Snowmobiling and Beaver Trapping

Last weekend our son and our grandson came up to check beaver traps. In between the checking, Eddie did some zoomin' around the house on his little snowmobile.

The snow was sparse and the temps warm. Little man got stuck on this little snow hill but Grandpa came to the rescue and gave him a push.

We took a jaunt to Hulbert for a burger and watched the deer chomp down corn and beets. On the upper left you can see a spike.

Back home and back out to the traps they went...

...and came back with a harvest of three!

The dogs get in on a picture.

But not Edison. He wanted to ride some more.

I sure am fascinated by a beaver's teeth and feet.

A Day of Sledding

We finally received snow just in time for our son and his family to come up for the weekend for some winter fun. Steve and Riley set Beaver Traps, we snowmobiled, the kids snowmobiled on their little snowmobile, we celebrated Edison's 4th birthday in our barn, and we went sledding down at our camp. Above is 6 year old Harper and her dad getting ready to whiz down the hill.

Harper and Edison getting help from Mom and Dad. They want to fly down the hill on their bellies.

And then they walk back up again.

Grandpa found his perfect perch and watched.

And me? I was taking pictures, of course!

Keeping Our Fingers Crossed

  

I took this pic this morning when I stepped out with Hank and my morning cup of coffee. You can't see it very well, but the sun was trying to peek around the tall pine. We have a little snow.

A few weeks ago, Hank was completely bored when Steve put lights on this pine tree we cut for the birds and set by our bird tray feeder. No snow.

This week, our weather guys (different channels) are talking of a storm Tuesday and Wednesday.  There are two weather models that predict the different ways the storm could go. There is a chance that the storm could squeak by the UP and barely miss us. Sigh. 

And then there's the chance we get a foot or more of snow. Humph.

I'll keep those of you snowmobilers posted on our snow results.

Zoom zoom...

 

18 Inches of Snow

Oh, spring, the season of sunshine, flowers, and… snow? Mother Nature seems to have a bit of a sense of humor as she sends a snowstorm just as I thought I could pack away my winter coat and boots. But I'm really not surprised. This is the UP after all. With a little bit of humor and peace, I can weather any storm, even a spring one.

I need to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the snow. Have you ever noticed how it creates a calming ambiance when it falls silently from the sky, covering everything in a cozy blanket of white? It’s as if the world becomes still and peaceful, if only for a little while. And it’s not often we get to witness that kind of magic outside of the winter season. So, I embrace the unexpected snowfall and enjoy it while it lasts!

Hank loves the snow. I mean he really LOVES rolling in it, sticking his nose deep into it in search of a mouse, and chasing a stick in it even though it's so deep you think he'll quit the chase. But no, he'll get the stick.

He will miss this snow when its gone.

Steve Plowing Us Out

But not me. I am ready to put away my coat and boots, snowmobile apparel and, wait for it, my Christmas lights. They make a dark place in the woods a peaceful glow during the night.

Easter is a week away. The shipping season has begun and the freighters are navigating the Great Lakes. The mourning doves coo love songs to each other, even during the snowstorm. And this coming Wednesday they are predicting thunderstorms.

It is funny how living in the UP can bring along something unexpected to shake things up. It’s almost as if the universe is saying, “Ha! Gotcha!” But the good news is, we can always choose how we react to things. We can choose to grumble and complain, or we can choose to laugh it off and make the best of it. So go ahead, Hank, roll in the snow or slip and slide while playing ball with Steve.

I need to follow suit and take a moment to enjoy the little things in life, too!