JC and Deanna, RW here

Just want to wish you both a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Happy New Year. I enjoyed the duo of the Colonel Bates streamers articles the last two weeks. Other than the Black Ghost, I tied and used the Colonel Bates for a lot of my Landlocked Salmon Fishing when I was in Maine. It is one of Carrie Stevens prettiest classics and a proven fish-getter.

I'm pretty well settled in my new house here in New York State with family all around, including my new great-granddaughter. Good fishing waters all around, too. I can't wait until spring.

The Snowy Owl is always a good holiday story and our Canadian editor's reminicses of holiday and family did, indeed, bring back memories.

JC, three-score and ten years has not diminished my love of fishing one bit. I hope you guys keep FAOL around to accompany all of us in this wonderful pastime for a bunch of years to come.

Luv ya both, RW