How's this for a first day's attempt at fishing....We get in the boat all ready to go, turn the key and 'click..click..click'. Dead battery. 'Borrowed' a battery from our friendly neighbor...not sure why they gave my Dad the code to their boat house security system . Started the boat and headed out to find the 'birds' that indicate small fish being driven to the surface by bigger fish. Found the birds and tried to troll into them using the fish finder to scope out the area. Fish finder would not work and the trolling motor was only at half capacity... AHHH!!! Fished a little while, rod hung up on stump and led to a broken rod! We headed back for a little lunch and to check on dinner (ribs which were already cooking on the grill). Ribs turned out to be done already so lunch became a feast of ribs (definitely a highlight of the day!). Headed back out to the birds (and fish, hopefully) and come to an unexpected halt just as we are hitting open water...out of gas . Get motor started and run at IDLE back to the point just off the boathouse. Trolled around a bit just to get our bait wet and try to get a fish. I got a few bites and then suddenly WHAM! caught one. Unfortunately it was a little below the keeper level and we threw it back. No more bites and the day ended with me and Dad vowing to get the boat ready Saturday for some good fishing on Sunday. Were we diappointed?...Sure...Were we ready to throw in the towel?...No way! Anyone who has ever fished or boated knows that there are times when the weather, equipment, etc. just won't lend itself to a carefree day on the lake...SATURDAY...Penny, Kimmie and my Mom got all dressed up to go to the HGTV dreamhouse today...Here they are all ready to go!


They were meeting up with my aunt Liz and cousins Lisa (left) and Amy (right). Here's the whole crew (don't blink Liz!)

Everyone kindly commented on their return that the real 'Dream House" was right here and I would have to agree with that! Dad and I replaced all the boats batteries, gassed it up, renewed the fishing licenses and performed a few other repairs and are ready this time to get the fish, as we all agree that on Friday the fish got us!