Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

So winter arrived in a huff last night.  I noticed the dropping temperature in the early afternoon, the wind picked up a little later and then there were the impending clouds of doom!  Lol, well maybe not doom, but HOLY cats.  Winter got us good!  Paid us back for enjoying MUCH above normal temps for a week- she was not pleased that she was so late to the party.  

Impending clouds of doom!  Lol

Early morning through my window

Lola and she was not thrilled either!

So last night around 9 it started snowing and blowing.  The house was so cold when I got up this morning- it seemed forever before it warmed up.  In spite of the appearance, I decided that a walk was definitely in order. And so I asked Sarah Jane if she wanted to go..... and I got a yes!  And then we sweet talked Greg into going too!  He was not convinced.  Then Sarah pulled out the cute smile and the  whole "we need you to keep us safe", to which I was almost rolling on the floor with laughter.  As if SJ and I can't take care of ourselves..... but that's ok, Greg, you were a trooper!

As we started off, it didn't seem too bad, but then we hit Hwy E. and the proverbial hell broke loose.  It was COLD and windy.  REALLY cold and windy!  But off to the stone house we went.

Beautiful branches

So I started by sneaking off to the poor broken down wooden house across the road - which was looking sort of grim.

The stone house was bathed in a snowy glory.

The white of the snow outlined the usually invisible barn

Toby

The snow plows were out in force!

Favorite tree in the snow

It was a really good walk!  We all had a good time- well I'm going to say we did. Greg might have a different comment, but hey, it's my blog!

Until next time, be a joy giver and make sure you get your exercise today!

**Speaking of my blog, I am going to be posting more soon and it will be totally out of order, but you know that is how I roll!  

We were Daaaaaaay-trippers- to Duluth!

The Mad-Art teacher had a great week teaching art again, but it was time to get away for a while.  My dear friend Cat and I took a jaunt up to Ashland and Duluth.  After a short trip for an errand, we stopped by one of the parks  in Ashland so I could take a few lake pictures.  I was fortunate to be able to photograph a storm coming through the area, not so lucky later to be driving in it!

Distant storm

Rough waters

Ashland shoreline

Storm coming closer

During the rain we pulled over for a few minutes

Cat and I are perfect traveling partners, we enjoy the same kinds of adventures, the same types of food, and like the same car temperatures!  It makes for such an enjoyable trip when you find a kindred spirit.

 After traveling to Duluth and shopping up on the hill, we made our way downtown and ate a fine lunch.  Duluth has a very nice system of hallways and walkways that connect the downtown area to various points around the town, including the waterfront.  We were able to walk over by the lake instead of trying to drive there.  Win-win!  We got out of the skywalk by the DECC and made our way to the lake.

Draw bridge

One of several lighthouses

There was rough water and lots of big waves!  Not to mention the wind- makes one's hair quite attractive, don't you think??

Lighthouse and anchor

Spray

2 lighthouses

Watch the waves

Flight

Cat - not getting wet!

I was huddling my camera under my coat... and getting wet!

 Here are a few sort of abstracty pictures

More pix:

Cool pix of a metal fish!

The bay, Bong bridge in the distance, I think!

Up goes the foot bridge!

Until next time, day-trips are joyful!  Take one!

I'm so behind on my Sunday photos!!

Here is the first round of my Sunday photos- 2 week late!!  Ach.  I hate that, and its Monday.  Here is some beauty, as I see it from Northern WI and also from central MN!!

Have you noticed how I dig clouds??

The lovely Minneapolis

On our peony escapades

Gorgeous sculpture from the Mpls Arboretum.

The sky was crying...

Look for updates - I have a lot of neglected housework to do!  :)
Until next time, be a joy giver, even if it is a little late.