I Heard Him Say "Pull off the Runners and put on the Wheels

I was “up north” last week and I heard him say it. “Pull off the runners and put on the wheels”. Without snow, landings would be difficult, so he did an accurate job of forecasting the weather. High (relatively) temps and no snow accumulation. Beautiful weather for most and unwelcome for many. Sleds and skis, and their related industries aren’t doing well, but the multitudes shopping the streets and malls in shorts seem to be enjoying the respite from typical blustery Decembers.

Let’s remember that, in spite of the weather conditions, the joyous seasons are to be appreciated and celebrated in recognition of the gifts we have been blessed with. So here is wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Oh, and I promise you, it will be downhill-or uphill- from here, depending upon your preferences.

WINTER MORNING AT THE CABIN

WINTER MORNING AT THE CABIN 12/12/2015

You could tell by the twinkle in his eye that he was enjoying doing what he was doing. The old wood burner was consuming oak by the box full and the cabin was as warm as toast on this cool morning in December. The smoke curled from the chimney and floated softly down onto the deck as high pressure promised a pleasant winter day at the cabin. That old Monarch wood stove had been doing his job for over thirty years, and as long as somebody would continue to stuff logs into him, he would exude warmth.

A small flock of mallard ducks puddled in the lake, enjoying what could well be the near end of the open water, the lake having been ice covered only a few weeks before. Old Man Winter is lurking just around the corner, and when he chooses to make another entry is anybody's guess, including the duck's.

Of course, when the Old Man does return, the ducks would simply update their Visa's and take off for a warmer climate, an option not available to all. The ducks, however, do not have the option of sitting in the cabin and absorbing the warmth of the old Monarch wood burner. Perhaps, the better option of the two is a tossup.

HOW STILL IS A WINTER FOREST?

Not much time left. Only until closing tonight and tomorrow and chances for venison steak are diminished for another year. We silently trod to our selected stands, and we are obviously intent on accomplishing our ultimate goal, filling the larder for the hard, upcoming winter.

Having accomplished the relatively difficult trek to our makeshift blind, I discovered that light rain and freezing cold had partially collapsed our cover. In short order, all was restored. From here on, no creature’s search could penetrate my heavily camouflaged position.

The forest was still, the wind was light, the time right. We would hit it right. I did everything right.

My “cell phone” was on silent/vibrate in case of an emergency, but my not being of any particular use in any emergency, it was of minimal value. So, I settled in for the long, cold, stealthy wait, anticipating the appearance of treasured game.

Suddenly, I felt the slight vibration. What could it be? Not my cell phone. Who could be calling at this hour? I dug the phone from its deeply hidden pocket and quietly whispered “Hello”. It was my good neighbor, Pat. He asked if I was at the cabin, because I had left a yard light on. He volunteered to turn it off for me. I whispered “I’m in the woods hunting Pat. Don’t worry about the light, but thanks.” The entire exchange took about twenty seconds. Back to the hunt.

Eleven hours later, back at the cabin and in the process of building a Manhattan, the cell phone rings. (I took off VIBRATE while leaving the woods) “Hello Earl?” asked a neighbor, Jim. He called to advise me that another neighbor reported that someone was hunting in our woods and was talking on a cell phone in a low voice that morning. I explained that it was me answering Pat’s call, but I just barely whispered and hung up.

The neighbor was in a deer stand at least 230 yards from me, but still could hear my whispered communication in the forest. If you ever wondered how still it is in an early morning winter forest……we now have found the answer. And we are never really alone, are we?

I'D RATHER BE DOING LIST

I’D RATHER BE DOING……

I have many things on my “to do” list, but I’d rather be….How often does this enter your mind. The “to do” list doesn’t seem to get shorter, but the “rather be” list always seems to take a back seat for one reason or another.

A recent self-analysis helped reveal some contributing factors in this formula. I hope it may help create some changes that could sway the balance of time devotion from my “to do” over to “rather be” list. My first task was to identify the contents of my “lists”. This was relatively easy. All of the “to do” items are ones that you are constantly and continuously reminded of ---- by yourself and others.

Take out the garbage
Mow the lawn
Rake the leaves
Put in the boat
Oh, yeah, Take out the boat
Etcetera…etcetera…etcetera…

Identifying the contents of the “rather be” list proved to be more difficult. I found that the “rather be” list seemed to be far longer than the “to do” one. I also discovered, after further analysis, that there are far fewer “constant and continuous” external reminders associated with the “rather be” list…

Walk in the woods
Go Hunting
Go Fishing
Go Golfing
Do something with wood
Etcetera…etcetera…etcetera…and more etc.

Is it not obvious that “external influences” would be more prominent with the first list than with the second? Is it not obvious why there would be a propensity toward the giving the second a back seat on the “flight of life”?

I do not contend that my personal “to do” list has overshadowed its foe. I do try to fit the “rather be” in as often as possible---I am sure that will be regarded as an understatement by many. But, the one item on the list that has been sadly neglected is the “do something with wood” one. As I look at my meager accomplishments in that endeavor, I can only describe the results as paltry. This is obviously the result of a lack of talent, if not ingenuity. I try and, believe me, I enjoy every arduous minute of time spent, so it still deserves a favored spot on the “rather be” list.

Rather than a self-analysis, I post this as a reminder that we should do an evaluation of our individual lists and strive to move some of the “rather be” items from the economy class to first class, where you will both have a much more pleasant ride on that “flight of life”.

A Delightful Indian Summer Experience

Starting out with an insulated denim jacket at 43 degrees, and ending with a sweaty tee shirt at 78 degrees. Such is a late morning to afternoon session in a never ending buckthorn battle in the woods saga. The early morning chill is bearable after coffee and pancakes, but the October afternoons of this year have been an Indian Summer delight—even with the buckthorn.

Throw in the clearing of a few dead Oaks for firewood, and we have the setting for some of the most enjoyable hours that can be spent in the woods. No question, some challenges present themselves, like hanging widow-makers hanging high up in the tree crowns or piles of buckthorn to clear from the trail. But our faithful horse, Kawasaki, or rather ATV, provides the services of a mule, in winching down those hanging trees or dragging piles of cut buckthorn to new places of repose, where they may provide some cover and protection for the wild occupants of our forest.

It is surprising how much time one can spend studying leaves of the varieties of trees and shrubs finding a home in the woods. Oh, and this has been a “great” year for acorns, well appreciated by the squirrels, deer and turkeys meandering through. Also, a good growing season is evidenced by the bountiful supply of various mushroom species, although I do not rely on my meager expertise to choose but a few readily recognized varieties.

All in all, this is simply meant as a reminder that spending some time in the “woods” can be as beneficial as a handful of pills, or perhaps even more so.

Desperate Bee Attacks Breakfast

I had finished my job of pulling trees out of the woods, bucking off the branches and trailing them back to the cabin. I looked forward to transforming them into split firewood, but thought it best to first fortify myself with a rest and breakfast. What better than bratwurst and sunnyside up eggs for fortification.

In a matter of minutes, I seated myself on the cabin deck with a cup of coffee and a platter of brown brats and three beautiful eggs—large yellow/orange yolks prominent in the warm, bright sunlight.

Before I could lift a fork, my anticipation was interrupted by an invasion, a dive into the center of my egg yolks by a bee—obviously expecting a feast from a brilliant yellow flowerbed. Thoroughly immersed in the beautiful yolk, the bee was quite incapacitated.

I proceeded to rescue the little fellow with the aid of a few red pine needles which always adorn the deck. In the time it took to devour my breakfast, the little guy laboriously scrubbed himself clean, walked a few feet, and took off into the sky. I assume in search of another bright yellow/orange flower.

Suddenly A Loud Bang And Then Complete Silence

The sun was just hinting a peak over the East horizon of Lake Michigan. Gold, blue and white began a sparkling morning show on the lake, as we started out on what was hoped to be a fun fishing day. Set a heading for a favorite GPS spot and set lines in the water at favorite depths.

After a relatively short wait, two very nice trout were on board. Fishing, indeed, was proving to be quite enjoyable. After a lull in the action, we proceeded on a new heading to hunt further quarry.

Suddenly, a loud BANG!! And total silence. Then, a communal realization that the engine had stopped. A very short analysis led us to the conclusion that we were stranded without power. Further analysis concluded that there were few boats in the vicinity which could offer aid.

After several communications by marine radio and cell phone, a concerted effort by friends at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Station, Milwaukee Marina, the Milwaukee Police Harbor Patrol, and the 71 Foot Neeskay, we were, with utmost appreciation, towed into safe harbor.

It was, humbling indeed, for our small boat to be brought into harbor by the formidable UW research vessel piloted by Captain Greg, but it does serve to remind us that all gentlemen of the Harbor are out there to assure the safety and well being of the public if and when assistance is needed.

Thanks guys.

END OF THE SEASON

There it was! The usual invitation inserted between the logs at our cabin door inviting us to an END OF THE SEASON gathering, always a delightful way to exchange pleasantries and renew old friendships. This is a necessary event, since so many neighbors are too busy during the summer season, as to eliminate almost any opportunity to socialize. End of the season you gasp, I hardly knew it started.

Time to pull the boats which were hardly used. Think about a coat of stain on the deck, upon which we hardly reposed.

But, come to think about it, the times we did get out on the boat or the deck did fulfill the wants and desires for which they were designed. Soft summer breezes wafting over the lake and through the pines. Sparkling riffles on the blue, cool water. The flicker of busy hummingbirds, chickadees and nuthatches visiting the feeders. Only brief glimpses of scenes that serve to fill a lifetime of need. They serve their purpose indeed.

So, it probably is proper to celebrate the END OF THE SEASON and prepare for the start of the next to come. Fall is a truly marvelous and beautiful event, opening for all the color nature provides with the turning of the leaves and the pleasantries of visiting the woods and all of its mysteries.

I had better think, again, about sharpening the chainsaws and replenishing the woodpile. Soon it will be time to light the fire. Another season approaches before we know it.

WE LOST A GOOD BUDDY IN ART KOCH

We Lost a Good Buddy in ART KOCH.

He could “tote that barge and lift that bale” with the best of them in his rendition of “Ole Man River”. He would pawn his treasured coat to provide warmth and comfort to MIMI, or any other in need, as readily as Colline had in LaBoehme, and he could express the desires and echo the needs and concerns of his people, just as Tevye did in “Fiddler”. He was all of those, and he was also a good old buddy of mine and many others. He was Art Koch and his recent passing will leave many of us without a long time dear friend. Many years of memories and thoughts will be perpetuating reminders of unforgettable times.

Wow!! What A Father's Day

Wow!! What a great FATHER’S DAY. Started with a quick trip to Wild Rose with son, Kevin, and checked off a big item on the “TO DO LIST”, launching the Pontoon boat. Another thing off the mind. On the trip back to Brown Deer, we enjoyed a half hour Skype call from son, Mike (still in Dublin), followed by a cell call from daughter, Denise, in Raleigh, NC. Both delightful ways to past drive time and exchange pleasantries. We then met daughter Doreen and Dolores for a bit of “old sod” refreshment at O’Bradys, followed up by a visit at home by Erika and Aurora, while we watched the finish of the US Open at that torturous pit of a golf course called Chambers Bay. A long phone call to brother Warren crowned off a very delightful Father’s day. Thanks to all who shared it with us.

Congratulations Dr. Michael Erdmann

Why was I not surprised at the recent announcement that Dr. Michael Erdmann was awarded the prestigious 2014 John D. Chase Award for Executive Excellence by the Veterans Health Administration? I was not surprised, because, in his long career of service at the Milwaukee Zablocki VA Center, Mike has been often recognized for his tireless and effective leadership exhibited in contributing to the superior services provided at our Milwaukee VA Medical Center.

Affability, focus and concern are all traits which contribute to great achievements, and these are just a few of the traits which Mike seems to carry around in his back pocket. Congratulations Dr. Michael Erdmann.

"CLEANING THE BASEMENT" or "FINDING HIDDEN TREASURES"

How do I open this one? Shall I entitle it “CLEANING THE BASEMENT” or “FINDING HIDDEN TREASURES”. Sounds like an oxymoron to me, but I think I will stick to my guns (no reflection on our President, honest) and hold to the double title. If that sounds like a slipped in commercial (see “I THINK SOMETHING IS TICKLING MY TOES” and “WHY CAN'T WE DANCE TOO?”) at www.geeastory.com. I hope it is effective, but it was not intentional.

I recently realized that, if sometime in the future, someone was asked to analyze the content of our basement (I prefer recreation room or bar), it could be a formidable task. Of course, they could rely upon the services of a certain brother-in-law, who is extremely efficient and would probably contract a super-vacall, insert same down into lower level, and throw the switch. Problem solved, except, the process could have absorbed a lost long mystery item that has been buried in the archives since 1989 and would like to find a home. In explanation, let's turn back the clock some 25 years for a review.

During a 1989 fishing trip out of Milwaukee harbor, we netted a black cap, which was floating leisurely in the big lake. This was nothing unusual, except it had medals from the 1988 Birkebeiner, the 1988 Calgary Olympics, and bore the label , BLACK MALLARD RESORT, LAKE SISSABAGAMA, STONE LAKE, WIS. We attended several subsequent meetings of the Great Lakes Sport Fishermen and announced the recovery of this cap—to no avail.

Rather than leave this old orphan out there without a parent, I thought it would be worth one last try. Anybody recognizing the responsible parent may email nozdive@sbcglobal.net and we would be happy to un-net the cap and return it to its rightful owner. It would also contribute to decluttering of the rec room.

This, of course, will not conclude the other necessary efforts in the “bar”, but it will help.