Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Jonell and I celebrated 17 great years of marriage last weekend. Jon had a hockey game so after we dropped him off we made part of the day memorable by driving on the edge of Detroit Lake. I wanted to drive out to the fishouses where there was another car but Jonell wouldn't let me.
Over the weekend we had a few high schools along with some regular guests/familes etc. High school Nordic ski coaches don't get the credit they deserve. Dealing with low snow early season, two types of techniques, waxing, cold temps etc.....a lot to manage. Not like other winter sports hockey, wrestling, swimming, basketball, gymnastics where the practice field is consistent day in day out. Evan Jones Breck Nordic coach (above in jeans, locked his one bag in his car so came up with no ski clothes and was instructing nicely in street clothes), was asked by his wife what he wanted for Christmas and told his wife to pay for one of the kids to come to ski camp at Maplelag. Evan bought a pair of skis for another skier. Top shelf stuff. Things like that happens all over and to us it is huge having these type of people introduce kids to the great activity of Nordic.
Speaking of top shelf, this is what happens when a hockey mom manages a gift shop. Have to come to Maplelag to see what is on special!!

With a winter storm of historic proportions looking to be a reality, we tried to do as many chores as possible today before cranking up the grooming big time. We put out a permanent fish house, chopping the holes and getting it set. Hopefully after the New Year can take the kids out and wet a line.

With low snow cover, have been able to ride around pretty much everywhere with the bike. Most likely to change by tomorrow.
TJ working on getting the plunge hole open as Jake skis by. Probably last lake ski of the year until Lotvola Cup.
The ice flow on the creek next to our house has been like no other year. Jack having fun on it today. Water tables are at record so the water is flowing pretty good from the ponds above. Getting close to flooding on to the basketball court. Bit of issue on the one end of the rink but I think it has stopped for now. Hope the snow cover helps out somehow.
Jens and Jon skated pretty much all day first day of winter break, hooking up with a families from Ely and Winnipeg.
Andre and Pedro, the students from Brazil are doing a great job this year. Been putting a dent in the wood pile finally and splitting up a storm. Put the splitter away for the year today.
Guest this week with a Yak jacket. Has one of the largest Yak farms in the country. Jacket was sweet. They donated a sign.
Next update most likely not to happen until after the New Year....have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!!!! Cheers!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

As always Jay, your family's energy and love of the outdoors is enjoyable to view, and an inspiration. Have a Merry Christmas and peaceful new year. -- Sandberg

HALLN' said...

Merry X-mas Jay & Family.

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Lars Ellefson said...

Merry Christmas to all you guys! See you soon!?

Eric O. said...

Merry Christmas to the whole Richards family. Happy to see the groomers finally lit up. Have fun out there.

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