I hope the mushrooms are up; it’s been a few years since I got a mess. Last year was as bad as it got in my life time. When we were young they seemed to be everywhere. I use to find them in strip mines, road ditches and in the bottoms along the river. What’s happened?  I haven’t the faintest idea?  I would say there are a lot of reasons but global warming is not on the top of my list. We can blame drift of chemicals and a dozen other reasons. I just hope there are some out this spring and I am fortunate to find enough to satisfy my taste buds.  By the time this magazine is out I will know whether it’s this year or next.

Now down to some very important issues that affect all of us that is if you own a gun. Illinois is becoming one of the most unfriendly gun states in the union. They have passed bills that make no sense at all, especially if they are trying to curb the murder rate in Illinois. These are all Democrat sponsored bills mainly from Chicago. It’s been a tough fight in Springfield for the ISRA, our only defense for the legal gun owner. You have a totally controlled Democratic House, Senate and the Governor’s mansion.  The bills that are coming up are so many you can’t keep track. They are thinking about putting serial numbers on bullets, registering all semi autos, raising FOID cards to $100 for 5 years and the renewal for conceal carry is up there with “where’s Jimmy Hoffa”. 

They want to finger print when you apply for a new FOID or renew your current card. Plan on taxing ammunition and if you lose your FOID card you lose your driver’s license.  The so called assault rifles are next and I mean soon. If you own one you might think of selling it. If you want more info about this fiasco go to the ISRA website at: www.ISRA.org. 

Abraham Lincoln would be ashamed of what has happened to his home state.  Out of 50 states Illinois has become the 48th worst anti-business state.  Taxes are out of sight, they don’t want to prosecute criminals and it seems scumbags have more rights than the victim.  Where’s capital Punishment?  You want to discourage murder start putting these animals to death.  I guarantee that will stop a lot of murders. But no they think that’s too much after they kill another human being. Isn’t it nice to know if someone kills you or a family member they get to live a pretty good life, socialize, watch TV and get three hots and a cot?   

I heard Pritzker is opening up welcoming centers for illegals. It has become a three ring circus and this is only the beginning. If all of the gun owners in Illinois had voted against Pritzker this last election we could have kept a gun friendly Governor in office. Illinois has become a total mess and when were done with this outfit if ever who knows what Illinois will look like. I always told my Democrat friends you better vote for gun friendly Republicans or you’ll be sorry. They said the Democrats wouldn’t take our guns away.  Now that’s their main goal. They couldn’t get your guns through the front door but now there going through the back door. What are they trying to do?

I’m so disgusted with all of this crap I am becoming a legal Florida resident.  I plan to move my guns and safe down to protect my rights to keep their hands off my guns so I don’t get charged $25 for each of my semi autos.  I don’t beg very often, but I am now, please join the Illinois State Rifle Association and now. It’s only $30 per year, less per year when you join for more than one year.  See the full page ad on page 45 with an application for membership. Mail, call, fax or email your application.  The office phone number is on there so inquire which is the best way for you to join. 

Gun ownership in Illinois is going to be a thing of the past if we don’t act now and I’m serious. I do know this proposal to make Chicago a separate state is a good thing, I just wish they would hurry up.

Cathy and I had a wonderful winter in Florida. We met some new friends from different areas of US, Wisconsin, Michigan, Connecticut, and upstate New York. It’s a very diverse group of friends. Plus over the past two years we’ve made some very close friends and spent a lot of time with them too.  

In Port Charlotte where we are located offer all the amenities plus more than Illinois. There are four Moose lodges all within a few miles and we enjoy going there for great food and entertainment. The lodges are in North Port, Port Charlotte and Englewood has two lodges. It’s a popular place.  We enjoy fishing, boating, attending drum circles, festivals, attending spring training baseball games, fish fries with friends and just being in warm weather.   

Looking forward to getting back to Illinois to enjoy the summer months see family and friends, do some gardening, fishing and boating on the Illinois. Hopefully pick a few morel mushrooms. 

The year’s Memorial Day is Monday May 27th.  It’s not only a holiday for cookouts but a time to remember and honor our Veterans. Those who sacrificed their lives so we could keep our freedom and Veterans who survived should not be forgotten.  This is a very important holiday and a time we should all reflect on our country’s wars.  If you get the opportunity to attend an event honoring our Veterans you should take the family and attend.   The sacrifice they made is something to be honored.

I plan on taking a few fishing trips this spring and summer especially to Wisconsin to lakes I fished when I was young.  There’s nothing like catching and eating bluegills and crappies. The thrill of the catch is a lot fun but eating them is wonderful.

I’ve been a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 24 years.  I take the oath and principles of this fraternal organization very seriously.  But I have found people who pretend to be loyal Masons are not even close to being of the character they took the oath to be.  Most members are standup individuals who would help a fellow brother in a time of need, especially when you ask them to do something that isn’t any expense or detriment to them, when they are a neighbor and refuse to help.  I was hoodwinked by a fellow Mason which I find very disturbing, that he would not follow the basic philosophy of our fraternity.  Next month I’ll give you rest of the story.

Have a great fishing season. Be sure to send ASO your pictures and let us know a little bit about your catch.  Remember to have fun and take a kid fishing! 

Keep your worm wet and your powder dry.  Harry