Meatballs. I think just about every country in the world has one, and it's the best. Just stop and think of the various kind of meats used in their preparation. Then you add up the spices and mixtures of meat that are blended and you can write about it forever. Now into the mix you add the various sauces, and gravies and brother you talk about a culinary buffet... One thing they all have in common is their simplicity and the pride their maker put into the finished product. There is no absolute right way to make them and there is no wrong way.
On that concept is what I based this blog when I started it 10 years ago. The sub title says "for those who love small streams, wild trout, and life...in there simplest form"....Like meatballs this blog, my writings, thoughts and the excellent comments carry that saying, "no right way and no wrong way"...Do your very best with what you have, strive to be better, but even if it's thought that won't happen then accept it and move on. Everyone has something positive to add and like the meatballs that adds to the flavor.
Now your take on the spiders above....different hooks, different silk thread. The feather is woodcock.
I can't wrap my head around purple. The flies are gorgeous but a purple eggplant would be gorgeous with a woodcock feather wrapped around it, too. We hang beef until it turns purple, we say it's for the best, but then we scrape the purple off and throw it away. Also for the best. Keep tying purple flies and making tasty meatballs, Alan. I'm sure they both taste as good as they look!
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike I'm in agreement I think....when you age that beef does a nice growth of hair appear? Meatballs=comfort in any country.
The longer shanks and narrower gaps I find more appealing, but what do the trout think? That's what counts.
ReplyDeleteGary
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Gary they accept both. I like the long curved spiders, the trout love them both.
Some of my favorite patterns and I have great success with purple, especially during early season little black caddis time. As for meatballs, my Italian born mother made the world's best Neapolitan meatballs until she passed about 7 years ago. She did teach myself, my wife, and my three daughters the recipe and technique and we continue the tradition the best we can. You are correct - the simple things in life!
ReplyDeleteNJpatbee
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Pat your down for the purple and woodcock on the curve.
Protect and cherish that meatball recipe.
I like meatballs. Any kind of meatballs. My favorite sandwich is meatball. I'm of German decent. Should be Bratwurst. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark there has to be a German meatball. A meatball sandwich is on top of my list also.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic flies, they look simply to tie----sometimes the simplest patterns produce better than the complicated designs. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill those flies have but 2 materials besides the hook. Lots of realistic movement that catch fish in most places where they are used.
"Simply" lovely.
ReplyDeleteBill Shuck
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Bill "simply put"
What do you think of the YLI purple silk? The yellow is Pearsalls.
Looks good to me, Alan, but I'm not a trout. (Doubt they'll care either.)
DeleteAlan, I love the soft hackle flies and I can see why trout would like to eat them. As for me, I want those meatballs in red gravy. Nothing much tastier than good meatballs in in the red with some good cheese sprinkled on.
ReplyDeleteSam
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Growing up every Sunday was meatballs, sausage, and braciole in red gravy. We still enjoy them but it's almost any day.
you are a great cook ... I like that combined with something poetic, very good taste alan, a hug after so much time without sharing, but always reading your good and neat works of your blog. congratulations and luck for the start of the future season ..
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