OCTOBER - GLAD THAT' S BEHIND US. Up here in the north country it's always a race against the weather. You never know when the big "deep freeze" is coming so you need to be prepared. Minnesotans are all about being prepared - except maybe that Halloween blizzard in 1991. We live in fear of that blizzard and as a result feel the need to haul out docks, boats, stash patio furniture, move plants in, rake leaves, lock up cabin - all by the 15th of the month and absolutely positively by Halloween. Well lucky for us, no snow for Halloween and it looks like we have some good weather left to wrap up a couple of those items deemed - "if they get done, they get done". We are also preparing for our annual migration to the southern climes - Webster's dictionary defines prepared as 1. Make ready or adaptable 2. to make ready to receive 3. to fit out; equip 4. to put together; arrange; construct 5. to get things ready (and last, but, not least) 6. to get oneself ready. We are doing all of the above.

The bathroom project at this old house is on hold until next year. The powder room portion (vanity and toilet) are functional and the bath tub is in and operating, but shower and finishing the floor tile in that room will have to wait. Oh, well it is what it is.

We spent a weekend up at the cabin putting, new roof on boat house, siding and primer on the bathhouse, blowing out water lines and closing everything up for the winter. Thanks cabin neighbor Pete for help on the boathouse!

This little guy joined us for our weekend at the cabin - can't say when I last saw a stick bug.

It's always a sad day when the boats and docks have to come out of the water - but it has become a family affair and we try and make the best of it (at least this year we had good weather).

Bald Eagle Lake Boating Season 2010 -That's a wrap!!

Another fall ritual - the bringing in of the fruit trees, tropicals and any other wimps that won't survive the brutal winter weather. They seem to get bigger and heavier every year - their days may be numbered.


One in - 20 more to go.

Looks like we got everyone shoe horned in.

On a recent pheasant hunting adventure - Izzy found a barbed wire fence - resulting in a trip to the ER, four stitches in her right fore leg and this lovely parting gift. CHA-CHING!

Four stitches - has not slowed Izzy down one bit.

Then the raking begins.

The grandkids are getting to that age where they want to help, but, for them - it's all about how big the pile can get - well I guess you have to stop and smell the roses sometimes.

Oh, Oh - it looks like it's time to head south. The November 13th storm dumped 6" in the Twin Cities so we have now had our snow fix. Next time you hear from us we should be back on Broulee (hopefully).