1st off, let me admit that I am somewhat a "fair weather fisherman". Since the temps have been below 50* I have not been out. If we get that 60*-70* they are predicting, I may have a fish story to tell. I would like to share a copy of an email from a friend that very well points out the convienence and importance of PLANNING AHEAD for a more enjoyable life: .....

EMAIL: _____________________________________________________________

The local news station was interviewing an 80 year old lady because she had just gotten married again for the fourth time. The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80, and then about her new husband's occupation.

'He's a funeral director,' she answered. 'Interesting,' the newsman thought. He then asked her if she wouldn't mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living. She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years.

After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she'd first married a banker when she was in her early 20's, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40's, later on a preacher when in her 60's, and now in her 80's, a funeral director. The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers.

She smiled and explained, 'I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go.'

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. As you can see, she did some planning ahead and made her time eventfull, enjoyable and well organized. This is why before we take an outing or vacation, we need to take a calm moment and think it out. The more time we plan to spend and the farther distance we travel, has much bearing on the amount and type of planning needed. If we are going to a days event within 15 min. of home, it's not that far back when we forget the salad. If we are going a 100 mi.+ for a couple days.....don't even forget the suitcase.

. The longer the trip the more important it is to make a written list, well before hand, so that we can use it as a guide while packing and a check-off as we load. Should we forget a minor item that we feel we need, we can either buy one or do without. A major item is not so easy and can turn a good trip bad real fast....so, make that list. Several times I've discovered, upon arrival at the lake, I had left my new lure on the table at home. Thank the lord! I had the rod & reel on my list and with me and my tackle box. If you have the time, and it is not a busy season, searching an area for accomadations can be interesting and fun. However, if your time is budgeted as with most, You want to have as much time as possible to spend on your "prime interests". It is therefore recommended that you research: what is available, costs and offerings, then make reservations in advance. This will give you much more BASIS to work with in your planning. SET your interest-agenda - REASEARCH whats there and the costs - MAKE A "RUNNING LIST" of things you will need to pack and check these off as you load to leave - DON'T let minor items forgotten upset the day, most can be purchased or done without. Save them for next trip. LAST ---- just before you pull off the driveway, stop, for 2 min. clear calm silence, and think "did I secure the house (water, gas, electric, alarm, doors & windows locked)? This can be double-checked since you are still there. If you leave, unsure, it will worry and frustrate you the whole trip. Not a bad idea to shut off the water at the main valve or meter as I have seen many dishwashers, laundry hoses, icemakers and hotwater tanks malfunction or leak. They can do much damage in a short time. How much water can a 5/8" washer hose put out over a weeks vacation? Just a reminder of some things you probably know and may already do. God Bless and have a good time!