What Do I Have to Do?

What do I have to do to get cold weather and snow in northern Wisconsin?  It is in the high 40's now and will not be below freezing tonight.  The snow base is melting.  Lots of hand wringing because in 10 days this area hosts the largest cross country ski race on the North American continent.  Time will tell.

I Can't Believe What I Saw in Duluth, Minnesota

We drove 1 hour 45 minutes to Duluth, Minnesota to lay in supplies that can't be found in our area.  Going from store to store we passed a car dealership a couple of times.  It had a huge dumpster in front of the showroom.  Every time we went by...it had a different car sticking out of  the dumpster!  They had their own "cash for clunkers" deal going.   It certainly caught our attention.  However, I cannot tell you the type of dealership it was.  So much for that advertising campaign. 

As we were stopped at a red light, we saw a Duluth snow plow.  Not like the ones in Illinois or even the ones in Hayward, WI.  Instead of a single blade or a V-shaped blade, it had augers (a large screw on its side - turning) in the front like the snow blower in your garage.  It was huge.  This plow had THREE augers stacked on top of each other.  Case and I saw it at the same time and laughed out loud.  That's a snow plow!

After loading the back seat, trunk and around my feet, we headed home.  It felt as though we were early pioneers who had brought our pelts to town to trade for dry goods at the general store.

Field Trip continued

The most memorable part of the trip was cross country skiing from the Anvil Trailhead in the Nicolet National Forest.  We stopped at a small cabin where the guide brought out a Ziploc of sunflower seeds.  A flock of chickadees were waiting in a nearby evergreen.  They literally perched on our hands or gloves to eat the seed.  The air was filled with their song...chick-a-dee-dee-dee-dee.  Even though it was the coldest day of the trip (still below zero), the sun was shining and it was glorious moment. 

Can't Get Enough of Snow!

I have joined a wonderful group of retired women who participate in a recreational activity every Tuesday.  Once a year this group goes on a field trip to snow shoe and cross country ski in Eagle River, WI.   Because as we all know there aren't any of those things in Hayward!  :)  The three days we were there were extremely cold, but we "weathered" it just fine.  (A neck gaiter is an important bit of clothing.)  This camp called Trees For Tomorrow usually hosts sixth graders for a week, teaching about respect for nature, outdoor skills, and how to leave less of a footprint than they are now.  When not outdoors, we used our time with movies, games and taking in the local sites.  There is a privately-owned planetarium and an ice building constructed by the local volunteer fire department each year.  An ice castle complete with ice throne was this year's structure.  I would be truthful to say that we did get away from it all even though we do the same activities here.  It was fun to be in a dorm setting with friends AND to have someone else to plan, shop, cook and clean up for you.  There was no institutional food here.  Everything was made from scratch and was hot and tasty.  I look forward to next year.

Thoughts from Super Bowl Sunday

• Why did both teams have the same colored pants?  Annoying.
• Should I buy a XLV hat, Super Bowl sweatshirt, or Green Bay Packer shampoo/conditioner set?  They got great looking hair.
• The second half seemed twice as long as the first half.
• It's wonderful to be a winner even though I am now officially a cheesehead.

What Snow?

We haven't had fresh snow in about a week.  I have been receiving emails and pictures from snowbound friends.  So...let me get this right...you (Illinois) have more snow than northwest Wisconsin.  Why do you live in such a bad climate?  You should move.  :)

Work Update

Commuting and working two days a week are going well.  (More about the specifics another time.) When I arrive home in the evening, I fill in a part of a chart that I have made listing "toys" that I want to buy.  I can now buy a kayak for the good weather.  Next on the list is the paddle - a $200+ one that weighs almost nothing.  It's a beaut!  In the Northwoods there are new activities with new equipment - expensive equipment that I would like to have.  I couldn't really justify spending "real money" for all these fun things.  I define real money as Social Security and IRA's.  Hmmm...come to think of it...those resources are in Case's name.  I am too young for Social Security and too young to take money from my IRA's without penalty.  Yes, working two days a week is OK by me.