flyfisher51's Blog

Started to get Cabin Fever with the cold weather we have been experiencing. I am not as invincible as I was in my younger years and all that dumb stuff I did because I could is coming back to haunt me. I mean in the form of Arthritis. It is nothing that is crippling but it can be painful and fortunately I can avoid it most of the time. The worst in the cold weather is my hands. I work over steel benches with metals that hold the cold and on real cold days they will ache all day. I can avoid this if I can wear work gloves when I do most of my work.
When I go outside in 20 degree weather I have the same problem. Gloves only work for a short time. But I don't have to go out in this weather long enough for it to bother me so that is not a problem. I have plenty of chores and hobbies to keep me busy inside, but still............... I was getting Cabin Fever. I think it was really bothering me when they started forcasting warmer weather for Friday 1/15 and Saturday 1/16. I had to get out,and so did two of my buddies. One called and suggested a hike at French Creek State Park and I couldn't wait. We went on Saturday and walked for about two hours on the green, to the red, to the red/white, and back to the green trails. The temps did not leave the 40's when we walked but the exersise was great. I normally ride a recumbant bike about 5 hours a week so the walking worked muscles that normally get by on a daily routine, except when I'm Gardening or Fishing. I got away with only a little knee pain last night and today I feel great. I am glad I got it in yesterday because it is 38 degrees and raining today. The only job I have outside is to take down the Christmas  Decorations and I told my Wife that it isn't Saint Pattys' Day yet.
The Birds and Squirrels seem to be doing okay, except we are still missing about 5 squirrels. I hope it is because they stored alot of acorns and are feasting in their dens. I will know in the Spring if they show up well fed. I have not seen any Rabbits in the yard since Fall. Do they hibernate?
I put some new and better pictures of my Durham Ranger and other flies on my picture page.
I hope everyone is surviving this cold that has been covering the Eastern half of North America. From reading the blogs I find alot of people are being stressed with the cold. Remember it's only 60+ days to Equinox. This weather also reminds me that last April we had 3 days in the 90's in Southeast PA.  I am in the process of planning where I am going to plant what next year. I may move the Tomatoes to the middle of the front yard. In Lancaster County, where they have some township zoning laws that require "X" number of feet for homes to be off the road, the Mennonites plant their front yards as Veggie Gardens.
Should I mention, since The Philadelphia Eagles have been knocked out of the Playoffs, the Super Bowl doesn't matter this year.
My Wife told me I can brew beer next Friday night. She is not planning on being home, so next Friday after I get home from work I will finally use my Homegrown Hops in my Homebrew. I have not brewed since 2008. I am excited. If it snows or it is cold, this is an indoor hobby for me.
So much for me. If you are having really cold weather, potted plants are portable, bring them inside. If you already have them inside and they seem frozen, still water them if they seem dry. Check them every few days, there is nothing more frustrating than saving a plant from the cold and losing it to an indoor drought, believe me. If your plants are outside and you can cover them, please do so. Green things are resilient, but sometimes they need help.
I will be Fly Fishing in two months......

tight lines, John