First Snow

Yesterday we had our first snow - just a dusting, but it is cold enough to stick.  My tradition is to make chili on the first snowfall.  It has been 5 1/2 months since the last snow.  (Long pause.) This has been the year of weather records. 

I usually don't put away the kayak and get out my snowshoes in the same week. 

One of Millions

I am one of millions who is trying to obtain ObamaCare through the government website.  It has taken me 3 days to create an account.  Haven't gotten to the application or the premium part yet.  There are so many of us that the site is swamped, taking 90 to 120 seconds per page to load.  The website even said to get off.  Can't help you now.  I have decided to set an alarm for 2 am to see if that time works for the government.  (If this blog site had emoticons, I would use a green face with eyes going around if different directions.)  I am going to get up in the middle of the night next week because I have some things that I don't want to sleep through during the day this week. 

My high risk insurance through the state of Wisconsin will no longer be in existence as of December 31 so the decision to use ObamaCare was not mine.  I feel that having diabetes is punishment enough without all of this business to add to it.  I will blog when I get through to Washington and if it is more or less than my current insurance.

14 Years

We have had a sad week.  One of our lovebirds died on Tuesday.  She had been ill for a while so it wasn't a surprise.  But it certainly still hurt.  I had gotten her for my 44th birthday (bird-day).  Bertram was over 14 years old which is about the life span for this type of bird.  (The bigger the parrot - the longer they live.)  She was the smart, feisty one with a big personality.   Her bird buddy reacted by confusion, anger and now just clingy.  We all need some time.

Case in a Kayak

Case borrowed one from a friend.  We had a great time on the Teal River although he said he used muscles that he doesn't usually use.  I hope that Santa can fit a kayak down the chimney.

Trip to the UP

I took a 3 day trip with my hiking friends to the UP - Upper Peninsula Michigan - Porcupine Mts. area.  Depending upon your prospective...it is called south shore of Lake Superior by Minnesota and Wisconsin folks, but to the Yoopers, it is the north shore.  All in your perspective.  As in life...it is all a matter of perspective.  Sometimes it is difficult to see it from someone else's point of view.  No matter how you look at this scenery... all of it is beautiful.

 Rainbow Falls on the Black River, MI.  Quite a hike to capture this view.

 Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains on a perfect weather day.  There is a small bridge across the river forming this lake.  We hiked down to the bridge.  The view was interesting looking back up to this look out.

Eleven on this trip.  I am right in the middle - 5th from either end.

Peak Colors in the Northwoods

a branch that fell from one tree in our yard

I enjoy these mirror photos in smooth as glass water.