My Christmas Haul

Well the holiday is over.  We made it through just fine at our house.  Hours and hours of wrapping, shopping and buying came down to a just a few furious moments Sunday morning.  Between two kids, I don't know which one was more excited.  I am always amazed at all the wrapping paper that litters the floor afterwards.  My wife called me at 0230 in the morning Christmas morning, I had to work, to tell me that she had just finished wrapping the presents.  It really makes me wonder at times why we do this to ourselves.  After watching the kids tear into the presents, I remember why.  Still though, it is amazing just how quickly it is over.  I just have to shake my head.

The wife and I set limits this year regarding our gift exchange.  We wanted to give the kids as much as possible.  So I, of course, asked for a new rod, reel, line etc.  Well I did!  I figured what the heck it is Christmas.  No, I didn't get any of those.  I also asked for some tying books, some fishing books, vintage (nice way of saying old) flies and some new fly boxes.  Yes I got some of these and yes wife I am happy (I know she will be reading this soon!)  So here is my haul from my wife:

 I really enjoy reading these old fishing and tying books.  They are a hoot.  I also enjoy collecting the vintage flies.  My wife picked out this group because it has a bee among the group and we tie a bee pattern that has become world famous! If you are or are thinking about being a small stream fly fisherman, check out the Orvis Guide to Small Stream Fly Fishing.  I started fly fishing these small streams in the mountains near by.  In hindsight this was totally the wrong thing to do but whatever!  Having been a few times this year, I forgot how much fun it is.  I am already planning outings next year and will be going a lot more in the Spring and Fall.

Here are my two new fly boxes.  These babies are the new Umpqua Professional Guide series boxes.  I love them!  They are so neat.  They have micro-slit foam, corrosion protection as well as magnetic compartments. The idea behind these is that you place the flies you have used on the magnetic compartments to dry and be placed back in a slot later.  Again, I love it!  They are a bit on the expensive side running around 35 dollars a piece.  However, after my dunk in the water at Harman's this past September when all my flies got soaked, it is worth it.  There is another, smaller box in the series.  I will be getting that one and more when I can afford them.  Enjoy the photos:

Well another holiday has come and gone.  I truly hope that everyone had a good one.  Thank you to all my fans, followers, readers and peeps.  It has been a great year and I am looking forward to sharing my adventures in tying and fishing with you in 2012.