More random stuff

 Time seems to be passing without anything, of note, taking place? Only by taking a step back, am I able to see what has actually been achieved. The lawn is mowed regularly, thus in great nick, our Summer House has a new coat of "Sadolin Classic" wood preservative, the block paved, off road parking area, has been given a thorough dousing with weed killer and I've even given the van a wash!! Whatever next? Bev and I are enjoying this new phase of our life together, which can be nothing but positive. 

Spawning tubercles are clearly visible on this male bream

I've been griping about my lack of angling successes yet, in reality, the rods are seeing a fair amount of action. Bream to just over eight pounds have graced the net, just recently, which is a result in itself. The fact that they have been taken whilst surface fishing for carp just adds to the syndicate conundrum. 

A couple of carp have succumbed to my floating baits and I'm indebted to Bill, a fellow syndicate member, for the photos of the second fish and the "action" shot. One of the other members, Nick, has been an inspiration for me to pursue the surface fishing option. He is a very successful carp fisher, certainly the most consistent angler at the syndicate, but it is all due to effort, not luck. He's a bloody machine, constantly looking for that next opportunity! So, sadly, it comes as no surprise (to me) that there are some who seek to piss on his picnic, cast doubts about his angling ability and methodology. JEALOUSY - no more, no less. Happily, as I'm not party to the Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, nonsense it has no impact upon my opinion of this very talented angler and so it will remain. Anyway, whilst Nick is banging out twenties and thirties, for fun, I have to content myself with lesser fare. Yesterday it was a 13 lbs 9 oz, today 15 lbs 6 oz, both Commons, both most welcome, both on a split cane Mk IV with a Cardinal 66X for company.

The 13 lb fish and a sun burnt cranium!

Today I wore a hat, due to the complete lack of a fringe! What I should have done is think about the rest of my aging torso. I wore a vest and, as a consequence, look like a bloody tomato!!! Serves me right!

The fruits of my labour. Fifteen pounds of angry carp, a silly hat and sun burn - happy days!