BigDog Speaks

The motor I bought off Ebay for my boat arrived via UPS. Visually, it looked exactly like the pictures and I was pleased. This is an old motor so I wasn't hot to trot trying to start it since I figured it would need a few things. The first thing it needed was a stand so I could get it up off the floor where it was beginning to leak oil. I had some scraps in the shop (who doesn't?) and I commenced to build with them. A 2 x 6 at 18 inches would serve for the motor mount, 2 x 4's at 28 inches would be the uprights bolstered by some 2 x 3's for a bit of extra strength. Some more scrap 2 x 6 for legs which was attached to some ply that already had casters on it. Imagine that! A rolling outboard motor stand with no dollars out of pocket! That is my kind of project! Since i have once again dunked my digital camera, pictures will be added later. Right now is a great time to be working on your fishing and camping stuff so you are ready for the next outing, whenever that happens to be. Get outdoors, enjoy life, be happy!

Boats and budgets are two words that should NEVER be used together. My most recent wild hair was named 'boat' and I pinched a paltry sum for purchase of same. Not gonna happen. Obviously, I'm not looking for a yacht, just a simple, no frills, nothing extra, boat, trailer, and motor. My paltry sum will only buy something that remotely meets my needs AFTER major rebuilding and a LOT more money. Talk about a severe reality check bouncing! Boats have become out of reach for my budget. No, that doesn't mean I can't find something that fits my budget. It just means I wouldn't BUY anything that has fit my budget. I have boards in my shop that will float better than some of the things I've seen, and that is with me standing on them! The conclusion I am being forced to draw is all my fishing will have to continue to be done from the shore. Since that is the way I have been fishing for years, I don't guess it will be much of a change. I still my lust after a bass boat but I will do so with both feet firmly planted on the shore.

All those billions of dollars being handed out gives me a headache. I invested two bucks in chicken livers and will convert that into 30 or 40 bucks worth of catfish fillets. The added benefit is these are wild grown, I will spend time in the outdoors, get a little exercise, and enjoy myself. Some of the fish will be cooked fresh, the balance will go into the freezer for future meals. THAT is my version of best bang for the buck. Too bad Obama can't wrangle a similar deal to get something besides promises for all the money he is passing out.

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Yup, he won. A lot of folks were very happy to see him win. A lot of folks are still happy that he won. The tides however, are changing. Having great ideas and plans to salvage the wreck our nation is currently in is wonderful. Making these things happen, and then having them work, is a whole different ball game. The guy won a nightmare and is trying to make the best of a bad situation. Nope, I didn't vote for him, didn't want him to win, he is there, I support him. Bashing the guy serves no purpose and it is in ALL of our best interests for him to do good. OK, so it is hard to be optimistic about that. Think how hard it must be on him. These are not good times, jobs being lost left and right, prices of everything climbing faster than most can keep up. We are in bad shape and things are going to get worse. Obama knew this and he still wanted the job. I wish him well and so should you.