Holidays not so much with school shooting

   Even though we live a long distance from Connecticut the senseless shooting at the elementary school has had an affect on us.
   I'm a little more somber. I keep thinking of those little children, scared and huddled alone in a classroom. It's just breathtaking but not in a good way.
   You wonder who will be the idiot to do something to top this latest tragedy. Hopefully that person won't surface. But there's already speculation by some that this kind of thing puts ideas in the wrong peoples heads.
   What was the reason for such brutality? Why did it happen? What can be done to prevent future incidents of this nature?
   No one knows the answer to these and other questions. The one person that would know is dead. As far as what can be done to prevent future incidents, it sounds like this school had done everything it could to have a safe environment.
   Sometimes, no matter what the safeguards are, people figure out a way to get by them. If you pray, now would be a good time to remember those little children and their families. Especially in this most holy of seasons.

Lake Gogebic-First Ice fishing vacation school

   To begin the new year, veteran walleye angler Mark Martin has put together three ice fishing schools. For years he's held one school only on Saginaw Bay.
   The first school, Jan., 6-9 will be held in the U.P. out of Bergland on Lake Gogebic. This can be a touchy lake to fish.
   That's largely in part due it's size and the great supply of food sources for the fish. We fished it last winter and caught  fish not too far from shore and the Timbers Resort.
   The Timbers is ideal for this kind of gathering because it's situated on the shore of the lake making it easy to run back in for something that may have been left behind or for other reasons.
   Keep your snowmobile right outside your cabin and you're good to go at any time. Another reason for liking the Timbers is the owner Tim Long and his wife are great hosts.
   Tim has been a former walleye angler fishing competitively and guides on the lake. He's a great source for information and technique.
   For more information visit www.markmartinsicefishingvacationschool.com. Check out the Timbers Resort at www.thetimbersresort.com.

Ice Fishing Vacation Schools-soon open

   My ice fishing gear is kind of spread out in the garage. Some is on a shelf, some stacked in a corner, and the small stuff is waiting to be sorted out and put into containers-someplace!
   Though it sound disorganized-and it is-I still prefer things to be organized and in a proper place for everything. I feel that way but seldom get to see the end of the road as far as putting everything in it's place goes.
   It's the result of too much accumulated over the years. That and saving equipment for children in the family who will probably never use any of it.
   What reminded me to get the ice fishing stuff nailed down was remembering that veteran walleye professional Mark Martin and his Ice Fishing Vacation Schools will be starting up right after the New Year.
   The first one is on Lake Gogebic in the U.P., followed by Cadillac then Saginaw Bay. There's plenty of opportunity to fish and learn for those interested in improving their skills.
   Besides getting an education on some of the finer points of ice fishing, there is new equipment to both see and try, but best of all is the camaraderie experienced at these outings.
   For more information on the schools as well as how to register visit markmartinsfishingvacationschool.com. 

Bird feeding-Great winter activity

   Already there have been more birds at our feeders than have shown up in several months. And the snow hasn't hit the ground yet.
   For some reason, a good snow attracts birds to backyard feeders. If there is a snowstorm, more than a few show up.
   They must think it's the time to stock up on whatever food is available because of the storm. Whatever the reason, they are a joy to watch, especially with the whit of the snow as a backdrop.
   Of course, Mr. and Mrs. squirrel need to put in their two cents worth. They come hopping along the snow, alert to everything around them, but keyed in on the feeder that has attracted birds.
   Our two sunflower feeders are somewhat squirrel proof. But what feeder is totally anti squirrel? Ours allows for the weight of birds on the perches, to feed as much as they want.
   But the weight of a bushy tail pulls the feeder down so it covers up the feeding holes, thereby frustrating squirrels.
   Some will hang around trying to figure a way around the closed off feeding holes. Eventually they get to where they can knock the feeder off it's hook and onto the ground.
   Once on the ground and not swinging about, the squirrel can feed with hardly any problem. It's at this point that some take it a step further and chew the feeder until they cut through the plastic, making a sizable hole, all the better to eat through.
   Sunflower seeds, the oiler variety, have been our choice for many years and never fail to attract all sorts and colors of birds. Give bird feeding a try. It's a pleasure and joy to be inside a warm house watching these feathered creatures hanging out, enjoying a quick meal.
   For more information about birds, feeding, and other topics visit www.birds.cornell.edu. 

Shopping done? That's today's question

   Everywhere you go people are asking the same thing. Is your shopping done? Mine hasn't started but thanks to my wife, most of it is covered.
   This Sunday's column has to do with some suggestions as gifts for those that enjoy the outdoors. One thought about gifts is don't get too carried away with things like long guns, rods and reels or bows.
   Most people have a definite idea as to what they are looking for in these areas. And if they don't know what they would like, it's a good bet that they would prefer to go and personally see what's available.
   What is appealing to one person won't move the needle for another. It's like beauty, all in the eye of the beholder.
   Stay safe with things like ice fishing jigs, hard or soft baits for soft water fishing, perhaps a fanny pack that can be used in conjunction with hunting, a good pair of gloves or mitts, and maybe a flannel or chamois shirt for cold weather use.
   Now all you have to do is get out to a sporting goods store and see what's available. And if nothing else works, get a gift certificate. You can't go wrong. Happy shopping!

SAD affects many this time of year

   If you feel yourself tired all the time, sitting in front of the TV with the remote in your hand, and nearly living in your bedroom, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, known as SAD. It's an appropriate description because sad describes your mood day in and day out.
   I'm not a doctor so if you are having any of these symptoms, by all means, consult with your doctor. It could be something else entirely.
   In my case, usually around the middle of December right through May, I get in that strange world where I don't feel like doing anything. As my dad used to say, "I could care less if school kept on not."
   The solution for me, after many years, has been a combination of medicine, counselling and exercise.
   In any event, staying active, whether you walk, use a treadmill, or ride a stationary bike, the important thing is to keep moving and stay active.
   Another thing to consider is finding a hobby then practicing it. Go to the library not only to check a book out, but read a newspaper while you're there from another town or city. Grab a magazine, then find a quiet corner, a comfortable chair and read for awhile without distractions.
   Sportsmen could tie flies, make baits or lures, build a rod, clean guns, organize equipment or build something like an ammo box. Don't know how to tie flies, take a class. Go to trout unlimited.org for a TU chapter nearby that offers instruction.
   Recently, I joined Oakland County Cross Fit. Cross fit is a form of exercise done under the direction and observation of a qualified trainer, that exercises different muscles each day.
   Each day the workout is posted. No matter what that program calls for, workouts can and are tailored to the individual.
   In my case I've had both knees replaced and a not so successful shoulder operation that has left me weaker on one side.
   Another thing to consider is the lack of sunshine providing vitamin D. On those days when there is sun, get outdoors for an hour or so to absorb some of those healthy rays. An alternative is to buy a lamp with a bulb that simulates being outdoors in the sun. They're available almost anywhere.
   Some things I can't do without difficulty or pain so other excercises are substituted for me. For more information on cross fit visit oaklandcountycrossfit.com.

Get outdoors-rthe weather is great!

   Yes, in case you haven't noticed, we are in a period of unseasonably warm weather here in southeast Michigan.
   The ski resorts don't care for it nor do the sporting goods stores that have bought and received new shipments of the latest in ice fishing equipment.
   But for the rest of us, we've gotten a few days respite from the bitter cold and snow to allow for that final yard clean up, or to hang the outside Christmas decorations.
   I even mowed my lawn a couple days ago and will rake it soon, so long as the weather holds up. At the same time, I'll get my ice fishing stuff where it will be handy. Same goes for the cross country skis and related equipment.
   Just after the first of the year, it will be time to head to Lake Gogebic and the first of three stops on Mark Martin's Ice Fishing Vacation School schedule.
   Martin, who resides near Muskegon is a professional walleye fisherman. When not fishing tournaments or otherwise engaged in the work of spreading the word about walleye fishing and endorsing his sponsors at the many fishing shows over the winter, he's about educating people in the sport of fishing.
   For more information on Martin's schools visit www.markmartins.com. Now get out and rake those leaves before the snow flies.