What is it about fishing that makes it so wonderful? I bet I could write a book (literally-- no pun intended) on this one question. When I'm on the water, every emotion comes into play-- The anticipation of the day when I'm leaving the boat ramp-- will it be a nice day? Will I be able to pattern the fish and catch "the big one"? Sitting there with a few dozen other boats, waiting for "blast off", the adrenaline building up, and then your number comes up, and the throttle stick gets jammed forward. In an instant, you're going across the lake at 60 miles an hour. It's the closest thing to flying that there is! At the same time, looking around at your surroundings, just enjoying the absolute beauty of it all, feeling the warmth of the morning sun, thanking God that you're alive to appreciate this!! Once you get to your "spot", (and this includes fishing from shore, as well) there's the aniticpation of the bite-- a complete paradox of feelings-- you're waiting for that first "tap tap tap" on the end of your line signaling that age old instinctive battle of life, but at the same time it's a very calm, peaceful time, when it's easy to get lost in yourself-- almost like a focused meditation. Then there's the hit, and the battle's on-- you've got a milliion things going thru your mind, all focused on that fish at the other end-- Is the knot on the lure going to hold? I hope the line isn't too chaffed? Will he measure? Is it a "PIG"? Then, depending on whether YOU win, or the FISH wins, it's either complete elation, or frustration, and either way, it's time to do it all over again. Also, either way, you feel a very special connection with nature that's indescribeable. There's also times when God sends you very special gifts, that have nothing to do with fishing. Things like a beautiful sunrise over the water, as the mist is rising in the new light. Or the time a couple of ducklings decided they wanted to follow me for a couple of hours. Or the best one-- as I was silently going along the edge of the lake one morning on the trolling motor, I came around a point, and there was a doe and her fawn taking a morning drink, and as I came around the point, the doe picked her head up completely startled and I'm sure, wondering how the heck I could have snuck up on them so quietly! but the best part was that once she realised there was nothing to fear from me, she and her fawn went back to their "breakfast", as though I wasn't even there. An absolutely beautiful sight. This is only beginning to touch on what I love about fishing, and why it's very literally what I live for.

bpath, My GD plays with that doll and all her other ”stuffdies” all the time. I have had to repair several of her stuffed animal but not the Avery Lamb. It is in perfect condition. I’m pretty sure that the little pocket on the lamb is closed at the top. I won’t be able to check on that until after next week. My GD is definitely a cutie and she is precocious for sure. (Not that I am bragging 😊). I wish I could show her face but her Mom and Dad would not want that. I took up cake decorating 10 years ago when my first GD was born. I haven't taken any classes but as we all know the internet is full of instructions and ideas. I have started teaching my GD how to frost and do various piping techniques. They love making cakes for their mom and dad’s birthdays and other occassions. Maybe I should start a thread on homemade decorated cakes. ETA. I just noticed that I had commented 4 years ago on pocket on the Avery Lamb Doll. It is not open at the top.

@woodrose77 I am not a parent or any kind of expert, but this is what I pulled from sleep.org. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies do not sleep with loose blankets above or below them during their first year of life in order to prevent injury and death. Additionally, babies should not sleep with any soft bedding, including pillows, loose sheets, comforters, quilts, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers. From what I've seen with the friends and family in my circle, they dress the babies in pajamas that cover their feet and make sure the room is not too cold. No blankets or anything but the baby in the crib for safety concerns (SIDS).

I don’t know why, I just felt like getting her something. It helps that she loves gifts and surprises and is always so appreciative. Trust me, my MIL didn’t give me anything when I married DH! As far as I know, it’s not a ”thing” but I guess in our family it is now.