Picture a Ping Pong Spring

Right now we are on the “pong.” for the 11th time. Last night the weatherman drew a big circle around our area on the northern Minnesota with a “to be determined” announcement as the time approaches. If this…then that type statements gave me a ray of hope for that profession. I have to admit, honestyContinue reading “Picture a Ping Pong Spring”

Wander Into Wonder

I wonder about wonder and wander here and there. Large fluffy flakes with no wind in subzero temps perched loosely wherever. The most fragile of loosely knit flakes. Rare. A thousand flakes might equal one raindrop. Brilliant white cotton candy snow. I long to share what can’t be seen. Words fall short as time withContinue reading “Wander Into Wonder”

When Second Best Is Okay

A couple miles from our house is a good size very shallow lake with weeds, reeds, and wild rice. In the fall before freeze up the ducks, geese and swans use the lake as a stop over in migrating south. This week there is a swan convention. I spotted the big flock of birds spreadContinue reading “When Second Best Is Okay”

Raging Waters Rescue

Sue separated herself from our group and sat above the small cliff on a bold mossy rock. Drenched and weak from her own capsized canoe experience, she began to weep as she watched a life and death drama unfold. Sue knew the big man, a total stranger yelling “I can’t swim,” was going to die.Continue reading “Raging Waters Rescue”

Really Living

I saw the bear coming in the almost dark wilderness campsite. My small band of teenagers I was leading through a long canoe route in the BWCA Wilderness had been exploring the lake shore where they spotted him and ran back for camp. I ran and grabbed the camera turning on the strobe flash hopingContinue reading “Really Living”

Stunt Double

One of my dad’s sayings when I was young was “If you pull another stunt like that…” and some type of age-appropriate consequence was named. The bad part was he often didn’t mention which stunt he was talking about. Throughout my life, my risk/reward analysis system of decision making has been lopsided. I will admitContinue reading “Stunt Double”

Invasive Maneuvers

Yesterday I wanted to invade another world. I meticulously planned it out (that means I finally found my go pro camera) and gathered my ice fishing stuff together for the invasion. I needed drilling equipment (ice auger) to penetrate the barrier to the underworld. I needed a stick(I cut a thick willow stick), line (veryContinue reading “Invasive Maneuvers”

Stoked

I know, it’s like a bird taking a flying leap… When 2 people love deeply, they stoke each other’s fires. Ahh…2nd honeymoon. By the time this picture was taken we were 9 years into adventuring life together. We had survived my cliff diving, several wilderness adventures, 3 children (One physically handicapped), having money, being downsized,Continue reading “Stoked”

Stalking Beaver

Here I was, drifting in a canoe and minding my own business on an absolutely calm evening with the lake all to myself. I was catching a limit of crappies in the moon lit evening when the water was torpedoed by this angry beaver. Picture a cartoon character almost tipping the canoe over both waysContinue reading “Stalking Beaver”

Unwinding Time

If I could stop the clock and unwind time. If only. My thoughts as I have been converting old photos, slides and negatives to digital. Reliving feelings, adventures, projects,  kids, parents and siblings. Re-feeling hugs, challenges, adrenaline, splashing water. Re-hearing voices now gone, treasured moments and hard times. I thought I would share this ideaContinue reading “Unwinding Time”