It is March 14th, and the weatherman said last night to expect 51 degrees today.  I seen 65!  Now, my yard on the 14th of March should look like this...   16-24 inches of snow on the ground.  But, today it looks like this... The snow is Gone, except for a few piles.  Where did it go?  Now, many people call me, well, crazy for alack of a better word when I talk fondly about the snow and cold.  I enjoy it!  But, the ramifications of the floods with the snow being gone mostly because of the warm rains all last week so quickly does bother me. At the moment it looks like an early spring, but, don't count Mother Nature out just yet.  I expect one large snow storm at the end of the month.  But, for now, I will start some of the spring cleaning so that I can hit the lake quicker this spring.   ... 03/14/2010

One Phrase...'Honey-do-list' !!!  Last week, by this time I was just sitting down to a nice meal and thinking about what fishing gear I was going to work on for the evening.  TODAY, I was just thinking about sitting down for a nice meal, (My wife is a great cook, even on one leg), and she informs me that there is still an hour of light left.  She then rattles off a handful of tings she want' done outside before the day is done!  (Things that she can't do right now) Yup, I do believe it was a Married Women who come up with Daylight Saving Time! 03/14/2010

Know I can't say that I do.  I have all I can do to get my work done, get the honey do list done and see to it that I feed myself.  Here are a few things that make me wonder 'Where do they find the time!'  Not the Apple of your eye anymore. They appear to be all warm and toasty! Looks a bit like some tension going on! These guys look to be a bit worried. An organized pantry is a happy pantry. Into the 'Drink' you go! They are a bit to happy about going to pieces. Looks like it is time to be shorn. 03/13/2010

All the big league teams are gearing up for the season.  The grapefruit league is in full swing in the southern states, many of whom call home in Florida.  The Twins will open the season at the New open air Target Field.  Real grass, real sun and unfortunately, Real Rain!  Tickets are available, CALL NOW! Pat and Mike had played Pro Ball together and after they had retired, stayed close friends.  So when Pat became very ill, Mike was at his side.  It was soon known that Pat would not make it.  Mike asked one last thing of his friend..."Pat, after you die, would you try and get a message to me?  I need to know that there is Baseball in heaven.  "Mike whispers back..."If God will allow me, YES!" That night, while Mike was asleep he heard Pat's voice... "Mike, I've got Good news and Bad.  ... 03/12/2010

As Real Estate Professionals, we deal with local and State government authorities all the time.  Rural agents even more so.   Every town, county, and township have their own rules based off a broader State wide set of rules. To work with These entities efficiently, we need to get their trust.  We need to let them know we understand that they have a tough job also.  Yelling and screaming at them because we don't get our way, does NOT help. So, how do you go about earning the trust and respect of these officials?  Get to know them on a business level.  If you have a question, go and see them.  Introduce yourself and make that face to face connection.  Don't be one of those voices that are just in the distance. At least once a month,  and many times even more often, I will go to these meet... 03/12/2010

I was having coffee with an elderly dear old friend.  A friend that has given me several very nice referrals!!! In the coffee shop we were at, was a table of ladies gossiping.  Yea, I know...that is very hard to believe, but...as we listened and chuckled one of the come out with this story. A man was walking down a beach and found a bottle.  Removing the cork, out pops a Genie.  "For your kindness sir, I will grant you 3 wishes!" "WOW!, I have always dreamed of this.  Well, I want a Billion dollars in a Swiss Bank account."  POOF, a flash of light and a paper appeared in his hand with account numbers on it. "Cool, now for my second wish, I want a red Ferrari right here on the beach." POOF and he was in the drivers seat. "And for your last wish master?" "That's easy, I want to be irresis... 03/11/2010

Well, We don't need the rain on top of this snow, but it is here.  To wet to work outside and so, I am just sitting here making phone calls...Bugging People! lol  Here are a few things to think about as you go about your day. A fine is a Tax for doing wrong.A Tax is a fine for doing well! Shin: A device for finding furniture. Flashlight:  A case for holding Dead batteries. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day.Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day drinking beer!  (He should bring his own!) Have a great day! 03/10/2010

Yup, our local township had board seat elections today.  I am not sure if all townships in the state have them on the same day, but traditionally the turn out is small.   I voted about the middle of the day and there had been only 10 voters so far. Voting is a right!  Government starts at this level.  It is just as important to get GOOD local officials as it is to get high ranking ones. Watch you local elections and give them the attention that they deserve! As it is said...No Vote...No Complaining!!!! 03/09/2010

With Easter on it's way, many of us will appear in our local faith establishments.  Our Pastor made a comment to this and related this story. An gentleman was sitting up near the front.  After the service he filed towards the back of the church to shake hands and exchange polite pleasantries.  When he got to the Pastor, the Pastor shook his hand and then pulled him to the side... "My son, you need to join the Army of the Lord!" "The gentleman replied back, "I am already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor." Then why is it I only see you at Christmas and Easter?" asked the Pastor. The gentleman whispered back..."Because, I am in the Secrete Service!" 03/07/2010

I do pride myself in helping whomever needs a hand.  I have a reputation in the area for just that.  It has played out well for business, and I do it just because I like to help. BUT, there are time when that reputation gets in the way.  When I am really busy, and I am the first person that get's called.  I do need to learn how to say, I am sorry, but I am busy. I am not complaining.  I am in the process of building a referral list of others who like to help.  Then, I can delegate some of this to others who really like to help also. But, I will remain the 'Faithful' one.  I do have that reputation to uphold! 03/07/2010

I had coffee with a good friend the other day.  He had a relative from down south somewhere with him.  We talked an laugh for a while and then this guy says.  " I Love your Accent!" WHAT, I am from Minnesota and I DO NOT  have an accent!  If you want to here an  accent listen to yourself!  (Ha, told him!)   What we do have  is a very distinguished life style that most people would kill to have.  SOME EXAMPLES... YOU KNOW YOU ARE FROM MINNESOTA IF.... 1. You know how to Polka, but never tried it sober. 2. You know what knee-high by the Fourth of July means. 3. You know the difference between Green and Red farm machinery is and will fight with your friends on the playground over which is better! 4. You buy your Christmas presents at Fleet Farm. 5. You spent more on Beer and Booze than on ... 03/06/2010

WE all deal with the offers and go back and forth trying to get the best deal.  There are times we go to sleep at night thinking we have it all wrapped up, only to find out the next morning that someone outdid you.  This story is a slant on this angle... During the Wedding rehearsal, the young groom approached the Minister with a strange request..."Look, I will give you a $100 if you change the wedding vows.  When you get to me and I am supposed to Love, Honor and obey and forsake all others, be faithful to her forever...I would appreciate if you would just leave that part out. He passed the money to him and walked away satisfied. The next day during the Wedding vows the minister looks at the young man and says...Do you promise to prostrate yourself before her, obey her every command an... 03/05/2010

I was having coffee this morning with some friends, when the conversation turned to Real Estate and what the prices were.  It wasn't until another patron stopped by our table on his way out... "The drop in home prices is all the fault of Realtors!!!" And out the door he went without giving me or anyone a chance to respond.  Then everyone at the table looked at me with half smiles and said "WELL !" I remember when home prices were jumping 10-15% a year in my area.  Cheap money made for very affordable payments and a lot more home for you money!  It was then I had heard the same thing from people who could not afford to buy..."It's because of you Greedy Realtors that the home prices are out of reach. I remember very well when I walked into a home with a CMA and after I presented it the se... 03/04/2010

There is a fine line in this world between pointing out your strong points and bragging.  Trying to portray your self worth can be a double edge sword.  Case in point...   A Nobel Prize winner, an old Pastor and a boy scout were flying across the ocean.  All of a sudden,  the Pilot burst into the cabin... "We have lost both engines and are going to crash.  There are only 3 parachutes.  I just got my pilots lisence last month and I have  a lot of people who still need my service."  He grabs a parachute and jumps. "I just received the award for being the smartest man on earth", said the Nobel Prize winner.  "I have a lot of work to do for mankind, so I am taking one of the parachutes."   Doing so, he then jumps. "Son", said the Pastor..."I am an old man and have lived a long life.  I know... 03/03/2010

   Fishing for Walleyes and Northerns is done.  It will be 2 1/2 months before the re-opening.  Minnesota closes the season on gamefish to allow an unintruded spawn. SO, NOW WHAT is a fisherman to do? Well here is a list of things that need to be done before May 15th opener. 1. GET THE HONEY DO LIST OUT OF THE WAY!!!!!!!!!  How can we concentrate with that list hanging over our heads!  LOL 2. Once the list is done, (I know it keeps getting added to) Strip all the line off of the reels.  The line is the cheapest thing that we use, but many people never take the time or the $4-$5 to change the most important aspect of fishing.  The line is only as strong as it's weakest point.  After a lot of fishing, many knicks will be in place.  Do you really want to lose a trophy because you were to c... 03/02/2010

For several years now I have blamed being tired on to much pressure at my job.  But Now I know why I am tired.  I am being overworked.  The population of this country is 300 million. 135 million are retired, leaving just 165 million to do the work. There are 98 million in school.  That leaves just 67 million to do the work. There are 41 million Federal Government workers.  That leaves just 26 million people to do the work. There are 3.5 million in the armed forces, that leaves just 22.5 million to do the owrk. There are 20.25 million state and city workers.  That leaves just 2.25 million to do the work. At any given time there are 410,000 people in the hospitals.  That leaves just 1,840,000 people to do the work. Given that at anytime ther are 1, 839,998 people in prison.  That leaves j... 02/28/2010

I have had people say that us Minnesotans are hard to understand.  I guess, I just don't get that part.  We are most often easy going and very simple in nature.  I am hoping that this story will shed some light on us.   A farmer walks into a lawyers office and says..."Id' like to get one of them-thar day-vorce-ees.""Yes I believe I can help" replied the lawyer.  "Now, do you have any grounds?" "Oh shore do!  Got me about 140 acres out back of the house," exclaimed the farmer. "No, no, I mean do you have a case?"  To which the farmer replied.  "No sur, I drive one of them dar John Deere's." "You don't understand," said the lawyer, "You need something like a grudge." OH!, said the farmer, "I got me one of those!  I park muh Deere in there." Frustrated the lawyer says, " Sir, you have to h... 02/26/2010

The report on the replacing the bridge over interstate 35 and hwy 95 in North Branch Mn. is coming along nicely.  Even with the extreme cold we had most of the winter, work has continued.  Last report is that the project is close to being on time. The main girders were put up in the last few days.  This did cause some late night temporary land closures.    There will be even more as the work progresses.  If you are traveling through the area, allow an extra 10-15 for those unexpected delays. 02/25/2010

I have not always taken the best care of myself.  Poor diet, not much exercise.  I had put on some weight also.   I have taken back control of my health.  I exercise, I eat better and I am trying to shed a few winter pounds.  Positive re-enforcement is what I need.  I went to the Doctor the other day for my physical... "How tall are you," asked the nurse. 6'2" "OK, step up here.  I am sorry, but you are 5' 9" " she replied. "How much do you weigh." " 175" was my reply. The nurse adjusts the scale, "Well, it looks like you are 190 pounds." Next the nurse took my blood pressure..."You blood pressure is quite high today Bill. "OF COURSE IT'S HIGH...I CAME IN HEAR TALL AND SKINNY AND YOU MADE ME SHORT AND FAT!!!!"   Take care of yourself.  You only have one chance at life on the globe. 02/24/2010

We are fast approaching the end of another, Ice Fishing season.  Game fish season closes at 12:00 AM on the 1st of March.   At the same time, regulations say that these great looking places need to be off the ice also.  The southern 2/3rds of the state is controlled by this regulation.  If you live in the northern part of the state, you get a couple of more weeks. Not sure where you sit, check out the DNR site for exact locations. Http://news.dnr.state.mn.us Don't get caught with your house illegally parked. 02/22/2010