First Snow and Blow

Our first snow fall this year was about 5 inches and was very pretty.  I'm sure the awe will wane as it piles up.  Ski's are ready.

We had one of our neighbors over for dinner, Sharon, who has a Stihl leaf blower just like mine.  Over dinner she told me she uses it for snow blowing as well.  I couldn't wait and it worked great.  I especially like it for use on the deck as I've always been concerned about wood damage when using a snow shovel or pusher.

Visitors

Beckett, Heather and Great Grandma braved the mid state snow storms Wednesday and came Up North.  Rhinelander got 8" of snow, we got none.  Frank came up Friday evening and a good time was had by all.  Beckett and our new home occupied all our time.

Beckett showed us all the latest dance moves and we got plenty of exercise.

The weather was nice and we took several "hikes" down to the lake.  Beckett and the Gator were love at first sight.

Sunday morning we had pancakes then out for another hike.  Beckett got a new snow suit which his mom and dad couldn't wait to get him into. Wasn't that cold, but he's ready when it is.  Maybe we can film our own version of Christmas Story.  We know what part Beckett will plan.



I'll take this greeting at the door every time.

New Dining Table & Chairs

Everything we possess is now home.  The last few possessions and both vehicles came home on Wednesday.  We had sold our old dining room set that we've had since Crystal Lake, so we bought a new dining table and chairs, and Saturday the new set was delivered.  It expands to seat eight and there's a bench for one side that doesn't show in the pics.

Air Power

We are blessed with an unlimited supply of firewood and fall leaves.  Unfortunately each requires effort to manage.  The leaves are thick and everywhere, and if you don't get them off the lawn right away they compact and begin to decompose making them very hard to move.  Raking leaves is number 2 on my home project dislike list, right after painting.  I have an electric leaf blower, but it doesn't have enough power for this many leaves, plus the extension cord management is a pain.  I decided on a gas powered two cycle backpack blower.  They create a huge blast of air.  After much shopping I followed Doug's advice and went with Stihl.  For starters their ergonomics are great.  The backpack looks like something a Starwars Storm Trooper should be packing.  The machine performed really well.

I cleared the entire property in about 3 hours. 

I would guess this machine would propel a croquet ball really well.  Hmmm