It was a great weekend and now it is a bit hard getting back into the normal rut.  A quick chuckle and back to work... A young couple had just been informed that their request for adoption of baby had been fulfilled.  they arrived at the agency and found that the baby was of Russian decent. The couple accepted the baby right away and headed home with him. On the way home, they stopped by the local college and enrolled themselves in some night classes.  After the registration was done the lady helping them asked. "What ever made yo want to learn Russian." Smiling proudly they said..."WE just adopted a Russian baby.  We know that in a couple of years he will start to talk and we just want to be able to understand him!" Did I mention both the lady and her husband were Blonde! 09/04/2012

I have heard this a lot as of late. It has been a reference for work, play and just everyday living. I just don't believe in waiting for better days.  I take it one day at a time and make it the best I can. Oh, sure, there could and will be better days, but If ai wait for them I will miss out on most of life. But, for those who are witing for the better days, I am glad...they are not in my way! 09/01/2012

On the National scene, most commodities are at or near record highs.  That will translate into higher food prices and for some things, costs have already gone up. So, How do we protect ourselves against this increase? Well, we could stock up (Hoard) the staples that can be stored safely.  This usually raises prices right away and then you are holding onto supplies that cost more when the price goes back to near normal WE could raise our own food.  Not practical at this time of the year.  If it was May, it could be a great idea. Realistically, being a smart shopper and buying only what we need is the best way.   Most every household throws away a lot of food.  Most meals are prepared with more than we can eat...many of us look that way. Being more conscious of what, how much and when we ... 07/26/2012

While out of town at the B'Day party, some friends invited us over to see the progress on their flower garden. Living 3 hours south of our home, growth is about 10 days ahead of us. I was able to take a few nice photo's and actually smell a few flowers at the same time. The Red Daisy is one flower I had not seen before. Thanks to all who allow me to share my photo's with you and who share back with me. 05/20/2012

I had heard this a long time ago, but something I just read jogged this to the front of my brain. A Professor of Sex and the Human Body was giving an informal talk about Sex and the issues with the human body and some of the emotional happenings. "Let's start off with something fun...You have 15 minutes to talk and make a list of how many different positions that you can have intercourse in." After the allotted time the professor asked..."How many did we come up with?" "15" yelled one "22"   "33" "OK OK, I have a better idea.  Let's name all the position.'" "A young lady in front spoke up..."Man on top, woman on top." In the back of he class an elderly couple stood up and spoke in unison..."97 and 98!" That should get the mind working! 05/05/2012

I was asked this today while filling my car with gas.  The wind is blowing about 20MPH and more with a mist in the air. Yeah, I know some of you are saying what about spring first.  We went from winter to summer last two weeks, spring got left out in the cold.  Like today! Now don't get me wrong.  It cold be much worse, but I for one am glad to see the cool down.  It was hot to fast and I was not going to keep up with all the work the way Nature was progressing in it's spring growth. So for me, I am glad for a cloudy, blustery misty day that forced me to take care of the many indoor chores I needed to do. You never know about the Minnesota Weather. 03/26/2012

That is what my thermometer says and it isn't in the sun either. We had 14-16 inches of wet snow about 9-10 days ago and today it is running down the driveway. It has been a strange year.  Some say global warming.  Some say climate change.  What I know for sure is that it is warm and I am getting some early spring work done. Oh and as far as my wife's snow man her and my grand daughter built last week... 03/10/2012

I run into this a lot especially from the older gen. "It has been good enough for us for 30 years, it is good enough! Yes, that may be true, but it isn't 'good enough' to attract today's buyers at the price you think it is worth. Many people live with an issue that has been there for years and think nothing of it.  many times it is even a code violation or even dangerous. Making sure that everything is up to snuff is very important if you want your price.  That is why I am telling you this. You are asking my opinion and I base that opinion on the comments from my clients. You can listen to your neighbor or you can listen to me and sell your home for as good a price as we can get. The choice is yours! 02/16/2012

I have some down time today so I am doing some housework.  I am cleaning my desk!   (Sorry ladies) I have been throwing out a lot of old papers, magazines and a bunch of stuff just making a mess.  I even grabbed a pile of Birthday Cards I got this year.  I mean, what do you do with the cards after a few days.  I know people who save all of them in boxes.  WHY?  Oh well, it is their space they are cluttering up. I was reading some of them and got one that I know many will find amusing.  It is that kind of a day.  I get a lot of Nature cards and this is one could be me right on the front cover... I really do hate when this happens! 02/14/2012

We have a mild cold spell here in Minnesota right now, but it is to warm soon. But, next week another cold snap is coming forward.  Below temps are expected and there are alot of concerns. Pets Septics Water lines Some plants. If you have to prepare for the worst...now is the time to get on it.  After the cold is gone will be to late. 01/14/2012

My wife put in  a lot of hard work. I am the grunt and she is the Mastermind. The decorations took a long time this year as we were unindated with all kinds of issues outside of our own home. But, with just a few presents to wrap, we are sitting good.   In a few days, we we have this room full of Love and Laughter along with 20+ bodies waiting for the fat guy to arrive. Then when it is over we shall colapse inexhaustion with smiles on our faces! 12/21/2011

Yes, it is the time of year when the deer are getting active. I have several outdoor cameras set up and for the last two weeks all I get are night photo's.  that is all well and good, but it tells me that the deer are moving only at night. Two days ago I got a doe and 2 fawns on a daylight picture. This young buck came out at 10 am and walked right under my stand.  I was not there.  I would have left him walk as he is a young deer and will be a much nicer target next year. But, he better be careful, otherwise he will become someone's table fare! 11/02/2011

My neighbor called and asked if I had a big chain saw. "Yea, you know I do, why?" I asked him. "Just come on over and bring it with!" Well, I knew there would be some home made wine involved, so I went over.   He had trimmed the tree as much as he could with is little saw.  The base was just over 48 inches at the smallest spot. Less than 2 hours later... The log looked like this! He wanted to pay me, but what are neighbors for if we can't help each other out. But, I did go home with 4 bottle's of great home made wine! 10/22/2011

ABSOLUTELY!!!! Although it may not be the best time, people are buying homes all year long.  Many of the people who could not qualify for a loan this summer may qualify now. The situation of buyers change all the time.  Some may not have needed to buy in the summer but now because of a change in their lives...the purchase of a home is more necessary. If you price your home within the market price chances are you will sell.  Price way above the market and it will set there like so many others that are over priced for months. One of the busiest months I have ever had was in December and much of that the week before Christmas.  When will your home sell best...when it is on the market and the right person comes along.  One thing is for sure...if you don't try, it won't sell! 09/17/2011

Today is my Father-in-law's 90th Birthday. He is doing well for 90, although health issues are starting to creep in. We had a small get together to celebrate and took a moment out to remember the fallen on this day. This family has been blessed in many ways and I wish Ray another care free year. Happy Birthday Ray!!! 09/11/2011

As evening falls here in the north country, we are starting to notice the signs of fall. This lone branch has become one of the first warning signs that fall is upon us.  The cool nights and very nice warm and not so humid days make me want to be outside doing something...ANYTHING! It won't be long before we will be in full color with some of the first leaves hitting the ground. And the cycle of life goes on. 09/07/2011

I will say that I am not the only person ready for some cooler weather. I usually don't get all bent out of shape because of the heat and humidity, but I am getting very far behind on my personal work because I can't work as fast or hard. The weather man said cooler and less humid for next week.  I sure hope so, otherwise the two or six of us are going to have a talk! Don't forget the pets and other animals that depend on you for water and food. KEEP COOL!!! 08/06/2011

A young family man was being deployed oversees.  He was explaining to his young son that he would be away for a while. Son, I am going to Iraq for 6 months.  "But dad, replied the son.  Why, son't you know there is a war over there! We may not think the kids listen or understand all of the time, but given the chance you will be very surprised more times than not. 07/29/2011

You never know what a youngster will say or when they will say it.  Most times they will accept most any answer...if we can think of one! On the way back from Cub Scouts a young boy asked his Father... "Dad, I know that babies come mommies tummies, but, how do they get there?" Dad shifted in his seat and hemmed and Hawed a bit and shifted some more... The bay finally says..."Dad, you don't have to make up an answer.  It's all right if you don't know the answer!"   Dad just found out the hardest speach in the world to give! 07/28/2011

I saw a guy wearing a cowboy boots and this came to mind... Roy saved his money and finally was able to by the cowboy boots he wanted. He was so proud that he wore them home. Upon arriving home he asked his wife if she noticed anything different about him. "Nope" she said. Upset he went into the bedroom and took off all of his clothes and left on his boots. He again asked his wife if she noticed anything different about him. "No! It was hanging down yesterday,, it is hanging today and it will be hanging tomorrow." "It is hanging because it's looking at my new boots!" Should have bought a hat Roy, should have bought a hat" 05/29/2011