DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO FIX A SNOW THROW? 12/29
Once again it’s winter rains on the California coast with mud-slides, and rivers over flowing.
The gulf coast will be rebuilding for years to come. New Orleans?
No thank you. There is no place to hide except for under a leaf.

Right now my leaf pile is buried under 3’of snow. I’d do something about it but my snow throw still isn’t repaired from last winter. I thought of getting it repaired last summer but you know there was plenty of time even into November. But now it’s mid winter and just maybe I can put it off till next spring. The word is PROCASTINATION.

It’s the act of something that everyone does on the face of the earth and every New Year they swear that they resolve to overcome, to turn over a new leaf.
Well, back to my snow buried leaf pile…. It’s out of site out of mind and the only one that minds is my dear wife.

Well, it’s time for me to go into town, to the café and meet with my other mindless friends for a cup of instant jolt. My pals are called the alligators, that’s an animal that has a big mouth and little ears. I just looked out the drive and…. Ah it’s snowing again and there’s no way I’ll make it up the hill in our drive, maybe I should try and fix the snow throw. Happy PROCASTINATION

Christmas Greenery

The question of the day is what ever happens to unsold Christmas trees, the old maids of the holiday season, unwanted, undecorated. These poor souls spend their early years grooming themselves to be a joyful thing all tarted up with trimming and lace, then nothing. Oh how sad it is to drive by a tree lot and see one tree remaining--poor thing.

We all make a big buzz about picking the best one. Is it full? Is it in balance? Is it too tall or too short? Will it fit through the front door? Was it cut too early and are the needles falling off…
All these questions really don’t matter come January 2nd… The only question then is,
“What are we going to do with the tree?” While you answer that one, let me wish you a Happy New Year.

Watch your step

It’s nice to know where you're headed. Preplanning many times brings the results you are looking for. It’s called thinking things out in advance. Chin up thinking, and looking into the direction you are headed many times brings you to where to you wanted to be.

But what have you missed by doing so?
Having and using Omni-perspectives offers many advantages, like avoiding objects or obstacles directly under foot. Captain Smith could have looked starboard and seen the iceberg his ship was about to plow into. Captain Cook could have looked both ways before stepping ashore on the big Island of Hawaii; had he done so he might never have been buried a long way from home. Or if Columbus would have called AAA Trip Planning for the correct direction to China he wouldn’t have headed off in the wrong direction.

What’s under foot? An open man hole? Or the end of a 200’cliff?
The old saw of "look before you leap" can save you a body cast, or a few bucks if we are looking at a quick deal.

What I am saying here is that I went for a walk out upon our snow covered frozen lake. With my English Springer bouncing along, chasing make believe winter butterflies, we traveled along the lake about 50’ from shore. The wind through the pines was talking to us in a northern twang. It was a beautiful morning and I couldn’t kept my eye off nature’s panarama in front of me.

All at once one leg was shorter than the other due to the fact I had stepped into an ice fishing hole. It was a complete face plant. I went right through the snow into the slush face first.

It was a morning bath, nature’s wake up call in 30 degree water. Oh, joy, it’s the season!

They're nuts!

There are now 2 inches of ice on the Northern lakes and we have a mass of foolhardy folks out on the ice drilling holes. This activity causes water to flow onto the thin ice causing slush and extra weight. Swimming in 30 degree water is not good for one's health. However, these folks have one thing in mind other than frost bite, panfish. Any size and shape will do and any quantity. This high adventure is called ice fishing.

You to can get started on the road of fun and frozen fingers for a very low price. Here's a shopping list of of items you'll need.....
1.) 3 ice fishing tip ups at $22 per, any more you use out on the ice is a no-no. And the DNR could fine you if you get caught with your pants down.

2.) A 3 in 1 bait bucket--these are usually insulated, keeping both your bait minnows and beer from freezing. The top is padded and has pockets to put heat packs in; these are called bun warmers, this is a cheap item around $20, however add $5.50 for the beer, $4 for heat pads.

3. ) You'll need an ice house. You can build it yourself or pawn it off on someone else. First you'll need a plan or talk to your grandfather or handyman uncle who will build it for you. A two-man will be about 4' x 6' insulated with door and window. The small hole in the floor is standard on most models; color TV is optional. Cost $1,200 -$2,000.

4.) How are you going to move your ice house to and from the lake's frozen surface?
Why you'll have to purchase a snowmobile or an ATV, price $7,000.
Oh, ya you'll need insurance, no little big deal, add $200.
Oh, ya you'll need a fishing license add $40.

So this simple inexpensive winter pastime is within the reach of all who have an extra $10,000, or you might consider going out each winter Friday eve for a fish fry: you could be pennies ahead.


watersport

When our water isn't hard (ice) we chase water skiiers, rocks, frogs and a few caneoers.
We are months away from soft water so let's think warm thoughts while we watch for our tip up flags to pop and have a hot butter rum.