Full On Winter

We are full on winter as we near the end to another great year. It has been a cold December, one of the coldest on record but that isn't saying much since record keeping only goes back 150 years or so. I am still trying to figure out what happened to the month it is supposed to be quiet between Fall and Winter but we never had more than a week there wasn't something going on at Maplelag. The way things are now with the big increase of operating a year round resort, we need business year round. The kids are deep in to to their winter sports as Jonell and I celebrated another year of marital journey.

 For the first time in many years, all the ski meets have been been taking place. Jack had his first race in Bemidji at the Montebello trails. I have never seen a race there as Jake only raced their in jr high and after that first year there wasn't enough snow. It was a great venue and hats off to the city of Bemidji for having a nice little trail system right in town with lit trails. Bemidji has it figured out for promoting a active community which fosters the growth of silent sport activity.

 Jake is in his second year of racing with St Scholastica. He had his second racing weekend of the season in Wausau last weekend, having a great day on Saturday with the sprints and a solid classic race placing on Sunday. Looking forward to having him home for break as he prepares for the meat of the racing season in January and February.

 Jonell and I celebrated 21 years of an incredible marriage this month. Every year it gets better. Advice to the young to having a successful marriage takes patience and understanding. There are ups and downs but stick with it when it is hard, learning to give and take.

 Jens is playing Squirt A hockey with Detroit Lakes and having a nice season. He has been a great help with grooming when needed. We hosted a high school race last Thursday and he stayed home on Wednesday to help groom all day. It was a big help and the course set up nicely.

Jon is in his first year of high school hockey and having a good year so far. The team is a few goals and a couple bounces away from having a winning record. A fun tournament in Eleveth coming up over break. The team works hard and if things fall in to place, could have a nice run to the end of the season.

Looking back, 2013 has been a great year. Merry Christmas to all and happiness and good health in 2014!