Authors Marylou Bugh and Janet Allen to Launch and Sign Their Latest Books Sept. 19, 2017 in West Branch, MIchigan

Two Michigan authors will be launching their latest books at the West Branch District Library's Books for Lunch on September 19 at noon. Both authors will be giving a synopsis and signing their latest work. Books will be for sale. A vegan lunch will be available. Donation requested. Hope to see you there.

Houghton Lake April 6, 2017 Ice Is Off The Lake

The ice is off the lake and the DNR boat launch docks are in the water. The canals that I have seen are also ice free. This is the time of year when the Crappie come into the canals. I haven't heard anything about the fishing since the ice started to melt but I know many trophy size Northern Pike were taken from under the ice this past winter.

We had mild temps all winter and whether this will affect the winter kill of fish or not, has yet to be determined. Personally, I believe the fishing will continue to be excellent this year.

I drove by Higgins Lake a couple of days ago and there was still some ice hanging around the shoreline. No surprise since Higgins runs much deeper than Houghton, making the water temps lower. But after today's "snow storm" the temps are to remain near 50 degrees and higher during the day. Almost warm enough for me to play hooky and go to Reedsburg Dam for a little afternoon fishing. I fish from a chair so I prefer it to be 60 degrees or higher. Otherwise the joints get a little stiff.

Hope to see you in the summer and good luck fishing.

Houghton Lake Ice Report 12/21/16

Ice Report From Lyman's on the Lake

Houghton Lake Ice Report 12.21.16. The ice is being stubborn and unpredictable. Ice thickness ranges from 8" to 2". There are guys fishing, but they have been staying fairly close to shore. The south shore weed bed can be fished to about 200 - 300 yards out, but you need to check as you go. Areas of east bay, north shore by Flint Rd and in the canals can be fished. No one is traveling by quad or sled yet.

Stay safe out there.

Until next time,

Ken

Houghton Lake Ice Report. 12.16.16

Lyman's on the Lake: Ice Report

Houghton Lake Ice Report. 12.16.16. 

On the main body of the lake, ice thickness is 4" to 6" very close to shore, but it thins out quickly to about 1" in as little as 100 yds out. The more wind/wave sheltered areas of the lake like the canals, parts of east bay and boat launches have 4" to 5". A few anglers are starting to go out, but they aren't venturing too far from shore and they are using a spud frequently to test the thickness as they go. We have a storm on its way with heavy snow fall predicted, which could weaken the ice, so we are still recommending people wait a few more days.

First Kiss

    Becky had been planing this for so long. All the way back to the beginning of the school year. She was thirteen and already showing signs of womanhood. She had the beginnings of a figure. Just some slight curves but enough so she needed to alter some of her nicer dresses. Mother had given her “the talk” as if she didn't already know. After all she was thirteen years old, practically an adult. It was time for her to have a serious relationship with a boy. It was time for her first kiss and it had to be perfect.

    Several of her friends had talked about it as if they had already had the experience. Standing in a circle with their heads together, predicting which boy would be their first. They all wanted Kent Reese to be their first. He was so dreamy, with his blond hair and deep blue eyes. Working on his parents farm had kept him slim and trim.

    On the other hand there was Seth Greene. He was a spoiled rich kid who had never done a hard days work in his life. Sitting there in the corner eating cherries and spitting out the pits into his hand, not even using a napkin. He looked over at Becky with a lopsided grin. As if Becky could possibly be interested in him.

    All of her classmate's were coming over for a Christmas party including, of course, Kent Reese. Becky's mother had agreed to this only if she were present to chaperon. This put a small crimp in Becky's plans but she could improvise.

    Her new plan was simple; she would lure Kent into the kitchen on the pretense of needing his help with refreshments for the other kids. She had already hung some mistletoe in the kitchen as a backup plan. Kent might not take the hint right away (boys could be so dense at times), she would tell Kent it was a tradition to kiss under the mistletoe, not to do so would result in catastrophe. He would simply have to comply. Then she would come to him, put her arms around his muscular shoulders and place her lips to his, tasting the warmth and softness of a long, slow kiss. She would do her best not to swoon. It would be perfect.

    Becky readied herself in the kitchen and with one final calming breath she called out, “ Kent would you please come in the kitchen and help me with some refreshments?” She could hear his heavy footsteps coming toward the kitchen. Her excitement building to an almost unbearable level. Quickly she smoothed her holiday dress then stood demurely with her hands behind her. This would be perfect. Then the lights went out.

    “It's OK everyone,” called Becky's mother. “It's just a blown fuse. I'll have it fixed in a jiffy.”

    “This is perfect,“ thought Becky. When in stepped a dark figure. Becky was so excited all of her plans were forgotten. Without a word she leaned in and kissed Kent. It was short and chaste, not really at all like she had expected. It was kind of mushy and cold, but sweet. It had tasted like cherries. The lights came back on and Becky was looking up at an enormous cowlick.

    Seth Greene.

    She had wasted her first kiss on Seth Greene. He looked at her with his big brown eyes. Becky suddenly realized, she had never noticed how warm and inviting his eyes were. Seth looked up and saw the mistletoe. His mouth broke into the cutest lopsided grin.

    “Mistletoe. That was my first time”

    Becky's lips curled into a shy smile. “That was my first time too.”

365 Days Done...Thank You Readers

Day 365

In the words of the Grateful Dead, "What a long, strange trip it's been..." My 365 day blog challenge

is at an end. This will be my last blob post for a little while as I concentrate on my new challenge of writing a novel in 30 days. I am behind but I think I can catch up.

Thank you to everyone who has been reading my blog. I plan to have some new amusing stories to post so keep watching. Keep reading. Books are your vehicle baby, they'll take you anywhere you want to go.

Until next time,

Ken

Day 364

Day 364

All I can say...is one more day. one challenge done. Three more weeks and another challenge crossed off. Then maybe I can take a rest from writing. But I doubt it.

Until tomorrow,

Ken