Half the lakes still have ice, the others are open. I went to a small flowage about 10 minutes from my house. It was wide open and flooded with ducks, crane's, geese and loons.

There is a bay leading to a feeder creek next to the boat landing. I backed the old 88 Jeep Wagoneer up to about 10 feet from the bay. I opened the hatch back, pulled out my folding chair and readied my rods. I have three Shakespeare Micro rods, with Shakespeare Micro reels. They are inexpensive little rod combo's, but filled with 4 pound Vanish they make a nice pan-fish package.

I rigged two with ice fishing jigs, slip bobbers, wax worms, some crappie candy on one, and a half a Berkley worm on the other (the ones in the jar). The other rod had a small beetle spin, dressed with a soft plastic minnow.

I cut two pieces of forked bank willow for rod holders, I cast out the two baited ones in hope of picking up a blue gill or two, and went to casting the other, just in case a stray crappie had invaded the shallows.

As I settled in, I couldn't help but thank God that I made it through another LONG, COLD, Global Warming, winter. It sure seems that every year I grow older, Old Man Winter's fangs get longer. I was in the middle of my thought when I heard a song that hadn't blessed my ears in well over six months. A Loon broke out in a symphony that i bet he saved just for the occasion. Almost simultaneously I heard a splash from a tiny cove off the bay. At first I couldn't see anything , then, a pair of mallards did a mating dance. I couldn't help but watch even though one should respect their privacy. :-[ I mean after all a fellow only gets to tango once a year. (at my age I ain't doing much better, but that's another story).

It was still cool out, the sun didn't know if it wanted to shine or not, the wind was also confused, there was some snow left on the opposite bank. I have to say though, I had a warmth in my chest and a smile on my face that has been a long time coming.

What a great day.

Oops! almost forgot, nope not even a nibble.

Sometimes that's what it's all about! Just enjoying what God has given us!