Day of Jerks!

Day of Jerks! and its only half over! .....
well, maybe if we get all the jerks in on the last day of the year, we'll be done with them!
The world is full of jerks. Luckily, we don't have to come in contact with them very often. Its a sure fire way to get your Blood Pressure up when you do. Mine's teetering on high right now.
Gift certificates are popular choices during the holiday season. In fact this season I saw on the news that they were even more popular than in the past. The stores love them! Because it gets customers into THEIR store, to purchase THEIR merchandise and most people spend more than the amount in THEIR store. Everyone is happy with the gift.
We had a wife call the first of December to purchase a gift certificate for her husband, worth three nights stay. She also reserved a room for three nights this week. Christmas night we get a call from the wife... cancelling the reservation. Fine. But, she did not want to reschedule. She wanted a full refund! WHAT? I don't know of any store that will allow you to walk in and ask for cash for your gift certiicate. We understand when there isn't snow you can't snowmobile, but come on! There is at least two months, if not three months left of winter to reschedule. Don't tell me you won't ever come up to ride your sled the entire winter. Besides... that's not the point. Its a GIFT CERTICATE redeemable for a stay at Rays Retreat. Not to cash in when you get hard up for money.
We shouldn't even have had any more discussion with her at that point. But, because we aren't that difficult to get along with we ended up saying fine, we'll send you a check. Which I did minus $15.00/service charge. Which is not unreasonable. Running a credit card is costly, which we did the first time, then the check, paper and ink to print the letter once again stating the policy and stamp to mail it all.
This morning we hear from him. He thinks its unjust, threatens us with 24 hours to do something about it or he will let everyone know what he thinks! I explain once again... it was not a simple cancellation of a reservation, it was a gift certificate. There will be no further discussion and there will be no $15.00 sent to him either.
That was jerk #1.
-------
Sparky and I just came in from a walk and ran into Jerk #2. This is the guy who thinks he owns all of Northern Michigan, when he simply owns the lot his seasonal home sits on the road behind us. He doesn't like anyone walking on the circle drive. Let me point out this is a public road.
I won't say anymore, although I could go on with his jerky exploits.
---
I think its time to have Pepsi, do some deep breathing and pray that next year will be The Year Without Jerks.

Doesn't take much snow......

It doesn't take much snow to get out and enjoy snowmobile races! Here Bob and Merril have races.. Polaris against Ski-Do.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

As you light the first hearth fire

Of the New Year

Throw in disappointments,

Each petty fear.

And as they smolder,

Toss in those chips you've

Flaunted on your shoulder.

Let the flames leap high

With tongues of gold,

That phoenix-like,

New dreams may rise

From ashes of the old.

No Snow News Really

I wish I had some real Snow News. The Gaylord Herald Times did have a story today about the new GPS signs along the trail: http://www.gaylordheraldtimes.com/articles/2006/12/30/news/sports/sports05.txt

I keep joking around about investing in our own snowmaking equipment. Hey, they do have personal home snowmaking machines and I found instructions for do it yourselfers! Something to think about it this weather trend continues. If you're interested check out these links:
http://www.backyardblizzard.com/ - This place sells them for $2,400. Not bad if we win a decent lottery winnings.
This site though is really neat. It gives you instructions to build or your own, or has the machines for sell. http://www.snowathome.com/

I'll have to convince Mike its worth the investment and the manpower to blow the snow.

Barren Winter Days

This is just so sad. Dec. 29, and still no snow. There is a light sprinkling on the ground... like the confectioners sugar you sprinkle lightly over a pound cake. IF you walk in it, its gone! It does help make it look a bit more like winter. Just barely. The lakes are open, the trees and ground are green/brown for the most part.
Its sad.sad.sad. I can't even snow talk. Its not in the forecast. I had a comment from Frustrated in Ohio yesterday and we all agree!!! We are all desperate to get those sleds out and ride!
The weatherman shows night after night the above average temps.. we're running an average of 8 to 10 degrees above normal. In the upcoming week ONE DAY of cold, and then its back up to 40.
Its very hard being sympathetic with the whiners out in Colorado.. I mean you shouldn't live in Colorado if you don't like snow. Just as I've lost patient with Northern Michigan residents who quietly say as I turn my back... Its rather nice really..... GRRRR. NOT. Again, move! Northern Michigan is supposed to mean snow and cold winters.
We are still hopeful that Jan will bring a bounty of snow to make up for these barren early days of winter.

Something to Think About....

The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. .....Anonymous

What Happened to Our World War II Movie Stars?

http://www.pownews.com/remember.these.war.heros.htm

This is a great website showing the movie stars from the World War II era who served our country in active duty. Very interesting and quite a contrast to today's movie stars.

Hard to believe but Mike has just come in from outside, where he's been sitting around a campfire with Dan. He smells like the campfire and his hands are frozen like the ground. Now he's laying prone on the couch with a blanket wrapped around him. Sounds like a good time to me. Ha, even Sparky came in after sitting with them for 20 minutes.

Its hard listening to the news and hearing that 'poor' Colorado is going to get hit hard again with a snowstorm... we find it very difficult to be sympathetic. Hopefully, somehow Artic Cold can move in and share that wealth of snow with us.

The Christmas season is winding down and all the gestures of goodwill and love towards mankind gets forgotten again for another year. I know that isn't true of everyone but there is truth to it. In the nursing homes, assisted livings the month of December Activities is just flooded with requests from groups to come in and share goodwill. Same is true for other organizations. Donations drop off once the holidays are past.

There's been alot of attention g

iven in the media to remembering our servicemen. I know they have appreciated the cards and packages received at a very lonely holiday time for them. BUT, being in a foreign country surrounded by hatred, violence they need our support year around, day to day. Please remember to keep our troops in your prayers. You can also show your support by: sending an email greeting via the America Supports You website - http://americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/index.aspx

Or donating a calling card so they can call home at:

http://operationuplink.org/

If you are interested in sending a package/letter of support check out these websites:

http://anysoldier.com;wheretosend/

http://soldierangels.org/

Make it a Wonderful Wednesday by letting a fellow American know they are not forgotten.

Good Movie

At least, with the sprinkling of snow we received today it looks more like December. At this point it isn't good for anything, except making the landscape more acceptable. Hopefully the days ahead will bring us much more of the white stuff.
We took advantage of a movie matinee this afternoon and saw Night In the Museum. A very funny family movie. Not one cuss word in it. I know my grandson, Taylor will love it! I could hear him laughing (in my head). Both Mike and I came away feeling like we had had a fun time.
I'm watching Bon Jovi right now on Larry King Live. His music makes you want to get up and moving! .. but its time for bed. Maybe I better change the station. And he's not hard to look at either.
Hope you're enjoying the leftovers from Christmas Day.

Untraditional Christmas

Ours has been an untraditional Christmas (or any holiday) since we moved north and became innkeepers. We actually feel like Christmas has been over for some time since we met with our three children and their families the first of the month to enjoy a family Christmas.

This Christmas morning I was up much too early since I had to clock into 'the home' at 6 a.m. Much earlier than I normally start my day when I work. I had volunteered to work so another younger worker with family could be home. I surprised staff and residents by working the floor. The hours flew by quickly as we helped reidents get up, and dressed for the holiday. We dressed them all in Christmas colors making the dining room a beautiful sight.

Mike prepared our Christmas dinner when I got home. The three of us, Sparky, Mike and I had opened our presents Sat. morning. Sparky opened all our presents for us, just like any excited toddler. He had such fun tearing the wrappings all off. Santa was good to each one of us.

Saturday, the 23rd we headed over to our oldest son's Bryan on Lake Leelanau and spent the night with them. Christmas Eve was a beautiful spring like day with sunshine and mild temps. We ate breakfast out in Leland and enjoyed a walk down to Fish Town. Leland is a picturesque little town along Lake Michigan.

Fish Town is an authetic connection to the Great Lakes maritime heritage. It is worth a visit during the summer months when business are open and thriving.

www.preservingfishtown.org

The picture at the top of this post is taken at Fish Town.

Christmas Blessings

Christmas Blessings of Love and Joy!
Even without the snow we know Christmas spirit is still here. Hope you and yours are enjoying a day filled with love and joy.

Santa still arrives even without snow

Santa will find a way to go to every home!

We did enjoy breakfast this morning in the dining room... watching snowflakes come down.

We still believe in Christmas miracles.... ..... ...

Christmas - Snow or Not

Its definitely getting closer to Christmas whether its looking like it or not! I've challenged Mike to a pillow fight thinking we could get some stuffy flying around to make things look white!

ah...........If only every raindrop were a snowflake! Our dreams would come true.

Is Anyone There?

Aren't these little guys cute? Just about as cute as me when I met my first horse! Mike, Ann and I took a walk around Dodge Lake Road this morning. There was a fenced in area with these two large four legged animals. Mike said I looked like a dinosaur with my hair standing up on my neck and back. Well, I had never seen anything like those creatures before.... they were actually rather scary. Especially the big guy. He was a dark chocolate color, massive size, with a white star marking on his forehead. I stood back with Mike, my hackles up on alert.. and was amazed to see Ann just walk up to the fence. That chocolate guy walked right over and let Ann pet him. So I had to get closer and take a look myself. He put his nose right down and through the fence hole and we sniffed each other.Where was Ann's camera? ...his friend, a light copper colored horse joined us then. They followed us as far as they could. Hopefully, we'll take a walk back there again soon.
What do you call someone that's afraid of Santa Claus? ... Claustrophobic!

Looking for some snow flakes? Aren't we all? You can go to this website and enjoy all sorts of snowflake information and beautiful pictures: http://snowcrystals.com. Sparky T. Ray.

Dark Days

Winter - according to the calendar is set to arrive tomorrow, Dec. 21. I sure hope Mother Nature takes a look at the calendar! Because today was a lousy day with sunshine and temps in the 40s. Didn't look anything like winter.

If I hear one more person say, "its a beautiful day!" I'm going to scream and then wring their
their neck! I mean-- come on, you live in
northern Michigan! This is now how its supposed to look at the end of December. If you prefer these mild sunshiny days then you need to move south!

We need everyones positive mind set into concentrating on SNOW, COLD, December weather that northern Michigan is loved and known for.

Its getting so desperate that the locals are resorting to the Tarot Cards - I'm not kidding! Its in todays Gaylord Herald Times, a story on reading of Tarot cards to see if snow is in the future.http://gaylordheraldtimes.com/articles/2006/12/20/news/top_stories05.txt

It'll be a Solstice to Remember........because it'll be the Solstice that was Green!

Holiday Greetings

Holiday Blessings of Snow and Joy!

Obviously, this picture was taken earlier this month. . . oh, those were deliciously cold, snowy days. We are dreaming of seeing them again.

I want to send a bark out to Rudi, a mellow German Shephard that stayed with us this summer.

SNOW!.. We are dancing, chanting, believeing in Snow!... Maybe if we all... everyone thinks real hard, believes real hard... Be Snow!

How much further north are we going to have to move to find snow in December? I'm trying to talk Mike into investing in a snowmaker machine... ha! Those things are quite expensive.

The night sky was beautiful tonight. The stars sparkling like diamonds. They looked like we could reach up and touch. BUT we don't want to see clear starr studded night skies.. we want thick snow clouds. Where, oh where are the snow clouds tonight? (I wish you could hear me singing).

The Other Frosty The Snowman

I read this interesting take on the Frosty the Snowman story which I thought some of you might find interesting. If you have small children this is a nice Christian side to Frosty and brings the spiritual meaning into Frosty's life.

http://hadleyblog.blogspot.com/ I saw it this past weekend on this blog, so just find his Frosty Snowman entry.

Radio News

It's time to start the snow dances~! .. We will be engaging in snow dancing every night this week and next, and next until we have enough snow to enjoy the trails. Sparky is really enjoying the snow dances. Anything to do with jumping, hoping, chanting, singing he is up for!

I hope you were able to find the Sunday Nov. 17 Traverse Record Eagle story where Mike was quoted. Fame can be so fleeting.. But his moment in the spotlight continued through today.

When I returned from work, he was on the phone. Nothing unusual. I could tell that he was talking to someone other than just a casual acquaintance. He waved me away. So Sparky and I just went for a walk. When I returned he was excited. He had been on live radio - the CBS News station WWJ Newsradio 590 our of Detroit. They had read the Sunday news article and called him and did an on-air interview. It is also written up at their website:http://www.wwj.com/pages/149344.php?contentType=4&contentID=260168 and I hope this one you can access the actual article. I realized, after I tried clicking on yesterdays link to Traverse City REcord Eagle article - it went no where!

Its helped to put a little bright spot in this otherwise dreary week of watching the skies, listening to weather forecasts, and hearing so much doom and gloom.

We continue to be ever hopeful that Snow flakes will begin to fall, and continue falling, piling into massive snow drifts!

Making the News!

We enjoyed the sunny almost spring like day by going to church, followed up with a two mile walk with Sparky. Picked up the Sunday edition of the Traverse City Record Eagle where Mike made the front page of Section B! ... a story on wishing for snow. I tried uploading it here but my computer skills are just very basic, and whatever I have tried hasn't worked so you can enjoy reading about Mike Ray's comments, although I am sure you can guess what he said!
www.record-eagle.com/2006/dec/17whitexmas.html
Hopefully that will take you there! .. if not, I'm sorry. I tried.

ITS A GOOD MORNING...........when I can stretch out in bed next to Ann and Mike, and give them a good morning nuzzle and they scratch my head, my neck and then my tummy....So......nice! Life is Good.

Black Cat Encounter

Saturday Night.... No snow, maybe its time to think about summer again. This is a pic of my first boat ride! I loved the wind blowing at me. The faster we went, the better it felt.

Still now snow around here, well some in the woods but nothing for having fun in, so guess we'll keep watching the weather forecasts and dreaming of a winter wonderland. Or like me, remembering the great summertime.

We loaded up about noon today, all three of us and drove down to Grayling where we enjoyed a very nice long walk. I even pranced down Main Street. You can imagine my surprise when a large black cat began stalking us. He followed us for three blocks even crossing the street to keep up with us. Finally, Ann just stopped to see if he really was following us. And yup, he walked right up to me. Seems he mistook me for a neighborhood friend of us. Came right up to me, said a few words in private.. I gave him a nice lick on the head and then he sat down and watched us walk off. Mom and Dad said it was something they had never had happen when they were walking. Well.... here's the thing. I am a good looking fella, and friendly. I am sure his Golden friend is too. I always enjoy meeting a new friend -feline, canine or human.

Ann and Mike let me rest in the car while they ate fish at the Sawmill Tavern. All you can eat, anyday, any time for $6.95. That's a buy, and you get french fries, green beans and a roll. They recommend it.

Just before going to bed last night the three of us took a walk around and were treated to a beautiful Northern Lights showing in the skies. Awesome, and another reason we love Northern Michigan. Sparky and I just took a walk out there tonight and tried to see something, but the clouds are covering the skies.
Too bad they weren't sparkling over crystal white snow. Seldom are things perfect. It was still magnificent and made me intrigued enough to explore the web and look at some beautiful pics. One site you might enjoy looking at has pics of the Northern Lights over the Great Lakes:
http://sweetwatervisions.comp/Pages/galleryNL.html

Its been pretty quiet around here with no snow, just dreary rain and warmer temps.

Mike and Ann were gone for a good part of the day today. Seems it was the Rays Retreat Christmas office party in Petosky, at the Rio Grande Steakhouse. They either failed to mentioned it to me or deliberately just left me at home to watch the business. Well, I've got news for them. I didn't answer the phone or even bark when a phone call or car drove through. I thought we were a team here at Rays Retreat. I would have loved going to Petoskey and walking the pretty city streets overlooking the bay. I enjoy a good steak as much as those two do, and not even one little piece of fat was brought home to me.

They did bring me home a nice chew bone, but I get those every week.

I just hate being treated like a dog!

---------------------------------Sparky T. Ray signing off and going to bed in a pout!

Snowmobile Etiquette:... it seems basic manners are missing in many people's education. We have had one good weekend of snow this month, and in that short time we dealt with complaints from neighbors and ourselves from people who just didn't respect other peoples property.
A basic lack of manners seems to be a problem in our world these days. Books and classes are becoming a necessity in a world where everyone seems to thinking only of themselves. I know this isn't true of everyone. Its just that it just takes one person who is careless, rude, indifferent to make a bad impression for everyone.

Snowmobile trails are a privilige. It is not a right for snowmobile owners to drive hundreds of miles in this state on private, state and public land on trails provided for them. It is a privilege that is entrusted to each of us to follow simple common sense rules of consideration.

ONE. You ride on the trail. You do not zip, zap all over peoples private property tearing up their yards, or young trees or terroizing wildlife in the woods. You do not cross over railroad tracks endangering the trains that will be traveling and could derail. Which would ultimately cause the railroad companies to just close trails on land that rightfully belongs to them.

TWO. When staying anywhere, or pulling into restaurants, bars, gas stations you do not rip-roar around digging in paddles wheels and such down through the snow tearing up what will in the spring be their front yards.

Because of the many complaints received last season related to snowmobiles trespassing and noise Otsego County has applied for and received a grant to fund Sherriffs Deputies to patrol the trails.

Please remember to respect the privilege of being out on the trails so this privilege is not taken away.

Dreary. Dismal. Disappointing. Disgusting. Darned muddy that is what it is! .. Just dirty snow hanging around with all the warm rain. The front drive out here is an ice rink with water standing on it.. the back yard is soggy dirty snow.

We do not like the effect of global warning. We would rather have a global cooling... so that we could return to the winter of the old days. When the snow and cold arrived in December and it stayed that way until spring arrived in April! Oh, for the good old days.

Now winter is fickle. Comes in for a week or two, then lets the warmer weather push its way in and melt things down, even bring the rain until we get a good artic blastic to freeze things again. It makes it difficult, nerve wracking and just not as much fun trying to make a living in northern michigan's winter wonderland!

One week of winter, and we're back into spring. Very dismal and dirty looking. Hopefully Old man Winter will take control of things and soon!
I started out the day with a hard knock to my noggin! . . it reminded me how quickly our lives can be changed in an instant. (not that I haven't been reminded of this many times in my line of work - nursing/EMS) but personally this was a little shake-up. Quite literally.
I stepped outside the door and instantly WHAM. It was a shiny sheet of ice, I was unaware of .. my feet went right out from under me, and WHACK... the back of my head hit the cement. And it did crack. The full force of my --- lbs without any attempt to break the fall since I had had no idea it was going to happen.
A closed head injury is nothing to take lighty, and once my senses returned, the dizziness subsided I thought of the many incidents that I had come in contact with in my nursing career.

That is why we need to remind ourselves daily, moment to moment is a precious gift.

Did you know? ... there are over 6,000 miles of snowmobile trails through 6 state forests, 3 national forests and miles of private land thru the state of Michigan? ... making Michigan One of only Three states have have an interconnected trail system.

I like the state of Michigan's saying on their winter website:
LIVE TO ENJOY MICHIGANS WINTER WONDERLAND!
meaning: Drive and play safely to return winter after winter.

A Great Day of Playing in the Snow. Mike has been out riding the trails so it was Ann and I puttering around the motel. Well, I guess she's been busy in the kitchen and we wrapped presents all afternoon.

Then we headed outdoors for some playtime. Mike had ran the sled around a few times and it gives me a great track for racing. Here I'm bringing the stick back to Ann

Its been great fun having people in the motel, coming and going... sleds have been zipping around. I was right at the front door when a new couple walked in. I think I might have surprised them when they opened the door and I jumped on her as she walked in. I was just so happy to see a new face! .. its always great to meet a new friend. I think she's my friend. Ann was right there and grabbed me within minutes before I could give her some good welcome licks. I don't usually get to hang out in the lobby (someone hadn't shut the door tight and I decided to go out myself).

We're celebrating Christmas tomorrow! .. I can't wait. Ann and I loaded presents up in the car, and that's why she's been out in the kitchen so much. We'll be going over to Bryan's (their oldest sons) in the morning. Bourbon, an older chocolate lab is excited too! All the kids will be there. It'll be noisy, lots of food falling on the floor I am sure... because there are so many little ones. Bourbon and I can wrestle around in the snow, and I'm sure Taylor.. the 11 year old will tustle with me too! I even wrapped Bourbon a delicious bone. If he doesn't like it, I'll be glad to bring it right back home with me. Actually, I will just chew it up right there.. or I could save it for the ride home.

I hope you'll be coming to see me soon. There's nothing better than having you come in and say what a cool looking dog I am!

Snow and more snow. But who wants to complain? well, there are always those that whine a little when they're plowing or shoveling. Mike had to plow two times today. The snow is deep. Sparky has been amazed now that its up to almost his neck. Its still light and fluffy so he can zip through it and send it flying, or burrow his nose down and go plowing away.

I don't know how I managed to work for Hospice the past two winters and drive 100 miles plus in a day without being a nervous wreck. Since my earlier incident this winter, losing control on slippery roads, I have a hard time staying cool and collected driving on the icey, snow covered roads. Which is everyday! Morning and night. Even when we haven't had major snowfall there's been enough new snow to glaze the roads. Tonight it was solid snow covered roads, with snow coming down so everything is a white. Which is not so beautiful if you're not on a snowmobile trail. It becomes a little more important needing to know that you're staying on the road. Maybe the solution is that I just need to forget working outside of Rays Retreat during the winter months. Then I'd have more time to get out on the trails and keep trail reports updated! Sounds like a solution to me (if only writing reports paid an income). hmmm, I'll have to work on that.

It was a long day for me... working, Dr. appointment, and finishing up Christmas shopping and then weekly shopping. Exhausting. Its not just the gifts you have to remember to buy, its the paper, boxes, bags, tape, tags.....
time for me to climb into bed and dream of wrapping all my shopping results.

It was a totally boring day yesterday. First THEY (you know Mike and Ann) were gone all morning Christmas shopping and didn't come home with one thing for me! I know, because I checked out each bag and Nothing for a golden dog. They got home about noon, took me out for a short walk. When we got back into the house they were piling clothes on so they eventually looked like Dark Vader with those things on their heads. They left, and I was home alone for hours again! Now that just stinks. What else is there to do? I napped all afternoon.

Seems they were out snowmobiling. Last year I jumped up on Mike's and had a short ride. But I don't know if I can fit anymore. The snowmobile just isn't as big as it was.

Today was a much better day. Ann went off to work early this morning. Mike and I puttered around inside and out. Mike and I had a mid day snack and when Ann returned home late afternoon she had a chewy bone for me! I hope she goes to work tomorrow!

We just came inside from a walk. Its been snowing since early afternoon and the snow is up to my tummy now! I love it! After supper Ann and I took a walk behind us, and my friends the collies were out romping. Sassy and I had a ball zigging and zagging around.. I could burrow my nose down under the snow and she couldn't see me for a minute. Sassy is even faster than I am!

I'm ready to climb back up on the sofa and call it a day.

First Ride of the 06 Season.
After a morning spent Christmas shopping, I rummaged through the crate of snow clothes and got myself bundled up for my first ride of the season. Mike is already one up on me. I'm sure by the end of the season... he'll have many more rides more than me. I'll just have to live with it.
We got excited as we were driving to and from town because we could see that the trails had been groomed. That was a nice surprise. We got a few more inches of light snow overnight.
We headed out of Rays Retreat, south on trail 7. When we reached Frederick we cut over a road to pick up trail 679. These trails (679 and 79) had not been groomed. There's a spot along here where they're putting in an oil rig, so it was a mess with work equipment and trucks coming/going... and big ruts caused by all that work. Hopefully they'll have that wrapped up before Jan!
79 had a few mud holes we had to skirt around, but nothing that we couldn't avoid. And then we got back on 7 to head home.
We were out for a little over 3 hours. We had a good time. The trails were all snow covered, we saw very little dirt. Despite riding mostly trails that had not been groomed... it was a good ride. We've ridden much rougher trails in mid season.
This is the best early December ride we've enjoyed since being up here. It was especially pretty driving down through the pine trees as they are still all laden with the frosty white snow.
As I came home later tonight from a meeting it was snowing again and tricky driving on the highway. Needed my snowmobile. We're supposed to get heavy lake effect tonight and tomorrow so that will only help build a solid base for the trail and add to our riding pleasure.

The fickleness of the lake effect snow clouds is enough to make Mike a nervous wreck... and drive me nuts! ... watching him watch the weather forecasts on every news station, along with the weather channel and then running to the window every few minutes to see if a cloud may have finally found us.

They got heavy lake effect north of us today. Cheyboygan area, and along the Lake Michigan coastline. We have had on and off beautiful big snowflakes coming down. Perhaps giving us another inch of two. The forecasters are all saying its promising for us to get more as the clouds continue to gather and move over our area. 1-3 inches expected overnight. And then more over the next few days.

Its just so really unpredictable. I personally prefer not watching the forecasts at all. I prefer just looking out the window to see if its presently snowing and then realizing it could just be a downfall of snow for a few minutes or it could go on and on. . .
what will be .. will be...
no need to sweat it. Just enjoy it when its here.

We need more snow for the trails. They can't start grooming until we have enough to make a solid base. At this point there is snow, but its not enough for a base. The East Jordan groomers (that's west of us where they really got hit hard with Friday's storm) have groomed the Blue Bear.

I don't plan on working at 'the home' (an Assisted Living Facility} tomorrow so am hoping to get on my sled for the first time. However, I have several errands to run, shopping to do and a Dr. appointment. Meetings in the evening, so its going to be a challenge to fit it all in one day. One day is all I have to do it all, so we'll see what happens.

Sparky is happy whatever weather we have. He enjoys sunshine, rain, snow all the same. A happy wag of the tail. It all rolls off his golden back.

Mike however bites his nails, or I should say spits nails when the weatherman doesn't say the words he can't hear enough: Snow. Then when they say the words but he doesn't see the Snow, he's spitting and sputtering at the weatherman.

Enjoy it all! ... While you can.

Hi Folks!
Can you believe it? ... my eyes are closed when she snapped the picture. This was taken last month when we got a good snowfall. We were actually outside taking pictures for Christmas cards. There's a cuter one of me with my antler ears on ... I'm saving that to share closer to Christmas.
Ann still hasn't been able to get her sled out yet this year. She's very jealous that Mike was out for several hours yesterday.
Today she was kept busy cleaning up after breakfast, then going on an EMS run. When she got home from that it was time to start cleaning rooms. When we walked over and looked at the trail she decided there was too much dirt showing to get her sled out. Later at dusk we drove into Gaylord and trail 7 was showing alot of dirt all the way in. She has been watching the weather reports and is hopeful that we'll be getting some decent lake effect in the next day or two. And that will freshen things up and I'm sure she'll be bundling up and heading out.
It sure was great seeing some of my old snowmobile buddies come in this weekend. They have missed me. I could tell by the way they let me jump around, and lick them all up. Can't wait to start seeing more of our snowmobile friends coming in as the snow keeps coming.

We know the snowmobile season is here when Bob and Bob arrive at Ray's Retreat, which they did early afternoon. If you haven't met Bob and Bob, you probably have not stayed at Ray's in the winter. They are Ohio snowmobilers who are regulars every weekend when there is snow. They have enjoyed the northern Michigan trails for many years. They've become like our mascots.

It's always good to see them. They brought their sleds up (and store their trailer up here through the season) and were happy to see the newly fallen snow to play with their sleds. Mike was able to join the Big Boys for a ride. I had spent the morning in a driving class (for the fire/EMs department) so needed a chance to get some things done inside, so I opted to stay home.

They were riding for several hours, approx. 70 miles and had great fun. The first ride is always refreshing being able to feel the fresh blast of powdery snow flying into your face. We had several other rooms that were eager to enjoy their first rides also. All were surprised at the number of riders out on the trails. By afternoon there was snirt showing along the way. Sunshine had come out, and with just six inches of snow it doesn't take long for it to be blown off the trail.

The weather forecast is showing an Alberta Clipper coming through tonight and tomorrow which is supposed to bring us a few more inches of new white fluff. Hopefully, it'll be more. I'm eager to get my sled out and suited up in my gear.

Mike, I and Sparky are all just tickled to see the beginning of another winter season. We enjoy it for many reasons. Of course, it gives us a chance to see some black in our accounting books (if there is snow), but also because we enjoy the miracle of fresh newfallen snow! and all the fun that it means. Hope you were able to at least stand outside and feel a few of the new snowflakes on your face. Or looked outside last night at the moonside sparkling like diamonds on the snow. Its good to be alive.

Friday December 1, 2oo6. First Day of the 2006-07 Snowmobile Season.
Its off to a good start! Snow started arriving mid-morning continuing through late afternoon. The roads were so white it was difficult trying to see where you should drive on the road and not off the road. Unless maybe you had a four wheel off road vehicle. Which I do not. I was glad to return home to my driveway.
We ended up with about 6 inches. Over by our sons, Lake Leelanau they got 12 inches. Manistee is reporting 16 inches!
The forecast is encouraging for this being the start of our winter snow pack. Cold temps are to continue. Right now we're at 20 degrees. And Lake Effect to be coming through next several days.
We've been tossing around the idea of bundling up and just zipping around a little bit tonight, taking the sleds for their first romp in the white stuff.
Sparky, Rays Retreat 1 year old Golden Retriever greeter loves it! He was zipping around and burrowing through the snow with his nose, rolling in it and letting it fly. He's a true Northern Michigan dog.
You can check out the snow up here at the webcam located at: www.waters-mi.com