THE BRUSHER

Yesterday I drove up the highway to get a picture of the machine that is doing the brushing along the road.  It really is a beast - that blade just decimates whatever it encounters - and leaves nothing but chips and sticks.  It has been a number of years since it was last done so it really has it's work cut out for the MTO - and Hydro still has some clearing to do as well.  There are a number of trees along the hydro lines that have been marked with the florescent orange and blue "H".  But the downed trees is also some one's supply of firewood.  It is not unusual to see people with their chain saws and trailers along the ditches blocking and hauling the good stuff.  Otherwise, it would just rot.

ICE ROADS AND BRUSHING

We went to Rozenburg's this morning to pick up some supplies.  We take Basswood Lake Road and this is what it was like in some spots - just a sheet of ice.  You do have to take your time and put the car in 4-wheel drive.  No problems.
Also for the past couple of months the MTO has been brushing the sides of our highway 129 with a big machine that zips all the trees and bushes down to the ground.  I will get a picture of the machine tomorrow but this is what they did to our ditch.  My pretty little white birches are gone but on the bright side, we can now see down the highway when we are pulling out.  By the time the leaves are on the trees, you will never be able to tell this happened.

EARLY SPRING

Put some Trap Rock down on the driveway yesterday.  There are solid ice spots that make walking and driving a bit treacherous.  It happens every spring with the melting and re-freezing.  The snow has been slow to melt but we haven't had any in a while so in some spots it looks like spring.
The last picture shows our air hole in the lake that appears to be growing bigger.
I imagine the maple syrup will be running good shortly - I already have my order in for some from Erla.  Yummy

BEAUTIFUL SPRING FISHING

Ron picked another fantastic day for some ice fishing on a Brook Trout Lake.  There was one fish caught and Ron got it.  No other hits, nibbles or anything but it was one beautiful day.
We were on our way early as they wanted to get the early biters.  It was cold at first because we set up in the shade at the north end of the lake to stay out of the wind.  the sun took a little while to work it's way to us and my hands were so cold.  I have a problem with them when they get cold.  I can't do a thing with them so I couldn't bait my hooks.  I just needed a little while for them to warm up and then I was good as new.
Our early morning snack was some chocolate bars Rejean bought while at the Post getting the minnows.  I got my Rolos!!
We started a fire on shore and had some hot dogs.  We had quite the snack station set up.  Cookies, and hot dogs and chips.  We do not go hungry at all.
We packed up at around 3:30 and took the long way home.
Always nice to be outside on such a beautiful spring day.  I will catch a fish next time.

MINE

Because we have quads that look exactly alike, I needed something to set mine apart other than a license plate number.  I got a Scottie dog decal to put on the gas tank of my quad so that I could easily recognize it as mine.  Not that I mind him using my bike but...any scratch or dent I find will be because I caused it and not someone else.
It looks white in the picture but it is actually a light grey.

Can't wait for the nicer weather so I can get out on the trails with it.  It will never look as good as it does right now.  No scratches, no mud and no rocks in the footrests.  Yet...

FISHING DERBY

HAPPY ST PADDY'S DAY

I thought this was funny.
Enjoy the Day!!

PROJECTS

This is what we have been working on for the past few days - the attic over at Stacey's cabin.  First we had to put plywood down so that you can walk up there without straddling the stringers or ceiling trusses.  Then we had to find a product to replace the fabric in the ridge vents that was falling down.   Rejean then had to build and install the new doors for the hole that had to be cut in the wall to access everything.  I had to help install that door which turned out to be quite the process.  Two ladders were used - one for each of us - then we had to push the doors up the ladder and hold them in place while he screwed them into the frame.  And they were heavy - there was some swearing going on but we got it done.
Another project completed.

GRUFFALO MICE

It was World Book Day at the boys' school so Jodie dressed them up as the mice in the Gruffalo story book.  She is very creative and I think the outfits turned out pretty good and you can tell the boys are just thrilled.
That is Monty on the left and Charlie on the right.

...and I think I have a couple of Gruffalos living around here that we can look for in the woods this summer when the boys come for a visit...I bet we find them!