"You know I appreciate practicality." It's true, as much a product of being a kid in the Depression as anything else, I guess. I open the bag, making sure I've got a hold on the contents with one hand, then push the open end down to get a look.

My smile is immediate, and genuine. I thumb over the sketchbooks, the thin kind that flex easily, great for carrying around in a pack pocket. The reels I'm curious about, and look forward to setting up later. Maybe we can get Lip and Spud to take a load off.

"Thanks, partner."