May 26, 2008   Spring Has Finally Arrived!
 
OK, I realize I've made a big issue regarding the season and the weather this month. But after an extended winter, oldtimers like me look for signs of a change that will warm our bones and rejuvenate our souls. So I truly enjoyed the ice going out and the arrival of the loons and the mallards. But then, just over a week ago, the hummingbirds began arriving. First just a few, then in increasing numbers. I had put out one feeder on May 14th, since my journal tells me the first hummer of last year showed up on the 15th. But this winter was colder longer, so my first visitor was observed at the feeder on 18th. Now I have 3 feeders out and have to refill them daily.
 
I finally put the tire chains for the big tractor into storage; they each occupy a five gallon plastic bucket. The old Ford started likkety-split, so I drove it out to where I store the various attachments. The huge snow bucket came off and the smaller dirt bucket went on. Next the drawbar came off and the boom pole took its place. The boom pole is a long, curved heavy steel tube that connects to the 3-point hitch on the back of the tractor. With the aid of that pole and a couple of heavy duty straps I've lifted and transported bulky items well over 600 lbs. I need to bring up a load of lumber from the basement to the garage where it can be planed and molded into trim. I also need to bring up an old refrigerator and get the agency that contracts to the local power company to remove it. They take used fridges and freezers free as long as they still work. This one works but I no longer use it, and it's over 30 years old so the energy efficiency is in the negative numbers. Besides, the inside is a bit unpleasant since I had a couple of blowouts with my Mr. Beer Machine years ago when I still made and drank beer.
 
I've picked up a few items on ebay lately. I'm pleased now that they've changed the manner in which feedback is left...for years the sellers have used extortion regarding feedback, telling the buyer that they would only leave feedback "in kind". So if the seller sent you a piece of junk the seller would leave negative feedback for you if you told the truth about the sale. Of three items recently purchased from one seller, one was partly defective. Another item had an outrageous shipping and handling charge, but the combined bid price including S&H was agreeable....until it arrived with postage due. Overall the amounts weren't worth the frustration of trying to correct the situation. Still I had to give both sellers a positive rating so my rating wouldn't go down. It's taken ebay awhile to recognize this problem and ebay just altered the feedback scheme. It's not a perfect scheme, but it's better than what exists now.
 
I went into Minocqua last Saturday, which was a huge mistake....Wall to wall tourists everywhere! There are a lot of elderly folks from Florida who have summer homes or condos here. There are a few folks from other southern states, based on their license plates. But the majority of tourist are from Illinois, with Indiana running a distant second. Local gas station cash registers were overheating what with gas at $4.09 and diesel at $4.33. Local gas station owners are gleefully poised in front of their satellite commodities screens with their hands anxiously hovering over the buttons that update the electronic sign and pump prices. At the rate gas prices have been increasing we'll see $6.00/gal by Labor Day.
 
I had planned making several stops in town for a variety of items, but when there was NO ROOM in the Walmart parking lot, I began to rethink my itinerary. I finally found a spot where a SUV was pulling out and I beat a little old lady in a Buick to that space. She may have been a devout church-goer, but it became quickly obvious that she must have spent some time around the Merchant Marines because her language turned the air as blue as her hair! Tough! Most idiots can't park even with bright yellow lines to help them aim, and driving a big pickup like GeoTruk with 4 wheel drive (and therefore a poor turning radius) has its own difficulties getting in and out of parking lot spaces designed for Barbie vehicles. Anyway, I scrapped half my shopping list, bought some plants, potting soil and, just in case, some wine to help me get potted. Everything else that I needed could wait until late September, when most of the tourists will be gone.
 
On Other Fronts:
 
Mid-week last I went out to collect my mail and discovered an envelop that didn't have "Statement Enclosed" emblazoned on the front. I quickly flipped it over and saw it was from the eldest cousin of four, all daughters of my (Illinois) Aunt Geri. These gals, taken individually, are a bit wacky, but, get them together and you don't stand a chance! They are bright, innovative and downright mischievous. I wasn't aware of any reason that my cousin would be writing me, but I took the mail into my office, grabbed my letter opener, slit the top of the envelope and eagerly whipped out the cardstock announcement of and invitation to my Aunt Geri's upcoming landmark birthday! However, along with the announcement, my cousins had included a short ton of metal and plastic glitter in the envelope, so when the recipient pulled out the card, glitter would explode from the envelope, filling the surroundings like a snow globe shaken, not stirred. Glitter flew into the keyboards of the big 'puter and the laptop, got sucked into the cooling fans on both computers, dropped into two open filing cabinets and the floor I had just vacuumed (after 3 weeks of collecting natural dirt and dust). I was delighted at the invite but less than pleased with the method of delivery. Now comes the challenge of getting even.
 
And again, it is with great sadness that I report our loss of long-time neighbor and friend, Katherine Butler. Katherine and husband Ed settled on the northeast end of the lake back in 1943 and established the only resort on this lake. They've been wonderful friends and were recently relocated to southern Wisconsin when Katherine's health and Ed's macular degeneration required more care than what could be had locally. They were the first year-round residents on the lake and took an active interest in local affairs in earlier years. I've missed them very much
 

 
Until later.....DKHT

May 16, 2008  Spring Is Just Around The Corner
 
We had a 'False Spring' about a month ago, followed by all these weeks of overcast, chilly and windy days and super frosty nights...the kind of dull dreary weather where it rains when you think it'll be nice, and it's pretty cruddy the rest of the time. The heavy night frosts make planting a lose-lose proposition. The constant threat of rain has kept me from moving the big tools (saws, planers, routing systems, sanding systems, etc.) outdoors, since I've run out of room downstairs to handle remodeling.
 
Back in March our family lost two good people, Frank and Lucille who were distant cousins. Frank was a builder in Fox River Grove, IL and Lucille was his wife. Some years back Frank had an opportunity to purchase some property very close to where I live now from another Fox River Grove friend.
 
My old High School principal, Paul Baker, owned a boys camp up in this area...I was asked to be a counselor at that camp by Mr. Baker back when I was in high school. I wanted to take that job so very much, but the pay was less than what I could receive working near home, and my dad was working two jobs to make sure I could go to college, so I figured I needed to do my share to earn as much as I could for my college education. In many ways I wish things could have been different. I would have learned so much more as a counselor, but I had a different obligation.
 
It wasn't until about 15 years ago that I'd discovered the old boys camp of Paul Baker had become the property of Frank and Lucille and now are homes for people much like the Joy Camps has become the homes for all of us on this end of our lake. Indeed, most of those camps are long gone, many having succumbed to private home or condo development. My own home is located on a subdivided property that was an elite girl's camp from 1931 until the mid 60's (Joy Camps). Unfortunately, pine trees and campfire rings seldom come equipped with electrical outlets into which a Nintendo or Wii may be plugged. Times change, people's interest change. But I can't help feeling melancholy when I recall all the wonderful hours I was fortunate to spend camping and canoeing with good friends in remote and wild areas. To later be able to share those experiences with a troop of diverse boy scouts as one of their adult leaders was a very fulfilling experience.
 
When I first moved to Northern Wisconsin, the countryside was still wild. The lumbermen had clear cut most of the forests around here back in the early 1900's, so the second growth was well established by the early 70's. Still, there were very few residents in the area back then, and most just came up for brief weekends and short summer vacations. Small fishing boats were the rule, although I stuck with my 18 foot Grumman canoe for many years.
 
Nowadays the people who have bought their way into the area come bearing toys; huge pontoon boats, jet skis, ATV's, snowmobiles, ski boats, trampoline swimming rafts, paddle boats.... I'll grant you that I've actually owned a snowmobile and a ski boat for a few years. But I never saw the need to have all of these things, particularly at the same time. A typical summer weekend will see the lake whipped to a froth as a haze of exhaust fumes bring down flocks of ducks surer than the local gun club. Not having children of my own, I am a bit unused to the 140 decibel shrieks young children emit when having fun. And they have fun from morning til night. Their parents don't even pay attention any longer. The quiet solitude of the Northwoods is now suffering from water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution and stupidity pollution.
 
In the very old days our ancestors expected some basic rights. Like the right to hunt and fish to provide food for the family. But then, governments decided they could capitalize on these rights. They developed a bureaucracy they called the "Department of Natural Resources" (aka Do Nothing Right) as if natural resources needed some sort of management. Managed natural resources are, by definition, Unnatural Resources! So the DNR began to issue licenses to allow us to hunt, fish and boat. And, being a bureaucracy they became cancerous in their own feeding frenzy of regulation and income generation through licenses and fines. You now additionally need permits to bike or cross-country ski our local trails. And the DNR, which controls the waterways, islands, fish, animals and most public trails is thirsty for even more power and income. They've even developed a paperwork jungle for people who enjoy geocaching. They claim jurisdiction while comfortably forgetting these are indeed Public Lands.
 
Recently I became aware of a TV program about the area that was broadcasting a program that had a dishonest spin to it. Unfortunately, the program was Discover Wisconsin. "Discover Wisconsin" was founded by a fellow by the name of Dick Rose who was a great videographer, producer and a proponent of the wonderful features of Wisconsin, and a very respected advocate of the wonders of Wisconsin. His exuberance regarding the this area was inspiring. Unfortunately, Dick passed away several years ago and the television program was taken over by relatives and friends. Unfortunately, it appears that accuracy is not an important issue with the new regime. The following description of a recent program is a case in point.
 
Minocqua - Life Our Way!
Airdates May 10-11, 2008
"The Minocqua, Arbor-Vitae, Woodruff area is the place to be for family fun without having to constantly pull out your wallet. On 'Life Our Way' we’ll start you out with a plane ride to give you a bird’s eye view of the island of Minocqua. You’ll know exactly where to go when you head down to the water surrounding the island for a guided pontoon cruise. Before we’re done on the area’s many lakes, you’ll also experience guided fishing, canoeing and kayaking tours. Once on land, you’ll attend some of the area’s unique festivals, including Beef-A-Rama, Chill Out Fest and Only Fools Run at Midnight. The Minocqua, Arbor-Vitae, Woodruff area’s assortment of outdoor activities really has something for everyone: from mini-golf, to 18-hole golf courses, to shopping, biking, hiking and horseback riding. You can also be entertained at the Scheers Lumber Jack Show, Wildwood Wildlife Park, and the Northern Lights Playhouse. And that’s just a few of the summer activities you and your family will enjoy. During the colder months we’ll take you ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, dining, and indoors to play inside an indoor water park. Finally, the families who have been vacationing in the Minocqua area their entire lives will tell you why they want to share it with you. So come with us as we show you why the locals call it “Life Our Way” on this episode of Discover Wisconsin."
 
The big selling point is the bit about not having to constantly pull out your wallet. Yet virtually every event and activity listed requires the purchase of a license, trail pass, ticket or some expenditure of cash! Even taking a picturesque drive presently costs $3.90 per gallon of gas, and that price has been climbing lately between a nickel and a dime once or twice a week. The following is a response by my geocaching pal, graska (Grace), who expresses the feelings many of us local have....
 
"It must be just the locals who have to constantly pull out their wallets huh? Or maybe they are suggesting that people just shouldn't put their wallets away in the first place.... My kids and I were trying to figure out something that we could do that wouldn't cost money. When I want to camp at clear lake I need a state sticker, When I want to backpack at Nicolet I need a federal sticker, if I want to bike across the road, on the bearskin, I need a trail pass (which also thankfully covers my winter cross-country skiing on the Raven). Luckily, I can throw my kayak in and not have to pay anyone... (yet). I think I just read in the Lakeland Times they want to make me take/pay for a boater safety course to paddle my kayak. I bet registering my kayaks will be next. Oh yes, I can geo-cache for free too. That must be what they mean by "Life our Way". I love living 'up north' I just can't afford it much longer!"
 
Until later.....DKHT

May 2, 2008  My Big Day At Rhinelander
 
I've been planning this trip to Rhinelander for several weeks, listing all the places I needed to stop, shop and buy. Years ago I worked in Rhinelander and drove 60 miles round trip every day. Now, with gas at $3.69/gal I have to optimize my trips.
 
Today's trip had a first stop at...the county landfill. Because of my extended stay in Texas last winter, I had a guy plow my drive. Unfortunately, he didn't leave me access to the shed I use to store garbage and recyclables. I had to wait for the snow to melt in order to assemble my bags of mail circulars and catalogs, kitchen waste and glass and stuff. For years our county landfill has really been top notch. Those of us who have been 'believers' dutifully sorted our brown vs green vs clear glass, tin cans and plastics.
 
I've been away for awhile... I showed up at the landfill recycling area, unloaded 4 shopping bags of unwanted sales flyers and mail-order catalogs. I moved on to the plastics bin, which now accepted steel cans as well. I still had 3 containers of color-separated glass, but the glass hoppers that I was used to had gone missing. I went into the landfill office and asked where the glass was to be deposited, and the gall told me that all glass, steel cans and plastics now went into the same hopper!
 
That done, I drove onto the truck scale to determine the weight of my remaining load. Next stop was the regular waste dumpsters (as opposed to the metal and construction waste areas). I got the green light to head to the dumpsters, unloaded, returned to the scale to and paid my fees. Off to the Walmart Super Store.
 
A Walmart Super Store is under construction in nearby Minocqua. Until it's opened, we have to rely on the one in Rhinelander. I drove into the 15 acre parking lot, drove around for 25 minutes and couldn't find a parking space that didn't require 2 day's provisions and a Sherpa guide just to get to the door. I'm off to the Lumber store.
 
Menards' is a regional lumber/hardware chain. Because I do so much business with them they send me coupons for birthday gifts (this year an LED flashlight) and other incentive coupons. And, they're cheap, so when I need cheap stuff, Menards' is where you'll find me.
 
Unfortunately, Menards' was out of the type of trim molding that was the purpose of my trip there. The gal working in this department tried to explain that the company was having problems with the molding supplier, which was probably true. But that would be a problem that the buyer would have to solve, and in my mind, there'd be another Menards' buyer on the streets looking for a job....I'm certain that popcorn and cotton-candy salespeople are in high demand, what with tourist season coming up. Regardless of the lack of the special molding, I still managed to spend about $100 before I left.
 
Feeling sorry for myself, I took the southern route through Rhiney so I could stop at Burger King. I haven't stopped at Burger King in over 5 years. I lusted for a Whopper Junior. I'm always on a diet, but sometimes I get crazy thinking about a Whopper Jr., and today I actually enjoyed the taste of adding the plaque to my arteries.
 
I've mentioned that we've desperately need moisture to bring up our lake levels and water tables. That's why we tolerate the occasional snowstorm that lingers for days and leaves us hip deep in snow. Similarly, we welcome a nice rainstorm. On my way driving back from Rhinelander, one lightning bolt provided the initial downbeat for the most torrential rain I've seen since my trip through Missouri last autumn. The clouds opened up and took a total dump on the Northwoods. If you've ever been through one of those high pressure touchless car washes, multiply it by three and that'll give you an idea of the rain that came down for the entire 30 minute drive home. But, we do need the moisture.
 

 
Until later.....DKHT