poor ducks ~

We took a little ride up to the Turtle Flambeau Flowage to see if the ice was off.  The only open water we saw was this little bit by the dock ... 

... LOTS of ice out there.  I don't think any boats will be putting in this body of water for the opening of fishing season ... coming up this next weekend.

Then we took a ride over to the cabin to see if everything was ok over there.  The yard has water in it ... along with a pair of mallard ducks.  

If there's too much ice on the big water ... go swim in the puddles!

It was snowing again this morning ... the temps are only in the high 30's.  Oh well... nothing we can do about that.

Until next time ...
So it goes in my neck of the woods.
~mel

smoked ~

The ol' smoker may not be the prettiest of contraptions that we've made over the years; but it sure does do a great job.

Dear Hubby is gone for the day making firewood at our daughters place ~ so he left me in charge of the smoker.  

I've been watching the temperature and smoke pan and tending to it like a newborn baby.  Inside are some big farm fresh chickens and cornish hens.  

They were brined in apple cider with rosemary and sweet basil.

They smell divine!  I wish I could rip off a leg or breast, or whatever your preferred piece of chicken may be and give you a taste.  Delish!!

Until next time ...
So it goes in my neck of the woods.
~mel

about time ~

All I can say is IT'S ABOUT TIME spring came to northern Wisconsin!!

It's hard to believe that this was only a week ago - after our last run in with Mother Nature ... look at that scowl on the old truck.  The way the snow was piled up on the hood it looks ornery!

The poor little junco's found their way north again ... only to get snowed on.  When Dear Hubby was shoveling the sidewalk he pushed it back beyond the edges and they were all over scratching and digging in the grass.

A row of Junco's  

Now ... a week later ~ and some warmer weather ... I can FINALLY see my lawn.  Happy dance... happy dance.

I needed a spring time project ... besides house cleaning.  I can't get into the flower beds yet or even rake the lawn; as it's too wet.  So............

I'm making giant pileated woodpeckers out of plywood to hang up high in the trees.  Here's my inspiration:

I told the girls I was making two for myself and they both wanted one.  Then I decided to make one for Mom to hang over at the farm ... and  I figured I better make a couple extras right away while I had the time and paints out.

One side is painted and propped up to dry in front of the fan.  Hopefully, tonight I can flip them over and get the other side painted.  These little buggers are taking some time as I have to double coat them and can only do one color at a time.  They stand about 3 1/2 feet tall.

A row of woodpeckers.

Other than that ... not much going on around here.

Until next time ...
So it goes in my neck of the woods.
~mel