You guys are right. Sadly, it's just not the same since Jim's passing, then Deanna's. This was a close knit Family and they were Dad & Mom. Also, social media has grown to the extent that close knit groups HAVE divided & diminished.
I grew very close to Jim & Deanna. My flycasting will never be great (never DID get the double haul), but it has served me well since my personal lesson from Jim at the 2006 Michigan Fish-In. Everytime I make my peanut butter fudge, I think of him as he loved the stuff & I made him plenty of it. Before the 2007 Michigan Fish-In, Jim called me & asked that I stop in Pinconing Mich to get him some extra sharp Pinconing cheese. Deanna was instrumental in my buying a Folstaff & Tilley Hat. She was a sweetheart to just talk to in person OR via a phone call. People like them are NEVER replaced, but I am Blessed to keep both in my memory.
I'm still checking daily but, like many others, not posting much anymore. Part of that is advancing age, vastly diminished tying skills, & INCREASING Grandkids...9 of 'em now.
FAOL friends, please stay well, enjoy life, check in when able, smile & laugh a lot & God Bless you all
Mikey
FAOL..All about caring, sharing, & good friends!!