Ice Rides Are So Fun

During the first five minutes I had to try and build my confidence to just crank in my middle ring and not worry about several inches of loose snow. I soon discovered that the farther out I biked on the lake, the less snow I had to deal with.

Can you now see what I'm talking about? The lake was awesome. The ice glaze was both smooth and bumpy....made for an interesting ride. I've waited so long for this, and was really glad the studs were still on my mountain bike. Unfortunately, this playful moment was short-lived, as tonight, tomorrow and Monday we are in for another big snow storm. I'm sure I won't be riding lake ice again until sometime in March.

The fastest way to get to your tip-up is by bicycle of course! I arrived to the first flag of the day before Bike man....yeah, the wheels do come in handy!

Nice job Bike man. This fish was bigger than the one he caught last weekend....11 pounds 9 ounces. Fishing, cycling, it's all fun in my world. Was great to get outside this afternoon for fresh air and sunshine. Looks like tomorrow I'll be back to snowshoeing!

Pink

I love a pink sky. It's kind of like a gift at the end of a day. Looking forward to tomorrow since I believe the lake ice is hard enough to bike on. Studs are still on my mountain bike....updates tomorrow.

Just My Opinion

Tainter Lake (from a different angle)

Tensions were running high among friends and family affected by today's legislative sessions at our State Capital in Madison. I believe 20,000 people protested at the Capital today. I can't help but feel really bad for all the little people in our state that work hard and try to make a decent living. Why is it that the little people always take the brunt of our countries financial problems? Why is it that the little people are always made to look like the villains? Honestly, I don't believe the little people created all the financial problems our country is in, but some don't' see it that way. It's all about business and big tax breaks.

I spoke with a friend tonight that says if our state Legislature passes the Reform Bill, her daughter's BadgerCare will be in jeopardy.....and just one of her medications causes $7,000 dollars a month.....just one. Where is my friend suppose to turn for medical help and assistance, especially since her husband died four years ago and she manages her finances on just one income? Do we just turn our backs on people who truly need medical assistance? Some people say yes, and then those people just turn and look away. How can they do that?

One thing I've learned in everything going on this week, is that you have to put yourself in the shoes of others. Not everyone is fortunate to have higher education, good paying jobs, decent wages, good benefits, good health insurance etc. etc........


To take away bargaining rights of hard working people is cruel and inhumane. Are we turning into China, where workers have no say in working conditions or fair wages? Sounds like it to me!

In the history of Wisconsin, we haven't seen this kind of passion from the working class in years...well not in my life time and I'm 50 yrs. old. I will continue to support my friends who will be affected by Governor Walker's Reform Bill. I will accept loosing several thousand dollar of my own salary to kick in for health insurance and Wisconsin Retirement, but please Wisconsin Legislature's, don't take away collective bargaining for the small, hard working citizen.

PS. I read today that the average teacher's take-home pay will be lowered by 10% if this bill passes. Tell me how this won't affect our local economy in Wisconsin?

Ok, I'm done ranting now! Thanks for hearing me out!!!!!

Evening Sky

I've been loving these sunsets as I drive home after work. Seeing the colors always lifts my spirits, especially at the end of a long day. I think the warm temps will be coming to an end by this weekend. I'm actually hoping for some cooler weather and snow so I can continue to snowshoe for the next few weeks. Didn't get outside again today....hoping for tomorrow.

Political Outcry

I hate politics, but today I couldn't ignore what is happening in our State. If interested in what's going on in Wisconsin read here. Wisconsin is in for a tough road. Our political parties will remain divided......it's all ugly to me. Why can't all parties get together and work out the difficult issues in a civil way? For the first time in my adult life, I am totally disgusted with Wisconsin government. After seeing the thousands of people converge at the State capital today, my feelings are not alone.

Standing Water

Wow, major melting going on. Went for a snowshoe walk late this afternoon and discovered lots of standing water along the lake shore. Don't worry, there's still plenty of ice out there on the lake, but it's getting harder and harder to snowshoe. The wet snow today made my workout interesting.

I'm enjoying this little winter warm up, especially after last week's single digit temperatures. Will there be more snow coming? You bet, but for now I'm smiling and rejuvenating my mind and body.

Anyone craving chocolate right now? Guess I need to raid my cupboards tonight in search of dark chocolate!!!!!

That Can't Be the Right Temperature.....What?

So it's 1 pm and I'm talking on the phone with my long-lost friend Joan. "Hey Joan, do ya wanna come over for a snowshoe walk?" I happen to look over at the outdoor thermometer to give Joan a temperature reading and I said, "geez there must be something wrong with our thermometer cuz it says 46 degrees." No, there wasn't anything wrong with our thermometer, it really was 46 degrees! What???? I was so excited.....Joan was heading over to join me for a workout on the lake.

The snow today was heavy, sticky and moist. Found some new animal tracks today, but not sure what they are. I'm thinking possibly a mouse? Look how small the little tracks are together. The tracks only went one way, so this smart little animal knew to hop from the lake shoreline all the way over to the first island. Very smart.

So look who we came a cross this afternoon. Who the heck wears shorts while ice fishing....oh yeah, Bike man! Now look closely at Bike man's face. Notice anything? As soon as I finish snapping this photo, I looked at him and said, "hey, there's something wrong with your glasses." Apparently, Bike man didn't even notice he had lost a lens. I know I shouldn't laugh at Bike man, but I told him he looked like a pirate! Every time I look at this photo I start laughing. I wonder how long he walked around with only one lens in his glass frame. Luckily, he found the missing lens in the snow slush near one of the holes he had drilled. Thanks heavens. Glasses are expenses.

The only thing biting this afternoon was Northern's (otherwise know as Northern Pike). Bike man first caught the 30 inch pappa, and then hooked the baby Northern later on. We kept the larger fish....will give it to our son.

What a great day. Warm temperatures (48 degrees by late this afternoon), sunshine and a pal to snowshoe with this afternoon. I was pooped tonight. Didn't get back in the house until about 6 pm. Red cheeks tonight for both of us....the sunshine is getting warmer!