My Attempt at Artsy Fartsy

Before.....                                                                                                                                     After.....

 

 

Bottled our Wine

We recently bottled the wine that we made a couple months ago.  We'll be going back in September to do it all over again.  Good wine and fun times.

Cancun May 2016

Mike and I flew to Cancun Sunday May 1st

 

From our hotel room balcony

 

Our hotel

 

 

Me at the swim up bar

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