Morning Frost

The Red Cedar River was beautiful this morning.

Everything was coated in frost, so I couldn't resist stopping to take photos on my way to work this morning.

There are just some morning where I need to stop.....stop everything and take in the beauty of nature.  One thing I've learned over the years is to always have your camera handy.  In other words, never leave home without your camera.  I call it "camera ready."   

Lots of Snow

Snow and more snow.  I'm guessing a foot of snow fell since last night.  Came home early  from work today to help Bike man clear all the snow away from the house.

Even our neighbor Dale was out clearing snow from nearby driveways.  Dale loves his tractor!

Since it's March, our lucky Leprechaun is hanging with  lots of pride and style, despite the snowy conditions!

Won't Be Long

It's about this time of the year when we get itchy for gardening.  It won't be long now, another 8 weeks.  Waiting for the next big snow storm to hit us tonight and into tomorrow.  No complaining because we really need this moisture for spring and summer.

Be on the lookout for the return of the Robins.  We usually see them by mid March.

Exploring

A lazy day at home, with no obligations.  Headed out on the lake with Bike man this afternoon for a little ice fishing, but the fishing action was slow.  Since I don't like just sitting around, I decided to head back towards the house, via my neighbors wooded land.





With my camera at my side, I decided to follow the deer trails.   It always amazes me how the deer can make a solid trail....a trail they use continually.

I followed the trails along the lake bank, trying to avoid the deer droppings!  All through the woods I found used trails heading in many directions.  Those darn deer, they are everywhere.  Been finding deer feeding at our bird feeder in the early morning.  Already worrying about our hostas during the spring since the deer like to eat the tender spring leaves.   Better start planning now since two months from now we will have grass growing and hostas sprouting!  Speaking of spring, the March sunshine felt terrific today.

Friday Evening

A Friday night treat for Bike man and me, equals homemade black bean and veggie enchiladas, a glass of wine and several movies.  Just a simple evening!

Dave's BrewFarm

Photo courtesy of Dave's BrewFarm

I've always respected people that can start their own small business and make it successful.  Bike man and I attended a speaking and tasting event tonight for Dave's BrewFarm, Wilson, Wisconsin.  It was so interesting to hear how Dave and his wife Pam started their own local brewing business.  The best part I loved hearing about was how they just want to make their business sustainable towards energy efficiency and recycle as many materials as possible.   They also run their brewing business using a wind generator.....the generator makes power to run their entire business.   The extra power not used is sold back to their local rural electric company!

So, I tasted three of Dave's micro brews tonight , and they were all excellent.  To think they grow their own hops, herbs and botanicals to add to their beer recipes just blows my mind.  Dave creates all his own brew blends, and I'd have to say my favorite was a Hibiscus Lager.  Might have to visit this place when the weather warms up so we can tour the brewing operations.

Having Fun

We're taking advantage of the warmer temperatures.  Spent most of yesterday outdoors enjoying the sunshine and above freezing temperatures.  Got out for some snowshoeing before we lose the snow to warm weather!  

Hey, look who's coming to visit?  The international students from our local college just happen to be out cross country skiing on the lake.

Bike man happened to be out ice fishing and caught a niceNorthern.  The young man from China really wanted to hold the slimy fish for a photo opportunity.

And of course the young gal from Pakistan couldn't resist holding the fish either!

By far this young man from Pakistan was the most determine to hold the fish....and he held it.....and he held it, until it finally flopped out of his hand and fell smack dab right down on his skies!  With a few shrieks from the students, Bike man used his boot to move the fish off his ski!  These college students are really fun and are very inquisitive about our lives on Tainter Lake.   I love it!!!