Top Ten Day

Apparently, spring is arriving early here in Wisconsin.  You can see the Hay River to the north is opening up?  The channel under the bridge is also open.  I stopped to take this photo on my morning run.  I was surprised to see how quickly the ice has been melting this week.

Joined Bike man, his older son Mike and friend Todd, for a little ice fishing today out in the bay near our house.  Don't worry, we still have about a foot of solid ice.  With this sudden early spring, the perch are biting and the water birds are moving too.  I'm still waiting for the arrival of the Sandhill cranes.  They are close....in central Wisconsin since I've been monitoring my birding Facebook page.  Once I hear the Sandies it truly will be spring.

Since the sunshine and temperature felt so good, I decided to abort ice fishing and head over to the Enchanted forest for a solo hike.  I'm sad to report I did not use my snowshoes today, but chose to walk in my regular winter boots.  I'm sad, but also happy for spring.  I couldn't help but think about that in 2 1/2 months from now, we will be looking for morels in these same woods!  That made me feel excited.....no more snow, just hunting for morel mushrooms.

I've been watching this one tree for two months now.  I'm just amazed at how productive this woodpecker has been on this tree.  Wish I knew what kind of woodpecker is making these holes....Pileated? Red-bellied?  Hairy?

Now you can see why I choose to ditch my snowshoes.  My hike took me about an hour this afternoon.  Just happy to be outdoors enjoying the fresh air.

Beautiful January Day

Did not waste a minute today after seeing the warm weather forecast.  Woke up early, attended church service down the road at the little country Lutheran church.  Came home and enjoyed a quick half cup of coffee and toast with peanut butter and banana slices.  Didn't waste any time and headed out the door for a nice sunny 3-mile run.  My run was preceded by a 40 minute snow walk through the enchanted woods (my friends land).  The sunshine felt glorious.  The photo above is what I call a deer super highway!  Lots of heavily traveled deer trails in the woods, but I never see the deer!!!

Came back to our house and joined Bike man on the lake for a little ice fishing.  We had a nice warm fire going in the cooper fire pit, so I roasted some natural casing hot dogs.  Honestly, this is the ONLY time of the year where we eat hot dogs!  There's just something about roasting them over an open fire that makes them worth eating.

Lastly, I wanted you all to see the gorgeous late afternoon sky.  A sky like this will just make you stop for a minute and smile.

And then the setting sun tonight.  The colors weren't as beautiful as I've seen in past nights, but it all depends on the moisture level in the atmosphere.  Regardless, it was still a lovely night on the frozen lake.  The weatherman is talking a snow storm in two days with blizzard-like conditions.  I'm just excited to hear more snow for snowshoeing.  Thanks for checking in with me. 

Trees Were Talking

Headed out for a snowshoe walk this afternoon.  Halfway through my walk, I noticed the cloudy skies were opening up from the West.  I just had to stop, turn around and snap a photo, or two.  Those blue skies have been vague during the month of January, so when we do have sunshine and blue skies, you just have to stop and give thanks!

Even the sunshine filtering through the trees was magical this afternoon.  The sunshine didn't last long....maybe an hour or hour and a half and then the clouds filtered back in.  The temperature held steady at around 29 degrees with a brisk south wind blowing.  Just enough breeze to keep my face and neck chilly, so I was very happy I wore my fleece turtle to keep my neck and face warm while snowshoeing.  

I just have to mention that the trees were talking during my hike this afternoon.  Enough squeaking and moaning to make me stop every once in awhile and just listen.  Have you ever been out in the woods on a breezy day and heard the trees talking?  It's beautiful and unusual all at the same time.  If you've never walked through the woods, then you probably don't know what I'm talking about.  In breezy conditions, trees will rub against one another, or tree limbs will sway back and forth creating an unusual moaning or high pitch sound.  I just think of it as the trees are talking or communicating with us.  We just need to be there at the right time to listen.

Ended my day down on the lake with Bike man ice fishing.  Our neighbor came down on the ice and drilled a few holes and chatted with us.  Bike man's oldest son Mike also stopped late in the afternoon for an hour or so.  It's always nice to have company stop by since our winter days seem long and quiet.  Bike man built a nice fire to keep us warm during our ice fishing.  Enjoyed a glass of Merlot around the fire....heck yes, you gotta stay warm on the frozen lake!!!  The sunset tonight was beautiful, as the sky opened up again right at sunset and then followed by more cloudy skies.  Weather man is forecasting rain tonight and mixed precipitation.  This has been the most unusual winter.

Spring Has Sprung

The weather man promised it would be a warm and sunny day. Sixty degrees to be exact! Running in shorts and a t-shirt today was a real treat. Actually felt 10 pounds lighter with less clothing! Early this afternoon I headed down to the lake and sat with Bike man as he waited for the perch to bite. Enjoyed a fragrant merlot....Bota Box (2010), very nice and I highly recommend for relaxation time!

Fishing activity was on the slow side, but sitting in the sunshine and beautiful blue sky was so worth it.

Didn't go overboard on relaxing since I headed back to the house to take advantage of the beautiful day. This warmer weather brings on the cleaning urge, so I took the time to clean a few windows, cleaned the house, purge personal belongings in one closet and hung out two loads of laundry. Just so you know, hanging out my laundry is my favorite thing to do. I love the fresh air smell when your clothes are dry. We country folk get high on the most trivial tasks!

Finished out my day with grilling marinated chicken breast along with grilled sweet potatoes for a tasty dinner tonight.

I think spring has sprung, especially since I heard some sandhill cranes. Couldn't see them, but certainly heard them. An hour ahead tonight.....welcome to spring!

Steady Wind

It was a cold wind from the west and sitting next to fire didn't seem to help keep the body warm.

After three months, this is the most snow we've had all winter. Walking around on the lake was much more difficult...a layer of water under the snow. Guess I won't be getting my bike out anytime soon to ride on the lake.

Bike man braved the cold wind all afternoon ice fishing, but only caught one small Northern. By this time of the year, the fish are usually active and biting like crazy, but this has not been a normal winter and nothing seems normal. Guess I cut my afternoon short and headed in doors. Tomorrow is another day!

Fresh Air

After several hours of "girl" shopping yesterday, Trisha and I finally joined the guys on the lake during the afternoon hours. It was a beautiful day to spend outdoors. Plenty of sunshine and very little wind.....perfect.

The guys even caught a Walleye (photo) and a Northern! Today was a different story. Cloudy and very windy, so the air temp felt much colder than it really was. A quick run to this afternoon to stretch my muscles and exercise my lungs, but I actually felt washed out. I'm coming up on 4 weeks now since developing a sinus condition and it has robbed me of energy and spunk. I'm a big believer in natural remedies, so have been faithfully using my nasal cleanser with salt water. I'm hoping to wake up one of these days and feel like a new person!!!!

Lake Riding

Getting out again in the sunshine today felt so good. I think the sunshine is finally drying out my sinus infection. After setting up some tip-ups on the lake ice, Bike man and I rode our bikes around on the lake. The snow depth is perfect for riding, but that will change due to a snow storm moving in tomorrow so we enjoyed our time on the bikes.

Riding on the snowmobile trails was actually fun and effortless.

Our bikes were always ready and waiting. When the flags went up, we hopped on the bikes and rode out to catch the fish......well, we rode out to each tip-up, but we never caught any fish!

Yup, no fish.....

Our beverage of choice while we wait for the fish to bite! This particular Merlot is young and slightly sweet and is perfect for a 40 degree afternoon.

Bike man roasts the best hot dogs. I like mine with relish and ketchup on a toasted bun! Just a simple northern Wisconsin winter afternoon.

A Day At Home

Another beautiful day with warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. Aiden found his comfort spot to watch the squirrels playing outside.

Oops, I think I gave the cats too much catnip!

Bike man and I spent all afternoon out on the lake ice fishing. The fish were quiet, but a few bites from the Northerns.

All that walking from tip-up to tip-up creates a good appetite, so we roasted some hot dogs to satisfy the hunger. Just being outside all afternoon was so good for the mind and soul. A much needed day to rejuvenate.

There He Goes

There goes Bike man......again! I think he's turning into Mr. Social since he does his lake laps in order to visit the other ice fisherman. With lack of snow this winter, Bike man is enjoying his time on the bike. Me? Well, I was just happy to run my three mile route this afternoon after completing all my domestic chores.

Happiness comes in all ways. This young man was very proud of his dad's walleye catch. Just a great day to be outdoors. A little sun, a little clouds, some wind and a high of 32 degrees. Can't beat that for January!

He's On a Mission

It's the last day of the year, so Bike man was on a mission! Have you ever known a man that uses his bicycle as means of transportation while ice fishing?

The lake was still perfect today for riding, but ice fishing was the main interest this afternoon. The Son caught a nice Northern, but released it back into the hole.....wasn't big enough!

I'm looking forward to a new year, new interests, new bike trips, and a new attitude towards life. Enjoying New Year's Eve in the comforts of home sweet home.

Hey mom moo, welcome home. I'm toasting a bubbly to you tonight. Blessings to you mom for continued healing and comfort.....you are one tough lady!

Unreal

I couldn't resist, so I hung out my laundry today! Windy and 40 + degrees this afternoon....perfect for drying clothes. Becca and I also got out for a run around noon when the sun was at it's highest point in the sky.....the sun felt wonderful.

Hey, look who I found out on the lake ice this afternoon!

Of course I wanted to ride my bike too. A little nervous starting out on the ice. I kept asking Bike man how much ice is on the lake? He assured me 8 inches of good solid ice, but I still rode gingerly!

Stayed out on the lake until after sunset. The pink sky tonight was amazing and such a beautiful sight. After spending the last three weeks mainly indoors, the fresh air today was my special Christmas gift. Bike man spent the rest of the afternoon ice fishing, so this was our first real winter outing (minus the snow)!

I'm actually hoping the weather stays mild for a while and the snow stays away. Bicycling today on the lake is one of those events we wait for all year long.....really!

Last Days of Ice Fishing

One more day of perch fishing, and then I think the days are limited from here on out. It was nice to see our son today.

Couldn't believe some of the perch already had very small leeches inside the gills. I guess this is a sign that the water is warming and spring is very close. Soaked up the sunshine today spending time outside. The sand hills cranes were nearby, as well as the canadian geese. Seems the air was filled with birds songs ,and even the red-winged black birds were out in full force. A nice day all around.

He Says This is Work!

He worked all afternoon, successfully catching those beautiful perch. This is the time of the year when our freezer fills up with perch fillets. Can you believe we still have 2 1/2 feet of ice on our lake? Those night time lows have made it possible for very slow melting, which means prolonged ice fishing. Thanks Bike man. Keep snatching up those perch.....I love a good fried perch dinner.

These Days Are Limited

Late ice means catching nice perch. Why is it that we have to wait until the last days of ice to catch the most fish? It's that way ever year. See those perch.....I cooked up a nice fried fish dinner tonight. Fried perch is my all time favorite, followed by Walleye.

It was one week ago today that we adopted the new fury creatures. Just so you know, large cats running and playing sounds like a herd of elephants. Seriously, it sounds so loud when the Maine Coons run. Even when they walk through the kitchen it sounds like a human walking. I'm not use to this yet, especially since Annabelle walks like a featherweight and I never know when she's walking up from behind me.

The cats are becoming more comfortable everyday. It's fun to see them all playing and running together since seven days ago, all I heard was hissing and growling!

Spring certainly is on it's way. Heard and saw lots of robins this afternoon on my long walk along the country roads. Then while visiting Bike man on the lake ice, tons of Canadian geese flew overhead....the sky was alive with geese. Rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast. Yup, spring is finally here.

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!

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!