Hi Folks…Yep, been a while, but there has been a lot happen since you’ve seen me around. Yes, it’s me, Flats Dude (the real one from central Florida). Hopefully I can sit myself down and get back to some writing. I know, I may have to re-introduce myself, and I told Ladyfisher a year or so ago, that I would try to get “re-spirited” and sit down at the keyboard again.There has been a lot of water passed under this old bridge of mine (and I’m not looking for any sympathy here, ain’t my style). A loss of job, loss of the Lake behind the House, yes, we lost our home we built. Retirement, kinda. Managing a fly shop in Orlando and Titusville, opening a fly shop within Travel Country in Altamonte Springs, Florida, a near-death experience when my gall bladder exploded damned near killin’ me. Linda developing breast cancer (she’s all better now). And finally getting back on our feet and buying a new home. I will be back, with pen in hand (or keyboard) and hopefully spit out a “Hey, y’all!” I am actually mentally writing a new article about this guy I know. His name is Nick. And as Dave Micus once penned, “I want to be just like Nick.” So, now that I have stirred the ol’ pot, I reckon I better be gettin’ to it…Looking forward to reuniting with a few of my old buddies in here, and meeting a few new ones. Thanks…“THE” Flats Dude, Capt. Gary L. Henderson. ps…and Dee, if you’re reading this, can I please have my seat back at the table, and my old account name? Jist cain’t be no imposters in here! hehehe
WELCOME HOME! It has been quite a long time since I have read anything you have written and I look forward to reading more. As I look down this very long family table, it looks like your seat is still there, so, pull up a chair and enjoy being home!
Thanks Warren! Pass the biscuits, please. 
Welcome back! Sounds like you went through some rough times, but came out OK at the other side. This is supposed to make us stronger. I sure hope so!
Welcome back! IT’s always great to get an old friend back on FAOL. Sorry to hear of your difficulties, but it sounds like you muscled through it and are on the road to recovery. Take care and I look forward to more of your writing.
Jim Smith
Flats “Cap’n”,
Of course you were missed. Sorry to hear of your financials and especially the loss of “the” home. I recall a pic you posted of your deck overlooking either the Gulf or the intercoastal waterway( or after again reading your original post, A LAKE), My blood pressure dropped by 20 points picturing myself on THAT deck with somekinda umbrellad concoction. I too have slowed a bit in my posting herein BUT, hopefully your reemergance will prompt a few more former dudes to awaken.
In short, WELCOME BACK!
Mark
Welcome back.
Gary,
Head on up to Ohio & I’ll guide you to the mighty, the always elusive, SALTWATER BLUEGILL which, as you know, swims ONLY in the saltwater farm ponds of northeast Ohio. :roll:
Good to have you back ol’ friend. Let the BS begin!
Mikey
Glad you are back.
Have misssed your writing.
Rick
Very nice to hear you are back, and good to hear you are weathering the storm. Life has a way of kicking you in the teeth…sounds like you’re biting back with the ones you have left.
Ralph
There is definitely only one Flats Dude. 
Great to have you back.
I second the call for the Captain to get back his original handle.
good to see you back. now let’s get your handle up and running and get those words flowing. I
expect to see something before i head your way later this month.
YES!!! Hi ya Flats!!!
Welcome Back !!!
Sorry for all the troubles you have encountered. I sure hope that watermelon shirt made it through!
I still have all of your articles on my computers…
I have just over 80% of all articles that have ever run of FAOL in folders on my computer…
I still host the Beginner’s Fly Swaps, that I created, and there was a lapse of a few years when I was banned by Jim Birkholm…
But I came back and started up the Beginner’s Fly Swaps again…
I even help add a few new articles to this site, even wrote couple of articles on my “Big Furled Leader Formula” which I gave away to fly anglers all over the world…
So do not be a stranger on FAOL, and if you which to have a converstion with me you can either call me or email me…
~Parnelli~
Steven H. McGarthwaite
3505 Bellaire Avenue
White Bear Lake MN 55110
(651) 777-4650
parnelli@comcast.net
Nice to hear from you Dude. Sounds like you have had to wade through some major Sh*t.
Very nice to see you back as well sir… I don’t post as often… "Sail your ship my friend, looking forward to your writings… 