Life Magazine

Life magazine did an article on the Angle back in 1950. I love reading this sort of history and learning how they made it back then. As you will see, we are spoiled now--and I don't mean extra large TV's and Ipods. I mean heat, hot water tanks and gracious in-laws! There are many things that have changed since this article was written, but I feel that the spirit is still here. There is a lot more to the article, these are just some highlights. You should be able to double-click on an item to enlarge it and read the print.

This introduction says that the people of the Northwest Angle "live in in an inhospitable land which is more like Siberia than the US." Funny that this magazine was just now "found" by Pat and Big Rick. No mention of Siberia or inhospitable land during our discussions of moving here.

The earlier sewing clubs!

This article states that the Northwest Angle belongs to the US because of a map maker's error.

Horses pulling a sleigh across the frozen lake.
Bath Time

Once again I'm sorry for my horrible scanning and editing skills. Maybe skills isn't the word I should even be using.

St. Patrick's Day 5K

On St. Patrick's Day, I went to town for a 5K run. The race was held to benefit the Senior Living Center.

Lot's o' green there. We got to town nice and early to register. What a beautiful day! The sun was out and everyone was dressed in green and cute costumes.

I went to the race with Nikki, a friend I met through Jenny. Nikki also works at the famous Jerry's. It's fun to meet people up here that I have things in common with--to do things I actually know about! Nikki and I both enjoy running, but the difference is that she is very good at it. She has done at least one marathon and has one planned for the fall. I have only done half-marathons this far in my life. The full marathon is undecided for me at this point. I ran a half-marathon in Leavenworth right before getting pregnant with Andie. The first 10 miles were a breeze...then mile 11 was angry like you stole it's parking spot. Miles 12 and 13 were just pain and suffering that I hadn't expected. Thus, I can't imagine doubling that........yet. I have to see what the summers bring as far as work hours. If I can find time to train perhaps I'll consider it.

The tallest leprechaun in Warroad.

There were about 5 of these ladies. Very fun and festive. I won't confirm or deny that at least one of them had a cocktail before the race even started.

My big finish. Nikki finished far enough ahead of me that she got the camera and took my picture. I came in 11th of 32 for my age group and one minute under my goal time, so I'm happy with that. I'm a mid-pack type of runner. And no, I'm not going to list my time. Not until I find one that is satisfactory!

Nikki getting her medal! She finished first in our age group and second female overall.
Later she won an ID bracelet for runners as a door prize. It's kind of funny considering she trains up here in the woods. If someone found her laying on the side of the road, they would know who she was. Or, as she pointed out, she could get attacked by a wolf and he could eat her arm off and take the bracelet with it. The door prizes would be much different for a race held at the Angle, that's for sure. ** Congratulations! You've won a tiny little fishing pole and a beaver pelt!**

A fun St. Patty's costume.

My grand winnings in the door prize drawing. Perfect for lattes. How did they know?

Celebrating at the bar after. It's St. Patrick's day and we are in Minnesota. Of course the race would be held right outside a bar! It would be wrong if it wasn't. Come to think of it, I didn't stop at the water table during the race. They may have been handing out beer there.

Nikki with her medal and her "Race Bling" sign for being second female overall. We had a tasty lunch and a couple drinks before heading to the grocery store and then home.

I spend a lot of time learning new things about my surroundings and feeling like an idiot, adjusting to this new climate, worrying about this big journey we've taken on, and missing home. But this---this was just for me and my own self-satisfaction. It raised my spirits. This was a good day.

What A Difference 5 Days Makes!

On Sunday of last week Rick, Tyson and I went out to load firewood for heating Brian's house and the garage. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining. Some family bonding while being productive at the same time.

In the very center of this picture is a gray deerstand. That is what they sit in while hunting deer up here. It's high off the ground. You can see the black spot that is the window and the gray square shape of the stand.

Tyson with his "chainsaw". He does a really impressive sound effect for it. Impressive and LOUD.

On this day we wore heavy coats and gloves. Rick, and of course Tyson, did the cutting and I helped load it in the truck.

Then 5 days later we went again and it was spring!!! Can you believe these pictures were taken in the same week? No gloves, no coats, no snowpants. Just a bit windy.

Tyson will be 3 in June. That's when the sweat and hard work will start. For now he can load wood and other odd jobs.

Andie shielded from the wind in the Baby Bjorn. I wasn't as much help on this trip since I had the baby strapped on. Tyson and I did a lot of puddle jumping and throwing things in the water to see how big a splash we could make.

I cannot begin to say how happy I am to see the spring weather. I feel liberated! The kids and I can spend so much more time outside and it doesn't take 30 minutes to get bundled up. My first Minnesota winter was very kind to me and made the adjustment much easier. I'm excited for the nice weather and the busy season to start up (in May) so I can see how this place works when in full swing. I've been learning about all the great history up here and can't wait to get out for some boating and hiking to see it all. I'm a warm weather and sunshine type of girl--my time has come!