I learned that my wife Theresa has been watching Amanda and myself tie flies more closely than I thought, she can tie just as well with a bit of coaching from Amanda and me watching with pride.
I learned that Theresa is a born "Natural" with a fly rod, Amanda even brags how good she is to her friends at school. I learned that even though I have difficulty getting to my favorite fishing spots, it's worth it to watch the "Girls" clean up all the "Small" ones for me, ( and some of the big ones as well). I have learned that sharing a vise is a special moment, especially when the one you share it with you have loved for over 30 years and is being taught by your daughter. I have learned that a heart attack is not the end of the word, it can be the beginning of appreciating it. I have learned that even though 4 "Specialist" tell you that you will never walk again, If you truly believe in the saving grace of the Lord, and have 2 girls that love and support you, that "Nothing" is impossible. And most of all, I have learned that even though you have met less than 1/10 of 1% of the people on this list, I can honestly say that I have made more "Friends" in the last 3 years on this list than all the "Acquaintances" I have made in person locally. Thank you my friends for being our friends, Keep tying, fishing, catching and laughing, Your friends Theresa, Amanda and Jimi For many VFBers, the 2003 fishing season is winding down, and we get a chance to reflect on the experiences we've had. Here's a suggestion for a survey (please participate!) Just jott down your own list of Bests for the 2003 season. Mine would be: BEST OF 2003 new fly discovery: McCarty's GT (General Terrestrial) new flytying material: bronze or imitation pheasant tail lite brite flyfishing connected experience: light plane flight over Trinity Alps, Marble and Salmon Mountains in n. California misc: participation for the first year in VFB and Westfly.com Oregon forums gear buy: new 8-9wt Ozuma ML magnesium wide arbor reel off eBay at $65 goal: participate in a tying expo this coming year other possibilities: biggest (or most memorable) fish: most memorable fishing day and place: most valuable ff lesson learned: new and helpful flytying tool: most helpful ff or flytying publication/book: favorite new CD to tye to: and so on... David Thoreau
