This late winter, early spring has been frustrating as the fishing goes. There have been periods with temperatures around 70 degrees in Las Vegas, and that translates into early morning to mid-day temperatures at the 6,000-foot elevation of 40 to 60 degrees… very tolerable. But life gets busy.
This budget cycle we have been using a series of council meetings and briefings to expand their knowledge and understanding of some overarching, long-term budget issues. A small bond offering for a state mandated project and several bond rater calls also kept my schedule hopping a little. In the middle of all that, we moved from our old city hall to our new one, which brought its own time demands.
Then there were unusual tax return issues besides my own and my older sons. Like a family limited partnership 1065 return that needed to be closed out and filed (needed that K-1 for my returns), as well as my uncle for whom I’ve been preparing his return to save him a little money, but more importantly give him some peace of mind.
Home life has been busy, too, as the adoption process continues with our foster daughter nearing its inevitable conclusion. Recently there have been family illnesses and stresses that change priorities, alter plans.
But this morning, after a string of sixty-three fishless days (I know, I know… you feel really awful about that), I was able to fish for a little more than 100 minutes on the best urban fishing pond in Clark County, the Cold Creek pond.
A fly fisherman who arrived just before me was assembling his rod when I parked at the pond. We struck up a conversation (we were the only two on the water at the time), and we were surprised to learn that we were both employed as chief financial officers. His name was Kerry, and I asked him how long he had been coming to Cold Creek. He said he had only recently discovered it, about two or three months ago, and that he took up fly fishing about three years ago. I asked him how he discovered Cold Creek, and he said, “Actually, I think I found it on your blog.” A small world, indeed.
We talked some about fishing and politics, nothing earth shattering, but just enough to establish a connection. Perhaps we will meet again, if not on Cold Creek maybe on Kolob, Eagle Valley, or even Wayne Kirch.
My wife, Denise, has not been well these past five days so I explained to Kerry that I had to get home and tend to business there. Another fly fisherman arrived just before I caught my last trout, which I think was the seventh or eighth of the morning. I assumed the new arrival was a beginner based on a remark he offered: “Let’s see if I remember how to do this.” I told him that was why he was here, and without speaking it I thought to myself that is what we all are doing, practicing our way through life, learning as we go along.
Thankfully, I was able to get in the door as our foster daughter was chattering in her crib and before Denise had to climb out of bed to deal with her. Yes, God is good, all the time. I try to remember that whatever I am doing, whether I like it or not, to do it for the glory of God (Corinthians 10:31) and all will be good.
