A Day for Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving.  It’s my hope that you’re enjoying the day with a bountiful meal in the company of friends and family.  

Now is also a time to count our blessings, things that we are thankful for.  Consider writing down each on a slip of paper and tossing it into a basket.  May it be overflowing.

I’ve many things to be thankful.  The following are but a few this angler has tossed into the net.

I’m thankful to have a loving wife, Sue, who has managed to put up with me for over forty years.  Over the years she’s been extraordinarily understanding of my fishing addiction, to the point of actually “tossing” me out of the house to fish if she feels I need a “fishing fix.”

I’m thankful to have a daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters who not only seem to enjoy my company on occasion, but also enjoy spending time with me on the water.  

I’m thankful to have aged well. Having reached retirement age, I’m indeed fortunate to be in good health with the prospect of being able to fish for many years to come.

I’m thankful to be retiring with sufficient resources to spend those years exploring the multitude of fisheries across this great nation.

I’m thankful for the adventure that Sue and I are undertaking in a few months.  We’re truly fortunate to be able to travel and explore the United States. In a few short weeks we’ll have moved into our new home on wheels, and be on the move.

I’m thankful for all the fishing friendships I’ve formed over the years.  Not only here in Fort Collins, but across the country.  

I’m thankful for the many who’ve shared their knowledge of fishing.  Without them my skills would be far less than today.

I’m thankful that I’m as excited about going fishing today at 66 as I was at 6.

I’m thankful for all the fishing experiences I’ve enjoyed over the years, having fished all over North America from Alaska, through Canada, south to Mexico, and from the Pacific to the Atlantic seaboard.

I’m thankful for all the trophy classed fish I’ve caught.

I’m thankful for the fish willing to sample my flies.

I’m thankful to have been able to contribute this column to the Coloradoan for so many years.  

I’m thankful for FishExplorer.com and all it’s given me.  

These are but a few angling items I’m thankful for and I’ve lots to be thankful for in general. My wish for you is your basket is fuller than mine. 

Happy Thanksgiving.