Ok, So it doesn't look like a lot to some of you,but for many here in the Nort land, it is a big thing.  We have had just above freezing temps for about the last 5 days.  No, it isn't enough to trigger the floods, but it does bring a smile to many a face. We had below average temps fom the end of November until the first week of February.  So, this bit of  clear soft water is a welcome site. It does bring up a point tho, it is time to start watching and preparing for the spring run off.  Check the sump pumps and make sure they are working properly.  Check supplies in case of an emergency and even evacuation plans for some. We will most likely see more cold weather and more snow, but while things are still quiet, make sure that ... 02/21/2010

I  have a client that is very sensitive to odors.  Even pleasant ones.  So when I show a home, I request NO Candles or other perfumes to be used. Today, we alked into a home, and the smell of spiced apple almost pushed me out the door.  I went in and my client stayed out.  NO candles burning, but they must have used a whole can of spray.  This home was one of the top ones on our list.  It ended up on the bottom without the buyer even going in. I see this often and wonder...what are they trying to hide.  When it comes to making the home smell nice.  1 small candle and a bunch of cleanliness is all that is needed. PLEASE... 02/19/2010

We are told for our own safety, we should not fight back during a crime.  But, not all people believe in that.  In fact, many take it upon themselves to stop the crime before any help can even be summoned.  Many are successful and many are not.  Some even bring a smile to your face.  This is one of them... An elderly Florida lady did her shopping and upon returning to her car, found four males in the act of leaving with her car.  She dropped her bags, and drew her handgun from her purse and proceeded to scream at the top of her lungs... "I have a gun and I know how to use it.  GET OUT OF THE CAR !!! The four men didn't wait for a second threat.  They got out and ran like mad. The lady, now somewhat shaken proceeded to load her shopping bags into the car.  She got into the front seat but... 02/19/2010

Once again it was our turn at Whispering Pines Realty to serve the diner for the people gathered for some fun and dance. We served about 60 people, joined in on a few polka's to help wear off the extra piece of cake.  This is our 2nd year of volunteering and each dance is better and better. Just remember the 3rd thursday of every month is the senior dance day.    All ages welcome. 02/18/2010

I have said it before and will say it again, I am not a good person with technology.  So when I was having problems with my printer, I called Tech Services.  The conversation, after waiting 45 min., went something like this...   "Tech Service, How may I help you?" me:"Hi, my printer is not working." "What's wrong with it?" me:"The Mouse is jammed." "MOUSE? Your printer does not have a mouse you fool!" me: HMMMM, Really?" "Yes Really" me: "Well, I am going to send you a picture." Thanks to my good friend for this humorous photo! 02/15/2010

My dad, although physically handicapped today, still knows how to bring a smile.  He has always been one for a joke at the drop of a hat.  So, when he came up with this one, I thought I would share... A guy was looking to buy a horse.  He had his 5 year old son with him...As he examined the horse, he run his hand across the back and down the legs.  Then up and down the inside of the legs.  "Why you doing that, Pop" asked the boy. "I am checking to see if the horse is healthy before I buy him." Later that week, the young boy came running out to the barn.  Almost out of breath, he says..."Dad, UPS man is here...and I think he wants to by MOM!" 02/14/2010

Well, Technically, it is the Frozen water.  This weekend I spent Ice Fishing.  No I didn't catch any ice, 12 northerns did get fooled by my bait.  (They are all happily swimming as of this hour.) I enjoy the hard water fishing, but it is not my favorite.  I will however miss the friendships made with the other angles in the little community we formed!   Most of these ice shanties are not fancy.  Many are home made and serve the purpose of keeping warm.  Many games of cribbage are played as we await that bobber to disappear into the depths of the water.  So I said goodbye for the season to many friends, only to be reunited when this great weather reappears in the late fall, early winter of this year. 02/14/2010

In todays world with all the problems going on, we tend to walk with a solemn face.   Try this once...Look in the mirror and then turn the blank stare into a smile.   One great advantage, you will see someone smiling back. That will be the start of a good day.  A bonus is that you will look much more attractive and more easily approachable. Just a great way to start each day. 02/12/2010

Now, I call them "Wish" catalogs, others call them fishing magazines.  Well, magazines they are not.  Imagine a Sears and Robuck catalog coming to your door for the Christmas season.  WELL, that is what this is like for me. I get about 10-12 different ones.  Cabela's, Bass Pro, Gander Mountain just to name a few.  I am now wishing we had gotten the 3+ feet of snow.  I would be siting in my favorite chair, post it notes and pen in hand marking what I am wishing I could ad to my arsenal. Now, this "Wish" catalog idea is not just for people like myself who are into the outdoors.  NO SIREEEE!!   There are the gardeners, (Many of whom already have their orders in).  You have bird watchers.  Then there are the car enthusiasts. just to name a few. Now, my next wish is for a certain listing I h... 02/10/2010

It has been a hard week, but, then things don't always come easy, do they. My Step-son is a math professor and he shared this story with me... We have two test tubes here, said the professor of IVF studies a a large university.  They  contain 2 very carefully synthesised ingredients that we use to create human life.  In test tube 'A' have a genetically engineered copy of all the ingredients of the female ovum.  In test tube 'B' the active ingredients of the male spermatozoa. If I mix the two together in a aseptic glass container, a new human life will be formed.  Any questions? "Could you possibly give us a demonstration" asked an awed member of the audience. "I am sorry", said the professor, "Not tonight, solution 'A' has a headache! 02/07/2010

Minnesota Politics is in full swing.  20+ candidates for Governor.  Tues we had the caucuses.  I am already tired of the baloney and it has just started.  I know we will hear a lot more before it is over.  So, for right now I will just grin and share... An elderly man was heckling the mayor at a town meeting. Finally the mayor told the heckler, "Sir would you please stand up and tell the audience what you have ever done for the good of this city." In a boomijng voice the elderly man said...."I VOTED AGAINST YOU IN THE LAST ELECTION !" And so the gloves come off!   02/03/2010

We all like to have the support of friends and family. But, there are times that it is much better to go it alone.  Like this poor fellow.... A guy had a 'Stupid' attach and stole some golf balls from the club.  When in court with his wife sitting behind him the judge spoke... "Sir, you stole some golf balls.  How may were there." "12 Your Honor"  Replied the man sheepishly. "Then you sentence will be 12 days in jail, one day for each ball," said the Judge. To which his wife stood up..."Your Honor, My husband also stole a bag with 500 tees in it!" Yup...sometimes you just don't need any help! 02/02/2010

Most of us know what Duct tape is.  There is no limit to it's use.   I have seen it used to patch a hole in a canoe for a weekend fishing trip.  Wrapped around a radiator hose that was leaking.  Used to patch tarps. windows and even used in place of ropes. This is the most dramatic one I have heard of though... During a private fly-in fishing excursion to the Alaskan Wilderness, The pilot and fisherman left a cooler and bait in the plane.  A bear smelled it and this is what happened to the plane.   The Pilot radioed another pilot to bring him 3 cases of duct tape, 2 new tires and some heavy sheet plastic.  He patched the plane and flew it home.   Enjoy the resourcefulness of this pilot from these photo's!  The Moral of this Story... Never ever leave home without your Duct Tape! 02/02/2010

Last It is time to plan the garden!  Time to look at the catalogs and review what grew well and what didn't.  what did we have enough of and what did we give most of away. (not that sharing is a bad thing).   My Grand Daughter decided that she wanted some of my old seeds.  "Your garden grew much better than dad's" she said.  "Yes it did, that is because I have magic!"  was my reply. The truth is that gardening is a passion for some people. While I have a basic idea what I am doing this year, some people have a complete inventory of what seeds, how many packets.  How many strawberry plants need to be replace.  How much fertilizer and compost they need. I enjoy my gardening, but I am no match for the masters of the trade.  I have a friend that has his tomato seeds in the ground already.  ... 01/31/2010

It has been a great week.  For that reason, A think a smile is in order.  An elderly gentleman I met at the Bakery told me this story putting himself in it.... A large lumber camp advertised for a good lumberjack.  There was a knock at the head lumberjacks door.  When he opened the door there I stood ax in hand. "What in the world do you want?" "I am here for the job you advertised", I replied. "Hell, you nothing but a popcorn fart, GO AWAY!" yelled the head lumberjack. I retorted, "You mean you are going to discriminate against me because I am small?" "All right, see that 5 foot wide redwood, go chop it down!"  Said the head lumberjack thinking that will keep the skinny guy busy all day. 10 minutes later I knocked on his door again..."I am Done!" "WOW, where did you learn to cut down t... 01/29/2010

These are the two words for a Man's happiness in marriage.  I was told this from most every older male in my family.  This is one way to accomplish this... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Grandpa Jones was celebrating his 100th Birthday.  Everyone complimented on how athletic he looked at his age.  "How do you do it", he was asked. Gentlemen, I will tell you how I have accomplished this feat.  I have been in the open air day after day for 75 years now. Most were taken aback by his ability to keep up that type of an exercise regimen. The wife and I have been married for 75 years now.  On our Wedding night, we made a pact that whenever we had a fight, the one that was proved wrong would go outside for a walk. 01/27/2010

Never fails...if the phone rings with a new client, while you are talking the phone will again beep and there will be another call. Now, Don't get me wrong....I will take all of these calls, but does it not make you wonder, why?   Have you ever seen, a small store with no one inside when you get there but 4 more people walk in right behind you.  Or, you head for the empty checkout and 3 people get there just in front of you. Is it just me?  :-) 01/21/2010

Now when I say Average Joe, I mean the American people.  Many laws come down, but our elected officials don't have to participate or sometimes abide by them.  if you are a foreign dignitary, many and most traffic laws don't apply. "Diplomatic Immunity" (BULL).  Here is a new. congress doesn't participate in Social security.  WHY?!   Here is an Ammendment that should be invoked... AMENDMENT 28 Congress shall make no laws that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to Senators/and or Representatives, and Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators/and or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States. WHEN PEOPLE FEAR THEIR GOVERNMENT THER IS TYRANNY; WHEN THE GOVERNMENT FEARS THE PEOPLE THERE IS LIBERTY! Thom... 01/12/2010

This weekend, we celebrated our last Christmas group of the year.   My Stepson and his family were here over the weekend.  We all exchanged gifts and when I opened my gift from him...I was near Speechless.  I was given my first personal Bible. We have plenty of Bibles in our home, but not one I would call 'my own'.  I was looking at buying one after Christmas as I had told my wife.  But, I was surprised instead.  There are some deep personal reasons for my emotion that I won't bore anyone with.  But, having my Step-son playing a major part of it along with my wife...goes deep into the heart. My Deepest thanks to my loving Wife and Step-son. 01/10/2010

We are all looking to save a buck year and there.  ( My grandfathers used to say 'a few [pennies' ). I know when talking to my parents, they are looking at cutting where ever they can.  So this humorous story sorta covers the scope of what some will do. An elderly couple went into the Dr's. office.  "Doc, we would like you to watch us have sex and let us know if we are doing it right or not." The doctor was taken back by the request, but agreed.  The couple get down to their Birthday suits and then down to business.  "Well, you do seam to have the right idea.  I can't see anything to improve on." The couple leave and were back the following week with he same request.  The Doctor agreed again.  When they showed up the following week, the Dr. decided to dig a bit deeper.  "The two of you ... 01/10/2010