Remembering

Well, what a historic day for America. Quite a beautiful pageant that celebrated the inauguration of Barack Obama today.

I am remembering as I watch that 40 years ago I marched in the 1969 Inaugural Parade for Richard Nixon. Regardless of the history that unfolded in that administration, that day was quite memorable for me and the others in the Lakewood High School marching band that performed in the parade. Did I say 40 years?? Wholly cow.

I can see their breath!

Yesterday and today, the little birds at the bird feeder really are tough. I can see their breath as they gobble up the seeds. I can't imagine why they don't turn into little feathered ice cubes! I had -26 this morning, my brother Glenn's thermometer said -40. I think once you go below -10 it's just stinking cold!
Yesterday afternoon this Mr. Cardinal paid a visit to my bird feeder. He sat quite awhile, the wind blowing his cone head feathers around. Quite the sight! Next time I'll be mindful of the background so we can see him better.

Thankful for....

On a morning when the temperature is 22 degrees below zero, I am thankful for a working furnace, mailmen, policemen, firemen, good windows, warm socks, hot coffee, a good book, retirement!


Cold this morning and predicted to be even colder tomorrow morning, maybe -30 tomorrow. I'll be here with the kitties. The good news is that Saturday is supposed to be in the 20s, so that will feel like a heat wave!

Last night I went to Menomonie, WI to see my cousin's daughter play college basketball. Britta (Petersen) was WIAC player of the week last week. It was an exciting game with the Steven's Point 'Pointers' having a big second half to come back from a 6 point deficit at the half and win the game. Both teams play real hustle basketball and it was an exciting game.

Basketball

On Thursday I went to Luck for the High School baseketball games. I watched the Varsity girls and Varsity boys both win. At half time of the Varsity boys game, the 8 year old boys played a 9 minute game. Here's a picture of great nephew Jack (Kyle & Heather's oldest). He's pretty good at moving the ball up the court. If you look closely I'm in the background of his shooting picture, far left, front row with camera ready.

A nice start

It feels like today is really the start of the New Year with folks returning to work and the kids back in school. It's also a time for me to decide what I am going to do to keep busy during the rest of the winter. One thing that I know I'll enjoy is the traffic at the bird feeder. This morning I grabbed the camera because there was a squirrel sitting on the backyard platform feeder, but before I clicked a picture, these two showed up. Mrs. Cardinal was there briefly too, but she didn't stick for the picture.

Let's go to the cabin

Here's a fun video of the drive into the cabin via 320th on New Year's Eve afternoon.

Wrapping up 2008

Anders had his first sled ride.

I'm not sure if that is enjoyment on his face.

Grandpa Gus took the girls for a 4wheeler ride in the woods. The loved that! Then there was much coloring getting done. These girls are practically professional colorers.

A big snowfall on December 30th made for a nice Cabin Christmas. Here are a few pictures from our stay. We had lots of good food, yummy glasses of cheer, visiting, games, some sliding, a bonfire, and plenty of good family time.

Lois and Lora and Gus were decked out to ring in the new year!