Fishing A&A Bait Shop Pine Grove, PA

Sweet Arrow Lake in Pine Grove, PA

Went fishing today. First, I stopped at the Little Swatara Creek and fished about 1 1/2 hours. Then, I headed over to Sweet Arrow Lake for about an hour.

Fishing wasn't that good. Maybe it's due to the past three days of rain. I had a nice trout on the line but he got off while at Little Swatara Creek. That was while using PowerBait. I was using the sparkle scent type bait. I did catch 3 whiteys. Nothing to brag about.


Over at Sweet Arrow Lake, one sunny. A few hard bites, seemed like bass to me.

When I left, I stopped at the A & A Bait Shop, in Pine Grove, directly across the boat ramp at Sweet Arrow Lake. Nice selection of baits and reasonable prices. I got two dozen night crawlers. Currently priced at $2.74 a dozen. With tax the total was $5.70. The owner even opens up the Styrofoam containers they come in to show you the worms are healthy. A & A Bait Shop also carry a good selection of hooks,gear,lures,etc.

The current hours at A & A Bait Shop are Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m.- 6.p.m.. Sunday hours are 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

If you go, ring the buzzer at the door to be let in.

Dell C521 Bad Capicitors-Replace Motherboard

The Dell Dimension C521 are notorious for having bad
capacitors which cause the motherboard to fail.

Bulging and leaky capacitor near the center of the motherboard.

Ah! My Dell Dimension C521. This was a computer I bought for my parents in 2006 for Christmas brand new. I figured it would last them the rest of their lives. Well, it didn't.

Within 6 months there were complaints of it freezing up and being slow. Slow opening programs as well as internet browsing. I gave them a used Dell Dimension 2350 to use and it's still going strong. Anyway, I broke it out recently and decided maybe it just needed some more RAM. It had ! GB installed with a possible 4 GB maximum (of course Windows XP will only show about 3.3 GB). I tried adding another 3 GB and had major trouble.

The computer would boot to BIOS and then show the Windows welcome screen...then die, just shut off. This seemed kind of strange. Maybe the memory? I doubted it. It seemed that I could only install memory in just the first memory slot. Slots 2,3,and 4 were a no go. Even when trying 256 MB and 512 MB sticks. I switched out all sticks showing they were good.

So, I did some research. It seems Dell subcontracted out their capacitors from around 2004 to 2006, which were of very bad quality. The only remedy being to replace the motherboard. I did finally get around to replacing it. I bought it on ebay and installed it. Works perfectly! Now I have 3 GB installed on this Dell Dimension C521 and its showing 2.87 GB through system information. Its working fine. I think I will keep it there. So if you are having problems with your Dell Dimension C521 shutting off, the motherboard may be the culprit. Here are some photos of the motherboard I replaced showing the bad capacitors that were ruptured and leaking.
Antec Three Hundred

Bartram Trail in Landingville Extended

This past weekend, the Schuylkill County Commissioners cut a ribbon to mark the Landingville section as being completed. The completed work included the repair of a bridge that crossed over Mahannon Creek and the trail coming out near the intersection of Main St and Meadow Drive in Landingville. This will allow hikers and bicyclists to continue on the road into either Landingville or Schuylkill Haven.

The trail from near the Auburn Dam to Mahannon Creek was approximately 1.5 miles and now extends about 400 to the road. When fully completed in Schuylkill County, the trail will run from Pottsville to Hamburg. The Schuylkill River Trail when fully completed will run from Pottsville to Philadelphia.

Here are some pictures from the newly completed section in Landingville, PA.



Along the Schuylkill River (Images of America) (Images of America (Arcadia Publishing))
Bike Paths In Pennsylvania, including: East Coast Greenway, Great Allegheny Passage, Montour Trail, Youghiogheny River Trail, Lower Trail, ... Schuylkill River Trail, Lehigh Gorge Trail

Walking Schuylkill River Trail Landingville PA

Today was a nice day to take a walk. So I took the dogs and the camera and headed to the Bartram Trail, also known as the Schuylkill River Trail, in Landingville, PA.

I thought I would see more people, but I only saw one other car and didn't even come across anybody in person.

So here are the photos I took. The trail runs from the area near the Auburn Dam to Meadow Drive in Landingville. The total length of the trail is about one mile.

October Winter Storm in Pennsylvania Schuylkilll County

It really was a surprise to have 6 inches of snow fall October 29, 2011. It was the first time we had a snowstorm this size in over 100 years.

This snowfall caused power to go out and caused road closing here in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The main reason being that the snow was a real heavy, wet snow that caused power lines to fall and tree limbs to break.

The following day the temps got into the high 40 and quickly proceeded to melt the snow and ice from the night before.

Schuylkill County had its first snowstorm early
October 29, 2011.

Internet service was intermittent both days, while land line phones were also without service for a number of hours.

Only about a week ago, forecasters were predicting this would be a mild winter in terms of snowfall and also temperature. If this is any sign of the coming winter I may have to buy a new snow shovel since my plastic one is already cracked

Is everyone on medication these days

Just a passing thought. I have noticed over the years that a number of people I know
are now on some type of medication. The medication runs from pain medication to
psychiatric medication. The ailments are anything from back problems to mental illness.

Here is the thing though. All of these people were never known for holding steady
employment. They were known for doing a many illegal drugs though. What I should
point out is that these people are in the age range of late 20s to late 30s.

Having a short conversation with these people I notice they all point out that
they no longer do illegal drugs - just prescription medication. It looks to me
though that they appear under the influence or just plain high.

I don't know. Something seems strange.

Spring is coming

So March is here and with that so will be spring. I know personally I
have had enough snow and the accompanying cold weather. In Pennsylvania
where I live we had a stretch of nearly three weeks were the temperature
stayed in the teens and twenties - for a high.

Spring is my second favorite season with summer being first. The first
thing I start to notice is the vegetation turning green. Plants start
flourishing and getting buds that will soon bloom.

The new season also starts the vegetable growing season. I know I will
be going over the rototiller in the upcoming weeks to get it ready for
the garden. Usually I start planting the third or last week of may. This
season I am seriously thinking of starting with seeds. If I start with
seeds I will sow them in early to mid April in order to transplant them in
late May.



It's now also time to get the fishing gear ready for the new fishing season.
I just got my fishing license with the trout/salmon stamp. I hope to catch some
trout this year. Last year I caught no trout. I did catch a good share of bass
and panfish which were great eating. I also want to get the boats out more this
season. I only had the boats out twice last season and hope to increase that by
a good three times.

Man I shit my pants

Man, I shit my pants. Shitting your pants is never good. If you shit your pants, you will most likely have to change them. This is not mandatory. You do have the option of wearing your shitty pants around if you like.

However, please be advised that most people do not want to associate with people like yourself
who shit their pants. If you are around people you dislike, then by all means wear your shitty pants. As long as you think the shit smells good, wear those shitty pants.

Shitty pants should never be worn to job interviews. Employers would rather have an employee who does not shit their pants. Wear good clothes to the interview and if you get hired, then and only then, should you wear your shitty pants to the first day of work.

Shitty pants are a great way to get noticed. You boss will always remember you. He or she will remember you forty years after you quit, get fired. die, stop wearing shitty pants, or get run over by a large street sweeping machine.

If you decide to start the dating scene wear clean clothes on the first couple of dates. When you feel your new squeeze in life is comfortable around you, proceed with wearing your favorite shitty pants. This is a good test and can help you decide if he or she is a keeper.

Well, I have to go and change my shitty pants.

Even great people, like George Brett, shit their pants at times.

Someones got my doobie

Someones got my doobie. Someones got my pot. Someones got my doobie. Someones got my pot.

Oh Yeah!
Oh Yeah!

Oh Yeah, Baby!

Bruno the Lhasa Apso

I just recently got a Lhasa Apso named Bruno. He is somewhat older than our other dog Jake who is a West Highland White Terrier mix.

Although they are both male dogs, they get along so far. Jake is only two and wants to play
more than the Lhasa Apso likes to. Bruno is more content to just be around family members and usually lays right at everybody's feet. The Lhasa Apso also displays traits of being an alpha dog.

Jake doesn't seem to mind though and still tries to get him to play.

Below are photos of both Bruno, the Lhasa Apso, and Jake, the West Highland White Terrier. Yes! They are both cute.

New Garden Planted

The New Garden is Planted

After two days the garden is finally planted and ready to go.
This years selection of vegetables includes tomatoes, bell peppers,
banana peppers, eggplant, cabbage, cucumbers, and hot peppers.

There still might be some onions and corn added. That would have to
be planted in another spot though.

The rototiller still works well after some years of use. It's a
Sears 8 hp rototiller and usually starts up by the second pull
after sitting all winter.

Here is a picture of the garden ready to go

Looking for a new puppy

I am currently in the process of finding a second puppy to join our Westie Jake.
It would be nice to find another Westie or Westie Mix to be his new friend.

The idea dog would be small to medium size. Jake is roughly 20 lbs and could use a good playmate. He is spayed. Maybe he would like a girlfriend. Even though he is spayed I would prefer to have the new dog spayed or neutered. This helps prevent unwanted pregnancies or getting other dogs pregnant if he would escape the fencing.

Jake loves playing fetch and long walks. The nose is always going and he seems to have an affinity for cats. Currently, there are several strays in the area and Jake seems to take great pride in protecting his fenced pation area.

Lets Go Fishing

Its about that time of the year again - Fishing Season. Right now the weathe is great for a long day of fishing. I fish from shore and also take out the boat sometimes too.

Temperatures right now range between 60 to 80. This makes for great fishing early in the morning or at sunset. Nightime fishing is also an option, which I do maybe two to three times a year.

I mostly like to fish for catfish, bass, and trout. With the Schuylkill nearby and within walking distance, I go there quite oftern. The Schuylkill River has some large carp and catfish that can be seen when the water if clear.

A number of years ago, the water quality in the Schuylkill River was very poor due to pollution, but has since been making a comeback. Today, trout can even be caught in the northern section of the Schuylkill River. I still do not keep any of the fish I catch in the Schuylkill River due to PCB's and other pollutants such as mercury and lead. The fishing action though is still good.

A also live nearby the Bear Creek which is stocked with trout by the PA Fish and Game Commission. Trout can be caught with live bait such as worms, minnows, and mealy worms. The trout also go after artificial bait such as flys, poppers, jigs, and spinners.

Well, I have to get fishing some more today. Good luck to my fellow fisherman wherever you may fish.

I also started a forum thread about the opening day of trout season. Feel free to join in the discussion.

What can I get with my extra 13 dollars a week

I have noticed for the past few weeks that I don' have as much federal tax coming out of my check. It seems the government feels that the extra 13 dollars will help stimulate the economy. So what can I buy each week for 13 dollars.

1)One Large Pizza- I can get a large pizza but not with everything on it. I will have to go with just two toppings.

2)6 Gallons of Gas- Right now gas is about $2.00 a gallon where I live. So I could roughly drive around aimlessly for another 3 hours a week.

3)One Movie a Week- I could go to the movies and see one film a week. This will also include some popcorn-small. No soda though.

4)Lottery tickets- Might as well invest in something. I could get 13 one dollar tickets, 6 two dollar tickets, or just go for the big prizes and get one ten dollar ticket.

5)Just combine everything. One gallon of gas = $2.00. Two slices of pizza = $3.00
Rent one movie = $2.00 Get three lottery tickets with the rest = One three dollar ticket = $3.00 One two dollar ticket = $2.00 and One one dollar ticket = $1.00.

Now that's the ticket

Is the Geo Metro the coolest little car in the world?

I recently bought a 1997 Geo Metro. I really just wanted this car due to the great gas mileage it gets. The 1997 Geo Metro gets around 40-45 miles per gallon.

This Geo Metro is not a powerhouse by any means. The 1.0 litre Suzuki motor is a 3 cylinder that puts out a whopping 55 hp. I look at this as a good thing though, I shouldn't receive any speeding tickets with this fine tuned machine.

To look at the engine compartment brings a smile to ones face. The engine is small and it looks like one person could lift it out of the car if they had to. I know the transaxle can easily be handled by one person. I helped a friend install a clutch one time in his Geo Metro.

Driving the car is fun also. The small hood that is has makes you feel like you really don't even have a front end. Luckily for me, this Geo Metro is a 5 speed manual transmission that allows it to pull out decent on a hill or intersection.


A Geo Metro is not known as roomy. Sitting up front is fine for anyone over 6 foot tall, but sitting in the back feels cramped. This is not the car for four people to take on a roadtrip or any long drive. It is fine for only two who are sitting up front.

The Geo Metro is great for handling and making any turn is a breeze due to the short wheel base.

For a great everyday runner that is good on gas and used for short trips, the Geo Metro is a great option for anyone looking for an economical solutions to commuting.

What will John McCain do now?

So the election is over and John McCain lost. What will he do now?

He could spend some time with his family in those seven houses he owns
Sleep.I am sure McCain didn't get too much sleep. This would be a good time to catch up.
Play checkers online with Palin.McCain will learn how to play. Not checkers but using the computer to play.
Write a Broadway Play. John McCain can write a play based on his run for President. Courtney Love will play Sarah Palin.
Fishing. Lots of great fishing with John McCain as the helm of the bass boat.
Start a talk show. Although, Sarah Palin may beat him to the talk show circuit, McCain could get his own show on the WB Network. The catch will be that all members of the audience and guests will be black.

Whatever your choices Sen. McCain we wish you the best in your future endeavors

Those crazy politicians in Florida

Sometimes the irony is just too much.

For instance, take a look at the politicians in Florida. Tim Mahoney, a Democrat, replaced Mark Foley, a Republican, after Foley was caught being a pedofile who really liked to text message his little interns.

Well, here comes Mahoney, a man who liked to speak about responsiblity and virtue, being caught with a mistress. That mistress decided to leave him - and tell all about their affair - so she received some hush money. Well? Why would a mistress leave a great guy like Mahoney, who has some cash to spend on their secret encounters? Humm... It seems he was cheating on her with another mistress.

So, to break it down. Pedophile Mark Foley was replaced by a man of moral integrity named Tim Mahoney who is also married. Mahoney then cheated on his wife with a mistress. He then cheated on his mistress with another mistress, but had to keep the first one quiet by giving her some hush money. I wonder if the second mistress believes Tim will one day "be her only one". Well, good luck honey. A man like Tim Mahoney doesn't come around every day.

Get down and lose weight

I bought this program recently Weight Loss for Idiots. In just two weeks I have lost 6 pounds.

No exercise, just followed the program. It's great

How hot should hot wings be

A questioned asked among myself and other chicken wings chompers is: How hot should hot wings be? When is the hotness just right.

I personally like something that is hot enough to make my sinuses drain some while at the same time I don't feel like I need to drink a gallon of water.

Some will disagree. I know some who get the hottest wings, their eyes are watering, they drink a large amount of some drink and then say, "Damn! These are good".

Others just like something mild. It is always fun to watch people who don't like hot wings, to have the mild and then freak out "These wings are too hot".

Everyone has different taste I suppose. I know of one place where the Suicide Wings reguire you to sign a waiver. Yes, they are that hot.

Our New Puppy

We are getting a new puppy. He is a Westie Terrier Mix. Has kind of curly hair. He is about 1 year old. His teeth are great. He has such a smile when he growled at me. This little fellow and me are going to be great friends after my bite marks heal up.

I was thinking of getting him a chew toy but my fingers and arm are cheaper. I also have a lot of bandages around the house.

Maybe he just needs another dog to play with. I think I might get Ceasar, the Dog Whisperer, over to smooth things over. Well, until next time. I have to go and get some peroxide for my wounds.