April Fool

As usual, I've had all sorts of ideas for a "Great" new blog. But, as usual, I either forget these "Great" ideas or realize that they're not that "Great". Now, as I look out my window at the lovely winter scenery, I realize that there have been many "Great" ideas recently that, if nothing else, have made life rather interesting. For instance, right now the "Great" Global Warming idea doesn't look so hot! And the "Great" idea to store my snow blower away for the season, doesn't seem to "Great" either. So, maybe, for now, I'll just stick to a few ordinary thoughts and ideas. For starters, although I've had my suspicions, my Granddaughter Catherine finally came out this week. Yep she's admitted that she's a "Billiken" (or will be as of the Fall Semester at St. Louis U.) The accompanying pics pretty much support those suspicions. (that's Catherine on the right) Enough said.
Late last week JoAnne's Grandmaing genes really kicked in. This resulted in a quick trip "Up Nord" ta see the Grandkid Eddie, don't ya know. I normally enjoy the drive but after following a semi at around thirty miles an hour for, about, thirty miles, it wasn't shaping up to be a real joy ride. The reason for the delay was because of the two or more inches of "Slow" covering the road (that's a mixture of slush and snow). Just as I started to consider turning back, the semi pulled over to let me pass and the road conditions improved. On to "The Cities" where Grandma was rewarded with a welcome by a smiley little Eddie and Grandpa got paid for his driving chores with freshly baked, homemade scones. After a quick visit which involved Reid and Summer shopping, Grandma Jo spoiling Eddie and Grandpa eating scones, it was back on the road to the Sunny Southland. The River is pretty high right now, lapping up fairly close the the road's edge in places. Lakes appear where no lakes belong and the Eagles are busy raising their newly hatched kids. Actually, this time of year the Vultures move in as the Eagles proceed farther North. So, Eagle sightings are fewer and farther between. From a distance it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between the Vultures and the Eagles. They're both large, black and have enormous wing spans. The sure fire way to pick out the Eagles is the giveaway white head and tail. Although, due to the cold weather, a lot of the Eagles were wearing little knit ski masks therefore making identification a lot more difficult. We did encounter one rather exciting incident, two Eagles engaged in a mating ritual. They completely ignored any sense of decency and went at it right there in broad daylight. My first reaction was to stop and take pictures but the fear of being caught by the DNR with "Birdporn" in my possession made me think twice. Besides I was anxious to get home in time to enjoy some good old fashioned Wisconsin Spring weather.
Meanwhile back to "Great" things. Last Friday I was privileged to take part in a project to "Feed My Starving Children" at the Fennimore Firehouse. This involved volunteers preparing and packing meal kits which are shipped around the world to feed kids that don't get fed very often. I'm proud to say that I was part of a group who in an hour and a half packed enough nutritious food packets to feed thirty three kids for a year. (For more information see www.fmsc.org )
A few other "Great" ideas include - not mentioning the Cubs, and writing down my "Great" ideas in the future. Another idea maybe "Great" maybe not - post a few pics from "Up Nord".

Could this be a future Billiken?

"Roomies"

Everyone but the dog got the joke.

" You're getting sleepy. When I snap my fingers, you say, 'Grandma' ".

"these two ardvarks walk into a bar................"