We all have that one older funny family member. You know the one, he tells stories from his experiences and usually has people rolling in the eyes. Bill Stokes is that person He presents a delightful collection of memories that are truly life lessons even today Stokes, through his memories and wit provides opportunities to learn through laughter, sharing of memories and love. Many will shake their heads in remembrance of similar experiences and crack a smile if not a full on belly laugh From chapters on "The Hammer is in the Petunias" to "Merry Christmas" one cannot help but feel warm and...

Contains a never before published essay, "Trout Flouderers." In these stories, popular Chicago Tribune outdoor columnist Bill Stokes gives himself over to his true passion, trout fishing. It is an activity, possibly a madness, that moves him, time and again, to stand knee-deep in cold and murky waters, offer himself up to clouds of hungry mosquitoes, and attempt to keep from snagging his line in overhanging limbs while trying to outwit a wily rainbow or brook trout. And then remembering where the car is parked. All trout anglers will, like Stephen Born, revel in these evocative and...