Trout Republic

Yep, it looks like another year has rolled around for Ol’ Dutch and I can chalk another birthday up on the proverbial wall, which seems to be taking more and more space to tally on. If you hang around long enough those numbers start to take on a life of their own and grow seemingly exponentially in volume.

Regardless of my “advanced age,” as Miss Trixie so kindly points out on a regular basis, I probably worked harder this past year than I have since I retired. All in all, I feel pretty good. I gained some muscle and learned a lot which is never bad.

Long ago a friend told me to celebrate not only a birth day but a birthday week and so I will party-hardy all this week. For those of you that may have missed the actual date of my birthday and the root beer floats at the party last Sunday, let me remind you that a belated gift is better than none at all and that no gift is too large. So, surprise me.

Usually, I buy myself a gun for my birthday but this year I bought myself a new laptop. So, while awaiting the start of my rootbeer float party, I practiced getting used to the new keyboard. Why is it that change gets harder as we age?

While Miss Trixie hurried around getting ready for the party, I strategized how to make an entrance befitting someone of my stature. Which really means that Miss Trixie “told me” to come right on time and bring the ice cream so it doesn't melt before the guests arrive for the grand event. It’s rough being the guest of honor.

It was a great party and about 50 people showed up for the eats. Funny cards, delicious brisket, homemade cookies and even a gift certificate for Mexican food were received and I feel truly blessed to have such dear friends.

I plan on a week of such “doings” and will be fishing, go to Bingo underground at Creede, hike up in the Aspens and maybe take an ATV ride up Alder Creek. (In case you need to find me for some present giving.) No use cutting short on the festivities if I can help it, is what I always say.

Miss Trixie and I also have a whirlwind week ahead rafting with Mountain Man which will keep us busy until next Sunday when I again get celebrated on Father’s Day. Man, how can a guy beat that? Two celebrations and good tidings coming my way all in the same week.

All that makes me grateful that my parents thought to conceive me on the right day so this week would work out later in life with a double celebration. Thanks to my Dad, Fast Freddy, for that selfless act of kindness so many years ago so that I might be born and have such a great life.

No matter where life finds you this next week, try and remember your father this week on his special day. I know that some of you may not have had the best dad in your lives but everyone has a father and if you can, thank him for your life or at least remember him for it.

Being born is the greatest gift that each of us receive this side of Heaven and each day I am more and more thankful for my Dad and his sacrifices he made for me.

And if you are the dad, spend a few extra hours with your kids, revel in their accomplishments, laugh at the grandkids and hopefully open some cards and gifts that you probably paid for.

Have a great week and get outside to enjoy this weather.

Kevin Kirkpatrick and his Yorkie, Cooper, fish, hunt, ATV or hike daily. His email is [email protected]. Additional news can be found at www.troutrepublic.com.