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I enjoy reading WWII stories…

I enjoy reading WWII stories. My grandpa served in the war in the USS Gambier Bay, a baby aircraft carrier. His ship was sunk by the Japs in the battle of Leyte. It was the only carrier sunk by surface fire in WWII. Grandpa and the rest of the survivors spent two days floating in the Pacific waiting for rescue. Many shipmates were eaten by sharks. Truly the greatest generation. 

It was awesome to see Ubly…

It was awesome to see Ubly finally pull through after losing in each of its three prior trips to Ford Field. Great small town program from the Thumb. And I just found out today that a cousin is a starter for Ubly (my dad grew up in that area).

That D1 game....wow! Athletes all over. The receivers for both sides really stood out to me.

 

An eventful day at camp…

An eventful day at camp today. Brother and Father in law each separately missed one of our 3 target bucks.  Not sure how that happened. Neighbor got the 3rd target buck this afternoon. Myself and my cousin both passed on smaller 8 points.
 

Meanwhile, back at home an 8 pt was next to my kids play set behind the house this afternoon.  

Coming from a small Class C…

Coming from a small Class C school in the Thumb, the answer is no. I did play pick up ball with Josh Asselin (hoops) as he was from the next town over from me. I also had a class with Chris Kaman at CMU. This was after he had blown up and was receiving draft hype, he was cocky and arrogant by that point.

We use Bifen on our yard at…

We use Bifen on our yard at deer camp for ticks. They are horrible this year. Got to the point our kids couldnt even walk in the grass behind the house (surrounded by hay field, no woods within 50-75 yards) without getting ticks on them. Found one dug into my son after we had already drove 2 hours home. That was the final straw.

I've never done it…

I've never done it personally, but know several who have. It's about a 2 mile paddle, one way. Launch out of Port Austin and head east.

Student manager teams were…

Student manager teams were placed in brackets with the top team (as voted on by fans on Twitter) from each region advancing to the Manager Games Final Four where they will play each other to determine the national champion. Today is the last day of voting for the S16 match up against Wisconsin managers.

 

Michigan managers finished the regular season ranked #1 and are the top overall seed.

Good bets to under perform:…

Good bets to under perform: Illinois, Virginia, Rick Barnes, Shaka Smart, Purdue, Iowa, Penny Hardaway.

TWill looked absolutely…

TWill looked absolutely terrified to have the ball at the end. 

Saginaw High and Arthur Hill…

Saginaw High and Arthur Hill are combining schools next year. 15 years ago that was unthinkable. 

His story is sad but true. 

His story is sad but true. 

Fellow Thumb Bum here. My…

Fellow Thumb Bum here. My cousin was on that 2012 Harbor Beach team.

Yesterday was weird all… Yesterday was weird all around. Georgia struggled with Kent St, PSU the same with average CMU, Miami FL haha, Oregon gave us 41 to Wazzu, Ole Miss barely beat Tulsa, Kentucky didn’t exactly look great against NIU, OU losing to Kansas St, USC needed last minute TD to beat Oregon St.
Bad things don’t happen to…

Bad things don’t happen to Bama. 

I believe they also made a…

I believe they also made a stop in Frankenmuth after the Flint trip to eat at Zehnders. That's a lot of chicken dinners!

I hope they make it to the UP. So much to offer up there and probably the only time many of the players will ever visit.

I grew up camping there but…

I grew up camping there but havent been back since I was a youngster. Would love to take the family next summer. How far in advance do you book?

We are heading to Maui next…

We are heading to Maui next February to knock one item off the list. 4 couples, all good friends, staying in a VRBO together for my 40th birthday. Should be a blast. Still want to do Alaska, Maldives, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, California Redwoods and Lake Tahoe.

Sports wise, I've always wanted to experience a UNC/Duke game. Also want to go to a Friday night high school football game in Texas.

Forgot to mention we also…

Forgot to mention we also have several dozen wild mulberry trees, two small blackberry patches, and a few scattered black caps aka black raspberry plants. None of these were planted by us, just the product of creating a healthy ecosystem for the wildlife. The blackberries are dwindling each year. They are being overrun by another bramble and gray dogwood.

My name is Dantana and I…

My name is Dantana and I have a problem growing stuff. Seriously. I just got around to the garden last week. So far I've planted Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, 4 rows of onions. This week I will try to get in the green beans and potatoes. The wife and kids like growing pumpkins, I don't have room in the garden for them but will throw some seed into a few dirt piles out back and watch them grow up the nearby shrubs.

We have two wildflower patches - one near the garden and one out back in the power line (we live on 16 acres).

I have 6 apples trees and one peach tree scattered around the property. I should have my first crop of peaches this year and also my first Red Delicious and Gala crops. I also have another 6 crabapple trees for the deer. Next year I plan to add another peach tree and a few pear trees.

On top of that, I have about an acre of food plots that will be planted for the deer.

On our up north property, I have close to 30 fruit trees (apple, crabapple, and pear) planted since 2018. Some will produce this year (provided gypsy moth caterpillars don't get them). The cherry tree I planted last year might be doing the best of all of them, it has probably 50 little cherry's on it this year.

I currently live in the…

I currently live in the house I grew up in. When my dad passed away in 2018, he left me the house. We did sink about 80k into much needed upgrades, including a master bath for the wife and I and a separate bathroom for the kids. It's a little smaller than I would purchase on the open market, but it's hard to beat raising my kids in the house I grew up in. 16 acres featuring a one acre pond and a creek running behind the house keeps the kids entertained. The insurance business that I took over from my dad is also located on the property. 10 second commute to work.

If we were to move somewhere in Michigan, it would likely be to the west side of the state near the water. Frankfort is one of our favorite towns, but not sure the wife could handle the winter months. Out of state, probably North Carolina or Colorado. We love the water, so near a lake or ocean is a big draw for us. The Exumas (Bahamas) would rank right near the top as well.

 

 

 

I live out in BFE Michigan…

I live out in BFE Michigan on 16 acres so I have a little more freedom but over the past 3 years I have planted two wildflower patches, planted nearly a dozen fruit trees, and added perennial flowers to our landscaping. Not much in the grand scheme of things but every little bit helps.

 

In the old Joe Louis, you…

In the old Joe Louis, you used to piss next to 10 other dudes in a trough. Times are a changin'.

I'm a small business owner …

I'm a small business owner (insurance agency). I posted an opening right around this time last year. I didn't get it filled until mid August. I had 4 applications total. 

The instrumental intros for… The instrumental intros for Still Dre and Next Episode are so iconic that they had to be used. But they definitely missed out not having Dre and Snoop open the show by doing the first four lines of Nuthin But A G Thang.
The 90's rap fan in me…

The 90's rap fan in me agrees with this take.

Cool story bro moment. I…

Cool story bro moment. I played high school hoops against Milwaukee GM Jon Horst. I don't know him personally other than playing against him but I've heard nothing but good things from those who do know him. One of my good friends still keeps in pretty regular contact with him. Pretty cool to see a kid from the Thumb of Michigan reach the pinnacle of basketball.

https://apnews.com/article/sports-nba-milwaukee-bucks-detroit-pistons-f4d3d61272565be1efd8464178e2e7e7

We moved into our house in…

We moved into our house in 2019. It was the house I grew up in but we wanted to renovated, modernize and "make it ours". Prior to moving in we took out a wall to open up the first floor, replaced all the carpet, installed hardwood in the first floor, added a master bath and repainted everything.

Since then, we have re-sided entire house, replaced all gutters and drains, replaced water tank, tore out old and installed new asphalt driveway, installed new garage door and opener, and put trex decking on front porch.

This summer we need to power wash and stain entire deck and install a new opener in barn.

In the next 1-3 years we are looking at new roofs for the house and barn and likely a new furnace and A/C.

My family had a place on…

My family had a place on Lake Missaukee for 20 years. My mom had to sell it a few years ago when the upkeep became too much and she moved back closer to us.

I was 15 when we first bought it and sold when I was 35. This age range allowed me to have two different viewpoints of having a cottage. In my younger years, I got to enjoy the perks of a cottage....fishing and boating all day, neighborhood girls, bonfires on the beach, parties, etc. As I grew older, I realized how much work they truly are. In addition to the normal upkeep of mowing, leaves, etc you then have winterizing, painting, staining the deck, clearing the beach, fixing rotting boards (the moisture wreaks havoc on anything wood) and so much more.

That said, I miss the place dearly. I would love nothing more than to take my little boy up there and play in the water all day like I did.

Personally, I would try buy within 2 to 2.5 hours of home. Lake Missaukee was perfect for us at about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Remember, if you stop to eat or get groceries on your way up, that 2.5 hours can quickly turn into 3 or 4 hours.

I've also spent a lot of time on Houghton and Higgins Lakes. Like them both, but for different reasons. Higgins is simply gorgeous with those crystal clear waters while Houghton's size is so impressive.

Shoop there it is…

Shoop there it is......thought you knew!

 

I'll see myself out.

I started trading stocks…

I started trading stocks back in April to fill the sports void. Have done okay and learned a ton. Still keep an eye on it but now that I am back to work I am not as invested. Ever since the weather warmed the wife and I have been busy with projects around the house. Not to mention we have a 2 year old that keeps us plenty busy. I own an insurance agency in Michigan and with the No Fault Reform beginning July 2nd we are swamped with questions from our insureds.

We have an almost 2 year …

We have an almost 2 year (next month). Wife and I are still working from home. Wife is a school social worker so she has to check in a few times each week with her cases. I own a small insurance agency. I don't do much of the day to day stuff anymore but still work daily overseeing my staff who are all working from home. It's definitely been a challenge. Little guys wants and needs his attention but there are times mom and dad need to work. For a while we werent even allowing his grandparents to see him but we reached a breaking point and needed the extra support.

We are lucky in that we have 16 acres behind the house for him to play and he loves being outside. He needs constant attention though as we live on a busy road, have a flowing creek and a one acre pond in the back yard. Lots of places for him to get into trouble.

To top it all off, my elderly mom fell and broke her leg and wrist right when the quarantine started. We werent able to see her in the hospital or in recovery at the nursing facility. Then the nursing home she was in had a positive case of the virus. Luckily, she's back home now but we are still keeping our distance.

I've never been so stressed in my life.

1. What method do you enjoy…

1. What method do you enjoy the most (archery, shotgun, rifle)?

Rifle hunting up north at our property is the favorite. My family eats nearly only venison for red meat, we rarely buy any beef, so I like to get at least 2 deer a year.

2. Favorite quarry?

Whitetails.

3. Bucket list hunt/location?

Elk hunt out west. Or some type of Alaska hunt. I also have 10 bear points that I would like to finally use here in Michigan.

But on the contrary, Alabama…

But on the contrary, Alabama can just replace them with studs from lower level schools.

1. What's your favorite…

1. What's your favorite method of fishing?

I LOVE ice fishing. I love sight fishing for walleye and perch on Saginaw Bay. Nothing like watching a school of jumbo perch in your hole. I've only done it once, but 3 summers ago I went camping in the UP for a week and fell in love with spin casting for stream brook trout. Been jonesing to get back ever since.

This question has me realizing all the different types of fishing I do. Jigging for walleye and perch through the ice, pike spearing, fishing for largemouth and gills in my pond, trolling for walleye and salmon, sucker spearing in the local creeks/ditches in the spring.

2. What's your favorite species to target?

Perch followed by walleye, salmon and brook trout.

3. Fish in solitude or in the company of others? 

I enjoy both. I love the solitude of ice fishing where I can be alone and clear my head but also enjoy the times on the boat with my buddies.

4. Dream fishing trip?

I would love to fish for halibut or salmon in Alaska.

This ^^^^^^

I'm choking up…

This ^^^^^^

I'm choking up as I write this because even after 18 months, it still hits home hard. I lost my dad last July to Sarcoma cancer. Diagnosed in late April, gone July 3rd. Just a little over 2 months is all I had with him. I dont say that to scare you, it's just the reality of cancer. We brought him home from Cleveland Clinic on a Thursday, had to take him back to hospital on Friday due to breathing issues, by Sunday evening he was moved to ICU as the breathing worsened and by Tuesday he was gone.

My biggest regret is not doing more of what RustyCleats said above. To say what needs to be said. We were caught off guard by the quick progression of dad's cancer and didn't get that chance. In his final hours I told him what a great father he was and how I would raise my then 1 month old just how he raised me. I promised I would continue our family insurance business just as he did for 38 years. Promised I would keep our many traditions alive and that he would always be with us. He was heavily sedated at that point and had a breathing machine but I pray he was able to take comfort in my words before he passed. I just regret that he wasn't able to say those same words to us(dad liked to talk!).

Prayers for you brother.

I was up north at the cabin…

I was up north at the cabin earlier this summer when I got stung walking from the house to the garage. Caught something black out of the corner of my eye, felt the sting then ran back to the house (I dont handle stings well, swell up pretty good). That sucker hurt for several days and I was swollen from the elbow to halfway down to my wrist.

Fast forward a month or so, I was back up there and noticed a GIANT hornet nest on the corner of the house full of black flying things.....BALD FACED HORNETS! Pretty certain that is what got me. One of the more hurtful stings I've ever gotten.

I have the #1 pick this year…

I have the #1 pick this year. Leaning Saquan there with CMC option 1B (Kamara is being kept).

At the 2-3 turn I am looking at a top WR (Evans, Keenan Allen) and likely another RB (Founette, Gordon, DWilliams, Cook if he drops). I want nothing to do with AB this year.

At 4-5 turn, likely targeting receivers (Godwin, Woods, Cooks, Diggs)

6-7 is looking like TE (Henry) and another RB (James White).

And of course, this entire strategy will be gone 1 round into the draft.

The wife and I and another…

The wife and I and another couple are going to the Bahamas. Exumas to be exact. First vacation for me outside of the state since our honeymoon in 2016. Long overdue.

We honeymooned in St. Lucia. Highly recommend. Stayed 4 nights at Sugar Beach between the Piton Mountains and 3 nights at Anse Chastanet.

Mayville grad here. Crazy…

Mayville grad here. Crazy run of dominance by their softball program. Made it to semifinals in 13 of last 14 years. Pretty impressive for a small town public school. 

My grandpa did not take part…

My grandpa did not take part in D-Day but was on the U.S.S. Gambier Bay, an escort carrier that was sunk by the Japs in the Pacific. Luckily, he survived the sinking and the sharks that claimed many of his shipmates.

" The majority of her nearly 800 survivors were rescued two days later by landing and patrol craft dispatched from Leyte Gulf. Sharks killed many drifting crewmembers. Three other ships—Hoel, Samuel B. Roberts, and Johnston—were also lost in the battle. Gambier Bay was the only US Navy aircraft carrier sunk by surface naval gunfire during World War II. "

 

 

I love my dad last year to…

I lost my dad last year to Sarcoma cancer. Sarcoma basically has the same prognosis as pancreatic, i.e. not very long. Dad was diagnosed in late April and passed on July 3rd. Worst part is my son was born in early June. Thankful that dad got to hold him but breaks my heart that my boy wont get to grow up playing ball or watching Michigan sports with grandpa. Miss him every day.

According to Eminem, his own…

According to Eminem, his own personal list goes as follows:

Reggie, Jay-Z, Tupac and Biggie, Andre from Outkast, Jada, Kurupt, Nas and then me

He was fun to watch in the…

He was fun to watch in the last two state championship games. He completely dominated both games against opponents stacked with DI and DII talent. I really hate that he went to MSU and I have to despise him now.

One of my greatest fishing

One of my greatest fishing memories is going to Lake of the Woods with my dad, uncle and cousins. Phenomenal fishing for walleye, perch, pike, and musky. 100 fish days were not uncommon. I can still remember my cousin casting a buzzbait next to a downed tree along the shore and watching a 50+" musky follow it all the way to the boat before disappearing.

Alaska is definitely on the

Alaska is definitely on the bucket list. Something so intriguing about driving out from your back yard, dropping a shrimp pot then go fishing for halibut. Not to mention the scenery.

Are you a member of the Big

Are you a member of the Big Weenie Brand? We use your meat rigs for salmon all the time, great product!

I havent done much fishing

I havent done much fishing since the ice left on Saginaw Bay. Went out once on the Saginaw River before walleye season closed. Ice fishing was hit and miss. First ice was okay then mid winter sucked. Fishing for perch was getting really good right at the end and then those consecutive days of 60 degree temps and monsoon rain in February ruined the last ice fishing.

I went sucker spearing last night. It took a while to find the fish and when we did there werent many but it was a beautiful night to be out.

I did my first stream trout fishing last summer in the UP and now I'm hooked! With a little one coming in June, I am not sure if I will get back up there this year but I'm definitely looking forward to when I can.

Other summer fishing includes walleye fishing on the Bay and salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. Nothing better than watching a dipsy rod dancing with a King salmon on the end of it!

If you're into fishing be

If you're into fishing be sure to take a rod along. There is a good chance that the majority of streams you cross heading west towards Munising (there will be lots) will have brook trout in them. Regular old hook and worm will do the trick as will small Mepp's spinners.

We camped in Munising and Tahquamenon for a week last August, great time. Was able to catch brook trout and splake in the streams, saw most of the water falls in Munising, and even jumped off the rock cliffs into Lake Superior at Miners Beach.

If anyone is at Tahquamenon Falls in early to mid August, take CO-500 north and stop off on one of the various two-tracks that split off the road. Wild blueberries EVERYWHERE!

Yeesh, I thought my ACL

Yeesh, I thought my ACL surgery was bad.

Mike Jones?

Mike Jones?