Home

We are back home after spending Christmas with the kids. Ann, Rich and family spent Christmas together in Virginia. Ann arrived Saturday and Rich is flying into Kinross in the Upper on Thursday afternoon. Christmas was fun and it always amazes me to see how the grandchildren are growing. Becca, Sarah, Celeste, Pierce, Terese Rose and Matt are all as tall as me. They are young women and young men. Kyle, Dylan and Miranda are still little but are growing like weeds. It was so good to see all my children and their families. I'm so proud of the way they take care of each other and Mike and Tom help when they need someone to pick up or watch a nephew or niece. They all are my treasure. Rich, Jen, Alida and Kelly are not mine by birth but loved as my own. We are getting older but our life is full. Denny, Jim and Joe and their families won't make it up for New Years due to work but in Michigan that is a miracle itself. Money in the pocket is first. I added some pitures of our celebration and of the ice starting to take over the lakeside. Be safe!

Clear

Today was a clear day. The mountains on the other side of the Bay seemed so close. The water looked a little bluer than the grey of the last few days. We had a light snow and it looked fuzzy on the ground. It always is changing here. You have something new to see all the time. Ann and Rich are digging out of all the snow they had and the girls have no school tomorrow due to the weather. I'm hoping Ann and Rich can stay home also--after all it's so close to Christmas. Have a good night!

Ice Moving In

The sky is cloudy again. The dampness creeps into your bones. It is warmer but a dry cold suits me better. Sandy, Terrie and I went to a sewing class yesterday. We had a real nice time and we made some comfy flannel pants. The ice is starting to move in and pack the shoreline. Snowmobilers are in town but we need more snow. Ann and Rich are getting a lot in Virginia which they don't need. I wish I could change the weather pattern and send it to us. My neighbor, Heidi, had her baby yesterday so now the big storms can hit as soon as everyone gets to where they need to be for the Holidays. Have a good day--enjoy the week-end.

Snowflakes in the Air

The snow is falling. It makes for a fresh clean ground. The ice has a fresh covering and they look like different size pizzas out on the Bay. The snow we had the other day is compacting so it looks like we lost some depth. This fresh new snow will bring us back . The only thing bad is the driving. I'm hoping for snow and then a break so people can make it safely to their family and friends for Christmas. It's that time of year when you think of those who are no longer with us and treasure even more the ones that are. Have a great start of the week.

Cloudy

It is cloudy this morning. The big lake is a steel grey. The slush is building near the shore. We heard the first snowmobiles yesterday and saw the groomer out on the trail. I hope we do not get the freezing rain--more snow would be nice. The round ice had a ruffle of snow around them and looked so pretty. I think the Craft show we had in Paradise was better than the one in Newberry and we are a way smaller town--way to go Paradise! There was a lot of baked goods and some of the people that were here were selling their things in Newberry. I hope they did well. Dennis took me out to eat at Timber Charlies. They have good hamburgers and my sister loves their onion rings. We had fries with ours and you get a bunch of them. Today we are going to be outside for awhile and then Dennis is going to work on getting our new cell phones up and running. Find time to relax. Life is to short and kids are gone before you know it. Hug them while you can.

Deep Freeze

We had five ships out front because of the bad weather-14ft. waves and freezing spray-on the big lake. They were so pretty to see at night with all their lights on, a sky full of stars and a sliver of a moon. They pulled anchor and were out very early this morning to make it where they were going in the good weather that had opened up.

The Spruce grouse was in early this morning to eat. She is brave to be out so early in this 2 degree weather. The birds are gobbling up the suet and seed so I make sure there is plenty especially when it is so cold. The little pine squirrel has made tunnels under the snow so he doesn't have to be out in the cold wind as he goes from the trees to the feeders to the back deck. Smart little guy. I love to watch them and marvel at how they are so able to survive. We are going to Newbery this morning and Sandy and Terrie are going with us. There is a craft show and we also need to pick up some groceries. It should be fun. Busy week-end for everyone since Christmas is sneaking up so quickly upon us. Enjoy!

Winter in Paradise

Well, it is not winter on the calendar yet but it has found us here in Paradise. It should be a good start for the business owners up here for the Christmas holiday. It is just beautiful outside but cold. The birds are flocking to the feeders and the suet cakes are being gobbled up. I love my wood stove and enjoy sitting and watching the flames dance. We will be outside a good part of the day moving snow--at least it isn't wood.

There is a fog moving across the water. The water closer to the shore is like jello that has not quite set. We are supposed to have a lot more snow today. I'm glad to have it since we don't have the traffic and the people aren't phased by 6 to 12 inches. The school very seldom closes and people go on with everyday life. Have a great day--we will

A Little Snow

We got about 4 inches of snow last night. It sure is pretty. The lake is starting to look a little thick at the shoreline. We have the round ice forming and I have never seen this except up here. It sure is different. It is snowing now, good sized flakes gently falling and blanketing the ground. The fire is burning with blue and orange flames--warm house, hot coffee and good comapny make for a perfect Sunday. Enjoy yours!

December

Well, we are into the first week in December. We went out to eat last night with Norm and Sandy at the Bay Mills Casino. We had the buffet--crab legs, prime rib,white fish and ribs--plus all the other good things. It is well worth the money and we had a good time. We had a table in the glass enclosure and it was more quiet and very nice. We saw two coyotes crossing to the lake when we left their house so I called Sandy to let her know as they were going to take their dogs out. I sure wouldn't want poor Mia to be a victim and some coyotes supper. I have not heard of any other dogs missing so people must be watching. I got up at 5:30 to put some wood on the fire and saw a wolf on the side trail. He sure was big. He was at least as big as Alida's dog Ceasar. He looked and me and melted into the trees. I watched for him to come back out but no luck. I'm glad he is shy of people so he can live. It is really special to see a wild animal in it's own environment living like it should. We have the truck in the garage and by tonight the tractor will join it. Dennis got the tree down so it will go up this week. The days are flying by and soon it will be Christmas. Happy children, frazzled parents-Oh what fun! Have a good day!