FLIES are the ties that bind.

"How many men enjoy going to craft stores with their wives or girl friend? Whats that you say? You would rather wash your mother-in-laws windows or clean out your septic tank with a toothbrush? I know, I know, I used to feel that way, too. Most men I know have the get in and get out attitude when it comes to shopping in general, except maybe in the sporting goods section. Sporting goods are soothing. A man can browse, get in touch with his soul and lose track of time, not to mention the kids and the wife. This time spent is enlightening, educating, and worthwhile! But, come-on real men never go into craft stores and browse. Time to fess up. I recently became a convert to craft store surfing. Strangely enough, wandering the aisles of a craft store has become a pursuit I look forward to. And, truth be known. my recent change of heart has probably improved my marriage more than any counseling could ever have done. You may wonder how this unthinkable transformation came about. Was it some new brainwashing technique, hypnotic suggestion, outright bribery? Nothing that exotic. Actually, my spouse and I share fly tying! Well, kind of It wasn't always like this. I live in a rural community and regular trips to the big city are a necessity. I�ve always despised going to the city with my wife, daughter, and mother-in-law, because every time we went they would invariably hit the craft stores. The mere suggestion, "Let's stop at the CRAFTY CRAFTER," and it was antacid time for me. They would spend all afternoon browsing the craft store aisles with immeasurable joy while I waited in the car, hotter than a firecracker on the 4th of July. They did, however, make sure I kept one of the windows rolled down a little bit. My transformation almost began a couple of years ago, but it was foiled"How many men enjoy going to craft stores with their wives? Whats that you say? You would rather wash your mother-in-laws windows or clean out your septic tank with a toothbrush? I know, I know, I used to feel that way, too. Most men I know have the 'get in and get out' attitude when it comes to shopping in general, except maybe in the sporting goods section. Sporting goods are soothing. A man can browse, get in touch with his soul and lose track of time, not to mention the kids and the wife. This time spent is enlightening, educating, and worthwhile! But, come-on� 'real men' never go into craft stores and browse. Time to confess. I recently became a convert to 'craft store surfing.' Strangely enough, wandering the aisles of a craft store has become a pursuit I look forward to. And, truth be known. my recent change of heart has probably improved my marriage more than any counseling could ever have done. You may wonder how this unthinkable transformation came about. Was it some new brainwashing technique, hypnotic suggestion, outright bribery? Nothing that exotic. Actually, my spouse and I share fly tying! Well, kind of It wasnt always like this. I live in a rural community and regular trips to the big city are a necessity. I've always despised going to the city with my wife, daughter, and mother-in-law, because every time we went they would invariably hit the craft stores. The mere suggestion, 'Lets stop at the CRAFTY CRAFTER,' and it was antacid time for me. They would spend all afternoon browsing the craft store aisles with immeasurable joy while I waited in the car, hotter than a firecracker on the 4th of July. They did, however, make sure I kept one of the windows rolled down a little bit. My transformation almost began a couple of years ago, but it was foiled"