Here Fishy Fishy Fishy

Saturday featured  the annual Trout Rodeo, which has been sponsored by the local township for more years than I can attest to.  I honestly don't know when it originated,  but once my husband became aware of this special event when the kids were little, you can bet that our calendar was marked so that we wouldn't miss this fun fishing opportunity.

No matter what the weather,  he had everyone up early so that they could register at the desk, and then hike along the stream to his "secret" fishing hole.  You can tell by these photos from the past, that the special spot was not a disappointment!

With the cut off for rodeo participants being 14, there has been an extended, sad lull in this household,  since these cuties have exceeded that age limit for quite some time now.

But this year, excitement was rekindled when our son, pictured above,  decided to visit this weekend, with his wife and our two grandchildren, for the express purpose of attending the rodeo.  My husband checked ahead of time to be sure that they could participate, and he was assured,  that since he was still a resident of the township, he could bring his grandchildren along for this fun experience. 

The weather was gorgeous, a bit nippy but bright and sunny, when we headed to the park for our adventure.  

Much to our surprise, the stream was not elbow to elbow with potential anglers, although there were a large number staking out their claim near the entrance where one could see several dozen of large Palamino trout swimming around, not the least bit interested in bait, much to the dismay of those hoping to bring one home.

The treasured spot was not to be accessed this year, as fencing had been placed to keep anyone from heading so far downstream.  That was a brief disappointment, but let's face it, there was plenty of stream to pick from, even if we couldn't get to the "lucky" spot.

Everyone set to work, waiting for a trout to come along.  

It was definitely slow going for awhile.

Then there was a tug on the line......hopes were raised....

but it soon became obvious that the worm had become breakfast for some clever trout.

Luckily, grandpa came stashed with lots of bait, and once again, the rod was cast.

In short time, there was another bite, this time resulting in a successful catch of a spotted trout.

Luckily, adult hands were able to net the catch, and soon there was a very lively fish slapping about, much to the delight of all.

Our grandson carried his prize fish to the measuring table

where all of the adult volunteers were excited to see this little guy holding his trophy.

It measured a very stretched length of 9 inches!

This little guy was perfectly content to head on home with his single fish,  and grandpa looks pretty happy himself, doesn't he?

But before we packed everyone into the car, little sister had to have her turn holding the fish as well.

Pretty in pink and happy as a clam!

It was certainly an exciting day for all!  

Really...can you ask for anything more?

Close Call for Snacky!

This morning, I was in the kitchen, making breakfast with my grandson, when Snacky showed up just outside the kitchen window, on the ledge, under the feeders.  Ever since the candy cane debacle,  he seems to be quite satisfied just cleaning up the seeds that fall from the feeders.

That certainly makes me happy!

When Snacky suddenly popped up onto the railing, I mentioned to my grandson that there was a squirrel on the deck.  He was standing at the window, just about 3 feet from Snacky, and I ran to grab my camera so that I could capture another photo.

I was just zooming-in when my grandson decided to pound on the window, which set Snacky scurrying.  Obviously, this was a missed photo opportunity, so I turned off the camera.

Within seconds, I noticed an extremely large bird land on the railing, spread its wings, and bob its head a bit, facing our direction.

Suddenly, I realized that I was looking straight into the eyes of a rather large HAWK!

I tried to capture a photo, but wouldn't you know, by the time the lens was focused, the creature was up and flying away, having been foiled in its attempt to secure breakfast right before our eyes!

Do you comprehend what almost happened?

Snacky was nearly the Snack!

Whew!  That was a close call for sure!  I've determined that my grandson can now be considered a hero, and, in my opinion, Snacky just might want to consider returning to his previous Sneaky status. After all, now that I have squirrel existence in happy harmony,  I'd hate to see all of that effort wiped out in just a matter of seconds!

Don't you agree?

,

Happy Easter!

We had a glorious weekend!

There were eggs to dye

Pastries to bake

A Butter Lamb to complete

and the many delights of our long held Slovak Traditions to share and enjoy.

We managed to to set up our camera for a photo of us all dressed in our Easter finery

and even Wellie posed for a fancy photo

And he didn't seem the least bit dismayed that we enjoyed ham as part of our Easter feast!

But while we were enjoying ourselves, a quick peek out the window made me realize that someone obviously finds us interesting enough to set up surveillance.  At first, it appeared this guy was on the sly, popping up for a quick peek.

But, the next thing I knew, he was demonstrating his balancing skills.

Definitely entertaining.  But his tricks don't have me fooled.  It's obvious to me that I better be on guard.  

Because you never know who might be watching.

I think I'll play it safe and hide the leftovers!

Hope your day was wonderful!  Happy Easter!