Dear Dad

Dad, it’s been a year since my last note. Some think my annual letters are silly, however it’s become a form of mental health for me. Then again I may just be turning into a crazy old man with too many hobbies.

I didn’t do much in January because I spent part of the holidays in the hospital. First time in 30 years that I have been sick enough to ask for help. Taylor had to take me to the ER, which led to the trauma bay… Apparently when you break some ribs while bird hunting you wont know that you also had pneumonia. Took more than a minute to receiver from that whole debacle. 

Trapper turned into a decent dog but he will only hunt with me. He is not a fan of any other dog except my lab Raylan. He is holding better but he is still a bit gun shy, at least he quit running to the truck. He is ok with my .410 & 28 but not a fan of the ported Browning for sure. I took a different approach than you and let him sleep in the house. He didn’t have the best life before my house and I try to make up for that. 

Went back to Florida several times chasing snook on the fly. I wish you could come fish dock lights at night with me, its the most fun you can have with a fly rod. Didn’t get my goal of a 40 inch fish in 2023 but I got a 37.5 at the taxidermist.

Caught a lot of trout this season here in Tennessee, Been doing a lot of mountain fishing and camping. I managed to find a part of myself that I lost many years ago. Last trip to Cherokee there was a squirrel at my campsite, Reminded me of the first time you took me hunting in 1976. You know I never said thank you for that day. It shaped my life and who I became post military. So Thanks for being a dad who included me in the outdoors, rather than a dad who kept that for his time away from the family.

Took a bucket list trip out west and got to fish the Rockies in both Colorado and Wyoming. Caught some trout and a few were taxidermist worthy. They all went back to the rivers. 

Went and spent some time with Greg this summer and he gave me a pile of your old fishing rods and reels. Speaking of old, I just ordered a new stock and forearm set for your Ithaca, I had already ordered a new barrel. Remember how you sawed that gun off when you couldn’t see very well? I opted for a barrel that has choke tubes rather than the factory full choke model. My eyes are not so good these days either so I wanted to tilt things to my favor. The older I get the faster those quail seem to fly.

Went and had dinner at Staci’s restaurant a l;ittle while back. You would be proud of her entrepreneurship. She is doing well.

Well Dad these letters are very emotional to me and the dogs are waiting for their dinner. Its December the 28th and I still need to get my gear ready for a bird hunt in the morning. Until next year Dad,