January 1997 - A Brand New Yea!!        

                                                 by Jim Binns                          

It's a great time to wipe that slate clean and put together a brand new set of resolutions to keep (or break) during '97.  Let's give thanks to our maker for our good health, the love of our family and friends, and for the privilege of being able to live in a country that will allow us freedom of choice.  A country blessed with some of the finest hunting, fishing, and recreational areas in the entire world.  I encourage each of you to take a bit more time during the upcoming year to "stop and smell the roses".  Take those kids fishing, spend some time on a camping trip with the family, and enjoy more of the great outdoors that Texas has to offer.  From each of us at the Texas SportsGuide ..   We hope that 1997 will be your best year ever.  I have a tough time keeping New Year's Resolutions, and I know that this year will probably be no exception.  Here are a few "temptations" that I won't even try to resist....

*To put seashells to my ear, even though I have never heard the sound of the ocean in one.

*To find something else to spray paint if the can is not quite empty.

*To taste something my wife is cooking as I pass by the stove.

*To look up my last name in the phone book when I am in a strange city.

*To stick my finger in the coin-return slot of a pay phone to see if someone accidentally left a quarter.

*To feel house plants to see if they are real or not.

*To keep my boat "gassed & ready to go" just in case someone says that the fish are really biting.

  Boat Shows will high-light the January time frame, and the Houston Boat Show scheduled for January 3rd through 12th should be fantastic .. as usual.  Take the family and enjoy the show.  Also keep in mind that historically the months of January-April will see some of the largest bass of the year brought to the scales.  Better get that fishing tackle ready!!   

Recently Sighted Bumper Stickers -

Make it idiot proof, and someone will make a better idiot.

"Very funny, Scotty.   Now beam down my clothes".

Consciousness: that annoying time between naps.

Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

  Car phones are great ....  When you are traveling on Houston's I10 or I45 and have a huge tractor-trailer on your bumper, you can dial a prayer.   Do you air travelers know why there is mistletoe hanging over the baggage counter at the airport don't you?  It's so you can kiss your luggage good-bye. 

A couple of parting thoughts as we go into 1997 ...

It's impossible to laugh and worry at the same time...

When you share joy you double it.  When you share sorrow you cut it in half... &

True optimism is taking a camera along when you go fishing.

                                 Have a great January .. and I'll see you on the water - JB