Snow in Superior

Friday I met my hubby for lunch with the intention of doing some shopping in the afternoon.  The snow started while we were eating and continued for over 24 hours-not heavy but pretty continuously.  I changed my mind about shopping and decided to stay home.

The next day we headed out to do the errands I had not completed Friday.  The snow was so pretty we almost hated driving on it, but life must go on.

This is a park near our home.  There are walking trails and benches as well as a ball field.

Superior does a good job of keeping the main streets clear.

They use a mixture of sand and salt as well as a de-icer.  It makes a messy slush on the sides of the road but does keep them clear.

This slush wraps around the tires and it is very easy to lose control.  It is most important to slow down and take your time.

This is another park in our neighborhood.

We headed over the bridge to Duluth and were wishing the snow would stop before we had to come back.  The bridge is about 5 miles long and pretty steep and high, a great place for ice and snow to settle.

When the snow covers the ground most of the 2 lane roads become 1 lane and the slush is piled up on the right hand side.  Parking lots are lots of fun because they do not clear them as well as the roads and you cannot see the lines.  People try to remember about where the lines are and park accordingly.

We finished our errands and headed back across the bridge.  Thankfully it was not icy and the snow had just about stopped.  As you look at the photo above you may notice a peninsula.  This peninsula is in Duluth and it sticks out quite a ways into Lake Superior.  The lake is frozen and there are several ice fishing huts situated between the peninsula and the bridge.

This shows the snow covering the frozen lake.

These next 3 photos show the lake south of the bridge.  It is also frozen and snow covered.

This is one of my favorite parts of Superior, the gorgeous trees.  And with snow on them, they look even better!

Shopping is finished, travel is over and now it is time for dinner.

Hope you enjoyed our snow pics!

Sunday Phunnies

Workplace Wisdom

I can only please one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow doesn't look good either.

I love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they go flying by.

Tell me what you need, and I'll tell you how to get along without it.

Accept that some days you are the pigeon and some days the statue.

Needing someone is like needing a parachute. If he isn't there the first time, chances are you won't be needing him again.

I don't have an attitude problem, you have a perception problem.

My reality check bounced.

On the keyboard of life, always keep one finger on the escape key.

I don't suffer from stress, but I am a carrier.

You are slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter.

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, because you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.

Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.

Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.

A pat on the back is only a few centimeters from a kick in the butt.

Don't be irreplaceable - if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

After any salary raise, you will have less money at the end of the month than you did before.

You can go anywhere you want if you look serious and carry a clipboard.

Eat one live toad first thing in the morning, and nothing worse will happen to you for the rest of the day.

When bosses talk about improving productivity, they are never talking about themselves.

If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. No use being a fool about it.

Everything can be filed under "miscellaneous."

To err is human, to forgive is not our policy.

Anyone can do any amount of work provided it isn't the work he/she is supposed to be doing.

Important letters that contain no errors will develop errors in the mail.

If you are good, you will be assigned all the work. If you are really good, you will get out of it.

You are always doing something marginal when the boss drops by your desk.

People who go to conferences are the ones who shouldn't.

If it wasn't for the last minute, nothing would get done.

At work, the authority of a person is inversely proportional to the number of pens that person is carrying.

When you don't know what to do, walk fast and look worried.

Following the rules will not get the job done.

Getting the job done is no excuse for not following the rules.

When confronted by a difficult problem, you can solve it more easily by reducing it to the question, "How would the Lone Ranger handle this?"

The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.

A First Ever Experience

We woke up to more snow today and it continued almost all day-not a heavy snow but continuously.  By the afternoon our front walk was covered with snow, so my husband got out his brand new snow shovel and cleaned it off.

We had to capture this in pictures since it was the first time in his life he had shoveled snow.

 I thought he did a pretty good job but when I looked out the window, the job was only half done.

It was cold and he came in to put on gloves then went out to finish.

Not a bad job for the first time!  He should get lots of practice in the next few weeks.

A Bit of Snow and A Visitor

We got a little snow shower last night, about 1 1/2 inches but it sure turned cold.  It went down to 15 below zero last night and it was even chilly in the house.

This morning the walkway and patio were covered with snow and this evidence of our nighttime visitor.

The prints are pretty long, about 14 inches in length and I was surprised to learn, from my hubby, that they are rabbit prints.

He said they appear so long because the rabbit pushes off with his hind feet and sort of drags them in the snow. 

15 below makes me feel a bit sorry for the furry fellow but I sure am glad it was him outside and not me!

Sunday Phunnies

In case you weren't feeling very old today, this will certainly change things:

Almost everyone who started college this fall was born in 1985.

Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

Soft drink bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic.

The CD was introduced 2 years before they were born.

They have always had an answering machine.

They have always had cable.

They cannot fathom not having a remote control.

Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.

They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.

They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are.

They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.

They never heard: "Where's the Beef?," "I'd walk a mile for a Camel," or "de plane Boss, de plane."

They do not care who shot J. R. and have no idea who J. R. even is.

McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.

They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.

The New Apartment

We are finally settled in our new duplex.  Before I share photos of the sparseness I must remind you that we have been living in a hotel and out of suitcases for over 6 months.  That living situation has made us very grateful for this apartment even though it reflects the bare minimum we are trying to get by on.

So here goes, this is the entryway. 

The heating for this house is under the floor, so all the floors are heated, including the garage-our car really appreciates this as the temperature keeps dropping outside.

The living room is big and rather empty.  We use it for the music room, see Larry's guitar in the corner.

The living room also has a gas fireplace which is really nice.  It is temperature controlled to regulate the flame.

The dining room is VERY portable as you can see.

When we want to have a romantic dinner we just move the 'furniture' in front of the fireplace.

The kitchen has a bar which we use as our computer center.

The kitchen is complete with refrigerator, stove, microwave and dishwasher.  Of course, since we only have 2 plates, 2 glasses, 2 cups, etc.  I don't have much use for the dishwasher.

On the other side of the apartment is the laundry room, bedrooms, and bath.

The laundry room is really nice.  It has a washer, dryer, sink and table top for folding clothes. 

It is large enough for ironing and to store the vaccuum and mop.

This is the hall closet and it is about 8 feet long with 3 shelves all the way across.  We use it as our library and dresser, at last our clothes are out of suitcases!!

The apartment has 2 bedrooms.  We leave one empty and only use the closet.

The other bedroom has our beds, and I use the term loosely.  These are camp cots and we use our sleeping bags for padding under the blankets.  They are certainly not as comfortable as a bed but not too bad so far.  Twin beds is not the best but they will travel much better than anything larger.

The main reason we decided to go with such portable furnishings is because of the duration of our stay in Superior.  It looks like we will be here for 3 months and then head back to North Dakota.  Everything we have bought can be easily packed and hopefully we will have enough room to bring it all with us.

Our next challenge will be finding an apartment in Minot, ND.  Sure hope there is more availability this year!



Sunday Phunnies

Then ... and Now

1972: Long hair
Now: Longing for hair

1972: KEG
Now: EKG

1972: Acid rock
Now: Acid reflux

1972: Moving to California because it's cool
Now: Moving to California because it's warm

1972: Trying to look like Marlin Brando or Liz Taylor
Now: Trying NOT to look like Marlin Brando or Liz Taylor

1972: Hoping for a BMW
Now: Hoping for a BM

1972: The Grateful Dead
Now: Dr. Kevorkian

1972: Going to a new, hip joint
Now: Receiving a new hip joint

1972: Rolling Stones
Now: Kidney Stones

1972: Being called into the principal's office
Now: Calling the principal's office

1972: Screw the system
Now: Upgrade the system

1972: Disco
Now: Costco

1972: Parents begging you to get your hair cut
Now: Children begging you to get their heads shaved

1972: Passing the drivers' test
Now: Passing the vision test

1972: Whatever
Now: Depends

Setting up a Household, Again

I remember when we first got married, over 40 year ago, and the things we had to 'make-do' with-cinder block bookcases, inflatable furniture, boxes for end tables.  I think we are heading back to that in Superior, WI.

I have not been able to find a furnished apartment and our stay here may only be for 3 months, so we don't want to buy a lot of things we will not be taking with us.  I have found a nice duplex and am in the process of searching for inexpensive ways to furnish it.

At this point I am not sure if we will go with camp furniture or just some sale furniture which we won't mind leaving or giving away.  I guess, I forgot how easy our life is back in south MS, complete with all the furniture, appliances and luxuries we have.  Neither of us thought we would be starting over at our age!

Stay tuned for photos of whatever we decide to settle upon.

Back in Superior, WI

Well, after 6 months in North Dakota, with a few visits back home to south Mississippi, we are back in Wisconsin.

During the holidays we visited our home in MS, my brother in New Orleans and my sister and brother-in-law in Louisiana.  We also got to spend over a week with our son's family in Olive Branch, MS.  We had a wonderful holiday season with family and are very thankful for it.

Our oldest granddaughter got engaged over the holiday and they are planning a wedding for late October this year.  We were so happy to be there and share the excitement with her.  Her and her mom will sure be busy this year getting this wedding organized.  Congratulations to Lydia and Josh!!

We left Olive Branch around 5PM Friday drove overnight and arrived in Superior around noon Saturday.  We were saddle sore and tired of driving but so very thankful to have arrived safely and with no bad weather along the way.

Superior, along with much of the northwest, is experiencing a mild winter with minimal snow.  We took advantage of the gorgeous weather and drove up the scenic highway that runs along Lake Superior yesterday.  We went to church in Two Harbors, MN.  The service was nice and the people very friendly so we will definitely give it another try.

The first order of business in town is to find a place to live so we can vacate the hotel.  We are very thankful for the Lord providing rooms for us during our adventure but are both extremely tired of hotel living. 

Apartment, duplex or single family home, we are starting our quest this afternoon!!

Sunday Phunnies

State Mottos

Alabama:
Litterasy Ain't Everthing

Alaska:
11,623 Eskimos Can't Be Wrong!
Arizona:
But It's a Dry Heat

Arkansas:
We Made Him Governor Because We're Idiots ... What's Your Excuse for Making Him President?

California:
Our Women Have More Plastic Than Your Honda

Colorado:
If You Don't Ski, Don't Bother

Connecticut:
Like Massachusetts, Only The Kennedy's Don't Own It Yet

Delaware:
We Really Do Like The Chemicals In Our Water.

Florida:
Ask Us About Our Grandkids

Georgia:
Just as Good as Alabama ... Without Their High IQ

Hawaii:
Haka Tiki Mou Sha'ami Leeki Toru
(Death To Mainland Scum, But Leave Your Money)

Idaho:
More Than Just Potatoes ... Well Okay, We're Not, But The Potatoes Sure Are Real Good

Illinois:
Please Don't Pronounce the "S"

Indiana:
2 Billion Years Tidal Wave Free

Iowa:
We Do Amazing Things With Corn

Kansas:
First Of The Rectangle States

Kentucky:
Five Million People; Fifteen Last Names

Louisiana:
We're Not ALL Drunk Cajun Wackos, But That's Our Tourism Campaign

Maine:
We're Really Cold, But We Have Cheap Lobster

Maryland:
If You Can Dream It, We Can Tax It

Massachusetts:
Our Taxes Are Lower Than Sweden's (For Most Tax Brackets)

Michigan:
First Line Of Defense From The Canadians

Minnesota:
10,000 Lakes And 10,000,000 Mosquitoes

Mississippi:
Yes, We Have Electricity!

Missouri:
Your Federal Flood Relief Tax Dollars At Work

Montana:
And Very Little Else

Nebraska:
Ask About Our State Motto Contest

Nevada:
Prostitutes and Poker!

New Hampshire:
Go Away and Leave Us Alone

New Jersey:
You Want A ##$%##! Motto? I Got Yer ##$%##! Motto Right Here, You ##$%##!!

New Mexico:
Lizards Make Excellent Pets

New York:
You Have The Right To Remain Silent, You Have The Right To An Attorney

North Carolina:
Tobacco Is A Vegetable

North Dakota:
We Really Are One Of The 50 States!

Ohio:
At Least We're Not Michigan

Oklahoma:
Like The Play, Only No Singing

Oregon:
Spotted Owl ... It's What's For Dinner

Pennsylvania:
Cook With Coal

Rhode Island:
We're Not REALLY An Island

South Carolina:
Remember The Civil War? We Didn't Actually Surrender

South Dakota:
Closer Than North Dakota

Tennessee:
The Educashun State

Texas:
Si, Hablo Ingles
(Yes, I Speak English)

Utah:
Our Jesus Is Better Than Your Jesus

Vermont:
Yep

Virginia:
Who Says Government Stiffs And Slackjaw Yokels Don't Mix?

Washington:
Help! We're Overrun By Computer Nerds And Grunge-Slackers!

Washington, D.C.:
Wanna Be Mayor?

West Virginia:
One Big Happy Family ... Just Ask Uncle Daddy!

Wisconsin:
Come Cut The Cheese

Wyoming:
Where Men Are Men ... And Sheep Are Afraid

Bowling Alley: Please be quiet. We need to hear a pin drop.
Cafeteria: Shoes are required to eat in the cafeteria. Socks can eat any place they want.
Music Library: Bach in a minuet.
Funeral Home: Drive carefully, we'll wait.

Sunday Phunnies

Signs! Signs!
Actual Signs Posted by Businesses

On an electrician's truck: Let us remove your shorts.

Maternity Clothes Shop: We are open on Labor Day.

On a Front Door: Everyone on the premises is a vegetarian except the dog.

On a Maternity Room Door: Push, Push, Push!

Non-smoking area: If we see you smoking we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action.

Optometrist's Office: If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place.

Scientist's Door: Gone Fission.

Taxidermist Window: We really know our stuff.

Podiatrist's Window: Time wounds all heels.

Sign on Fence: Salesmen welcome. Dog food is expensive.

Car Dealership: The best way to get back on your feet ... miss a car payment.

Muffler Shop: No appointment necessary. We'll hear you coming.

Hotel: Help! We need inn - experienced people.

Butcher's Window: Pleased to meat you.

Sign in an office: We shoot every 3rd salesman, and the 2nd one just left.

Veterinarians Waiting Room: Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!

The Electric Company: We would be delighted if you send in your bill. However, if you don't, you will be.

Beauty Shop: Dye now!

Garbage Truck: We've got what it takes to take what you've got.

Computer Store: Out for a quick byte.

Diner Window: Don't stand there and be hungry, come in and get fed up.