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by Jim Dickens                 December 20, 2023 Somewhere around December 21st, is the darkest day in the northern hemisphere. Cloudy with low sun angle and the latest sunrise and earliest sunset characterize that day. There are many traditions and religious holidays old and new that brighten these dark days. I think a lot of it is by design. Reflecting backContinue reading “Light on the Darkest Day”

Last Goggle Text My ironwoman niece in law, gave me a pair of excellent swim goggles on Lake Chelan, WA after looking at my 20 year old yellowed goggles in dismay. Since that time, July of 2022, I texted her pictures from places I use them. In 2023, they have been in the Pacific andContinue reading “R1T Tour: November 2023”

Still Traveling Somehow I managed to only be home a few days in October. It was lots of fun with family, fishing and large mammals. Park City to Bozeman to Naperville to Baja, Mexico, to Naperville to San Francisco to Reno to Naperville. Of interest was Baja, Mexico. My friend Pete was invited because ofContinue reading “R1T Tour: October 2023”

Scotland to Utah Our son, Jack, and his fiancé, Shelby married. With two weddings and chairing a charity event completed, whew, I went fishing. Shelby and Jack planned a great wedding and had unScottish, warm and sunny, weather supporting it. Ninety or so people shared a weekend at Thirlestane Castle in the Scottish borderlands. ThereContinue reading “R1T Tour: September 2023”

Retirement hectic stress In retirement you relax but August proved to be jam packed with stuff that had to be done in August. I was co chair of the 50th anniversary Illinois Trout Unlimited celebration, my mom had a birthday and my son, Jack was about to married. I am bad at event planning dueContinue reading “R1T Tour: August 2023”

Escaping Purgatory I have always said, “Being engaged is being in purgatory. Get married as soon as you can.” Son, Chris and fiancé, Sophie did just that. After finding out that our other son, Jack, wanted to get married in September as well, Sophie and Chris, decided to get married sooner rather than later. ForContinue reading “R1T Tour: July 2023”

New Old Stuff Some old stuff still persists because it is good. For example good art gets preserved through the ages. So in June, I experienced three old things that are still here because they are good. First, I took a fly fishing trip up into the “center of the Michigan mitten”, Grayling, on theContinue reading “R1T Tour: June 2023”

40 Year Tradition The Stackloaf Golf Tournament started in 1983 and has been held in South Carolina every year since. My good friend Stack, despite illness that now keeps him wheelchair bound, has faithfully organized it without fail. I have played in all but a few and it is always a highlight. When we wereContinue reading “R1T Tour: May 2023”

Going Dry: A new lifestyle I started April with sinus headaches and a cough deep in my chest from a heavy lingering cold in March. After listening to a Huberman Lab podcast on the deleterious effects of alcohol, I decided my recovery would speed up if I didn’t drink. April turned into a dry month.Continue reading “R1T Tour: April 2023”

Full Speed I have learned over the years that having the right cadence to adventures enhances the enjoyment. However in March, the adventures were just too good to miss and there was almost no down time. We were still in Maui on the first of March on Wailea Beach. Chris and Sophie, son and fiancé,Continue reading “R1T Tour: March 2023”