Josh Receives his New Helmet

It was a big day this week when Josh received his new black fire helmet.  He was given a yellow hand me down when he started on the Brainerd Fire Department last October.  He was the only fire fighter with a yellow helmet.  Everyone else had a black helmet (with the exceptions of the Captains = red and the Chiefs = white).  He stood out as the rookie, that's for sure.  But Monday night the chief presented him with his brand new black helmet.  It even has his last name on the brand new placard on the front.  Congratulations Josh.  You're a great asset to that department. 

Here Josh is with his obvious yellow helmet spraying foam a few months ago.

 

Lindsey Turned 10

Last week we celebrated Lindsey's 10th birthday.  She sure is growing up fast.

The Rain Came Tumbling Down

It started raining Saturday afternoon and didn't let up until Monday afternoon.  Lake Shannon is back and has a new occupant. 

Ruby Came for a Visit

Mike's dog Ruby came to stay for a few days while he's at a conference.  She's so sweet....when she's sleeping.

Fishing Extravaganza 2016

Mike, Josh, Me and Makita

My Grandson Kyle was Sworn in to the Army National Guards Today

Gary Alan February 13, 2016

St Patrick's Parade - Brainerd 2016

Stangel's enjoying the warm weather and the Brainerd St Patrick's Parade

Slainte'

 

Grand Marshal's Fire Chief Tim and Deputy Chief Makita

Making Wine

Last night a group of us (Mike, Ellie, Dave, Tyler, Makita and myself) gathered at Our Winehouse in Deerwood and made 4 batches of various wines.   We will go back in May and bottle it.

Mike Smokes a Couple Chickens on Superbowl Sunday

Bye bye winter......

Are they running out of things to put in these things???

Little Visitor

We have several little visitors show up each day to see what treats they can find near the bird feeders.

Irish Acres Sunset December 17, 2015

Storm Cleanup Continues

We continue to clean up down trees after the storm last July.  Ellie and Dave Boeckermann have been helping a bunch.  We just keep plugging along as there is so much more to do.

Winter Has Finally Arrived

Had some snow during the night.  It's supposed to continue on and off during the day.  Yesterday we could see green grass, so this is really delayed this year.

Photo at Sunset as I landed in Chicago last week

Trip to Hailey Idaho

From my hotel window in Hailey Idaho.

July 2015 Storm Cleanup

A huge "thank you" to everyone that came out to Irish Acres to help with the storm cleanup this past weekend.  What a mess!  And it was HOT out, which made it exhausting to work.  Thanks to: Ellie and Dave Boeckermann, Jerry and Peggy Palm, Bill and Shirley Bruers, Dick Borden, Steve, Matt and Steven George Rudnik (who came all the way from Grafton ND - 5 hours each way).  Everyone showed up with all kinds of equipment: chainsaws, 4 wheelers, wood splitter, nippers and their gloves.  I even saw a "pick-a-roo" in use.  Not to mention food.  At one point we had Bill and Shirley run to get more food, water and beer.  We drank cases and cases of water during the day and a few cases of beer at the "after party".  I also want to give a shout out/thank you to Kurt and Robin Hopp who wanted to be there but were unable.  They stopped by on Friday and left their trailer for us to use and brought 2 cases of water and 2 cases of beer for the crew. 

July 2015 Storm