Hello all. I haven't been on here for a long time, and apparently after only a few initial posts. I think I just got busy with everything back then, and also was always more of a decoy than a boat guy, although I do have a Gus Heinrichs sneakbox that is gonna need some TCL before getting used again (luckily Capt. Keeney is a neighbor and generously offered to assist!). Now that I'm retired, I also want to get back into carving, do more hunting, and pursue several other passions I've neglected for too long. I have monitored posts here for a while, which lured me back, and have gotten a good sense of the caliber of skills and personalities on the site, and am sure I'll have a good time here.
New here, sort of.
- Thread starter GermanG
- Start date
Steve Sanford
Well-known member
Good morning, German~
Welcome back! Congratulations on your retirement. Sounds like you have lots of plans. I never think of my departure from my long career with NYSDEC as "retirement". I work all day every day. So, to me it's just Phase II.
I have been going flat-out in recent weeks to prepare for the LI Decoy Collectors Annual Show - which is just a few days away (Saturday, March 7). How many years were you in similar mode for the Tuckerton Show? Our main theme this year is 150 Years of Hunting the Canada Goose on Long Island. Craig Kessler, Anthony Babich and I - all Tuckerton veterans - have put together the the main exhibits since 2012. As soon as I get back, we will put a new roof on our Granary (our smallest barn).
Which suggests a caution: Things can get too "full" in Phase II. As an example, my time at Tuckerton has been a bit spotty recently - sometimes weather, usually being pulled in too many directions. My boat and decoy customers will tell you I am grievously delinquent. And, family has been an increasing demand (mostly my Mom - 97 this July).
My approach to Phase II:
1. Maximize creativity.
2. Minimize bureaucracy. (I contribute my time - art and teaching - to a number of groups but spend no time on committees et cetera).
3. Always - family first!
Finally, I also appreciated your "clean underwear" thoughts on hollowing decoys. I began long ago with a variety of bent gouges. However, I never could master the honing so necessary. My old Walker-Turner drill press and some sharp Forstner bits do work I am not ashamed of. BTW: I once added a single pellet - a tradition intended to "prove" the decoy was hollow. Sounded too much like a baby's rattle - so I have not repeated the trick.
All the best,
SJS
jode hillman
Well-known member
Welcome back German!
Thank you, Steve and Jode! Steve, in answer to your Tuckerton question, I've always been bad at keeping track of things like that, especially as it was a gradual process in this case, from helping with certain aspects, to having the whole thing fall in my lap. I'd estimate about 20 years in charge and another half dozen before that helping in various capacities. It was a year-long headache culminating in two very fun days that I enjoyed immensely. I'll miss it a bit but I live about three minutes away so I'll probably make it most years. I've already messed up with your advice on avoiding bureaucracy. I definitely need to take lessons on saying "no". But I at least have enough on my plate to keep cobwebs from growing on me. I'm sure I'll adapt.
Well German, you have a great neighbor to help you with that Heinrichs box. That will be a beautiful boat again when you are finished