A-Jay

It's the only road. Average life span now is right around 77. Middle age is 38 not 50. The quality of our lives declines as we age regardless of our actions. That's part of the deal. But some of that decline can be slowed quite a bit when we make the right moves. Every daily food & drink decision is key and the secret to success. And it sounds like you are ready and committed to taking those steps. You don't have to do this on your own. The internet is IMO both a blessing and a nightmare. which is why I lean toward the following recommendation. Seek the services of a registered dietitian (RD/RDN). These folks are licensed, regulated health professionals with mandatory degrees and clinical training, authorized to diagnose and treat specific medical conditions. RDs require a master’s degree (as of 2024), 1,200+ hours of supervised practice, and passing a national exam. Knowledge is power; tap into it. IME, all of this is a lifestyle and a commitment to both yourself and those that love and depend on you. In order for me to be successful at this, my life needs to revolve around it. And it does. Read that again. When your moves are rooted in purpose, discipline isn't a chore. It's the standard. You stop negotiating with your feelings and start leading with who you've decided to become. The only obstacle in these ventures is you. Get out of your own way. Here's to a healthier @DitchPanda A-Jay

I've been using a Rapid Hitch for going on 20 years now. Ensure the proper height adjustment so your trailer sits/runs level and you're good to go. https://andersenhitches.com/product/rapid-hitch/?_gl=1*m5w665*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7fbLBhDJARIsAOAqhsdfec5iBa6r0_VLnuKiYH1eh5iBlhzP7A8uc-C6uCAtAq_93K4HIiUaAucnEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAABVZtxXz5HVpb8xIfJ62XgC-6DEBX A-Jay

Workout Day 4. When your moves are rooted in purpose, discipline isn't a chore. It's the standard. You stop negotiating with your feelings and start leading with who you've decided to become. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

Pretty much covers it. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Seen it. A-Jay

When fishing for giants, a strong jig game can be essential. https://youtu.be/1to6ti-tlZY?si=dVHQIYwbYBM0J8d_&t=697 The @Siebert Outdoors Megalodon Brush Jig is my deep water rocky bottom jig of choice. 3/4 oz, wire tied with a 7/0 Mustad Ultra Point Hook. The Recessed Eye—Protects the knot and improves hookset angle. https://siebertoutdoors.com/products/ols/categories/megalodon-jigs-and-shaky-heads The Z-Man Giant TRD makes an awesome, virtually indestructible trailer. 247 Days and a wake up ~ A-Jay

Organization and consistency are the keys for me. Regardless of the tackle organization 'system' I use, it's up to me to restow baits properly. Every time, all the time. I use plain old 3700 boxes and with a little preparation and forethought, They work quite well for me. I use spinnerbait-specific boxes and recently changed out my soft plastic storage program, as the previous version was aging poorly. https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/147176-latest-tackle-purchase-thread-bait-monkey-victim-support-group/page/571/#findComment-3204242 Here's what everything else looks like. A-Jay

Glad we could help. Have fun and stay safe. A-Jay

When it comes to all this cold & snow and the prospect of it lingering through April, there can be a silver lining. While the wait for open water is mostly brutal, my report history indicates two favorable deals. First, open water in early May usually means I'll be fishing in warmer air temps than in early April. Second, when the ice goes out late, and it warms up fast, the big girls FLOOD the shallows here. And I do mean flood. So if I have to wait, knowing this will ensure that I am ready to make it happen early and often after Lake Menderchuck opens up. A-Jay

Workout Day 3 ~ A-Jay

Waking up to a crispy −22°.This morning. Without the wind chill. If you've never experienced the wonder of that kind of a deal, you're not really missing out on anything. It's the kind of cold , it burns your lungs. Stay frosty my friends. Also the snowfall totals for this winter as of Monday just came in. Isn't this fun ? 🥶 A-Jay

Looks like we have like a 15 inch base left on the ground, but we're getting some snow every day. Sort of surprising considering how cold it's been. Local NWS says we've gotten 95 inches so far. Either way, if I'm on the roof at any point, we've got a lot of snow. Stay Safe A-Jay

We're all different. Living in northern Michigan might not be for everyone. For us, we 'deal' with winter the same way we 'deal' with spring, summer, and fall, just with fewer layers. Residing in a place that has 4 full seasons, we find that life develops a 'rhythm.' Each season brings changes and challenges. It's far more gratifying when we are ready, willing & able to manage whatever they bring. Mentally, physically, emotionally & spiritually. There is definitely a time when we appreciate plenty days of each season and a few that are not exactly our favorites. But there is no doubt in my mind that in the summertime, living is easy. Hang in there. A-Jay

Well, that denial deal is a thing of the past, as short-lived as it was. Went up to clear the roof vents and to assess what I had ahead of me for next week. Vents cleared out no problem, and a couple were pretty close to being buried. As for the rest of it, not pretty. I better eat my Wheaties . . . . A-Jay

Sweet. Someone needs a bigger wall. Too bad you don't have any bass fishing skill to speak of. Really nice. Congrats A-Jay Btw, I'll admit that I was expecting to see a colorful pair of Crocs hanging up there somewhere.

Well you might as well just keep reminding them. My PB SMB is a state record in several states. Just not in mine. 😱 A-Jay

Later today I'll be braving the subzero wind chills to get up on my roof. Need to access what I have ahead of me as far as clearing it off. As well as dig out 4 vent pipes that are coming close to getting buried. Had to clear the vent pipes last February. Finding them is often a little tricky. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday next week look like the first reasonable shots weatherwise to get it done. It would be great to complete it in one day, but my working pace is not what it used to be. So it might take a couple anyway. Let's see if the kids still got it. This is easily the most physically & mentally demanding activity I ever do. #herculean A-Jay

So, there’s some snow up here. A lot of snow. Which in the big picture is a good thing. Except I might need to shovel my roof and that’s mostly bogus. Also, it’s also really cold. Like stupid below zero cold and that’s always just a PIA. Due to brain freeze I missed Tanker Tuesday, So I’m playing catch up. This one was my second over 7lbs. 79 Days and a wake up ! A-Jay

These are decent. My pic is of the "side" of the bag. Which is how I'll stow them in my rig and why I labeled them in that manner. I went with the "standard" size and it's Plenty big enough for my needs. I purchased 8 bags and got an additional 4 free. Here's the link https://livfishing.co/products/ez-tackle-bag-fsihing-tackle-strorage-bag A-Jay

Finally found suitable new storage for my soft plastics. These came at a semi decent price and fit quite nicely in the Pro-V Bass. A-Jay

I am firmly in the denial stage on that roof deal. 🚷 A-Jay

Not sure it would have helped any today ~ A-Jay

Heading out to blow more snow. At this point it's starting to feel like a part time job. But so does lawn care except I can do that wearing a jock strap and a sailors cap. You're welcome for the visual. 😁 A-Jay

Workout Day 2 ~ Just Do It ! Top Benefits of Consistent Resistance Training (Age 60+): Reverses Muscle Loss (Sarcopenia): Builds muscle mass and increases strength. Strengthens Bones: Increases density to prevent osteoporosis and fractures. Improves Mobility & Balance: Reduces the risk of falls and makes everyday tasks easier. Boosts Metabolism: Helps manage weight and prevents obesity by burning more calories. Reduces Chronic Pain: Relieves joint pain and symptoms of arthritis. Manages Chronic Disease: Helps control blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, and boosts heart health. Enhances Brain Health: Linked to lower risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's. Improves Mental Health: Boosts mood, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep quality. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

What was for dinner ? A-Jay

In a gritty, defensive showdown played in freezing, snowy conditions at Empower Field, the New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7 to win the 2026 AFC Championship. After falling behind early, the Patriots' defense held strong, limiting the Broncos to a single touchdown, while quarterback Drake Maye provided the necessary offense with a 6-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter and key scrambles in the second half. A crucial interception by cornerback Christian Gonzalez in the final minutes, followed by a blocked field goal, sealed the win, securing the franchise’s 12th Super Bowl appearance. This victory marked the Patriots' first-ever playoff win in Denver and continued their "road warrior" success under coach Mike Vrabel. Ugly game, but it's the score that counts. A-Jay