This is a Hold Up

Despite repeated objections from the two members of Emporia PETA, I decided to post a picture of myself taking part in that most American of pastimes--holding up fish for a picture in the garage. I do so fully aware of the impression that it might give--namely, that I haven't been doing much with my life during my time back stateside. But I strive most for an accurate reflection of the highs and lows of life in semi-rural Kansas.

If you can't appreciate the relative high of catching an eight-pound catfish (Frank) on a four-pound fly rod (Bessy,) it's likely because you haven't experienced the droll normalcy of life here or you haven't been fly fishing. Or, God forbid, both. In whatever case, you're invided for a weekend of the easy life and a complimentary fishing trip with my dad, who normally charges about $300 a day for guided trips. (Dad, is that okay?) I'm sure that he'd be happy to have you.

I'm not sure what the move back here is going to do to my photography and writing. A year ago I was visiting Hong Kong for the first time, and I can safely say that it made for slightly better pictures. I'm not complaining. Those are pretty decent crappie in my left hand, you know.

Fish Kansas

A typical view for Kansasites, this or a slight variation is what I see on drives in my great state. I took this on a fishing trip a couple weeks ago, when the fishing was great. My dad and I caught about 50 on this trip, which made for a smelly but satisfied 15-minute drive home.

Fishing has been lousy lately--due to the heat. Dad stopped taking clients for his fly fishing guide service until fall. He started the part-time business a couple years ago, and this year the AP ran an article on him and a Topeka TV station came down to do a report.