Penguins, Pot & Other Stuff

Another lovely day today.  A quick phone call to Brother Mike and a fishing trip was in action.  We decided to go to Binbrook Conservation Area, a 20 minute drive from downtown Hamilton.  Mike suggested we pick up a neighbor of his, Pete, to come along.  Off the three of us went.

 

I had never been to Binbrook before.  Nice little park.  We headed down to the dock where there were already several people fishing.  A little windy but still a lovely day.  And successful.  Mike was the first, he caught a 46 g monster sunfish.  The battle was stupendous.  Not to be outdone, Pete hooked into and landed an 80 g behemoth.  The water on the lake was beaten into a froth from the battle.  Unfortunately, I did not have my camera to record the event!

 

A wonderful afternoon.  Good weather, good people and some fishing rods.  Close to perfection, I would say.  And to top it off, Dickhead was nowhere to be seen!

Brother Mike & I made plans to go fishing at Valens Conservation Area today.  Thank goodness I called ahead to check out the bait situation: no fishing at Valens until bass season starts!  So, off to Caledonia instead.  On the way there, Brother Mike decided to take a special way to a spot he always catches fish.  Wrong turn!  We were on our way to Port Dover so we decided to fish at the pier there.

 

When we got to Port Dover, we headed off to the pier.  Even though it was 29°C, there was a mighty cold wind blowing in off Lake Erie.  After five minutes we both agreed enough was enough.  It was even too cold to enjoy a perch dinner at Callahan’s, my favorite Port Dover eatery.  So, off to the Arbor where Brother Mike & I each enjoyed a foot-long with some delicious french fries.  Then, back to Caledonia.

 

Brother Mike did find his spot but unfortunately it was not very wheelchair accessible.  Instead, we headed to the dam and threw in our lines.  It was simply a beautiful day; sunny, warm with a beautiful refreshing breeze blowing.  We were there for a couple of hours or so.  No luck, just a few nibbles.  Still, it was a great outing!  Nice to see Brother Mike getting out and enjoying things again.

 

Check out the Picture

A little-known fact about yours truly: an excellent coach who has won championships at every level.  In my younger days they used to call me "Scotty".  As a matter of fact, another guy I tutored for a while went on to some success using the same name!  Of course, being such a good coach led to some very tangible results.  Check out the pictures!

Today was a big day, for a couple of reasons.  And the reasons are like night & day.  First the night: 37 years ago on this day was when I had my accident.  Can’t believe it was that long ago.  Hopefully, there will be at least 37 more years!

 

And now the day: Happy Mother’s Day to all of you Mamas out there.  The Aquilina clan had a chance to go out and visit Mom at the nursing home today.  All the siblings were there along with good old Herb & Nicole.  It was a better day for Mom as she seemed more "with us".  Like most mothers, she deserves so much.  Happy Mother’s Day Mom!

 

Check out the Picture

Dickhead and his lovely wife Liz invited some of us over to their place for some friendly poker & chit chat.  I went with the lovely Trish and her friend Teresa.  Also invited were Joe (one of the regular poker boys) and his wife Karen.  We used to play at Dickhead’s a lot (in the days before & after my lovely ex) but I bet it’s been 6 or 7 years since our last game.

 

Being a gracious guest, I asked Trish to pick up a couple of dozen pastitzi for everyone to try.  A smashing success!  Even the lovely Jennifer (my ex partner in crime) took part in the feast.  We did get there a little late (thanks Trish) but still managed to squeeze in a lot of fun.  Dickhead (alias Toots) tried his best to rob me of my money but in the end, I did okay.  All in all everyone had a great time.

 

Thanks Liz-and yes, you too Dickhead.

The other evening Dickhead dropped in for a quick visit.  I was busy with my friend the lovely Morgan getting my bedroom painted.  That topic will be the subject of another thread, including pictures (sorry Brother Joseph but everyone else has given rave reviews).

 

Dickhead was carrying a bowl of chicken soup which he graciously left behind.  Finally had a chance to sample some today.  It was simply delicious!  Lots of chicken, delicious vegetables, fantastic broth and noodles that were to die for.  I figured the lovely Liz or someone in Dickhead’s family must have made it.  Called to find out and was quickly thunderstruck; the Dickhead made it!  Must be that hot Jewish blood that courses through his veins (or an incredibly lucky attempt).  Thanks Dickhead.  It was so good I’ll remove some of your title.  Now you are just Dick.

No Dickhead, get your mind out of the gutter-it has nothing to do with that!  Was in Jackson Square the other day enjoying a coffee.  Decided to sit for a while in the food court and people watch.  It’s amazing the people you see at shopping malls & airports.  I like to try and guess the story behind the faces I see.  I know, sometimes I lead a boring life!

 

Well, at the table next to me was someone who was obviously a street person.  Tattered, old clothes that had their share of stains.  Older man, weatherbeaten face and he must have had six huge plastic bags filled with all kinds of things.  He was sipping on a coffee.  On the table in front of him was a lottery form he was filling out for 6/49.  Scattered all around him were papers and notebooks crammed with all kinds of number combinations.  He saw me looking at him so I asked -working on a system to beat the lottery people?  The old guy laughed and said-for sure, any time now, any time now!

 

Spur of the moment took over: gave him five dollars, my first name my telephone number.  Told him to use the money the best way he could think of and that if we hit a prize, he should give me a call.  Wonder if the money went to a lottery ticket or something else.  Also wonder what he will do if he does win something big.  Oh well, you never know!

Anyone who knows me is well unaware of the fact that I never liked broccoli- vile weed!  Well, I’ve already commented here once about the delicious broccoli salad Lynda makes-I loved it.  Well, accidentally chomped on a piece of broccoli in a salad I was eating and-I liked it!  This is somewhat scary: I think I’m starting to like broccoli.  The aging body is a wondrous thing!