The bait shop guy in Nebraska pointed me to my best smallmouth stream ever.

Seeing whole sections of mesquite forest gone is just wrong. I've had to switch to other woods for smoking when local sources dry up. Like @taylor_clark65 said, applewood from pruned trees is a solid choice. You can also look for orchards that sell their cuttings, or check with local tree services for fruit wood. It's a shame we have to find other options because of new building, but speaking up might help.

When you mentioned your garage cleanup funding your trip, that really clicked for me. Finding stuff you already own is like getting a surprise discount on travel costs. I have cleared out my own storage and found useful things for vacations too. Selling old gear adds up faster than you might expect. It turns a boring chore into a way to make your plans happen. That kind of small win can make a tight budget feel much less stressful.

Totally get that, my ceiling fan was doing the same weird wobble last summer. Turns out one blade was just slightly looser than the others after years of use. Five minutes with the same screwdriver you mentioned and it was like a new fan. Felt pretty silly for putting up with the noise for so long. Really is one of those simple fixes that saves you from a bigger problem down the road.

Last year, I tried the double chicken wire thing for a backyard wedding and it was a mess until I added zip ties. @christophermitchell, your tip about the tight grid is key, I space mine about three inches apart now. It's funny how we all skip foam thinking wire is enough, but those stems need something to grip onto. I even use a bit of floral tape on the zip ties to prevent slipping, which is a small step that makes a big difference. Really, once you get the grid right, the whole arch feels solid and you can pack in the flowers without worry.