Every year about this time, I get excited about what fruit trees I'm going to recommend for those who want to start a home orchard or add to their edible gardens. Will this be the year you get a Cox's Orange Pippin apple or an American Golden Russet? Maybe an oldie but goodie like a Golden Delicious apple will become the treasure of your family. But, then again, there's the Mutsu, a favorite of connoisseurs, which might get the nod.

With 2011 behind us, we have to look back and appreciate a great past year for fishing and also hope for a positive New Year for fish and fishing.

“A jay’s gifts and instincts, and feelings, and interests, cover the whole ground. A jay hasn't got any more principle than a Congressman.” — Mark Twain

Here’s to a new year in the garden. I'm already starting to make journal entries for January.