Still Winter

Winter can be really great, it's fun to play in the snow (if you're dressed warm), it's peaceful to watch the snow fall (if you're dressed warm or watching from inside), and winter makes you appreciate the other seasons even more. But sometimes, I just can't embrace winter - I feel like this tree, frozen and waiting for a thaw.


Fires are nice, but not very energy efficient, nor "green." Mother nature will be done with winter on her own schedule and I'll have to wait patiently.

Lovely Ladies in my Life

I got to visit my grandma everyday (except one) when I was home. I enjoyed taking her food and keeping her company during lunch time. On my last day, we surprised her with a visit from all three of us. Love this picture,but love these awesome women so much more!

Cousin and Chef, Todd

Although we had a yummy Christmas day brunch, we started thinking about dinner. My sis had told me about cousin Todd's awesome chow fun and being the sweet guy he is, he taught me his secret.

Can't wait, it's going to be so ono! Now, only if I could get Hula brand chow fun in Wisconsin.

Holiday Fun

I was fortunate to spend Christmas with my beloved Ohana. Here's my lovely sis, adorable niece, and adopted family member, Gwen.

Me and my marvelous mom..... yeah, I know, I'm totally objective. =)

Erin and I.

Holiday Attire

Like any little girl, Misty likes to play dress-up. Here she is with some holiday attire at doggy day care.

Not only did she get to wear some bling, she also tried out the different seating options in Heather's office.

Definitely spoiled.

One evening, just as the sun was setting, a couple of deer walked between our cabin and the lake; here's one of them.

On the drive home, we were lucky enough to see moose.........

.... two of them. We had spoken with another couple at the lodge who saw a pack of wolves on the road - we didn't see them, though it would have been a treat and I wonder how Misty would have reacted?

Snow shoeing........ really?

On our last full day of our Thanksgiving/anniversary celebration, we went on one last snow, shoe adventure. We did the Lost Cliffs Overlook and the High Cliffs Trail - the names say it all, it was high.

We had beautiful views.

Going up was hard, coming down was even harder. I started upright.....

Then quickly went down on the rear............

............ and kept sliding. But I made it down safely, no broken bones, just a few bruises and some snow up my jacket.

More of Thanksgiving

While on our snow shoeing adventures, Misty was vigilant for those furry burritos lurking in the trees. Her dream would be to have one fall right out of the tree and land at her paws.

Here's one in a tree, we couldn't get her stop staring it down.

She was always after this pesky squirrel who was lucky to feast on the fallen bird seeds.


In between the outdoor activities, there was some relaxing going on.

Everyone enjoyed the toasty fire.

Thanksgiving

We had a most wonderful Thanksgiving at the Gunflint Lodge in nothern Minnesota. We give it a fabulous rating. Cabins are next to the lake, staff there are super nice and welcoming, and best of all, totally pet friendly! Every dog lover needs to patronize this place.

We headed up the day before Thanksgiving, timing wasn't great as there was a snow storm headed this way. First thing to be thankful for, we didn't hit any dear. Second thankful moment, as the truck slid on ice and snow on the Gunflint Trail, we didn't hit a tree and were able to get out of the ditch. Needless to say, I was extremely thankful we all made it safely to the warmth of the cabin after 8 hours of driving. A beautiful scene.

Although the drive was not ideal, it made for good snow shoeing during our time there.

A view of the lake behind us.

He Did It Again!

It wasn't the best weather, but he was a brave soul. After a 2 hour drive from Eau Claire, he was ready for the inaugural Wisconsin Dells Marathon.

#307 is ready!

The start and finish of the race. It was pretty wet, but people still came out to support the runners.

He finished! And the support team of one was there with a towel, some liquids, and a congratulations!

Feelin' better after drying off, putting on some comfy clothes......and for those observant souls, that there is a can of Hawaiian Sun juice on the table. Now tell me, who takes care of the runner?