The Cats Rule

The cats were on their best behavior today, especially since they were getting lots of attention and play time with the Son and his girlfriend Trisha.  Add in a little lap time and some fur brushing, and the cats were in 7th heaven!  

Since Abby is our non-social girl, she found her comfortable spot in the Son's laundry basket.  Abby actually  slept there for several hours, until it was time to do another load of laundry.

Certainly was a lazy day indoors with the outdoor high temperature around 24 degrees with a 10-15 mph wind blowing from the north.  The only one that got any exercise was Bike man who faithfully went outdoors this morning to snowblow our 5 inches of snow from last night.  And then of course, he had to get up on the house roof again and clear the snow for the 5th or 6th time.  Will this snow ever stop?

After a trip tonight to Das Bierhaus for dinner, we came back home to relax.  Just so you know, if you ever come to visit at our house, expect to surrender your lap to our largest cat......all 24 pounds!

Wildlife

After my run this afternoon, I walked around to the lake side of our house and found deer just hanging out in our yard enjoying the bird feeders.

Apparently, the deer have decided our bird feeders will supplement their meal time.  Well, don't worry, the black bear will be back in the spring to scare the deer away!

Temperature hit a high of 40 degrees today, which meant some major icicles were created today.  Kind of interesting when the icicle morphs into the tree branch.  We are not done yet....more snow tomorrow, Saturday and a 6-9 incher coming on Monday.  Yes, this is March in the Midwest.

Completed My First Year

I'm still pinching myself because it's been one-year since I was elected to our local food co-op board.  Wow, how time flies!  I've learned so much about the cooperatives and how sustainable cooperatives can be for our economy and how cooperatives provides jobs for our local community.  Yes people, cooperatives do equal Socialism and I'm totally fine with that!   I'm all for spending your dollars within your local region, especially when it comes to food.  Don't you want to eat local foods verses foods from a thousands miles away (Mexico, Brazil, etc.) ???

Since I'm so focused on foods, I just have to show you the wonderful foods we enjoyed tonight at our annual meeting.   The cheese platter was plentiful. 

The Deviled Eggs are a favorite with everyone.

And this platter of Focassia sandwiches made with smoked turkey, apple slices and brie....OMG, it was excellent!

The colorful dips included a green pea with lots of garlic, a carrot dip with beautiful fresh ginger, and a beet dip.....sorry, I'm not a fan of beets!  No mayo dips, really and they were so tasty.

Two new Board members were elected tonight, and now the new co-op year begins....I'm ready for my second year.

Custom Made

I was excited to receive my new desk today.  Jill and Mike made me a desk to fit in  the corner of our spare bedroom.  I've been wanting a small desk so that any overnight guests will have a place to use their laptops or store their belongings.    

Of course, as soon as we brought the desk into the house, the cats found the desk!

Spent the afternoon with Bike man checking the urban streams for elevated salt levels. The water levels have risen due to several days of above freezing temperatures.   I'm hopeful this is the beginning of a much awaited spring.

Cooperative Learning

Snow covered roads this morning meant careful driving to an all-day co-op workshop in a nearby city.  Despite the weak coffee, the workshop was good.   During our sessions, we were encouraged to doodle our thoughts, ideas or artwork!   

We all were heavy into thoughts and ideas relating to the growth of cooperatives.  Enjoyed the day meeting Board of Director's from Minnesota and southern Wisconsin co-ops, but also happy to just get home to kick back and relax.   These weekend sure zip by quickly......I need a day off!!!    

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!