Polar Plunge, Bayview Center in Excelsior

Each year I make the short jaunt over to the Bayview Center in Excelsior on January First to witness the Polar Plunge. It is an event far better viewed than participated in. With the predicted temperatures hovering around ten or 15 below zero fahrenheit, viewing will be a chilling task. Stay tuned..... Note: I took this a few years back, at the Polar Plunge when the temperature was -13 degrees, with a strong wind.

Wayzata BAy. Distant icehouses flicker.

This photo was taken while it was forty degrees. Open water under the docks and the trickling sound of water and distant snowmobiles on the lake. At this writing it is eleven below zero. There is always a sobering cold snap, just before the New Year.

Santapede

And then through the house there are arose such a clatter I sprung from my bed to see what's the matter... He arrived not through the chimney, but the drain.

Tonka Bay Narrows Dec 19th - 3 years ago today....

The Cisco Kid.

Cisco is named after the famous literary character "The Cisco Kid", from a short story: The Caballero's Way by O. Henry. The story that introduced The Cisco Kid, a very mean gunslinger who killed anyone who crossed him, and some who just irritated him. Not the Cisco Kid of the Television Series, an affable bandolero, of which our Cisco more closely emulates. In this photo Cisco denies having dined on the window sill. Cisco is a Sheltland Sheepdog.Loves cold weather, long walks and cuddling.

Jump starting 2014

OK, This year I did not put out the greatest journalistic effort on this blog. So, in an effort to revitalize and jump start this site I will begin 2014 with my "Polar Plunge" feature from Excelsior. With the current run of Arctic weather it should be a chilling event. Stay tuned.

Frosty at work....

For Ferggie, at the Bayview December 15th

I took this picture at last years benefit. It was a great time with great music!

  "As many of you know, Fergie Frederiksen is embroiled in a day to day struggle with cancer..his friends, Alex Ligertwood, Randall Hall, Fran Cosmo and Kevin Chalfant wanted to perform for him and celebrate his life..Special Opening performance by GB Leighton. Tickets are now available..Click the Link below..If you have appreciated Fergie's life and music, you are invited to join in what will be a moving, magical evening."

This from "Friends for Fergie"  Web site. Alex Ligertwood

December cartoon - a blast from the past!

It dawned upon me last year that a diet was to be my New Year's resolution. Over the course of 2013 I successfully dropped over 20 lbs.