for people to feel thay have "squatter's rights" if their access is unrestricted for long periods of time. My pond was 5 years in the building, and I had lots of time to decide who would have fishing rights. Those who helped or made sincere offers to help get first dibs. Interestingly, they are all friends, not a single relative. It won't be fun to break the news to them that they can't fish. Or,,, maybe it will be. Best of luck Lou.
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 123
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 123 |
I am humbled by the kindness of you all, and especially by your courage, George. May the cancer fade into a distant memory. Lou
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,062 Likes: 279
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,062 Likes: 279 |
Gosh, Lou/Mudcat. I hope you don't stay gone very long.
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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Moderated by Bill Cody, Bruce Condello, catmandoo, Chris Steelman, Dave Davidson1, esshup, ewest, FireIsHot, Omaha, Sunil, teehjaeh57
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My First
by Bill Cody - 05/06/24 07:22 PM
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