Who's complaining?

In the winter I often opt to exercise inside instead of walking on icy roads in freezing temperatures. I'm just not as hardy as I used to be, besides, why risk a fall on the ice. This morning it was 34 degrees with no fresh snow. We did our 3 mile walk with just regular walking shoes and no hat, gloves or scarves. I did have a medium weight winter jacket on but I unzipped it about half way through the walk. We watch the weather across the country but especially Florida where my brother lives and where our summer neighbors winter. (did I confuse you?) Our temps were the same as Jacksonville, FL several mornings this week. I'm sure Jacksonville warmed up during the day. It's very hard to compete with central Florida but they've been complaining of some rather nippy mornings. All in all. It's great to vacation but it's even better to get back home.

Versatile Yoopers

Complain, complain, that's all they do. There is no ice for fishing. That being said, we have enough fish for a meal!

There are dozens of versatile yoopers fishing off the beach where the water deepens near shore. Greg caught his limit of Coho Salmon and he was nice enough to share a little. The rest is being smoked, a waste of good fish if you ask me.

There is nothing that keeps a true fisherman down.. not snow, or rain, or lack of ice. They find a way to fish.

Where's the ice?

It was a very pretty day today. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the bay was a deep royal blue. It was gorgeous. There should be ice on the bay this time of year. It is a rare year that there isn't an village of ice fishing shanties outside my window. I've been looking forward to fresh fish but it doesn't look like that will happen unless someone takes a boat out on that cold cold water and that would not be a wise thing to do.

It wasn't a good week for Michigan Tech Winter Carnival either. The statues suffered due to lack of snow and cold weather. Snow had to be truck to the statue sites. The Men's Hockey team didn't even save the day. They ended the series with a tie and a loss.

How remote is remote?

We have just returned from a trip to Florida. I loved the time in Florida but I hated the drive, 1900 miles is too much road.

It was such a relief to be north of Saginaw, MI. The traffic lifted and it was smooth sailing for 8 more hours. Thank you Lord for the snow free day.

I don't know how you all handle the traffic near the cities and no one should live in the mountains. Four plus lanes of heavy traffic speeding along at 75 mph (really 80) is nerve racking! Going through the Appalachians at 75 with semis on the side of you and is almost terrifying. Do you ever get used to that?

Those of you who don't live in the UP would need to be real outdoor enthusiasts to even visit here. Pulling off of I 75 in Northern Lower Michigan doesn't mean you'll have gas station, restaruants, or hotels. In the winter it's hard to find an open Rest Area.

We both have mixed feeling about leaving the 70-80 degree temps of Florida to return to ice and snow but return we did. We are talking about what to do next year but it is too early to decide. I give all the snowbirds credit, it's no easy task to get all the bills paid, the house closed up, everything packed and ready to go. My houseplants missed me, no one can take care of them like I do.

The Upper Peninsula has never felt remote to me but after this trip I've changed my mind. 4 hours from the nearest Interstate highway is remote.

Maybe I'll try again

OK.. so I quit playing Farmville and Cafe World.. now what? I know. I'll have another run at my blog or maybe I should start a new blog about something different.

Closing..

I think I'm going to quit posting to my Blog. I don't seem to have much to say and I don't think there is much interest for what I do post.

Maybe I'll post a picture once in a while but that's about it. Time goes too fast for me to keep up with things.

There are a thousand more blogs and web sites available on the Upper Peninsula than when I started my web site and blog. My little corner of the world gets smaller all the time.

May God Bless you all. Sue

Big Band Jazz

The DePaul University Big Band Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Yamaha artist Bob Lark, will perform at Kingsford High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. on May 14th.

The DePaul University Big Band Jazz Ensemble is one of the best university jazz bands in the country. They will perform a mix of old standards and contemporary music from the Big Band and swing, rock and Latin Jazz genres. The Kingsford High School Jazz Band will open Saturday evening's concert.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Kingsford Music Boosters.
The Kingsford Jazz Band has enjoyed exceptional success this year earning a Number 1 Ratings at the Wisconsin State Music Association District and State Solo/Ensemble Competitions.

The KHS Jazz Combo is a student-directed group made up of several Jazz Band members was named, "Outstanding Jazz Combo" at the NMU Jazz Festival. The NMU Jazz Festival is open to all Upper Peninsula schools. They were one of two bands
given the honor of opening the finale concert of the NMU Jazz Festival at Kaufman Auditorium featuring Michael Philip Mossman with the NMU Jazz Band and Combo.

The KHS Jazz Combo also received separate Number 1 Ratings at this year's Wisconsin State Music Association District and State Solo/Ensemble Competitions.

Sounds like it will be a great performance all around.