My First Great-Granddaughter

My Granddaughter, Lucy, told me on June 20th that she was going to have a baby. In July, the baby announcement came out. Yesterday, she found out it will be a girl. I am so happy and excited for her, Hunter, and my two great-grandsons, Will and Noah. This will be my first great-granddaughter. I'm already blessed with 5 great-grandsons: Tidus, 19; Ian, 18; Will, 8; Noah, 7; and Asher, 5.

Sharing Chicago Pictures

I'm sharing some pretty nice pictures my daughter, Suzi, sent me; they were taken by my son-in-law, Dennis, while attending a conference in Chicago this week. Pretty impressive.

Trump Tower

Nicknamed "The Bean" statue, aka. Cloud Gate is in Millennium Park and mirrors the city's famous skyline and clouds on a seamless, highly polished surface.  Designed by British artist Sir Anish Kapoor and constructed between 2004 and 2006.

Skyline of Chicago.

Lake Michigan

Buck Photo-Op

My Facebook friend, Mike  Persichini, took this picture of a buck who is looking for a magazine cover!

Big Bite - Tight Lines & Happy Fishing

"BIG Bite Just A Bit Ago!!"

Well, first of all, Thank You, "Delta Outfitters" here in Vicksburg, where I just came back from, and for buying my new Smokin Shad to cast out and fish with off of my pier. I was just testing it, not REALLY expecting to catch anything, except for maybe a small Bass!!

No sooner than I threw my line out to the middle of the lake, this beautiful Bass took off with it like it was starving!!

I was fishing with my fun little Zebco 33 Micro that I bought from Delta Outfitters again here in Vicksburg. I took off the 4lb test line and replaced it with an 8 lb test line. It's the same pole that I caught my 4½lb Bass on Memorial Day this year. Very lucky little Rod & Reel, but this time, this Bass broke off the tip and the first eyelet of the pole. That's ok; I bought a second Zebco Micro 33, exactly the same, just in case!!

WOW, what a FUN catch, and reeling in this one was, but it felt so much heavier than the 4½ pounder. Once again, I was so doggone excited that I forgot to measure its length. As always, I did release it back into the lake for a longer life!!

Thank you, Devin and Finn, for coming out to the pier and helping me with pictures!!

Ok Rudy and Brady, your turn!! ... LOL ... Tight Lines and Happy Fishing!!

My congratulations to Yvonne Robinson for an awesome catch in our great Vicksburg, Mississippi, outdoors!

Curious Doe

Steve Creek said - I thought this White-tailed Doe was about to stick her head right through my open truck window!  She came in incredibly close and gave me quite the look. If you look closely at her eyes, you can even see the reflection of my truck.  

(Mt. Nebo State Park, Arkansas)

Impressive Buck

My Facebook friend, Mike Persichini, said he only took 700 pics of himself this morning!!! More to come later.

The Yazoo River

The Yazoo River is a major river located primarily in the U.S. state of Mississippi. Stretching approximately 188 miles (303 kilometers), it is formed by the confluence of the Tallahatchie and Yalobusha rivers near Greenwood. From there, it flows generally southward before joining the Mississippi River at Vicksburg. The river is an important part of the lower Mississippi River watershed and has played a significant role in the region's history, geography, and economy.

The Yazoo River forms the eastern boundary of the Mississippi Delta, a vast alluvial plain known for its exceptionally fertile soil. This region became one of the most productive agricultural areas in the United States during the 19th century, particularly for cotton cultivation. Before the American Civil War, the Delta was dominated by large cotton plantations that relied on the labor of enslaved people. Following the war, agriculture remained the region's primary industry, with crops such as cotton, soybeans, corn, and rice continuing to be grown on a large scale.

Historically, the river served as an important transportation route for moving agricultural products and supplies throughout the Delta. Its slow-moving waters and extensive network of nearby streams and wetlands also created valuable habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Today, the Yazoo River remains significant for farming, flood control, recreation, and conservation. Numerous levees, drainage systems, and flood-control projects have been developed along the river to reduce flooding and protect agricultural lands and nearby communities while preserving the river's role in Mississippi's natural and cultural landscape.

Camouflaging Myself Back Years Ago

Now you see me!

 

Now you don't. 

I came across these two pictures of me taken back in 2007 while deer hunting in warmer Mississippi weather.  Thought I would post them today.

MS Bears Naturally on The Move in July

July is a time when bears are naturally on the move. Young male bears are leaving the areas where they were raised and can travel hundreds of miles in search of their own home ranges. Adult bears are also more active as the breeding season continues.

Seeing a bear doesn't necessarily mean it's lost or in trouble...this kind of movement is completely normal.

Sightings can be reported at MDWFP.com. More urgent issues such as aggressive behavior, property damage, or injured bears should be reported to 1-800-BE-SMART.

If you spot a bear:

-> Keep your distance.

-> Never feed or approach it.

-> Secure garbage, pet food, and other attractants.

-> Give it space, and it will usually continue on its way.

By removing food sources and allowing bears to remain wild, we can help ensure people and bears safely share Mississippi's outdoors.

To learn more about bear movement and how to live with bears, visit - https://bearwise.org/what-bears-do-in-july/

Happy 85th-1/2 Birthday Party from My Daughters

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, my four daughters, Theresa Marie, Kathleen Love, Debra Ann, and Marian Suzanne, gave me an 85th-1/2 birthday party. Actually, my birthday is January 27, but because everyone lives out of town or out of state, and because I never had an 80th or 85th Birthday party due to bad weather, etc., they decided to give me one in June and invite family and friends. It was held at Goldie's BBQ and had over 25 guests. It was such a wonderful time to be with my four girls, especially since it's hard to do with everyone living elsewhere. Also, time with my friends that I don't see often. Here are some pictures of the event that I will never forget, and I appreciate everyone who came to celebrate my June birthday. Of course, I had to wear a birthday crown and sash.  

My 85th-1/2 Birthday Party.

Beautiful flowers given to me by my daughters.

My bestest girlfriend, Jeanette, and I.  

My only brother-in-law, Chris Ables, and I.

My great-grandson, Ian, and I.

My only sister, Laura, and I.

My granddaughter, Lucy, and Hunter, with my two great-grandsons, Noah and Will.

My friend, hairstylist, and I, Nikki Taylor.

My neighbor, Paula Morley.

My very first tattoo was done by my granddaughter, Victoria.

My daughters, left to right: Marian Suzanne "Suzi", Debra Ann "Debi", Kathleen Love "Kathy", and my oldest daughter, Theresa Marie "Teri".

My family and friends who came to my birthday party.  Many thanks to everyone who showed up, and I love and appreciate each of you. 

I love this watercolor picture of us afterward at my apartment.