April Snow Squalls

Unusual day today with snow squalls on and off all day today.  Oh yah, it's April 19th and it still looks like winter....that's all I'm gonna say my friends!

Winter Won't Give Up

It's not looking to promising outside.  I'm talking about the coating of freezing rain we are receiving late this afternoon.  Started out this morning as wet snow, but has quickly changed over to steady rain that instantly freezes on contact.

In fact, I'm worried about loosing electricity if the freezing rain keep ups, so blogging has come a little earlier in the day than normal in case we loose power tonight.  Those 20-25 mph winds are not helping the situation either.

It doesn't take much rain to instantly freeze on contact to branches, cars, roads or anything that stands still.  Went for a run when the precipitation was mostly sleet, but halfway through, it turned icy.  Dropped 2 degrees in one hour while I run through the wet slushy roads.  Upon returning home, I saw the a cumulative ice building-up on the tree branches.  Not good I said to myself!  Any ice coating tree branches means branches snapping on power lines.....this is exactly what happened earlier in the week to Southern Minnesota.

So what about Bike man?  Oh, he's ice fishing down on the lake!!!  Geez, he better have taken his life vest with him.  I'm hoping he and his older son Mike are catching Perch in this horrible weather.  True fishermen, what can I say!  

Long Travel Day

I was happy to spend most of the day today roaming around Amherst, WI while Bike man attended a Farms and River summit.  Ended our day visiting the Central Waters Brewing Company.  I was excited to go see this micro brewing company since our son helped make the solar panels for this business back in his college days.   

We walked inside and I immediately smell the wonderful scent of hops and malt.  Bike man pointed out the large buckets next to the tanks that contained bubbly gas as the beer was fermenting.  There was an event going on inside the brewing facility today with music, food and exhibits.

 Many visitors enjoyed the beer sampler.

I couldn't resist taking a photo of the wall of decals.  We love decals at our house!

As for my brew choice, I enjoyed a Belgian Blonde Ale with a nice touch of malt and light spiciness.  Long day today, but I'm glad we are home before the next snow system moves in....again!!!

Spring Brings Grandeur

Burrrr, I needed my winter jacket today. Winter is hanging on my friends. Took a 20 minute walking break this afternoon to catch the splendor of spring flooding.

Walked down by the Red Cedar River about 1/2 block from where I work.

Eighteen Mile Creek flows into the Red Cedar River, however because of spring conditions, it looks like two rivers flow together!

The river was humming with strength and power.....never underestimate the greatness of this river, especially in the spring.

The swirls of the current almost turns my stomach!

When the river swells, the water spills into the little village park.  Hard to believe in six weeks someone might be enjoying a little picnic in this park.  Like they say, rain showers brings May flowers.  Wait, they never said snow showers bring May flowers......or did they?

Rivers are Rising

Such a busy day at work and I tried to stay on schedule with all my tasks.  Finally able to leave work and then when driving home I noticed the Red Cedar River is still increasing in water flow....it's actually reaching flood stage.  Read in the local newspaper that peak river levels should be around Thursday of this week. 

Spotted this tree along the river that was perfectly aligned with wood pecker holes.   I wonder why the wood peckers make their holes in a perfect vertical line?

Got my run in late this afternoon with Jill.  We chatted the whole way......like chatty Cathy's!!!

Looking For Spring

Headed out for an afternoon of camera shots.

I was really looking for signs of spring and then came across numerous rivers and creeks that are at their highest water levels.

Lucky for these Alpacas that the snow has finally melted in their grazing field.  Such a sweet face don't you think?

Night Visitor

Woke up this morning to a light coating of snow.  Remember, winter just won't let go here in the North!  Was surprised to see we were visited by a creature last night, or maybe several.

Apparently, this animal was coming and going on our deck!  According to my Scats and Tracks of Great Lakes book  (James C Halfpenny, PhD), the creature was probably a Raccoon.  Guess we'll need to get the cage set up to trap these pesky varmints.

Rain headed in later this afternoon along with gusty winds and cooler temperatures.  Spring is here, but just a slow welcome home if you know what I mean.  Snow melt means the beginning of allergy season for me.  Sneezing and watery eyes all day long today.  Thank heavens we buy Kleenex by the case!