The One That Got Away (or did it?)

Dad pulled up to my house at 5am this morning and we headed to the Waffle House for some breakfast before some fishing at my favorite pond. We started fishing around 6am and caught several small bass and some really nice bream... AND THEN!
Dad made a cast to the middle of the pond with a reddish glittery worm. Shortly after the worm hit the water, a large fish grabbed it and took off! After 1 1/2 minutes of fighting a fish that wanted to stay under water, the fish jumped completely out of the water and shook the hook. I got the whole thing on video and it was amazing! Not even 5 minutes later, still fishing in the same area, I hooked a fish using a black and red glitter worm. I probably fought him for a couple of minutes, but he didn't seem to fight nearly as hard as the one my dad had on the line. When I landed the pig, Dad and I both looked at each other and thought it was probably the same fish and that the reason he didn't fight as hard with me is that Dad tired him out a good bit. We didn't have a scale or measuring tape, but we're estimating it to be a good 8-10 pounds, and definitely the biggest largemouth we've ever caught! After a few quick pictures, we let him go, "to fight again" we say! What a morning!

Wind

I left the house this evening for a youth event and when I returned a couple of hours later, I saw every single corn stalk laying flat on the ground. It was not a good feeling. I knew we got a good rain, but I had no idea a mini-tornado attacked my corn! Strangely enough, most of the corn didn't look broken, but just pushed over. So, I decided to begin the long process of staking each corn stalk so that they will stand upright again. I finished well past dark, and really, i don't know if it will even work. I just know one thing...If we actually get to eat sweet corn this year, it will be the sweetest corn ever!

Pond Fishing

After a hearty meal at the Waffle House, Josh and I headed to a pond to fish for bass. I've had an open invitation to fish this pond for 11 years now, but have never gone. What was I thinking? We must have caught 50 or so!

Green Beans for Supper!

We grilled burgers Monday night and put together a side of green beans from our garden. This was our first picking of the season! As you can see, Riley did all the work!

Family Picnic and Fishing on Lake Murray

We launched on the Irmo side of the dam and traveled across to the other side. After anchoring down for about 10 minutes and enjoying some fried chicken and subs, we landed this catfish.

We hung out for a while, and then saw a school of stripers. We headed straight towards them and landed this striper. Good times!

Getting Ready for the First Harvest

After two months of growing

(from left to right) Squash, peppers, cukes

Brooke's Herb Garden is coming along (my okra, behind, is doing well too)

Looks like we'll be eating some green beans this week

Silver Queen Sweet Corn

Tomatos are on most bushes now, especially the front two grape tomato bushes and the yellow pear (middle)