Yes it is true. My wife is like an old car.Late summer she had some major dental work.Next in November she had complete knee surgery.Today she had catarac surgery in the first eye.In a  couple of weeks she will have the other one done.Next it will be the bunions and hammer toes. (By her admission she wore heels to  long.And then the second knee. See, just like an old car. Once you start fixing it is a continuous jobNow, after all of this I will get her a new paint job and...good as new!  01/31/2019

There are a lot of activities going on.Many require some degree of cold.  Ice and snow sculptures for one.But I hear many complaining about what their next heating bill will be like.Some got an extra day off.  Kids are off of school so it becomes a family day.Others complain that they lose some pay or that their cars won't start.   And one more that does not like the cold and snow...     01/30/2019

Well, per scientist the polar vortex  is here.And it is here to stay in a way.Scientists say we should get used to these temps.Makes me wonder about the global warming then.Who should we believe? The scientists who can't predict yesterday's weather...Or...Al Gore? I guess it is a flip of the coin.  01/29/2019

It is turning cold here in Minnesota.Some of the coldest temps in many years.Even with Propane at a low price I am still savingover $1000 a month.Yes, I spend a lot of time in the woods, but I don't needto spend money on a health club! Bring on the cold!     01/28/2019

I'm dreaming of a...Spring Flower!Yes, I don't mind the cold and snow but...I am looking forward to spring and soft water fishing.I may be dreaming early but why not.Gives me something to look forward to.  So, back to shoveling the new snow and I can dream another.  01/27/2019

It can't be said enough...Take care of the outside pets and farm animals.One area that people have a misconception is water.Water is very important for pets to stay warm.  (goes for people also)Some say they can eat snow. Yes, but the body has to warm that snow and there is very little moistureins the snow.  If you don't believe me take a glass of unpacked snow and melt it.See how little water you get.So, once again...Make sure you give them water!   01/25/2019

It was a mere -15 last night about midnight when I wentoutside to fire up my wood boiler.And, per the weather forecast we are to see more of this for the next week.National weather service is saying the upper midwest will see thecoldest temps in 2 years. So it can't be all that bad.I remember much much cold weather in the early 70's.But, that still doesn't mean we should ignore what we are being told! Bundle up, take of the pets and make sure the car is in working order.  01/25/2019

Let's try this again...WE are being told that the real winter cold is on it's way.Highs in the low to middle teens...BELOW ZERO! It is time to fill the gas tanks.Check out our pets  that are outside. And  most important it is to have your furnace checked out if you have not done so yet this season.HVAC guys are really busy and it is going to get crazy.Don't get caught with your heat down! 01/24/2019

01/23/2019

Most all of us has seen this or had it happen to us. We are rolling along the blvd when...Bubble gum lights in the rear view. Right away we try and have a good excuse, of which is  usually ignored. But most likely it is to no avail. But I still say...     01/22/2019

The Special night with the "Super Wolf Blood Moon.WE had some high thin cloud cover that made photo's hazy.But I hope you still enjoy the photo's if you didn't get to see it live.It was a cool event for sure.  Even the cool temps which made the lens fog some.       01/20/2019

Yes tonight is a special Moon night.It is the "super wolf blood moon." The moon close to the earth and there is an eclipse also.So I thought I would take a few early photo's.If the sky stays clear I will get some of the eclipse also. Peak for this happening is 1041 PM in Minnesota.Step out and see what it is all about!       01/20/2019

I hear it all  the time...I wish it would snow!I understand as I believe we need some snow for insulating the ground.Many septics are starting to freeze.Wishing for a storm so snowmobiles can run is understandable, but, that wish may come to you in a vengeance.Just ask those in areas that usually do not get much snow what they think.    A storm like this is also dangerous! 01/20/2019

There is no reason for this blog.I was sitting watching some mindless TV show.Going through some old pictures on my computer.I was deleting some long ago photo's I know do not mean a thing anymore.but in doing so I ran across this one, This is a picture of my dad. It was our first deer hunting day after he had a stroke.We didn't get anything but some great memories.This is a photo I will keep forever 01/19/2019

Can you reach that goal?Make it simpler.Make a bunch of smaller goals that you can reach.Reach them and you will reach your long term goals. It is very easy to set lofty goals, but unless you have a plan,you really don't have a chance. Good Luck!!    01/19/2019

It is Thursday  and that means we are over the hump.The weekend is in view and I have a big one.With that in mind I thought I would start the weekend a bit early with a funny.Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend yourselves.Don't forget to hug your loved ones.It is the best part of the day!    01/17/2019

Back to home safety.Smoke detectors and CO2 detectors.Very important and saves lives.Now days you can buy units that detect both.But there is a problem.Where do you place it on the wall? Smoke is from heat and rises.CO2 is a heavier than air gas so it sinks. So, if you place the detector near the ceiling, you don't get the CO2 reading If you place it by the floor you don't get the smoke reading.  This is MY HUMBLE OPINION...You need to place detectors in both places in order to be as safe as possible.  01/15/2019

One of the worst things invented was the answering service.You know, where you  are greeted by a phony voice.Then  you are instructed to listen to options.Then y ou can hopefully pick the right one for youonly to be put on hold for an extended time. Meanwhile the operator is most likely sitting right there filing her nails! Sorry, this started out as a bit of humor... 01/13/2019

Yes it was close.A near tragedy was averted because of a bathroom call at 3 am.Many people have wood burning fireplaces and or small wood stoves.They are a great source of a supplemental source of heat. Here is the story:Mr. homeowner cleaned  out the ashes from the fire place. Set them by the door to take out in the morning when he headed to work.  He awoke for a nature call and when he got into the hallway he smelled Smoke. Quickly checked the bedrooms and then went downstairs.To his surprise, the smoke was coming from t he ash bucket. The issue was that the pail was melting!  Yes Melting.He was using a plastic pail for the ashes and is was smoldering and dripping onto the floor. If you are one of those that are using wood to burn, make sure you are safely disposing of the ashes.It co... 01/12/2019

Your attitude plays a lot more into your life than just seeing the positive.It spills over into much of your personal lives also.It can even have an affect on the people you  know and love.But, we must be careful not to let the attitude get out of hand.To much and you could chase people away.   01/12/2019