April's a favorite
The month of April has always been one of my favorites. I guess it would have to be that way in some respects since my arrival on this earth came on the last day of April soon to be some 60 years ago. Of course it only made it that much more special when my second grand child, Coleman, was born on my birthday soon to be four years ago.

Beyond the birthdays however there are many other reasons why the month holds a special place in my heart and a lot of them have to do with the world of sports. Naturally being the baseball fan that I am, knowing that the Major League and Minor League teams usually begin their seasons in the month of April is significant. Add to that the fact that the high school and college baseball seasons are in full swing and summer baseball for practically every age is getting under way and its like sitting down to an all you could ever want baseball buffet.

Then of course there is girl's softball, which I have learned to appreciate a lot more since most leagues have gone to the fast pitch version of the game. This is an area where I'm sure I will be spending a lot more of my time this summer and into the future since my oldest grandchild, Allie, is playing in the coach pitch league for the first time this season.

I certainly can't forget that the NCAA college basketball championships for both the men and women are decided in early April. Add to that the NBA season is finally taking shape with those who will ultimately be competing for a championship showing signs of dominance in their respective divisions and I can certainly find all the basketball I need to quench my basketball appetite.

Although it is really only a teaser for what is to come next season, spring football practice at the high school and collegiate level generally take up part of the month as well. There's just enough of it to begin the speculation and wondering about how good a favorite team will be when things kickoff for real in the fall. But even a little football is a welcomed respite for all those who have been in withdrawals since the last game was played this past season.

For the avid golfer and even those of us who like the game but aren't really very good at it, April is a special month because of the Masters Tournament. If there is one time during the year that I pay close attention to who is atop the leader board in a professional tournament it is during Master's week. It is the one golf event on television that I will make a special effort to watch if is at all possible.

April is also special for all of us who consider ourselves outdoorsmen. Even though I am not a dedicated turkey hunter like one of my sons and many others in this area are, I find the stories they tell about their hunts entertaining and I do like to watch the turkeys and hear them gobble. But even more than turkey hunting, April has always been the month that I associated with the beginning of bream fishing season. Although there is some activity in March, for all intents and purposes, April is when things begin to pick up.

I can remember countless trips to ponds and the river throughout my life when I wet my first hook shortly after daylight and made my way home only when the fish quit biting. Those memories include times spent as a boy with my father and cousin Gordon Anderson as my brother and I first learned the pleasure of fishing. They continue through my early adult years when Gordon Anderson and I made regular trips to places like Bashi Creek, Trash Creek and Bunny Lake, and years later when I introduced my wife and two sons to those same great fishing locations. They are memories of good times that are indelibly stamped in my memory bank.

Who knows, there may even be some April in my future when I can accompany my sons as they introduce their children to some of the same fishing holes I first introduced them to. Regardless April will always be special to me.

Until next time……..be safe!

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