FAOL friends and customers. It has come to my attention that my medical condition (if any) is being blown out of proportion and info being passed is far from the truth.
Please let me explain:
About one and one half years ago on a routine physical, my PSA from the blood test showed I possibly had prostrate cancer. My PSA was 37, which is way too high. My urology Surgeon suggested way more tests than I wanted but we set it all up. The whole 9 yards. The Biopsy showed 3 of the 10 was positive for cancer. So back to the drawing board, all the rest of the tests. Nuclear bone scan, Bone density and a couple more very expensive tests I do not remember the names of.
Liz and I met with my Surgeon and was informed no surgery was desired or needed (made my day). So went over all the other options and settled after much deliberations that I would go with hormone injections for two years. One each six months apart.
After the first one, waited for 6 months and went in for another PSA. A week later when I went in for my second treatment I was informed the PSA was at that time 1.0675. Way below the normal for a man my age. ( I am now 73 years young.)
Everyone including myself is quite satisfied the cancer is being slowly starved for food. I am not cancer free, will die with cancer but not from it.
So anyone that has heard and or passed a rumor that I am dying from cancer is totally wrong. I am quite healthy (for an old guy) very active and still have a lot of places I need to fly fish yet in my life and plan on doing most of them before I am ready to have dirt kicked in my face.
Operation of Conranch Hackle:
Many are aware that Ken Sample has moved onto the Ranch. The reason is many faceted.
We are both cabinet makers, are both dyed in the wool fly fishers and tiers. We both have a love for these genetic birds.
Back in December of 2007 we built 4 quad boo fly rods. (I have been making boo rods for about 8 years, the first for Kenny.)
Kenny was showing a deep interest in how the genetic birds are raised. (actually enjoyed all that goes into it).
Kenny hit it off with the Big Boss (Liz) and one day she suggested we adopt him. From that comment things went into serious talking about adding him to the Ranch.
In April we moved Kenny from Colorado, to the Ranch. Some day after I am gone (not soon I hope) Kenny will be breeding/marketing the Conranch Hackle for Liz. All with her help I hope. All of the details are not worked out completely but then that is all business and should be of no interest to anyone but us.
At this time Kenny is undergoing Genetic breeding 101 / 102 / 103. I might add he is passing with flying colors. Loves what he is doing and carries a pocket notebook with him at all times. Actually he is hands on the 2008 first hatching season all by himself. I have only been standing at his shoulder coaching.
We have two batches now in the brooders and it does look like we may have hit it on the head again for some of the difficult colors, both JV hens and the big guys. We will keep you all informed as to what we have for sale when it is ready to ship.
Not ready to quit yet as I am way too healthy
Denny
PS:
We do have two Red Golden full skins ready to sell and ship. Contact me or Ken.
Denny I hadn’t heard the rumors, but am very happy that you are healthy. sounds like you have a great business plan in the works and that my grandkids will be using your great hackle.
Denny - I’m just glad to hear you’re OK, and will be around for a long time to come. We’ve lost too many of the true quality people in this sport already - people that make a difference in the lives of so many of their fellow anglers…Ed
We have new baby chicks going into the brooders each weekend.
Time for you & Sue to bring the children over to the Ranch. We would love to see all of you.
Ken has a new Jack Russell terrier (Daf) that is adding a lot of life to our lives.
Denny my friend, I am so glad you are doing ok. I had heard a vague reference to your not being well. Kinda bummed me out but luckily I asked the guys who would know for sure In the chat room. I got the straight skinny that you were only visiting and would be back on the farm soon. I sure missed you at the Washington fish in. I’m really sorry you had to miss it. Somehow a fish-in is just not the same without being able to paw thru Denny’s capes and saddles for treasures and to listen as you explain about what to look for in a really good saddle or cape.
Great to know that you will be taking on an apprentice that has your drive and passion for a quality world class product.
It is also great news that your genetic line of birds will carry on for my kids and grand-kids to paw thru at the fish-ins of the distant future while you and I are off fishing some celestial stream in the cosmos.
73 Huh? I would have guessed about 106 but what the heck do I know?
I’ll See you at the next fish in this fall. You can sell me some more feathers, share a tug on the jug and carry on as we always do.
Take care my friend.
Thanks for the update Denny. Glad to hear Ken is adapting to the business and new life style. I look forward to seeing you in Idaho. I’ll have another SF guy with me to add a little color to the event. Best regards, John C.
Thanks for all of the supportive posts.
Ken & I were out fishin at one of our lakes the other day.
I managed to bring to the canoe a nice 17" bow, really fat. Water is still stained,
not what I’d expect this time of year.
We tried to get up into our high mtn lakes but had to turn back because of snow, had been packed by snow mobiles and not yet melted off. Suppose it will be a couple weeks yet.
We were using the Lake line from Rio, not a sink line but called an intermediate.
1.5 to 2 ips, sink, but flat, all the line going down. Sure an interesting way to nymph. Had a ball bringing the big fish to the boat. Lots of fight with the very cold water.
—sagefisher—
