By Nancy Henke   Thu, Nov 19, 2009

Lakestyle was founded in 2000 with one goal, to celebrate the lake lifestyle.  We do this by bringing original information and ideas tailored just for lake home and cabin owners (or those that would like to have one).  Each "issue" is full of stories that offer suggestions, tips, tricks or ideas that help you make the most of your life on the lake.  If it doesn't have special relevance to lake home or cabin owners, we won't cover it.

Our regular departments include:

• Lake Things We Like:  We scour the world for products and services that are of particular value to lake home and cabin owners and share them with you here.
• The Lakestyle Featured Home:  An in depth look into a beatiful lake home that you can use as you plan changes to your home.
• Lakestyle Gardening and Landscaping: A focus on making the most of your lakefront yard.
• Lakestyle Entertaining: What is happening in and around lakes and how you can enjoy yours.
• On the Water:  Boats, boating, docks, water toys.  If it is done on the water, you'll find it here.
• Lakestyle Getaways:  Even lake people travel.  In Lakestyle Getaways we cover travel ideas and resort reviews for those times when you leave your own shore.  
• At the Cabin:  Just for those that have a lake home as their cabin or cottage. 
• Lakestyle Q&A:  Got a lake related question?  We'll get you an answer.  

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A:  Freed from the long production schedule and other limitations of print, Lakestyle releases "issues" on as the information becomes available and is pulled together into an "issue".  Other than that, Lakestyle Magazine online is just like the print version.  Full of original stories with great photography.

Q: What is an "issue"

A:  An "issue" is a batched release of a group of stories much like an offline magazine.   

Q:  How often will an issue be "printed"

A:  No more frequently than once a week and no less frequently than quarterly.  We will release an issue of Lakestyle when there are enough related and interesting articles to batch into a single release.  Generally, this will be monthly but during the spring and summer, it may be as frequently as weekly while in the winter months (when many cabins are closed and many lakes frozen) there may be only one issue each quarter.

Q:  If the schedule isn't set, how will I know to visit lakestyle.com to see new content? 

A:  You can visit as frequently as you like (and we certainly hope you do whenever you have a lake related question) but to make it easier we will send out an email summary with each issue.  Click here to get on our complementary update list.   Here is our commitment to you:

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A:  Email us at comments@lakestyle.com.  Please note: unsolicited articles or other correspondance sent to Lakestyle is the exclusive property of Bayside Publications, Inc. and Lakestyle Magazine and may be used without compensation by Lakestyle.  Lakestyle reserves all electronic and print rights to all unsolicited correspondance. 

 

By Eric Sparling   Sun, Nov 30, 2008

Doug Miller is an entrepreneur.

It's not what you think. Sure, the lawyer owns his own business, a real estate title company, and yes, it's expanded to include eight locations and more than 70 employees. But the Minnetonka resident uses the word entrepreneur in a broader sense. To him, it reflects his approach to life.

An entrepreneur isn't just focused on money. Rather, entrepreneurs seek out projects that are fun, creative and meaningful, says Miller.

"I am very passionate about many things I do," he says, and the father of three applies that passion to "everything [he] does."

Nowhere is this more evident than when he talks about his photography. His enthusiasm is clear over the phone as he relates his adventures hiking through Carver Preserve, in the Three Rivers Park district, with a tripod-mounted camera slung over one shoulder.

"My best shots always occur around water," he says, telling stories of treasured pictures, whether it's a droplet on a twig, a bird touching the surface of a lake, or a bead of water nestled in a flower. Of the latter, he says that looking intently at a flower, then capturing its veins and pollen on film, can be "like traveling in another world."

Passionate, indeed.

Miller discovered photography in high school. Although he never had any "formal training," he did have a good friend with his own dark room. From a film SLR in his teens, through an entry-level digital camera, to more advanced, digital SLRs today, the lawyer's had a decades-long love affair with photography.

  

It's hard to place Miller on the amateur-professional sliding scale. He doesn't make his living from photography, but his best work is clearly saleable. The entrepreneur does, in fact, make some money from his photos, and he earmarks that income for buying new photography equipment and paying for prints, professionally produced by Amy Webster, of Webster Photo Services.

Miller is more than just a dilettante, though. He is an artist whose other passion- business and real estate law- has freed him from the financial pressures so often associated with the artist's life.

"I don't think I ever go out to shoot to sell something," he says. In fact, while he acknowledges that he would benefit from professional training- a one-on-one informal apprenticeship with a pro, perhaps- he worries that learning too many tricks of the trade might spoil some of the fun. In his view, a step-by-step procedure to create a great shot would, to some extent, sap out the creativity.

A successful entrepreneur knows when opportunity knocks, however, and he doesn't pass up chances to improve his craft. When he took a three-week voyage to Antarctica, one of the other passengers was Bob Kris, a photographer for National Geographic. Miller seized the opportunity to observe and shadow a master.

"I learned some wonderful things from that man," he says, "and he was very kind and generous with his tips."

Trips abroad are Miller's "down time"; a chance to escape the pressures of work, lose himself in nature, and hopefully capture some of that natural beauty with his camera. His trips have taken him to many exotic locations, from the aforementioned Antarctica to the Galapagos Islands, and the Azores to Central America.

"I have a very chaotic lifestyle, so my sanity is [being] out there shooting."

The photographer would encourage readers to pick up a camera when they're at the cottage. Sometimes it can take an entire weekend at the cabin just to unwind, says Miller. You're finally relaxed on Sunday night, but then it's back to work the next morning.

An early morning photo shoot on a still lake, however, "transports you" to a holiday frame of mind, he says.

Quotable Miller

"The most important [thing] for taking a good photograph is your sense of composition."

"You're not going to take your best photographs when the sun is directly overhead... a lot more color comes out when the sun's going down."

"I almost always use a tripod."

"Find a unique perspective that no one else will see."

When it comes to equipment, Miller says hobbyists can take great shots with a basic digital point-and-shoot, as long as it has a good quality optical zoom- not just a digital zoom- and manual settings with a preview mode. "It's a beautiful, easy, hands-on way to learn photography," he says.

More of Doug Miller's photos can be viewed at his web-site, www.loonseye.com.

     

By Eric Sparling   Sun, Nov 30, 2008

"Hell."

That's the word Tricia Clement uses to describe her family's ordeal last fall. When she and her husband, Dave, took their son David into the hospital on October 18th, they knew it might be serious. The eight-year-old was "extremely confused and disoriented." As they rushed into the hospital, he started to slip into unconsciousness.

What they weren't prepared for- how could they be? - was a tumor. More precisely, an ependymoma.

It was located in their son's brain.

The surgeon assigned to the case gave them some reason to hope.

Some.

"With complete removal of the tumor, and radiation," Clement quotes the doctor's words, "it could be a cure."

The Clements, who hail from Sudbury, a small city in northern Ontario, spent five weeks in or near the provincial capital, Toronto, much of it at Sick Kids Hospital- one of Canada's top public facilities. Her husband cared for their six-year old, Benjamin, at home, but made the five hour drive down on weekends.

The tumor was removed on the 10th of November, 2005. David underwent 32 radiation treatments, and was declared cancer free.

End of story, right? Not quite. Increasingly, caregivers and medical professionals are recognizing what families have always known: the cure is just the beginning of getting better.

The Clements needed help. They got it in the form of Cottage Dreams.

Seana O'Neill knows what it's like to see a loved one struggling with cancer. She also knows the value of a little breathing room- an opportunity for cancer patients and their families to reflect on what they've been through, heal hurts, then get excited about moving forward.

Cottage Dreams (CD) is the brainchild of O'Neill. The charity is based in Haliburton- in her estimation, along with Muskoka and Parry Sound, one of Ontario's three prime lake cottage centers. Cottage Dream's mandate is to match philanthropic cottage owners with cancer survivors, providing the latter with a free-of-charge Sunday to Friday cottage vacation.

O'Neill is fortunate. Growing up, her family had a cottage. When her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 years ago, O'Neill saw the way the family's retreat by the water became a safe harbor for her mother.

The charity founder bought her own cottage back in 2002. She spent her maternity leave there. But when she was faced with returning to work- she was employed in Toronto's film industry- it struck her as unfortunate that her cottage would sit empty most of the year.

That was when it occurred to her: How many cottage owners could spare a week, just one week, each year to make a difference in the lives of people recovering from cancer?

As it turns out, quite a few.

O'Neill first floated the Cottage Dreams idea to her friends at a Labour Day party. Everyone thought it was a splendid thought. The next step was to contact a lawyer, as well as a real estate agent who specialized in cottages. The agent sent out letters to a hundred clients. Within two weeks, ten had written back expressing interest in participating.

By the time Labour Day weekend rolled around the next year, the dream had become a reality. Cottage Dreams had charitable status and a board of directors. Most importantly, it had placed its first six families.

"I think we'll reach 150 by the end of the year."

O'Neill is talking on the phone from CD headquarters. The charity has grown considerably from 2003. Upwards of 450 cottage owners have offered their cottages. The charity's goal this year was to do 100 placements. They'll exceed that goal by fifty-percent. The goal next year will be 300.

Unless funding, or lack thereof, gets in the way.

In 2004, CD received a grant from the Ontario government of $204,000, to be spread over three years. The last installment arrives in 2007. The government also pays the salaries of some of CD's staff- part of a Ministry of Human Resources employment program. But that funding ends even sooner, this coming fall.

She's met with the Ministers of Health federally and provincially. Both say they want to help. Neither has made a commitment. Sustainable funding was CD's biggest obstacle to going national. Now it's proving to be an impediment to their very survival.

O'Neill hopes the private sector will step in, preferably with some big donations. Reaching corporate decision makers isn't easy though.

"Getting into a boardroom is like phoning [the White House] and asking to speak with George Bush. It just doesn't happen," she says.

It was an article in the Toronto Star newspaper that first caught Edie Barley's eye. Then she and her husband, Phil, noticed an ad in Cottage Life, an Ontario-based magazine that donates space to Cottage Dreams in every issue.

The Barley's cottage is in Bala, on the Moon River, located in the aforementioned Muskoka region. It's an older place, but the two families who've stayed there for free vacations don't seem to mind one bit.

It was just this past June that they had guests. A woman, with a four year old child who was in remission. The previous September, back in 2005, it was the mother who had survived cancer.

Phil says he knows the healing power of cottage country. "They need emotional care... it's mending the family more than anything else."

Edie has had a couple of "minor bouts" with skin cancer and, in her words, "We all know somebody... who's been through it." After hearing about CD, the right decision was easy for her: "If it helps them heal, what the heck, let's donate the cottage."     

The cancer care model is based on killing the illness. What resources there are get devoted to that single-minded goal.

O'Neill thinks the care model needs to be expanded. Cancer hurts families. It leaves children frightened, spouses depressed, finances shaky, and cancer survivors bewildered.

The charity founder describes a grim scenario: A woman- a mother with two children. Mommy suddenly gets sick. The children are young, too young to really understand. But their mother's hair has disappeared and she can't get out of bed. Perhaps the kids have to live with grandparents, or the family's finances are so strained that piano lessons and soccer have to be abandoned.

Then, one day, mommy comes home and announces she's "better." But the truth is, while she may be "better," she's not yet well, and neither is her family.

Women who've had mastectomies struggle with intimacy, says O'Neill, and children need help becoming children again.

Lance Armstrong's high profile bout with cancer has helped bring "survivorship" into the spotlight, says the advocate, but a lot more still needs to be done. In the meantime, governments don't' have a line in the budget for the work being done by Cottage Dreams. Says O'Neill, "You're not research, you're not care, you're not breast cancer, you're not prostate, you're not children, you're not the elderly."

In fact, CD is most of those things- it's just not any one of them exclusively.

The Clements have just returned from a holiday.

During David's illness, the residents of Sudbury really got involved in helping the family. The studio where the eight-year old took dance lessons raffled gift baskets at Christmas.

Friends and coworkers had collections. A nurse assigned to their case helped them access local resources. Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC) helped them financially.

And Cottage Dreams came through with one week of summer bliss on 12 Mile Bay, just off LakeHuron's Georgian Bay.

"We actually got to meet the owner...," says Tricia Clement. She later adds, "They're obviously wonderful people."

Life has improved for the Clements since their scare at the end of last year. David's spirits are high, although he bears scars from his ordeal: epilepsy, controlled by medication, and a neurological tic that causes him to cough incessantly when he's awake.

Tricia says her son's "a little sensitive" about his cough, but he doesn't feel sorry for himself: "He said he was glad that he had cancer because he got to meet a lot of people."

What did a week at a lake cottage mean to the Clements? It meant "just being a family, and getting back to that."

"I don't even know what we talked about," she says, and chuckles. Then she adds, "We laughed a lot."

For more information on Cottage Dreams, please go to their web-site at www.cottagedreams.org

By Amir Efrati   Sun, Nov 30, 2008

 

The Home Front: Cabin Fever

In Growing Log-Home Market; More Gripes Over Bugs & Rot.

Calling in the ‘Log Doctor’

In 2003, Tom and Beth Galati built their dream house- a frontier-style four-bedroom cabin in Mt. Jackson, Va. Like most log homes, it arrived in a kit- in this case, a $130,000 shipment of about 200 pine logs that were ready to be assembled into a 4,600-square-foot residence. “Log homes are the epitome of ‘American’,” says Mr. Galati, a 30-year-old director of a medical laboratory. “They’re awesome.”

Two years and $900,000 later, the Galatis are still working on making the place awesome. Many of the doors don’t close properly because the local contractor they hired didn’t leave space above the doorways for the logs to settle, says Mr. Galati. Workers “drew on the logs and stained over it- so you can see words and numbers on our logs,” he says. “It’s like having hieroglyphics in my house.”

In the past decade, interest in log homes has exploded. More than 25,000 log homes are built annually, compared with about 7,000 a year in the mid-1980s, according to trade publisher Home Buy Publications. They’ve also become something of a status symbol. Celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates have all bee high-profile log-home owners.

But there’s a problem: Many log homes are starting to fall apart. Eager contractors (and eager customers who hire them without proper due diligence) are taking on log-home assembly jobs even if they’ve never done them before. “It’s like asking a doctor who specializes in broken bones to do heart surgery,” says log-home builder Scott Campbell of Clyde, N.C.


The problems have even spawned a cottage industry of people who do nothing but repair log homes- they’re called “log doctors”. Tracy Hansen, who’s based in Jackson, Wyo., and trains new log doctors, estimates there are more than 200 repair companies, up from about 55 years ago. “There’s a need for more,” he says.


While they may look simple, log homes are difficult to build and maintain. In time, logs lose moisture and shrink, warp and twist, pushing down on windows and doorways and creating small gaps in walls. Stains that repel water must be redone every few years. When stains aren’t applied correctly or lose strength, logs may rot and need replacement. Many log homes are vulnerable to infestations of bugs such as flies or wasps.

Log homes are more expensive to build, too. On average, they cost 25% to 50% more than usual homes because of their labor-intensive construction, says Robbin Obomsawin, an Oneida, N.Y. log-home builder. Logs weighing as much as 1,000 pounds must be stacked on top of one another, and windows and doors must be cut out of the walls.

One of the effects of log homes’ increased popularity is that people are building them in some inhospitable places. Robin and Richard Scarborough’s four-bedroom log home in Malibu, California, showed no signs of trouble when they bought it two years ago for about $1.3 million. The two-story home, built in 1995, sits on a 2,000 foot ridge overlooking the coastline, which makes it vulnerable to foul weather. The original builders didn’t install roof overhangs that were long enough to shield the house from the elements. In addition, when Mr. and Mrs. Scarborough bought the home, neither he, an environmental home inspector, nor the log-home inspector he hired caught the wood rot and termite problems because the previous owner had concealed the damage with paint. “It was a major disaster,” Mr. Scarborough says.

For many log-home owners, the roots of their dissatisfaction have to do with the way the log-home industry operates. More than three quarters of all log homes are kit homes, says Edwin J. Burke, a professor of wood science at the University of Montana’s College of Forestry. Log-home kits are purchased from a vendor and then shipped to the customer’s site to be put together. In most cases, the company that ships the kid isn’t the company that builds the house. “That’s the easy money,” says Evan Balazsi, a Kenly, N.C., log-home builder. “Then the companies leave it to the homeowner to get the home erected, and they run into problems,” he says. After Michael and Bonnie Woodward spoke with the satisfied customers of a traditional home builder in New York state, they hired that builder to complete their two-story vacation log home on Seneca Lake. The couple paid $425,000 for the logs and signed a contract with the builder for $895,000. After two years of work, Mr. Woodward says the house suffered from mold and log rot due to the fact that the builder left logs exposed to the elements for too long. He says the builder also allowed a leak to occur between the chimney and roof because he didn’t anticipate that the logs would settle.

Splinter Shock

Log-home owners deal with a different set of problems that most traditional homeowners face. Below are some of the common issues of log-home living, and what can be done to fix or avoid them.

PROBLEM: Bug infestation
COMMENTS: Flies or wasps can enter through cracks that develop in the wood or gaps between logs. Certain borate treatments applied to the exterior of the home can help prevent beetle, termite, and ant problems.

PROBLEM: Cracks and gaps
COMMENTS: When logs dry, cracks may open up in the wood, allowing water and insects inside. Some log doctors use thermal imaging to find cracks (cost: about $1,500). Caulking and sealing costs between $1,000 and $10,000, says Tracy Hansen, a log doctor in Jackson, Wyo.
 
PROBLEM: Settling
COMMENTS: Logs may shrink and twist as they dry over time, so gaps should be left above doors and windows to allow for log movement.

PROBLEM: Log rot
COMMENTS: Log walls that are regularly exposed to rain and snow can rot. Large roof overhangs are recommended to draw water away from exterior walls, says Steve White, a Seattle log-home builder.

PROBLEM: Stain failure
COMMENTS: If applied right, log stains, which help prevent rot, last about five years. Applying a log stain costs “$5,000 and up,” says Robert Wielhouwer of Crystal Clear Home Services in Farner, N.C. Annual inspections are necessary, he says.

“He told us he was an expert at log homes but he had no idea what to do,” says Mr. Woodward, a 58-year-old executive with a financial-management firm. Mr. Woodward directs some of the blame at himself. “We weren’t knowledgeable about the difference between regular and log construction.” In December, the Woodwards filed a lawsuit in Monroe County, N.Y., against their contractor. The contractor didn’t respond to repeated requests for comment.

The Galatis have taken their matter to court, too. Their contractor, Freddie Neal, says log homes are a “very minor part” of his business and that the Galatis “brag” about their house and “have told us some positive things.” He agreed there was a problem with the roof but says his subcontractors offered to redo it. In regard to the lawsuit, filed in Shenandoah County, Va., Mr. Neal says the Galatis are “totally incorrect” in their assertions of what went wrong, but declined to elaborate.

Mistakes in custom-home building aren’t exclusive to log-home construction, Jeremy Bertrand, executive director of the National Association of Home Builders’ Log Homes Council, which represents 55 log manufacturers and builders, says that if unqualified log-home builders are indeed causing problems “it’s in a small percentage of the homes” being built. Others in the log-home industry say the problem is widespread and expanding. Steve White, a director of the Log Home Builder’s Association of North America, says his group gets three calls a week from log-home owners with problems, up from two or three times a month five years ago. In Ellijay, Ga., lawyer Herman Clark says that last year in his area there were about a dozen lawsuits that involved poor construction of log homes, compared with half as many five years ago.

A remedy may be at hand. This fall, the International Code Council, which develops U.S. construction codes and standards, is expected to adopt the first log-building codes that will make contractors accountable to national codes and standards, says Marc Nard, an ICC senior technical staff member. The codes would be available to house inspectors when they take effect next year.

The hassles log homes can present don’t always lead to regrets about owning one. Mr. Scarborough of Malibu, Calif., says he spent about $80,000 for repairs but still feels luck. “It’s such a gorgeous home,” he says. Plus, construction difficulties don’t seem to have an adverse effect on the house’s resale value in this heated market. The price of the home has risen to around $1.8 million, up more than 40% in the past two years.

By Lee Hoedl   Sun, Nov 30, 2008

Once again the planet Earth reaches the point of its revolution around the Sun where the deceptive season of autumn gracefully emerges; the season often perceived as bringing about the complacent resignation of Nature. It is the season that is often labeled as “the season of decline.” And yet, the irony rests in the mesmerizing reflective nature of this particular season; it is anything but complacent. Rather than allowing Nature to quietly resign itself to a long period of dormancy, autumn comes alive with its own sense of activity, of questioning…of magic. It is in this particular season when questions, hypotheses and soul searching reach their peak around a crisp autumn fire. Listen closely and one can hear the inquisitive nature of youth: Why does a rainbow have the same colors, in the same order, each time? Where does wind come from? What creates daydreams in our mind? Is Santa Claus real? How come we don’t get goose bumps more often? Why does laughter feel so good? How can everything smell different from everything else and how do we know that? What does love really feel like? Why do marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate taste so good when prepared over an open fire? And, of course, the age-old questions of the autumn season: Why and how are the days getting “shorter?” What really makes the leaves change different colors and fall off the trees? And maybe, just maybe, if we listen carefully, we will hear the echoes of our own childhood grace and innocence through our own child’s inquiries.

It is this season of autumn that not only brings on childlike reflection but it also ushers in a solemn and reflective silence; a matured silence upon which our own questions are posed. Our questions concerning the grandeur of Life’s journey, as well as doubt and pain surround Life’s misfortunes. Our questions steeped in our personal inadequacies and helplessness against the process of Life unfolding. And our questions teeming with fascination, wonder and hope as we step waist-high into Life’s current again and again.

It is in this season, wrapped within this childlike reflection and layered among the matured silence, that we are graciously reminded once again of the magic in the mystery.

In 1986, a revised edition of The Big Book of Tell Me Why was published in an attempt to assist adults in answering the puzzling and perennial questions posed by children, such as: How are crayons made? What are freckles? What makes up a raindrop? What makes mirrors work? What happened to the dinosaurs? For each question posed within the book, there appears to be a relatively simple and straight-forward answer, if the individual would have only had the time in the first place to research each specific question. But the research is mute, as the book provides the answer that elevates every adult and parent to genius status in the eyes of their young ones. This particular 1986 edition was a compilation of three volumes in one book! So even though my son was only three years old at the time of my discovery of this book, it was a hard cover I had to have in my possession. I would be ready for the day when my child would pose that first inquisitive why. And that first why came during a lazy early autumn afternoon…

“Daddy, what makes clouds like those in the sky?”

It was a perfect child’s question and one that was within the realm of this book’s focus. I quickly rambled off a short soliloquy of the initial development of a cloud, much to my satisfaction.

“But Daddy, what makes the clouds look like animals in the sky?”

This was not a question I was prepared for nor was it a subject addressed by the book. I nervously searched my collective thoughts as to an immediate explanation:

Atmospheric pressure? High and low pressure systems intermingling? Jet stream interference? Nothing satisfactory came to me. So, while sitting in the early autumn grass with my son staring at the clouds, I answered honestly, “I really don’t know, Leo. I guess Life just make the clouds that way.”

Pleased, Leo smiled and replied, “Yep, that’s right, Daddy.”

For most elements and phenomena within this Life, there is a definitive or conjectured physical explanation and there is a drive within us to seek out that explanation. The laws of physics and science have been explored, tested and retested and they seem to holdfast in our physical world. Research continues to be conducted in vast amounts across innumerable areas of our world and cosmos; the overwhelming majority of it focused on the how of our life. And yet, regardless of the human scientific explanation, there is and will always be a guaranteed element of what I have come to refer to as the glorious “magic in the mystery.”

The “magic in the mystery” is that question just beyond the initial how. It is that moment when we go beyond exploring the basic functioning of Life and head directly into the why of that Life. Why do the initial cells suddenly explode at the subatomic level and begin to divide into the beginning cells and membranes of human life? Why does our own galaxy continue to rotate in the fashion it does so as to annually create the seasons? Why does the very origin of a small breeze in our backyard ultimately affect the weather over a distant continent? Why does light bend through rain drops to produce such a uniform and magnificent rainbow every time? And what suddenly ignites that spark that blossoms into an unexplainable and lifelong love between two very different souls? It’s that place where scientific analysis ends and childlike fascination begins. It’s the magic in the mystery, my friend.

No matter how much we are able to dissect a phenomenon or process (natural or human-created) to the most basic understanding of its how, there will always remain a certain element of mystery and wonder in its why. I have heard of this why defined as a spiritual connectedness; Life’s unrelenting will and desire to continue on. I have also heard this mystery referred to as the “God element” found in all things and processes. As it has been explained to me, one can break any matter down to its most fundamental composition and its smallest particle, and there will still remain one vibrant sub-element within that particle and composition- the God element that sustains Life.

Regardless of how the why is defined, we have all experienced its breathtaking magic. We have held the hand of a loved one and have wondered, “How could I be so lucky to have this person in my life?” We have all witnessed a glorious natural landscape and have marveled, “It’s so beautiful that a photograph will never do it justice.” And we have viewed images in person and via television that have touched our heart and brought tears to our eyes and we’ve lamented, “I wish there was more I could do.” What could possibly cause this connection with one another and with Life itself? The magic in the mystery.

What causes a disease to seemingly avoid one person, while ravaging the body of another? Why would a person’s physical existence come to an abrupt end at the very prime of their life? Why would an entire continent of human beings sit on the brink of starvation while others only 1000 miles away feast in abundance? They are powerful questions to ask and within them lay the magic in the mystery as well, my friend. The mystery of our life is often answered in the “how” of many questions. It is easy to explain how a cloud forms, but it is much more difficult to explain why the cloud makes such wonderful shapes and animals. It is far easier to explain how a person’s life ceases than it is to fully grasp why this must occur. For magic to be powerful, it must leave us to wonder and to ponder and to question not only the glorious whys, but the painful whys of our life as well. It is this magic that forces us to further define and crystallize ourselves sand what is most important to us. It is this magic, beyond scientific analysis, that forces us to struggle and grow; to open ourselves up to the possibilities and opportunities that are silently unfolding before us. As unsettling as this magic may be, it is also part of the magic in the mystery.

Autumn is often misinterpreted, as are particular moments in our life, as the end; the end of growth, development and advancement. From our perspective, the leaves have turned and fallen; the harshness of winter lies just around the corner. From our perspective as well, circumstances in our life may have turned and our choices and chances may have all but dried up, while the harshness of the unknown lie just ahead for us. Perhaps this is why each autumn season witnesses a welling up of that matured silence within each of us. It is in this silence where our why questions have been forming throughout our busied year. And in this silence and autumn calm, we continue to seek

Autumn is that season of unseen activity where Nature is busily preparing itself for the upcoming year of growth. With autumn, trees and plants naturally and chemically sense that cold weather is soon approaching, so it sheds itself of all unnecessary elements. It is Nature’s inherent process of simultaneously protecting itself and preparing itself. At the same time, somehow Nature is also aware that spring is not that far off and is ready to open its buds for another glorious season of growth and beauty. It doesn’t fully understand why this seasonal process occurs, it simply waits and is patient for just the right time and the right season.

When we have been hurt or pained and Life turns cold, we withdraw. It’s just as natural as trees and plants shedding their leaves for the season. But it isn’t meant to end there; there is no room for complacent resignation in our life. A vital part of Life is learning to prepare ourselves to open up and trust again after the hurt has occurred and the loss has been felt. Even through our seasons of pain, doubt and questions, we have to believe that we are assured a new season of spring in the not-so-distant future. We can’t ever simply stop asking why, but we need to be patient through all of our questions and not settle for the first textbook answer to come along. Often times, it’s most likely an answer that is not right for us or those interacting with us. And beyond those initial answers most often lies a time of new opportunity and new growth, within the right time and the right season.

As autumn unfolds its splendid shades and hues, it is nice to be subtly reminded that we are continually called into the mystery of Life so as to explore it, explain it, understand it, utilize it and celebrate it. But we are also called far beyond the mystery of Life, deep into the magic of it all. It’s not enough to simply make sense of it, but we need to accept much of it in all of its unfathomable mystery and simply marvel at it as well. Many questions are not meant to be answered, but simply “lived through.” It’s on the other side of these questions, where the true magic lies.

Perhaps it is true that much of the human journey will never be readily explained away. And perhaps Life just makes it that way. “Yep, that’s right, Daddy.”

POST NOTE: It should be noted that Arkady Leokum’s book, The Big Book of Tell Me Why, remains one of the quintessential books to have in any parent’s library. It serves not only as a very useful resource to all those wonderful childhood questions, but it also remains a poignant reminder of the magic in the mystery that will forever remain in Life.

By Teri Bennett   Sun, Nov 30, 2008

Autumn is such a picturesque time of year that it's nice to entertain outdoors as much as possible. The colorful falling leaves adorn everything adding to the beauty of your setting. The cooling temperatures always make me want to begin cooking comfort foods. Often times those very foods are in the same color palette as the fall backdrop making for an easy theme of warm fall colors.

For this small dinner gathering I brought out my red table and chairs and placed them on my patio. For a tablecloth you can use almost anything; a blanket, a piece of fabric, or add scarves, table runners or smaller pieces of fabric layered over a tablecloth. The red corduroy I used on my table was just the right texture and color for the dishes I planned on using. The pop of color made everything look good. I found a floral arrangement I my house that I brought out for a centerpiece, and added leaves, nuts and apples for depth and more color. The red geraniums were still blooming and made our patio look rich and full. Just gather some pots from around your home and add to the scene to make it feel special.

The menu on the following pages is not only delicious, but most of the items can be prepared ahead of time allowing you to spend time with your guests. It's great for a few friends, or can also be adapted for a larger crowd. Take advantage of this beautiful season and lakeside entertaining before winter comes!

Beef Brisket
Braised with Dried Fruit, Yams and Carrots

• 3 T. vegetable oil
• 3 medium onions, chopped
• 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 t. paprika
• ½ t. ground allspice
• ¼ t. dried crushed red pepper
• 3 ½ c. chicken stock or canned broth
• 1 ½ c. dry red wine
• 3 bay leaves
• One 4 lb. boneless first-cut beef brisketPaprika
• One 6 oz. package dried apricots
• 1 ½ c. pitted prunes
• 3 lbs. yams, peeled, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
• 6 large carrots, peeled, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces  
• Minced fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Heat oil in large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until beginning to brown, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes. Add paprika, allspice and crushed red pepper and stir 20 seconds. Add chicken stock, wine, and bay leaves. Boil 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Sprinkle brisket with paprika and rub in. Add brisket to pot, fat side up. Add dried apricots and pitted prunes. Cover and bake 1 ½ hours.

Add yams and carrots to pot. Cover and cook until brisket is very tender, about 2 ½ hours longer. Remove from oven and let stand 20 minutes. Remove brisket from pot and slice thinly across grain. Arrange on platter. Remove grease from pan drippings and spoon pan juices over meat. Arrange fruit and vegetables around meat. Garnish with minced fresh parsley and serve.

Can be prepared two days ahead. Cover and refrigerate before slicing meat. To serve, remove meat from pot and slice thinly across grain. Remove any solid fat from sauce. Return sliced meat to pot and place in 325 degree oven and bake until brisket is heated through, about 30 minutes.

Serves 8

Dilly Casserole Bread

• 1 pkg. dry yeast
• ¼ c. warm water
• 1 c. creamy cottage cheese (heated to lukewarm)
• 2 T. sugar
• 1 T. minced onion
• 2 T. butter
• 1 T. dill seed
• 1 t. salt
• ¼ t. soda
• 1 egg
• 2 ¼ - 2 ½ c. sifted flour

Soften yeast in water. Combine in mixing bowl the softened yeast, cottage cheese, sugar, onion, butter, dill seed, salt, soda and egg. Add flour gradually to form a stiff batter, beating well after each addition. Cover. Let rise in a warm place until light and double in size, 50-60 minutes. Stir down batter. Turn into well greased 8" round casserole (1 ½- 2 qt). Let rise in a warm place until light, 30-40 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes, until golden brown. Brush with soft butter and sprinkle with salt.
   
Corn Casserole

• 1 c. sour cream
• 1 can whole kernel corn (do not drain)
• 1 can cream-style corn
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 box Jiffy corn bread mix
• 1 egg beaten

Mix together and pour into greased casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

Pumpkin Bars

• 4 eggs
• 1 2/3 c. sugar
• 1 c. cooking oil
• One 14 oz. can pumpkin
• 2 c. sifted flour
• 2 t. baking powder
• 2 t. cinnamon
• 1 t. salt
• 1 t. baking soda

Beat together eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and soda. Add to pumpkin mixture, mix thoroughly. Spread batter in ungreased jelly roll pan (approx. 15" x 10" x 1").

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Let cool and frost.

Frosting

• 4 oz. cream cheese
• ½ c. butter or margarine, softened to room temperature
• 1 t. vanilla
• 2 c. powdered sugar

Cream together cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Slowly add powdered sugar and continue to cream together. Add vanilla, mix well. Spread on cooled bars.

Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.

By Lakestyle Staff   Sun, Nov 30, 2008

 

Autumn colors create a beauty so magnificent it motivates us all to pull out cameras and try our hand at capturing it.  The palette can provide for a warm backdrop, or can be the focal point.  Here are some tips to help you capture the beauty and memories of your lake lifestyle.

Composition:  As you look through the camera lens be thinking about your focal point (or center of interest) and be sure that is what you are seeing.  Without some type of center of attention your photograph will be boring as the eye won’t know where to go.  For example, instead of trying to get an entire shoreline, choose one particular thing as the center and the shoreline will make up the rest of the composition.

 

 

 

 

(Right)

(Wrong)

Foreground:  Consider whether or not something in the foreground may help enhance your photograph. Obviously you don’t want it to distract from your center of attention, so be careful with this.  In nature you will have to move around a bit to find a natural foreground.  If a person is your subject you can consider having them sit in a pile of leaves, or holding a few autumn flowers. 

(Right)

(Wrong)

Camera angle: Once you’ve determined your center of interest move about a bit and see what angle is best for your photograph’s composition.  Things always look a bit different through a camera lens because you’re cutting out your peripheral vision.  If the photograph is of a person, try taking the photograph at that person’s height or level.  Tilting the camera down or up to point it at the person can create an undesired effect of having the subject look bigger or smaller.

(Right)

(Wrong)

Distractions or intrusions:  Be sure to look around the area where you are taking the photograph for any objects you may not want in the shot, such as litter along the shoreline.  Also, make sure you don’t have something inadvertently protruding in the photograph, like a street sign out of the top of someone’s head.

(Right)

(Wrong)

Framing:  you can also use some of the same foreground objects to frame your center of attention.  A photo of a long, treed shoreline won’t reflect it’s natural beauty without some kind of perspective.  A tree with some overhanging branches can frame the photo helping your eye find the center of attention right away, and will add interest.  An object can also be used for this.  For example, a boat passing by may not be the center of attention in your photograph, but it can provide a resting spot for a person’s eye as they take in the background of fall trees and shoreline.  Foreground objects can also provide coverage of unwanted items in your photograph.  For example, a beautiful garden may have a dirty lawnmower nearby that could easily be covered in the photo if taken from behind a bush, a tree, a bench or some other object.

(Right)

(Wrong)

Light:  For best results try to take your photos as the sun emerges over the horizon or as it begins to descend from the sky.  These two angles of light will provide unparalleled results.  A photograph taken at high noon will appear much more washed out.  Be sure to aim your camera away from the sun or you will end up with a silhouette; therefore if the subject of your photograph is in the east try to take the photo late in the day.  If the subject is in the west, try photographing in the early morning for the most intense light.

(Right)

(Wrong)

Flash:  We all know to use our flash for indoor photography or when there isn’t enough light.  Be sure to use your flash when there is a strong light behind your subject as well.  A photo of your child with a beautiful sunset in the background will only create a silhouette of that child without a flash.

(Right)

(Wrong)

By Nancy Henke   Sun, Nov 30, 2008

“People are packages” my husband’s friend once told him. Everybody brings a mix of traits, some we love, and some we would just as soon live without. In the end, we have to take the whole package and celebrate the traits we love and accept some that we don’t. The wisdom of that thought has entered many a conversation, been given much consideration, and applied to so many situations over the years for both my husband and myself.

This time of year, as summer comes to a close, lake people start to think of the frenzy of living on a lake in autumn. Normal leaf raking and plant trimming is just the beginning; it’s also time to winterize boats, take down slip covers, and pull out docks. Irrigation systems from the lake need to be blown out, swimming rafts pulled in, tubes deflated and stored protectively from rodents. The list is long and in the first few years of lake living it is an exciting time, but ti seems that all the summer play time on the lake turns into a long list of tasks once fall comes.

Recently, a friend and I were commiserating about the endless tasks involved in lake life. After comparing lists of all the work that a lake home requires, I was a little down about the work that was ahead. My friend said her family was even considering moving off their lake. We both began to dream about the easy life; life without docks, without lake weeds, without splintered paddles, popped tubes and broken jet skis. The dream carried on for a bit… we daydreamed about sitting quietly in our (non-lakeshore) backyards sipping lemonade while the kids (not often found around the lakes). June and Ward Cleaver didn’t even have it that good. That was life!

Later that night my family enjoyed dinner on our deck with the privacy and view that only the lake can provide. It was idyllic. After dinner one of our kids wanted to swim, another wanted to swing, and the other two wanted to go inside. The beauty was that they all got to do what they wanted and my husband and I got to spend some time together watching them all. The next day was spent tubing, bobbing in the water, and then we had a dockside dinner. After which we met up with some friends to watch fireworks launched over the lake. This was the life! But wait a minute, just yesterday I’d felt boxed in and tied down because of the lake. Today I’m feeling like the luckiest person alive; what a mixed bag, what a…package.

We all recognize that we must take the god with the bad. Lake living has aspects that are so wonderful that they make the downside all worthwhile. Take a look at your family photo album and I bet you’ll find that many of your favorite photos take place on, or near, your lake.

Life is full of packages; yes even people are packages. Remember when you first met your spouse? What traits attracted you? Perhaps it  was their enthusiasm and emotional zest; perhaps it was the way they brought a sense of calm and peacefulness into your world. Whatever it was it made you want to spend the rest of your life with them. Now, many years down the road you may look at them and see some other traits. Their lack of enthusiasm and zest for cleaning out the garage, the way in which their calmness is eerily similar to indifference in the things you feel are important.

But people, like lakeside living, aren’t perfect. They aren’t buffet lines where we can take the traits we like and pass on the those we don’t (I can see it now, “I’ll take two helpings of loving and accepting, and one of fun to be around, but I’ll pass on the grumpy in the morning and the always late please.) No, people really are packages. They are packages of both good and bad that you’ve accepted into your life because you could see pat the bad and cherish the good. Focusing on the good can help us appreciate one another and help us feel the love that first brought us together. It can help us to feel grateful instead of bitter, loving instead of hating, and accepting rather than judging.

I love Oprah’s “grateful journal” idea. At the end of the day you are to write down several things that you are grateful for from that day in an effort to focus on the good things in life. I guess it’s a lot like counting your blessings. Practice this and, I believe, it becomes an endless list of positives, a completely beautiful way to look at the package of life.

This autumn, as we begin that long list of lake chores, or get busy with all of our back to school activities and our patience wears thing, perhaps we can take a page from that journal and focus on our lake lifestyle (or lakestyle). What aspects of lake life are we grateful for? Who knows, maybe we could even share some of these thoughts with those we love so they know just how grateful we are for the package they bring to our lives!

Lake life, and friends and loved ones. These packages are definitely worth celebrating.

                                                           Celebrating life on the water, 

By Charlie Nardozzi   Sun, Nov 30, 2008

The end of summer is near, but that doesn't necessarily mean the end of the gardening season. In most areas of the country, late summer is the ideal time to plan for your fall garden. You can plant a variety of trees, shrubs, flowers and even vegetables now to extend the gardening season well beyond columbus day. There are great advantages to fall planting. "Trees and shrubs have a better chance for success when planted during the cool fall weather," says dave Meder, general manager of Home & Garden Showplace, which represents more than 250 garden centers across the country. Plus, "creating a fall container garden is a fun and exciting way to keep the landscape inviting and attractive until the holidays," he says.

Here are some tips for expanding your gardens this fall:

• Enjoy a seasonal shopping spree. Fall is a great time to buy and plant trees and shrubs. In most parts of the country, fall's cooler temperatures and warm soils allow trees and shrubs to put on good root growth before winter and be ready to grow come spring. Plus, many nurseries are trying to unload stock before winter, so plants are often on sale. The only caveat is for gardeners in the far north; they should avoid planting evergreens in fall since the plants won't have enough time to get established and their needles may dry out during winter's cold winds.
• Plant a second wave. Most gardeners are just trying to keep up with the summer harvest, and few realize it's also a great time to plant for fall. Greens such as kale, mustard, lettuce and spinach; root crops such as beets, carrots and radishes; and cole crops such as broccoli and cauliflower all can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. They will burst to life during the cool fall days and can withstand a light frost. With a little luck and cold protection, you can be harvesting fresh vegetables until Christmas. Some plants, such as spinach, can be planted in fall, protected all winter with a floating row cover, and harvested in early spring as soon as the weather warms.
• Extend your annuals. While heat- loving annuals are winding down by the end of summer, cool-season annual flowers, such as snapdragons, pansies and primulas, can be planted now for a fall flower show. Like cool- loving vegetables, these flowers can take a light frost and make it through winter with protection.
• Change out your containers. Now is the perfect time to do so. Not only can you plant cool-loving flowers, herbs and vegetables in containers, you can supplement them later in fall with cuttings of evergreens such as holly and mountain laurel. The red berries of hollies lend a festive appearance to your container. The beauty of containers is you can move them to the sunniest location in fall and even bring them in during cold nights to extend their lives.

Another way to bring the look of autumn to your containers is by adding a few pumpkins and gourds in or around the flowers. You may want them to be raised off the ground so animals don't feast on them during the night.

Extend the autumn look from your outdoor entry to your indoor entryway by bringing in a few pumpkins. It will help to continue your theme and add to the festive look of the season.

You can either paint pumpkins yourself or these look-alikes are available for purchase at Seasons of Cannon Falls. Because they're not real you can pack them away until next autumn when they can be reused.

PHOTOS BY: Seasons of Cannon Falls 800-377-3335 www.seasonsofcannonfalls.com

By Lee Hoedl   Sun, Nov 30, 2008

 

It happens to be the second most asked question by children, bested only by the more frequently asked question, “Why is the sky blue?” Why and how do autumn leaves change color? It was this arboreal inquiry posed to me on a late autumn afternoon by my then six-year-old son Leo. Why and how do autumn leaves change color? What a wonderful conversation to have between a parent and a child; the glorious exploration and discovery of the seasons’ change! So there we sat, amidst a heaping pile of autumn’s dressing...and we wondered. Ultimately our discussion and exploration would not only make us a little more appreciative of the biological miracle and mystery of autumn, but it would also serve as a poignant reminder to me of the blessings of Life’s connection during our sunny days and cool nights.

It is no easy task to fully explain to my child the annual symphonic dance between pigment and environment which results in the glorious autumn canopy. So please bear with me as I attempt to reconstruct our conversation concerting this magical process. It went something like this:

“Dad, why and how do leaves turn color?”
“That’s a great question to ask and a difficult one to answer. Do you want the simple answer or the more complicated answer?”
“Whichever one you think I’ll understand, Dad...maybe do a little of both?”
“Well Leo, the why is the simple answer. Most people think that leaves change color and fall begins because of a quick and early winter frost. A frost is when the temperature reaches near or below freezing. But many leaves begin to turn color before there are any frosts. The leaves change color because of a chemical process that occurs as the seasons change; the days get shorter and shorter and there is less sunlight for trees to receive their nourishment. Now here is where it gets more complicated. Are you ready for the how leaves change color?”

“I think so, Dad, but I might have to ask you again later for the answer.” “Fair enough, Leo. As the days shorten and the nights get cooler, a chemical clock kicks in and releases a hormone that slows the sap flow to and from each leaf on every tree. Eventually, each leaf is sealed off from the branch and the green chlorophyll-the pigment that gives leaves their basic green color- fades away to reveal other pigments that provide such bright fall colors. The other two prominent pigments are carotenoids and anthocyanins. Carotenoids are the pigments which produce yellow, orange, and brown colors in things like corn, carrots, and bananas. Anthocyanins are the pigments that produce red and maroon colors in familiar things like apples, grapes, cherries, strawberries, and plums. When the green chlorophyll starts to disappear, you then begin to witness the wonderful yellows, reds, oranges, and browns of autumn. Are you still with me, Leo?”

“I think so. So leaves change color because they know that winter is coming soon?”
“In a way, Leo, yes. It’s Nature’s way of beginning to store food for the long winter ahead. So it shuts down all of its machinery and prepares to go to sleep for nine months.”
“How come this fall is not very pretty, Dad? Where’s all the colors?”
“Another great question, Leo. You see the most spectacular color displays in autumn are when we have a number of days that are warm and sunny and the nights are cool and crisp. The nights can be around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can’t be freezing. When the temperature reaches freezing, there is a frost and this can cause the leaves to wither more quickly and drop to the ground.”
“Dad, I wish we had sunny days this fall. I would have liked more colors.”
“We know that autumn is always going to occur, Leo. The earth tilts 23 degrees away from the sun at this time of the year and the days get shorter...so autumn will always arrive and winter will be close behind. But every fall season is just a little bit different from all the others. That’s one of the miracles and beauties of Nature. And you know what, Leo? Human beings are a lot like trees when it comes to autumn.”

“I think so. So leaves change color because they know that winter is coming soon?” “In a way, Leo, yes. It’s Nature’s way of beginning to store food for the long winter ahead. So it shuts down all of its machinery and prepares to go to sleep for nine months.” “How come this fall is not very pretty, Dad? Where’s all the colors?” “Another great question, Leo. You see the most spectacular color displays in autumn are when we have a number of days that are warm and sunny and the nights are cool and crisp. The nights can be around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can’t be freezing. When the temperature reaches freezing, there is a frost and this can cause the leaves to wither more quickly and drop to the ground.” “Dad, I wish we had sunny days this fall. I would have liked more colors.” “We know that autumn is always going to occur, Leo. The earth tilts 23 degrees away from the sun at this time of the year and the days get shorter...so autumn will always arrive and winter will be close behind. But every fall season is just a little bit different from all the others. That’s one of the miracles and beauties of Nature. And you know what, Leo? Human beings are a lot like trees when it comes to autumn.”

“How’s that, Dad?”
“We too tend to show one particular pigment of our personality to the world during the majority of our days, while several other shades, hues, and colors rest just below the surface. Through many of our days, we are busy tending to our daily life- we get what we need and we’re satisfied. We remain green- like the tree leaves- for the majority of our days. But we go through our own seasons. We have times in our life where we need to rest and relax, like trees in winter. We have times in our life where we need to wake up and get excited about life- like trees in spring. We have times in our life where we need to grow and be productive- like trees in summer. And we have times in our life where we need to shine in all our glory- like trees in autumn.”
“What makes us shine, Dad?”
“In similar fashion as the forest canopy, to shine in our most brilliant glory and to be the very best person we were designed to be, we also need sunny days and cool nights.”
“Sunny days and cool nights?”
“Yes, sunny days and cool nights. Our ‘sunny days’ are the warm friendships and relationships that surround us and nourish us. It is the deeper meaning we find for our life; when we start living our life for more than just ourselves. It is the purpose we accept for our life; when we set the limit of our purpose beyond just making a living. And our ‘cool nights’ are those moments we find to just reflect and focus on how grand Life is and how fortunate we are to be alive. It is the gratitude and compassion and patience we bring into each day. These friendships, this meaning and purpose, this reflection and compassion are what allow us to let the everyday green of our personality explode into the reds, yellows, oranges, crimsons, and browns that make each of us unique. It is these shades and hues that make each of us special and rare.”

“Dad, do we have times when our leaves are not that bright?” “Yes, we do, Leo. When our days are cloudy and we momentarily take for granted our friendships and relationships, our shades are less than brilliant. When our meaning and purpose is simply to secure that next dollar or just make it through today, our hues are less than bright. It is when our compassion is replaced by complacency that our nights get very cold- too cold- and our colors are less than majestic. But be assured, there will be more autumns in our life; autumns of rich golden deeds of kindness and charity and majestic crimson acts of compassion. The autumns of our life will most assuredly come and go, but we must decide the intensity of its colors. As your grandfather said so many times, ‘Life just gives us time and space, it’s up to us to fill it.’”

“Dad, there is a lot more going on during fall than I thought, isn’t there?”
“Yes, Leo, there most certainly is. And that’s why we need to go out to the woods and forests and celebrate the beauty of the season- regardless of whether its colors are bright or faded. For this particular autumn won’t pass this way again. And rest assured, we can rest easy knowing that eventually another spectacular autumn season will emerge in Nature and in ourselves...we just have to wait for the sunny days and cool nights.”

By Nancy Henke   Sun, Nov 30, 2008

 

From the Editor

Each autumn brings mixed emotions for me. It is the time that I feel most compelled to get organized and start afresh. It is a time of beauty and color. But it is also a time when I need to let go of my children once again as they head to school. And it is a time when I am most reminded of my father and the loss I went through when he died ten years ago.

    I suppose it was my dad who first taught me to love the water. We moved to Minnesota when I was entering fourth grade and he was bound and determined to live on one of the 10,000 lakes. It seemed almost as though this were a right of every Minnesotan. And so I had the privilege of growing up on the lake, swimming in the lake, boating on the lake, skating on the lake, and snowmobiling on the lake. (My siblings all became decent fishermen; I was never as adept.) It was my dad, and of course my mom, who gave us those tremendous opportunities.

    Each October brings the anniversary of my parent’s wedding, the anniversary of my father’s birthday, and the anniversary of my father’s death. All of that loss can overwhelm me at times. As that month approaches I get a little cranky, a little short, am more demanding, and I forget to stop and acknowledge why I’m feeling that way. Then I am forced to notice the dates approaching and the sadness sweeps over me once again.

I feel blessed to have had my father with me as long as I did, and blessed that my mother, siblings, and my own nuclear family are all healthy. I see my friends struggle with a myriad of issues and I feel so helpless in trying to aid them. I wonder why them and not me. I marvel at their strength, their persistence, and their optimism. I marvel at their profound resolve to go on with life and to appreciate all they have. And I feel blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people, each of them with their own story, each of them with their own struggle, each of them with their abundant strengths. Each of them sets a powerful example for me to follow.      If they can be so strong in pursuit of a good life then surely I can be strong in trying to help. I see how they appreciate all of the little things and how so many of them make the most of their surroundings, especially their lakes. So I too will try to pursue good. I too will try daily to do something, even if it’s something small; something that will help to make this world a bit better. Maybe it will be as small as making a child smile or maybe it will be something large.     Each person in this world carries both gifts and burdens throughout their life. With those gifts and burdens comes a story. I wonder about your stories, and your lives. I wonder how each season affects you and what you will choose to do with it.     I hope that you would consider joining me in trying to make this world a bit better. Perhaps you will let go of a grievance, perhaps you’ll help someone out, or perhaps you will just be thankful for a sunrise.

     We can do so many things. We can help to clean up our lakes, we can donate to the food shelf, and we can help out at hospitals and nursing homes. Five of my personal favorite organizations that I invite you to support are:

     

     I wonder what autumn brings to mind for you. This year as I see the leaves change, the lake cool, and the thermometer drop, I will also try to count my many blessings. I hope to be at least a fraction as strong and wonderful as the many people around me. And I wish you luck in supporting your own causes.

Celebrating life on the water, Nancy Henke, Editor

 

Go to 1-800-HELP NOW or www.redcross.org

By Teri Bennett   Sun, Nov 30, 2008

 

Planning a visit to the apple orchard this fall?  You are in for a fun-filled day of hayrides, corn mazes, apple picking and more. When the day is done, and your car is loaded with apples, you may begin to wonder what you’ll do with all of them.

You can probably guess how I’ll answer that question… have a party.  It’s the perfect excuse.  All of those apples will make the perfect center of attention. Use them for brunch, for a luncheon, or for dinner.  Continue your autumn theme by adorning the table with warm colors, apples, gourds and candles. It can be as simple or as extravagant as you’d like.  The following recipes offer a variety of ways to serve your apples galore.

Apple Brie Soup 3 T. butter 1/4 c. apple cider 1 c. leek, chopped 1 c. onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 apples; peeled, cored, chopped 2 T. flour 3 c. chicken broth 13 oz. brie; remove rind and cube 1/4 c. heavy cream salt and white pepper to taste   Combine butter, cider, leeks, onion, celery and apple in a large saucepan. Cook over low heat until vegetables are tender. Stir in flour and continue to cook for about three minutes, stirring continuously.  Add 1 c. chicken broth and whisk until thick and bubbly. Continue to whisk in remaining broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.  Puree and return to sauce pan. Reheat on low and stir in cheese cubes, melting slowly and stirring constantly.  After all the cheese is melted, briskly whisk. Puree again if not completely smooth. Stir in heavy cream. Garnish with apple. Serves 4.

Apple Banana Pancakes Blend in a food processor: 1 banana 1 apple Add to the mixture: 2 apples, cut into chunks In a separate bowl mix together the batter: 2 c. flour 1-1/2 c. buttermilk 2 eggs 2 t. baking powder 2 t. baking soda dissolved in 2 t. warm water 3 T. sugar 1/4 stick melted butter Add apple-banana mixture to batter and blend together. Do not over mix or the pancakes will get tough. Cook on a preheated, greased pan. Serve immediately with maple butter or maple syrup.

Maple Butter 1 lb. butter 1 c. maple syrup 1/2 t. salt Mix with electric mixer to desired consistency. Chill if you want it hardened.

Autumn Harvest Soup 1/4 lb. margarine 2 c. onion, chopped 1 celery stalk, chopped 4 t. curry powder 1 T. allspice 3 apples; peeled, cored, chopped 2 medium butternut squash; peeled, seeded, chopped 3 c. chicken broth or vegetable broth 1 c. apple cider 1/2 c. sherry   Combine onions, celery, margarine and seasonings in a large kettle. Cook over low heat until vegetables are tender.  Add apples, squash and broth.  Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes allowing apples and squash to cook thoroughly. Strain liquid and set aside. Puree the apple-squash mixture with one cup of strained liquid.  Add cider, sherry and remaining liquid until you reach desired consistency.  Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with apple and sour cream.  Serves 8-10.

Carmel Apple French Toast
Great Harvest Carmel Apple Bread, sliced
Mix together:
4 eggs
2 T. milk
1/2 t. vanilla

1. Dip bread slice in egg mixture turning over to cover both sides.
2. Place on a preheated, greased pan.
3. Cook until golden brown on each side, turning once.
4. Serve immediately with maple butter or maple syrup.

Great Harvest Carmel Apple Bread is available on select days at their stores, or can be ordered from them by calling 952-476-2515 or e-mailing at bread@greatharvestmn.com.

Apple Sauerkraut Pork Chops 5 boneless pork loin chops 1/2 t. salt 1/4 t. pepper 2 T. olive oil 1/2 t. cinnamon 1 T. brown sugar 1/2 t. ginger 3 golden delicious apples; peeled, cored, and thickly sliced 2 c. sauerkraut, drained (use bagged sauerkraut)

 

1. Heat 1 t. olive oil in a large non- stick skillet over medium-high heat. 
2. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper and place in skillet until browned. 
3. Cook through, about 3-4 minutes per side. 
4. Remove from skillet and place on a warming plate. 
5. Heat remaining oil in skillet. 
6. Add cinnamon, brown sugar, ginger and apples and cook until apples begin to brown. 
7. Add sauerkraut, salt and pepper and continue cooking until sauerkraut begins to brown.
8. Serve with pork chops.

Serves 4-5.

Peach and Apple Cream Pie Mix together: 3/4 c. sugar 2 T. flour Add and beat until smooth: 1 c. sour cream 1 egg 1/2 t. vanilla 1/8 t. salt 1/2 t. cinnamon 1/2 t. cloves 1/4 t. nutmeg 1/2 t. ginger Then add: 1 c. chopped apples 1 c. peaches (fresh or frozen) Pour into unbaked pie shell. Topping: 1/3 c. sugar 1/3 c. flour 1/4 c. butter

1. Blend topping with pastry blender and spread on top.
2. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, THEN reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake another 45 minutes.
3. Serve with whipped cream topping.

Serves 6-8.

By   Mon, Aug 10, 2009

What do you love about water?

I love watching how much my kids love the water. They are only three and four years old, but already they love tubing, boating and taking wild leaps off the dock.

What is your favorite water-related activity?

With kids: watching them giggle with glee as they ride the waves in their tubes. With adults: packing a cooler with treats and beverages and taking a little pre-dinner tour around the lake.

Who do you think of when you are thinking of water/lakes?

I think of my husband, my children, my parents and my sister's family because every year all of us head to the same lake for a week and spend some unforgettable quality time tubing, boating, cooking out, sharing stories and laughing.

What is your favorite water memory?

I would have to say watching my three-year-old tube for the first time. We went over really rough waves so I had my husband stop the boat to make sure she was okay. We stopped. As I opened my mouth, she yelled, "I didn't say stop!"

---

When you go to the lake:

Do you like to get away from it all? No phones, no e-mails, no television? Or do you like it posh? Hot tubs, dining, and massages?

Yes and yes.

What body of water would people be most likely to spot you on?

Big Round Lake in Hayward, Wisconsin at Grand Pines Resort. The lake and the cabins are gorgeous. It has been our family tradition for more than a decade.

What distant lake would you like to visit someday?

I am a creature of habit. I like to go back to our favorite spot.

---

And for good measure:

What good book have you read lately?

Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Minnesota's own Lorna Landvik.

What good movie have you seen lately?

Latest movie, "Cars, Inc." Do they make movies anymore that aren't animated? If they do, I haven't seen them. Our world is all about "Curious George," "Chicken Little." You get the picture.

What good restaurant have you dined at lately?

I had a fabulous meal at Oceanaire. My favorite local spot!

You can catch Julie weeknights at 10:00 p.m. anchoring the KARE 11 newscast.

By Liz Pasch   Mon, Aug 10, 2009

Father Louis Hennepin's exploration of the upper Mississippi River in the late 1600's took him by canoe through a lake, which he called "Lac Des Pleus," translated as Lake of Tears. Another explorer, Charlevoix, after finding the lake sometime later named it "Lac de bon Secours," Lake of Good Help. The two names lead one to think the explorers had discovered two different lakes. For those who spend much time on what is now known as Lake Pepin, however, both names make perfect sense.

On calm days, a relaxing boat cruise on the 22-mile long, 3-mile wide lake south of Red Wing, minnesota, is soothing to one's soul. The sun glints on the lake like thousands of diamonds spread across the water. Sailboats leisurely tack from shore to shore while fishing boats are followed by squawking seagulls hopeful for a snack. Those lucky enough to be on the lake enjoy the bounty she provides in whatever form they need.

On stormy days, however, the lake becomes a punishing mass of watery spikes. The wind that previously carried sailboats gently to the opposite shore turns angry. Such was the day on July 16, 1890, when a tourist-laden steamboat was caught in a sudden summer storm on Lake Pepin and carried 98 persons to their watery graves.

H2ohhhhh

The lake is a boating mecca for both power and sail boats that can co-exist peacefully due to the large expanse of water. Sailboats take full advantage of the steady wind currents and cruise leisurely before changing direction. Powerboats tie up together, side by side, at many locations on the lake without fear of getting in the way of barges and tows that make the river and lake their mode of transportation. On the lake's north end, a bay known as Long Point has a deep bay and beach area that even large boats can get to without fear of damaging their props. On the south end of the lake, boaters enjoy the area south of Pepin City, Wisconsin for rafting. Tow captains enjoy the safety of having such a large expanse of water before resuming their tight course on the narrows of the Mississippi River at both ends of the lake.

Rolling bluffs along both shorelines make for a majestic site all year long, with the deep emerald greens of summer foliage which give way in autumn to brilliant hues of crimson, gold and magenta. Eagles can be seen soaring around the bluffs. Flanked by the Minnesota and Wisconsin sandstone bluffs, both shorelines flame with brilliant color in autumn, a welcome treat before November rains gives way to December snow.

A Lake That Provides

Many Lake Pepin area residents make their living from the lake itself. Bill Lawson was born and raised in the small Wisconsin town of Pepin for all of his 83 years. "I used to be a commercial fisherman when I wasn't on the towboats," says Lawson. "There was a fish market here then. Half the people here at one time were commercial fishermen." On one of his outings around 1953 his boat capsized and he was rescued by a passing towboat. Lawson was impressed with his rescuer and quit fishing to become a commercial towboat captain. His towboat run between St. Paul and Dubuque provided ample opportunity to become familiar with the route. "Lake Pepin is an easy run...you don't have to watch much for buoys." Retired for a number of years now, Lawson still has an interest in the towboats and when he doesn't recognize one on the lake, turns to the internet for identification.

Other residents make their living along the lake's shores. Dave Smith, and his wife Jane, moved their young family to Pepin from LaCrosse, Wisconsin. "All my life, I've been on the lake, since I was a month old. My family had a cottage here; property that's been in the family since 1842," says Smith. He had fallen in love with the lake at an early age and knew that someday he'd raise his family on it. He was a teacher and Jane a school psychologist, so both were able to find work in the small town of Pepin. They started Smith Brothers Landing, named after their three sons. "We had three younger boys and bought the shop thinking one day that the property would develop. We got there before the kids were in high school because it's easier to move younger kids," says Smith. The shop, started as a bait shop, has since turned into a garden store with decorative metalwork including trellises, birdhouses, and perennials.

Visitor Turned Resident

Joanne Klees was once a regular visitor to the Lake Pepin area and frequently brought her two young children to Hok-Si-La campground and park for hiking and time on the beach. The 252-acre park located on the north end of Lake City, is a municipal park and campground which offers a more natural type of camping environment. Cars are allowed at campsites only to load and unload camping gear and equipment, and are required to park at a separate parking area away from the natural view for campers. Joanne strived to expose her children to as much of the outdoor environment as possible. The kids became well acquainted with the park and on one trip asked their mom who lived at the house on the grounds. She explained that it was the park manager's home and the kids jokingly decided that one day their mother would work there so that they could live there year-round. When Joanne saw an ad in the local paper for the park manager position, she knew it was fate and she sent in her application. Her former jobs had always been in an outdoor-type of setting and the park manager position was exactly what she wanted and where she wanted it. "There were 12 applicants interviewed. When it was down to me and another person, then I told the kids," Klees laughs.

Klees has been the park manager now for over five years but still marvels at the beauty of the lake. "When you're just visiting a place you miss a lot. Living here you notice all the little things. You notice when a tree goes down, where the sun sets when it shifts seasonally, when the water goes up or down."

Her favorite season on the lake is winter. "I love the color and the sound of the ice on the lake. It's quiet in the winter so you can hear those sounds." Klees loves the serenity of the lake, especially when she can share it with others. "To celebrate Lake Pepin is to bring people down to the lake, share it with them, and help them to understand what everyone can do for and on and with the lake."

Lake Pepin is important to those who live on or near her shores. Like the people who enjoy her, Lake Pepin has many personalities, which in many ways is a large part of her beauty, her charisma, her charm. Regular visitors like myself may not have seen or know all the sides to Lake Pepin, but we know they exist and appreciate people like Joanne Klees who share the lake with us. For that, we are grateful.

Eats and Treats

The Harbor View Café, Pepin, WI; www.harborviewpepin.com, 715-442-3893. Smoke-free fine dining restaurant whose motto of "the Best from Scratch" ensures a daily changing menu. Reservations are not accepted, however, waiting patiently at the bar or outside on the sidewalk with a beverage while chatting with other patrons is not only encouraged, but part of the memorable dining experience.

The Pickle Factory, Pepin, WI; www.pepinpicklefactory.com, 715-442-4400. casual dining atmosphere with a menu to suit all ages and tastes.

Chickadee Cottage Tea Room and Restaurant, Lake City, MN; 651-345-5155. a non-smoking restaurant in an early 1900's home with a homemade menu. the Sunday family-style breakfast alone is worth the trip.

Papa Tronnio's Pizza, Lake City, MN; 651-345-3540. Overlooks the Lake city Marina on Lake Pepin. Quite simply the best pizza in town, with friendly service and a convenient location.

Lake Pepin at a glance

• 22 miles long, 3 miles wide at widest point; over 25,000 acres; maximum depth 61 feet
• Part of the Mississippi River south of Red Wing; borders Minnesota and Wisconsin
• Fish: bluegill, lake sturgeon, northern pike, walleye, white bass, sauger, crappie, largemouth bass
• Public boat access: many along Hwy. 61 in Minnesota and Hwy. 63 in Wisconsin

Quick Clicks

Lake City, Minnesota Tourism Bureau
www.lakecity.org/index.html

Pepin, Wisconsin
www.pepinwisconsin.com/index.htm  

Maiden Rock, Wisconsin
www.maidenrock.org

Stockholm, Wisconsin
www.stockholmwisconsin.com

By Joni Danzl   Mon, Aug 10, 2009

Sven Gustafson of Stonewood Design Build looked forward to the challenge when he began this building project (with design by Sharratt Design) on Lake Minnetonka in Shorewood. The beautiful wooded lot sloped down to the shore and offered spectacular views, but how to go about taking full advantage of it was the task at hand. With a 1/3 acre lot, and 95 ft. of lake frontage, the owners wanted to maximize lake access and lake views. They also wanted to include a 3-car garage without allowing it to overpower the house. What resulted, with clever design, careful planning, and expert craftsmanship, was a charming 5,800 sq. ft. residence with easy lake access and lake views from nearly every room. Gustafson says, "The tight site was really a challenge. Also, we didn't want the house looking like a 'garage house'. The unique orientation we came up with keeps the garages from becoming the focal point, yet allows easy access. Two garages have their entrance from the sides. The third garage, tucked back from the street, has its entrance from the front, but the door is camouflaged with a cedar overlay.

Finished less than a year ago, the home looks well-established in its wooded setting. The exterior combines cedar shakes and natural stone with bold accent colors. Faux slate roofing combines low-maintenance with a traditional appearance. Copper gutters complete the luxurious cottage feel of the home's facade.

Concept Landscaping developed the outdoor design. There were challenges there, too. Local ordinances limit how much of the lot can be covered with hard surface, so these areas had to be strategically planned. Access down the slope to the lake was accomplished effectively with a combination of woodchips and granite steps.

A custom-designed plank-style door welcomes you into the foyer. The first thing you notice is the great room straight ahead, and down two wide stairs. Its expansive lake view is remarkable. A curved stairway off the left side of the foyer leads your eye to the upper floor.

The homeowners wanted to use warm earth tones and natural materials for a cozy and casual living space. Hand-scraped cherry floors are complemented with earthy colors, including touches of red. In the great room, upholstery fabrics in coordinating patterns lend interest and sophistication without overpowering the room. Antiqued chocolate brown leather chairs provide stylish seating and pick up the color in the custom draperies. These chairs, along with the charming and roomy sofa invite you to come in and visit, read a book, enjoy the lake views or a cozy fire. The area rug continues the earth-toned theme, picking up the chocolate brown and adding touches of brick red.

In the kitchen, hand-scraped cherry floors and custom cherry cabinetry continue the rich color scheme. Honed granite countertops in sandy taupes, grays, and golds, on an island with a custom Soapstone sink add style and luxury to the room. The commercial grade stove is built into an arts and crafts-styled alcove.

A 36" Sub-Zero refrigerator and 36" freezer are fully integrated and outfitted with custom, faux-painted cabinetry.

An artful mixing of patterns in the dining room brings the home's color- scheme to life. Coordinating area rug and patterned upholstery provide continuity between the great room on one side, and the four season porch on the other. There's plenty of room for entertaining large groups in here, or for small, cozy family dinners. Floor to ceiling windows provide more glorious views of lower Lake Minnetonka.

The home's upper level includes three bedrooms, three baths, office, laundry room, and plenty of storage! Each bedroom features custom-crafted built-in window seats with wide views of the lake and treetops. The master suite features a vaulted ceiling, spacious master bath, and walk- in closet with built-in dressers, benches and storage. The "bonus space" above the garage includes a 12' x 14' sewing room, storage closet and separate bathroom, all hidden behind a custom door that looks like a piece of furniture.

The lower level exercise room adjoins a 20' x 29' sport court, which can be used for basketball, volleyball, handball, or other sports. The theater, with plush reclining seats and acoustical wall, provides a unique movie-watching experience. The adjoining oversized bar makes entertaining a special treat for hosts and guests alike. A lower level guest bedroom and bath gives guest privacy and ample space to relax and rejuvenate.

The house was completed in January 2006 after approximately eight months of construction.

Builder
Stonewood Design Build
J. Sven Gustafson
Phone: 952-471-0584
www.stonewooddesignbuild.com

Design & Architect
Sharratt Design & Company
464 Second Street, Suite 100
Excelsior, Minnesota 55331
Phone: 952-470-9750
info@sharrattdesign.com

Interior Design
Rebecca Enck, now at Stylebook Design
Phone: 952-471-0584
www.stylebookdesign.com

Landscape:
Concept landscaping
Mound
Phone: 952-472-4118

     

 

 

 

 

 

By Joni Danzl   Mon, Aug 10, 2009

An interview with Alyssa Ness of The Foxglove Company in Excelsior. Alyssa and her business partner travel all over the world to purchase antiques and accessories for their client's needs. They have found that the following guidelines can help you make the most of your lake home:

Carefully consider the light in your rooms

Don't go dark and woodsy if you have lots of windows and a light-filled room. Your room will only appear dull and washed out. If you live near water with lots of bright views paint the walls light and enamel your woodwork. Your room will sparkle like the water! Bring in depth with stained cabinetry, wood floors and accent pieces.

If your room is in a woodsy setting with little natural light, don't try to brighten it with light walls and woodwork - it will tend to look cold and drab. Go with deep, rich colors and stained woodwork. This will add richness and warmth to a low light setting.

Bring the outside in

Do pull in outside elements that will capitalize on your beautiful views. Wood beams on ceiling and walls, interior stone work, ivy and herbs in pots, and topiaries dotted around the room and on mantels and window sills give you a constant connection to your natural environment. Bring outdoor lanterns in; they look fabulous on ceilings and as wall sconces.

Invest in a good rug

Don't assume you need to buy an inexpensive rug because you live near sand and water. The best investment you can make both visually and practically is a high-quality wool area rug. Aubusson wools and Persian rugs wear like iron and will always look as good as the day you bought them. They are indestructible! They immediately soften and add richness to your room and go well with every decor! Nothing looks better on rustic, wide-plank floors than a richly woven Persian rug.

Everything to scale?

Yes, it's important that the scale of your furniture corresponds to the size of your home. There's nothing worse than a tiny little table in a massive great room. But don't purchase all large scale seating pieces! more small seating areas for two or three will offer intimacy when entertaining on a large or small scale. my favorite accessories that are fun to find at antique stores and estate sales are occasional chairs, which are very decorative and can be pulled into different seating areas as guests arrive. When not in use they look great against a wall with a picture display, or stacked with magazines in a hallway or foyer.

Add a bit of old world charm

Don't feel that just because you live on a lake and entertain in a casual way that you shouldn't invest in fine antiques! We all want a room that feels as if it has evolved over time and wasn't simply purchased off the showroom floor. Antique pieces can even be added to contemporary rooms with stunning results. To achieve the look that truly reflects your style, invest in unique heirloom pieces that will only grow more valuable and create a sense of timelessness for many years to come. 

By Kelly Klein   Mon, Aug 10, 2009

As the kids head back to school, and the weather makes a turn for the worse, we find ourselves caught between the warmth of summer and the bitter Minnesota winter; fall is the mixture between the two extremes. This year the trends on the catwalk are also going to extremes, full of contradiction and fusion between a voluminous silhouette and a tailored one. On one hand the look is minimal, sleek, and tailored. On the other, volume is back and bigger than ever.

Those of you who remember the bubble skirts, leggings, skinny jeans, and cinched waist of the eighties (fondly, or not) will be seeing them pop up everywhere this fall. The eighties are making a comeback in a big way, but don't go rushing to your closets expecting to pull off a relic from 1988. Although the ideas have been borrowed from the eighties they have been updated and changed. Above are some of the looks that are sure to turn heads this fall.

Some of the key looks this fall will combine oversized pieces with sleek bottoms. As temperatures drop throw on a chunky sweater over some leg hugging bottoms for a comfortable yet chic ensemble. To accentuate an hourglass figure, try cinching this look at the waist with a wide belt.

Volume will be seen everywhere from bubble skirts to Victorian puff sleeves this fall. This voluminous outfit by Fendi may seem outrageous, but the silhouette is already available at some stores. To get the look try this ensemble from Anthropologie.

The hot jeans this season are skinny. Anywhere from straight legged to tapered at the ankle, think thin this fall. To finish off the look try tucking your new skinny jeans into a pair of boots for the perfect fall look. These cigarette jeans from Anthropologie are what it's all about.

The military look that has been popular will continue to be strong this season, especially as temperatures drop and blazers once again adorn our shoulders. This jacket by Anna Sui may be a bit over the top for everyday wear, so try a simplified version instead by MICHAEL, Michael Kors available at Nordstrom.

To the readers of the male persuasion, don't think I forgot about you. This fall add to your wardrobe with updates to some of your old favorites. The military influence can be seen this season in the metal details, such as zippers, buttons and snaps added to everything from sweaters to pants.

Jeans get a makeover as legs go from a boot cut shape to a straighter and slimmer leg. Blazers are a key item this fall and easy to pair with a variety of outfits. Rich Dubin, VP of Sales for KBL Group Int'l, suggests, "Pair a blazer with jeans and dress shirt or t-shirt..." for a dressed down version of your everyday blazer.

By Lee Hoedl   Mon, Aug 10, 2009

Pace. For the seasoned runner, it is the mechanism and reference by which he/she is able to gauge their performance and improvement from one race to another. For the hiker, it is the process by which he/she is able to assess their ability to reach their next waypoint by sunset. For runners, hikers, walkers, kayakers and canoeists alike, it is the appropriate allocation of physical and mental resources to allow a person to go from Point A to Point B over a given amount of time. But as the Sun begins to bow its daily arc closer to the horizon, and autumn approaches, time begins to slow to a standstill on the Minnesota landscape and one's "pace" takes on a different meaning.

From the majestic stands of Minnesota's golden-leaved white birch scattered throughout the Boundary Waters canoe Area to the subtle oranges and yellows of the southern bluffed hardwoods, autumn is a veritable smorgasbord for the eye and spirit. And it is amidst the backdrop of these glorious hues and moods of a Minnesota autumn, you are invited to "P.A.C.E." yourself: ponder all colors everywhere.

Throughout Minnesota's 55 state forests and 66 state parks, occupying an area of over 226,000 acres, there is a plethora of autumn trails to travel and vintage colors to behold. Whether you choose a brisk 3 mph hike or a 7 mph run through any of these treasured trails, take some time this fall season to set your P.A.C.E. and explore this writer's 2006 selections for the most scenic running and hiking trails during a Minnesota autumn.

NORTHERN-EASTERN MINNESOTA

There are very few vistas or moments that rival a fall hike or run along the Minnesota Continental Divide. Of the several state forests and parks situated atop and along side the Divide, none can compare to that of the Superior Hiking Trail and the St. Croix State Park. Maple forests cover these two regions, interspersed with stands of birch, aspen and spruce; all providing an explosion of fall colors that are literally breathtaking.

Superior Hiking Trail

Stretching just over 200 miles through an area known as Arrowhead, the Superior Hiking Trail travels north along a ridge above Lake Superior from Two Harbors, Minnesota to the Canadian border. Don't attempt to hike or run the entire trail as trail experts state that it would take even the hardiest hiker almost 20 days to complete the entire trek. And before hiking or running any portion of the Superior Hiking Trail, be sure to contact the Superior Hiking Trail Association (see Information Contact on next page) for further information, maps and guides of the trail itself. As well, the Superior Hiking Trail Association has published a guidebook, Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail, which will prove helpful.

Hike: Should you prefer hiking, consider the casual 3-mile Lookout Mountain Trail located in the Cascade River State Park (9 miles south of Grand Marais and 21 miles north of Tofte on Highway 61). This particular trail encompasses dramatic waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and a wonderful breakfast/lunch/dinner location at the very top of Lookout Mountain. In autumn, the arboreal fireworks simply add to the beauty of the secluded waterfalls and wooded trail.

Run: If you are searching for a faster pace, try your shoes at running all or a portion of the 20-mile Lutsen-Temperance River portion. Stands of aspen, white birch, maple and fir cover the area and provide one of the most picturesque experiences during the autumn season, as well as a dramatic view of the Poplar River. Drive north on Highway 61 to mile marker 90.1, turn left on Ski Hill Road and drive approximately 3 miles, and park your vehicle in the visitor's parking area near Papa Charlie's Restaurant. The trailhead, complete with trail map information, is just west of this parking area; run as much of the trail as you would like, but be sure to freshen up after your run and treat yourself to a post-run meal at Papa Charlie's Restaurant on the deck overlooking the panoramic fall view of the Poplar River Valley.

For those with a hardy endurance, the Superior Hiking Trail is also host to several competitive races each year: the spring Superior Trail 25K/50K, the fall Superior Trail 50-mile race, the Moose Mountain Marathon and the Superior Sawtooth 100. For more information concerning these races, visit www.superiortrailrace.com.

Directions: Situated along Highway 61 along the North Shore of Minnesota.

Information Contact: Superior Hiking Trail Association, PO Box 4, 731 7th Avenue, Two Harbors, MN 55616; 218-834-2700.

St. Croix State Park

Nestled along the eastern border of Minnesota, due north of Stillwater and east of Hinckley, is a 34,000 acre playground of both wooded and river trails. While this park is popular for boating, canoeing, swimming, camping, equestrian rides and backpacking, there are plenty of trails to remove yourself from any semblance of a crowded walkway or jogging path.

Hike: Situated between the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers, the Two Rivers Trail is one of the most picturesque fall views that St. Croix State Park has to offer. This four-mile trail will allow you to view a blend of hardwoods and conifers; red and white pines populate this area.

Run: A relaxing run along the River Bluff and Sundance Trail is just enough of a trail to whet your appetite. Most of these two trails line the St. Croix River and are just off the park's main entrance roadway. Should you be interested in a longer run, try out the Willard Munger State Trail in the northeastern portion of the park - jog until your legs are tired and your spirit is rejuvenated.

As an added bonus to your autumn visit of the St. Croix State Park, take a few moments to visit and climb the observation tower within the park. The climb is worthwhile as you exit out of the forest canopy and stand above the radiant fall colors of eastern Minnesota. Remember to bring your camera.

Directions: Situated 15 miles east of Hinckley on State Highway 48.

Information Contact: St. Croix State Park, Rte. 3, PO Box 450, Hinckley, MN 55037; 320-384-6591.

CENTRAL- WESTERN MINNESOTA

Itasca State Park

Touted as the birthplace of the mighty Mississippi River, Itasca State Park is also known for its extensive network of approximately 50 miles of scenic trails. The Wilderness Drive is the looped roadway system within the park and many of the trails intersect or begin from this roadway.

Hike: There are so many wonderful trails to choose from in Itasca, but it's this writer's preference to select the 2-mile Dr. Roberts Trail. This leisurely hike will allow you to experience the rich fall shades of Itasca, while also providing you with calming views of the east arm of Lake Itasca and secluded Lyendecker Lake. The trail is accompanied by rolling hills of tamarack, birch, red and white pine and aspen, each providing their bright hue to the fall landscape. The only item missing from this moment will be George Winston's Forest playing in the background.

Should you be ambitious enough to tackle any of the larger hiking/walking trails within Itasca State Park, be sure to secure a trail map at any of the park's entrances before venturing out. Any of the longer trails in the southern portion of the park will lead you directly into a rich and memorable autumn experience.

Run: If you would like to see more of Itasca State Park in a shorter amount of time, consider jogging the Deer Park Trail-DeSoto Trail loop. Access to the Deer Park Trail begins at Douglas Lodge, located near the Visitor Center. The trail loop is wide and well maintained and the scenery is scattered with oak, maple and red and white pine, for which this region is well known.

Be sure, before or following your hike or run of Itasca, to treat yourself to the state-of-the-art Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. The Center provides a wonderful history and overview of this glorious state park. And if you arrive to the park early enough in the season (before Labor Day), be sure to sample the wonderful local cuisine at the Douglas Lodge, overlooking the east arm of Lake Itasca. But call ahead (1-866-857-2757) to see when the Lodge and its dining services close for the season.

Directions: Situated 20 miles north of Park Rapids on U.S. Highway 71.

Information Contact: 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, Minnesota 56470; email: itasca.park@dnr.state. mn.us; 218-266-2100.

Maplewood State Park

One of the state's well-kept state preserves, Maplewood State Park is a vivid remnant of the most recent ice age and a vibrant canvas for autumn's dynamic palette. It also serves as a memorable adventure - whether you walk or run - over rolling glacial hills and through hardwood forests and sun-drenched prairies. There are 25 miles of trails draped in colorful maple and sprinkled with oak; the autumn colors will astound you enough to stop you in your tracks, whether hiking or running.

Hike and Run: Looking to burn off those breakfast and lunch calories gained along your drive to Maplewood State Park? Consider a brisk hike or jog on any of the trails that circle the park's interior lakes: Cataract Lake, Grass Lake, Bass Lake and Cow Lake. Any and all of these trails offer a wonderful journey into the rich ecosystem of Maplewood. Any of these trails will introduce you to prairie, forest, lake and woodland settings. In addition to its colors, the park hosts approximately 150 species of birds and 50 species of mammals. Finally, regardless of whether you exit east or west from Maplewood State Park, treat yourself to a relaxing autumn drive along State Highway 108 - sometimes some of the best autumn scenery is simply roadside.

Should you be looking for a competitive run with similar natural terrain, be sure to participate in the Wetlands Trail Mosquito Run which occurs every late July in nearby Fergus Falls. The 5K run, 2-mile walk and 1K kids' run are all held at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. More information concerning these runs is posted at www.pickleevents.com/events/hoot/docs/MOSQUITORUN.HTML.

Directions: Situated seven miles east of Pelican Rapids on Highway 108.

Information Contact: Maplewood State Park, Route 3, Box 422, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572; 218-863-8383.

Pillsbury State Forest

Deserving an honorable mention for dynamic autumn runs is Pillsbury State Forest, located approximately 10 miles northwest of Brainerd. Should you find yourself in this area in the fall season, take some time to lace up your running shoes and venture into the almost 30 miles of rolling trails over this 1000-acre forest reserve. Following a summer of sunny days and cool nights, this state forest comes alive with a blended color of basswood, elm, ash, oak and maple.

Directions: Situated 10 miles northwest of Brainerd.

Information Contact: Crow Wing State Park, 7100 State Park Road, S.W., Brainerd, MN 56401; 218-825-3075 or 218-829-8022.

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Camden State Park

Located in southwestern Minnesota, Camden State Park displays both the subtle grandeur of the Minnesota prairie and the bold richness of the Redwood River Valley. Shaded by a brilliant maple-basswood canopy, the 15 miles of park trails are a peaceful reflection on the magical transition of summer-into-autumn.

  

Hike: One of the local favorite autumn trails within Camden State Park is the 2-mile River Trail which straddles and then traverses the Redwood River. In the autumn, the trail way corridor comes alive with spirited glows of orange and yellow.

Run: Should you wish to increase your gait, try your hand at the network of trails on the west side of Redwood River (Bluebird, Dakota Valley or Hiking Club Trail). The well-groomed trail way corridor is also lined with stands of basswood and maple and even a long jog will be completed in the blink of an eye. At the conclusion of your run, reward yourself with a warm-down at the edge of the Redwood River; its melodic current will calm your spirit even more than your run.

Directions: Situated 10 miles southwest of Marshall on Highway 23.

Information Contact: Camden State Park, Route 1, PO Box 49, Lynd, MN 55157; 507-865-4530.

Oxbow Park

Located 12 miles west of Rochester, Oxbow Park is a wonderful candidate for honorable mention in the category of casual autumn hiking or running. The park itself hosts almost 10 miles of trails through glorious maple forests and meadows. If you're searching for a shorter hike/run, select any of the individual trails: Yeager, Zumbro, North Meadow, Nature and Maple. Before leaving the park, treat yourself to a visit of the Zollman Zoo and nature center within the park.

Directions: 12 miles west of Rochester on Highway 52.

Information Contact: Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo; 507-775-2451.

TWIN CITIES

Wild River State Park

If you happen to live in the Twin Cities area and are not able to take the time to venture northward to the St. Croix State Park, then check out Wild River State Park in your own backyard. Located just northeast of the Twin Cities and lining the St. Croix River, Wild River State Park is another of Minnesota's best-kept secrets. Its 35 miles of trails provide you with a setting steeped in forests of oak and pine. And although oak and pine don't typically lend themselves to a dynamic autumnal experience for the eye, the hypnotic sounds of the river system within the park will provide more than enough for the ear and spirit.

Hike: Sometimes a hike can be a repeated series of "walk, stop, listen, and look." You will find yourself caught up in this pattern when you find yourself on the River Trail in the Wild River State Park. Amidst the subtle fall tint of the Wild River State Park, you will rediscover a personal peace along your walk. If you're lucky enough, you may catch a glimpse of wildlife grazing at the river's edge under the gentle aspen and birch.

Run: Challenge yourself by beginning your run on the River Trail, along the St. Croix River, and continue northward on the Sunrise Trail into the meadowed area of the park. Run just as far as you would like, turn around and return back to the River Trail and St. Croix River for your warm-down.

Directions: Situated 14 miles east of I-35 North on Highway 95 to Almelund, then take Country Road 12 north to the park's entrance.

Information Contact: Wild River State Park, 39755 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55102; 651-583-2125.

Afton State Park

You can never get enough of a good thing and that's exactly what you'll find at Afton State Park, also located on the St. Croix River just southeast of St. Paul. With almost 20 miles of intersecting trails to walk and run, your journey is never the same. Add to this experience the rich fall colors that emerge in this area and your experience is one-of-a-kind.

Hike: Have time after a bustling autumn day at the office? Then soothe your spirit by meandering slowly along the River and Bluff Trail, which follows the St. Croix River in a three-mile loop. You will be treated to stands of cottonwood, aspen, birch, oak and black cherry trees - just the cure for a weary worker or an exploring outdoor enthusiast. Whether walking or running through this park gem, take a moment to stop by the visitor center which overlooks the St. Croix River.

Run: This particular state park is one of the best parks in which to kick up your heels; the trails are wide, well- groomed, and scenic. This writer has spent many an afternoon and weekend enjoying training runs and relaxing hikes among the bluff top and prairie trails that Afton State Park has to offer. A personal favorite is the three-mile North River Loop which will provide you with some of autumn's most scenic overlooks, as well as a journey through sections of junipers and spruce and a relaxing prairie landscape. Interested in a fun and challenging trail run? Then consider signing up for the Afton 25K or 50K Trail Races. Held each year at the beginning of July, these races are run on Afton trails which are praised by Runner's World magazine as "One of 50 of the country's greatest running trails..." For more information on the races and where to register, go to www.aftontrailrun.com.

Directions: Situated east of the Twin Cities, the park is located approximately seven miles south of I-94 on County Road 15 and three miles east on County Road 20.

Information Contact: Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Avenue S., Hastings, MN 56096; 651-436-5391.

As with any travel into the natural setting of Minnesota, be sure to include the following list of necessary supplies:

• TRAIL AND HIGHWAY MAPS - One of the greatest pleasures in life is getting lost in your adventure; just be sure not to also lose your way while "getting lost" in the moment. Secure all relevant trail maps before striking out on any adventure. For Minnesota state park information, contact the Minnesota DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). As well, visit the Minnesota state parks homepage at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html.
  
• WATER AND FOOD/SNACK SUPPLIES - A number of state parks and forests are considered "remote," with limited to no opportunities for readily accessible food, refreshments or water. Carry enough food and water so as to replenish yourself after any run or hike. Although it's fall and the temperatures are cooler, be sure to keep yourself hydrated. And take the time, after your park/forest visit, to also patronize the local establishments nearby- the local cuisine and characters may pleasantly surprise you.
  
• APPROPRIATE CLOTHING - Autumn weather in Minnesota can often times be unpredictable, so be sure to pack cool and warm clothing. Check the weather forecast for the area you are hiking or running prior to your departure. Also consider bringing both trail and running shoes, as often times some of the trails may be damp and slippery from the autumn moisture.
  
• SUNSCREEN/INSECT REPELLENT - Although fall brings cooler temperatures to the Minnesota region, it's best to be prepared with both sunscreen and insect repellent. The reason that Minnesota trails are so beautiful is that they are located in some rather remote and wooded areas, which remains the main haven for Minnesota insects.
  
• FIRST AID KIT - Twisted ankles, bruised bones and abrasions can be just a few of the memories you'll also bring back from a lively hike or run through a Minnesota trail, so be prepared with at least a basic first aid kit. Be sure to include a few instant ice packs in your kit.
  
• STRETCHING - Regardless of the speed of your gait, be sure to fully stretch before and after a healthy trail hike or run. There is nothing worse than stiffening up on the ride home from such a wonderful autumn experience.
  
• STATE PARK PERMITS/RULES - Before striking out on any state trail, be sure to explore and secure the necessary daily or annual permit. As well, be familiar with the hours of operation of those state parks you are planning to visit. Finally, be aware of the rules concerning pets on the trails within each specific state park.
  
• TRAIL RACES - Interested in discovering more of Minnesota's trail runs during the calendar year? Much more information is posted online at www.mntrailrunning.com.
  

This autumn, whether your rhythm is fast or slow, be sure to visit one of these state parks/forests, or one of your own favorites... but just remember to pause long enough to choose your own personal Minnesota P.A.C.E.

By Sheri Koones   Wed, Aug 05, 2009

Modular home building is the fastest growing method of home construction in America, with the number of houses built nearly doubling in just the last 13 years. Modular housing is often confused with HUD code housing and mobile homes. In actuality, modular homes are built very much like traditional stick houses-in all the styles and with all the amenities. The only real difference is that the homes are built in a factory and transported on trucks to a site where two or more sections are attached to each other and set on a prepared foundation. Building the sections for transport means a stronger, more durable home. The book, Modular Mansions, explores the many different styles of modular housing that are available today, effectively bringing this time and money saving method of building to mainstream home builders everywhere.

Author of Modular Mansions, Sherri Koones, has also authored other design/ build books and writes for many home and design publications. In her latest book she reveals the money and time saving secrets behind this building method that has made modular housing so popular, including: savings in construction time, minimized weather delays, less wear and tear during construction, added structure strength and soundproofing, reduced loan times, and savings of between 10 and 15 percent versus non-modular homes.

The following are two lake homes featured in Modular Mansions. They are indicative of the fact that without prior knowledge you couldn't guess that these homes were built off premises in a climate-controlled environment and then set in place for finishing. The homes in the book are amazing and the building method is something to consider if you're thinking about building a home.

Lake Orange

Driving down this quiet country road in Newburgh, New York, one would never expect to find this beautiful, expansive home on Lake Orange. Many old and run-down cottages appear along the road before this charming retreat becomes visible.

Owner Bob Steele grew up in Newburgh and, although he moved to Bucks County after college, his mother and brother remained in Newburgh at their homes on the lake. Many of Bob's friends left the area but later returned and either bought their family houses, or bought new houses, and settled in the area. Bob watched an old friend of his rebuild a Victorian in town and it gave him the impetus to want to do this as well. When a five-hundred-foot parcel of lakefront property became available several years ago, the Steeles grabbed it. Bob approached his longtime friend Scott Webb, a broker for Haven Homes, about building a vacation house on the land. Scott, who has built almost four hundred modular houses in his years in business, originally tried to discourage Bob, citing the disparity in the type of house he wanted and the simpler houses that were currently built on the lake. Bob's desire to return to his roots won out and Scott graciously helped him put the project together. Webb says that the modular business has changed so much since he began: "The homes were two boxes; that was it." But Bob had a clear idea of the type of house he wanted to build, and it was much more than the two boxes of yesteryear.

Bob and his wife, Lori, did extensive research into the Arts and Crafts architectural movement, reading every book they were able to find and making several visits to the Adirondack area.

The Steeles were taken with the natural materials of copper, stone and wood used in those designs and liked the Stickley furniture that was typical of the period. They read books on Charles and Henry Greene and began to gather items they would like to see in their home. Working with architect Al Cappelli, the Steeles were able to obtain plans for the vision they had for their dream house. Typical of the Arts and Crafts period, the house was designed with cedar-shingle siding, overhanging eaves, a stone and tile fireplace, bands of windows, stained- glass windows, beamed ceilings, an open floor plan, natural materials, and a combination of rustic and sophisticated design. The furniture they later selected was simple and functional, with vertical and elongated forms. Typical of this style is the lack of ornamentation and an emphasis on finely-crafted furniture.

The Steeles visited the Haven plant, and Bob said he was sold on modular when he saw how they were manufactured. He liked the fact that they seemed very sturdy, were built on jigs, used screws rather than nails, and were closed up by foam insulation in every space. Through Webb they purchased their home, which was fourteen boxes, and it was set on beautiful lakefront property after an old cottage on the location had been leveled. A new foundation was poured and a rubber wall weather barrier was added to further protect the basement. After the house was set, builder Bob Fisher came in to do the extensive interior and exterior finish work.

Bob said that initially "the slope of the land was a problem, but we turned it into a positive when we decided to build a deck." The house was also designed with a double-high ceiling in the family room. When the Steeles saw the house set, they decided that the ceiling was too high for the size of the room. They opted to add a floor on the second level and create a bedroom out of the space above the living room. Again, they turned a potential problem into a positive with the additional living space.

Lori and Bob, with their three children, visit the lake house whenever they have the opportunity. Bob says it is a "great place to come to just decompress." They go water-skiing, fishing and boating in the summer and ice boating in the winter. While boating on the lake, they meet friends and invite them back to their house, and before long, it becomes a party.

Lake Winnipesaukee

Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire has a long Indian history; it is said the area was inhabited by Native American Indians for ten thousand years. Legend has it that the children of two hostile tribes on the northern and southern shores of the lake fell in love and wanted to marry. Mineola, the Indian maiden, convinced her father to reconcile with the other tribe and allow her to marry Adiwando. Both tribes were in canoes, seeing the young couple depart after the wedding ceremony, and the sky was very overcast and the water black. Just as Mineola and the young chief Adiwando turned to leave the others, the sun came out and the water sparkled. The girl's father said this was a good omen and named the waters Winnipesaukee, or "Smile of the Great Spirit."

Over the years, many Indian artifacts have been recovered in the area, including spearheads, pottery and stone tools.

The lake is 72 square miles and has approximately 274 islands. It is the largest lake in New Hampshire and the sixth largest natural lake completely within the borders of United States. The third largest island on the lake is Cow Island, which is 522 acres and was once used to quarantine cows brought to this country from Europe. The fourth largest of the islands is Governor's Island, which is 504 acres and is an exclusive community with beautiful homes used both year-round and for vacation.

With the White Mountains as a backdrop, Lake Winnipesaukee is a popular vacation spot for fishing and boating, and offers many family activities. Ice fishing, skating and snowmobiling are popular in the winter, and boating and swimming are popular in the spring and summer. The Mount Washington is a 230-foot cruise boat that tours the lake six months of the year, offering some beautiful views of the lake shores.

All these attributes make another perfect setting for a modular home.

Prior to the construction of this beautiful home, there was a small, one-story house on piers on the property, which the cur rent owners had to demolish to set their new home. Because of local ordinances, the new cottage had to fit within the footprint of the old house. In order to achieve more space, the owners opted to build the house with three floors, expanding the area without expanding the size of the footprint. They designed the lowest level as a play area for the expanded family and installed a bathroom that could be used for shower ing after a swim in the lake. The middle level was designed for the common areas and the upper level is where the bedrooms are located. A terrace off the master bedroom was designed as a place to sit and have tea in the morning or a glass of champagne in the evening.

Small boxes had to be used for this site because of the narrow dirt roads leading to the house. It would have been impossible to br ing in the larger boxes used for more approachable locations.

The owners of this cozy cottage requested numerous and varied windows be used on the lake side of the house to take advantage of the beautiful views.

They were also concerned that their new home would be out of proportion to the other houses in the nearby area. The front of the house was therefore designed to look like a small cottage, while the rear of the house was given a more sprawling appearance. Construction on another house, a stick- built one, in the cove was beginning at the same time as the cottage. Since that winter was very cold and snowy, it took a year for the builders to complete the house across the way. In contrast, the modular house was constructed in a controlled environment, so there was no delay in completing the house, and it was set in the early spring.

Modular Mansions by Sheri Koones is available through Gibbs Smith Publisher. 1-801-544-9800

By Alice Everett   Wed, Aug 05, 2009

Need to get organized but don't know where to start? That's the main complaint I hear from my clients. They usually want to tackle all of their organizing needs at one time - from the kitchen to the front hall closet and basement - instead of taking it one step at a time, or better yet, one drawer at a time.

Losing focus on the task at hand is one of three common problems homeowners experience when they attempt to get better organized.

1. Beware of the domino effect

Staying focused on each organizing task is critical to help ensure the project is completed. Otherwise, you could experience a domino effect and lose your focus on the original task. The following scenario may sound familiar:

You walk into your kitchen and see lots of office supplies that should be returned to your home office, and various tools that should be brought back to their proper home in the garage. You immediately start thinking about how those two spaces need to be organized.

You also make the common mistake of starting to put things away one at a time. If you start in the kitchen and find a tool that should be in the garage, your first instinct is to run it out to the garage.

But don't do that.

The more efficient step is to make piles of items by category. Make a pile for home office supplies, another for toys that belong in the kids' room and one for electrical tape and other items that are stored in the garage. you can deliver items in each pile to their respective "home" after you have worked on the kitchen for that day.

When you interrupt your organizing of the kitchen to make deliveries, it slows down the process 10-fold. Think about it: Doesn't it make sense to make one delivery to the garage in one day instead of five?

The other problem is, if you are making deliveries several times during the day to the garage, you will be distracted from the task at hand (in this example, organizing the kitchen) and you'll want to start working on a project in the garage when the kitchen isn't anywhere near being completed.

2. Don't buy storage containers just yet

The first time I meet clients, inevitably, their first question is, "What containers should I buy?" My response is always, "Please don't buy any."

People believe that purchasing containers and shelving will help them become more organized, but they are usually overlooking the most critical part of organizing: sorting and purging. Without exception, every client I have worked with has had items they were able to get rid of, whether donating them to a local woman's shelter, passing them on to a family member or having a garage sale.

Once you start sorting and purging, it helps to have someone with you to help you be accountable and to stay motivated to get rid of things. That person could be a friend or a professional organizer. Your accomplice can also remind you of people who could use your discards, such as a charity or a nephew moving away to college who could use that extra set of dishes you have boxed up in the basement.

3. You can find good homes for things you don't need

And that leads me to my third point. There really are better uses for items you have stored in the basement, attic, hall closet or garage. If you have items - big or small - that you no longer need, there are plenty of people who could make use of them.

Here are some ideas:

• Physical education departments at schools are always looking for exercise equipment.
• Nursing homes will love that extra nail polish you bought and the books you don't read anymore.
• eBay and other online auctions are always options.
• Know a neighborhood kid heading off to college? Household items are always welcomed by young adults moving away from home.
• The Web site www.twincitiesfreemarket.org is a great place to list items you simply want to get rid of. You can list appliances, pet equipment, musical instruments, lawn and garden equipment and more. One client listed a refrigerator he no longer needed but didn't want the hassle of hauling it to a donation site. Someone picked it up within 48 hours of being listed. The Web site often has storage items to give away, too. Everything listed is free for pick-up.
• Consider Southside Life Center (612- 823-0301) if you want to donate baby cribs, playpens and high chairs; they are given to needy families.

General Organizing Tips (pictures: before, top left; after, bottom left)

Some other tips my clients have found useful include the following:

Photos belong in albums

Many families have boxes of photographs. The reason this project is never tackled is because people think they have to organize all the pictures at one time. Instead, tackle one box at a time.

If the pictures will end up in different family members' photo albums, first sort them into piles by family member, then sort the pictures in chronological order. Now you're ready for the next box. Remember, sort one box at a time.

Photographs should be kept in photo albums. While acid-free materials are best, the important part is getting photos into an album so they don't get bent and inevitably become disorganized if stored in boxes. If they remain in boxes, the people viewing them will not keep them in order and may damage them.

Organize pots and pans

I had a client who couldn't keep her pots, pans and lids organized to save her life. The solution was having a handyman install two sturdy wire "pull-out drawers" to house the pans. Creating easy access made things less stressful, and because she could see the entire shelf when it was pulled out, it was very easy to put things back in an organized fashion.

Where are those scissors?

Keep a pair of scissors on the wall next to the water softener for the next time you need to open a bag of rock salt.

Consider memory boxes

Everyone has items that they can't bear to throw away or give away because they hold special meaning. Yet they don't serve a functional purpose in your home. These types of items are perfect for a memory box.

• Parents can start a memory box to house items like their old letter jackets; that way, they aren't taking up closet space and can be stored safely in a container.
  
• Parents can store their child's favorite toy or the kindergarten portfolio that's too big to store in a scrapbook. Write a quick note to keep with the toy in the box so your child can read about your memory of the child playing with the favorite toy.
  

Know that the items parents choose for their children's memory boxes are often more about the parents' memories and may not be that important to the children as they get older. So don't be surprised when your 21-year-old daughter asks, "Why did you keep that old, broken tennis racket all these years?"

• By the time your children are teenagers, it is important to ask them what they want in their memory box so they can be part of the process. You will be amazed to find out what things are important for them to hold on to and what things they don't care about. It will be interesting to see how similar or how different your views can be from your children's.
  

As with anything else, it is important not to save everything in the memory box. It is meant for those items that have no practical use in your house any more, yet you absolutely cannot part with them.

Wrap them in memories

Since we can't save all of our children's clothes, save a few select ones such as their favorite blanket, overalls and baseball shirt, and have them made into a quilt when you send them off to college. That way you are preserving memories for your kids and creating a great functional item.

Tackle the garage

Fall is a terrific time to clean and organize your garage. Depending on how many stalls you have, a good strategy can be to just start with your work bench and get your tools organized.

• Peg boards are a terrific way to store tools. Tools should be organized by category: garden tools in one area, screwdrivers in their own area and hammers hung near the screwdrivers.
  
• The general rule in garages is to have everything visible. If things are kept behind closed doors in garages, people usually forget about them and buy more. If you can see that you already have four quarts of oil, you won't buy more. Open shelving works well for visibility, and for storing yard chemicals and other poisons on out-of-reach shelves so little hands can't reach them.
  
• One of the challenges for parents is to organize kids' items like balls and in-line skates. Ideally, store similar sports balls together. Buying an inexpensive, tall trash can is a great way to house the bats, hockey sticks and tennis rackets. Label containers so you know what's inside.
  
• Other options include installing a garage system which can range from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars. Some of the garage systems look like aluminum siding on the inside of your garage. you then purchase accessories that house everything your garage contains, from tennis rackets to flower pots. Some systems can be installed yourself; others are purchased from a company like GarageTek. These are great systems because everything is visible and is at your fingertips to grab at a moment's notice. Just think about it, you can hang those huge hockey bags in the garage instead of smelling up the mud room. My clients who have installed these systems have virtually eliminated the need to organize their garage on a regular basis.
  
• Taking time to label containers in your garage is critical. It doesn't guarantee that everything will go back in the right place, but it increases the probability that that will happen. Having things labeled is like having a big brother looking over your family's shoulder when someone tries to put the garden gloves in the golf ball container. You will be surprised at how much easier it will be to maintain your garage.
  

Start small

If you're ready to get better organized, start small and stay focused. And remember, it's Ok to ask for help. Not everyone was born to organize.

By Joni Danzl   Tue, Aug 04, 2009

When Mason Powers dreamed about living on Lake Minnetonka, he never dreamed about living in a boat house. Yet, together with local architect Jerry Allan and the Design Build team at Vujovich, he created a boat house with character and high style that fulfilled his dreams, and met his budget, creatively.

Architect Jerry Allan, principal at Criteria, collaborated with Vujovich to meet the goal of designing a 3,500 square foot home that fit the character of the lake, not that of suburbia. "We chose a boat house look in keeping with the location, and also the confines of a narrow lot, just 50 feet wide," explains Allan. The house was built vertically, with three stories.

Finding the original cabin

Powers began looking for the original cabin over four years ago. He had just moved to the Twin Cities from Green Bay and was living in an apartment. Out one day with a realtor, "just looking," he saw the original cabin, not even sure if it was still for sale. Once he was able to see the house and the views, he was hooked. He lived in the cabin for four years before deciding to have it demolished and do a complete rebuild. Project planning started during the holiday season in 2004 and ground was broken for the new house in May of 2005.

 Finding a builder with a focus on quality

Powers chose Vujovich because of its reputation for customer satisfaction and quality. Jerry Allan, principal of Criteria and the architect on the Powers project, says that he has collaborated on about a dozen building projects with Vujovich and has a great working relationship with the company. "Number one, their focus on the client impresses me, and number two, they aim for the highest quality possible," Allan says.

Powers remembers his excitement as work on the house progressed. "It felt like I received a gift every day when I came home during the project," he says. "I also felt very included in the team approach used by Vujovich; I was presented with two to three options for every design decision, which really helped with the project's efficiency." Powers added that the neighbors are pleased that his house was built to fit so well into the neighborhood.

Allan was able to help Mason maximize the lot, the views, and his budget. "Building at the time he did, using the materials we used, we were really able to maximize the value of the house and the lot," Allan says. His advice for those contemplating a lake home building or renovating project is to take every advantage of the site and to focus on quality.

Design features of the "Boat House"

The house was designed with a subtle nautical theme. Allan studied photos of ships and old boat riggings to come up with his design strategy. The main floor has no dividing walls, giving the home an airy feel with great views in every direction. An iron wood deck off the great room represents the prow of a ship. The staircase utilizes tension cable railings, enabling those in the kitchen to see through the staircase to the water. The home also features a screen porch, as well as a full walkout with an outdoor fireplace and terrace overlooking the lake. Beautiful woodwork is featured throughout the home, in keeping with the high style of the homes in the area. Mahogany, featured in the bathrooms, skylight and attic access, is representative of the wood used on classic ships. Brazilian cherry is used on the kitchen floor, combined with maple trim, stainless steel appliances, and well-detailed cabinets for high contrast. Even the light fixtures follow the nautical theme.

Staying within budget

Throughout the project Allan looked for ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Allan utilized a clever and affordable custom strategy on the kitchen counters. The counters are made of slate gray plastic laminate, cut to three-quarter inch thickness (as opposed to the regular 1.5 inch for laminate), resembling a slate top. In fact, the laminate can easily be removed and replaced with slate in the future. A band of stainless steel runs along the recessed countertop, unifying it with the appliances. The roof features standing- seam metal in all the visible areas, including areas above the garage and below the windows. To save money, a less expensive roofing material is used in the non-visible areas.

Life on the lake

Powers enjoys his home for casual entertaining as well as parties. A favorite pastime is to have friends at the house for hors d'œuvres and take the boat out to a lakeside restaurant for dinner. Bayside, Gianni's, Sunsets, and Lord Fletcher's are favorite getaways.

"I'm always discovering new things about this community," Powers says. One Saturday morning Powers took his girlfriend and his parents boating and docked the boat in a new waterfront area in Mound. The area is being redeveloped to include a marina, condominiums, restaurants, and shops. They stopped at a coffee shop, did some shopping, loaded their purchases into the boat and came back to the house.

"There's a lot to do around here in winter, too-ice fishing, skating, great restaurants," he says.

Architect Jerry Allan, who also teaches architecture at the University of Minnesota, involved his students in a unique recycling/design project related to the boat house. When Powers tore down the existing cabin from the property, he hoped to reuse three solid Douglas Fir beams. The beams were cut in 4' lengths and offered to select architectural undergraduate students in a design contest. The students were invited to design furniture for Powers' boat house, incorporating the beams with other wood of their choosing. The results include planters, tables, and other beautiful pieces, many of which have been sold.

About Vujovich

Vujovich, pronounced voy-o-vich, is a residential design and construction company that has been doing business in the Twin Cities for more than 25 years. Through its Valley and Lakes Offices, Vujovich designs, builds and remodels sophisticated contemporary and period homes. The company's success is built on a foundation of integrity, quality and professionalism. Vujovich architects, designers, contractors, carpenters, artisans and support staff have a reputation for building excellence and value into every project. Vujovich has offices in Minneapolis and Afton, Minnesota.

     
For more information, please visit www.vujovich.com or contact Jennifer Gasperini, 651-998-0533.

By   Tue, Aug 04, 2009

When Janie Norby boarded a plane to Florida to visit her mother in January of 2002 she had no inkling of the changes that were about to take place in her life. Like most young moms she simply needed a break and a few days of rest. Her two young sons, Justin and Max, stayed in Minnesota with their father Craig Norby.

While Janie was away Craig was on a mission to find his family a cabin. Craig spent most of his childhood in Montana on lakes fishing and doing other outdoor activities. When his family moved to Minnesota they made their home on St. Alban's Bay on Lake Minnetonka. Lake life continued for Craig and his passion for it grew. Now in adulthood he wanted to share his passion with his wife and children.

Craig and Janie had been hunting for a cabin in the Hayward and Cross Lake areas. One day as Craig was reading the local paper he saw a photograph showing a lake view from a nearby home for sale. He knew he had to act fast due to the competitive housing market at that time. From the moment he saw the photograph of the lake view he knew this was the right spot for his family. The catch...it wasn't actually a cabin; it was a home and that meant they would have to move. For Craig this was a blessing. He imagined being able to use the lake on a daily basis rather than driving up north each weekend. Despite the fact that Janie was still out of town, Craig proceeded to put together an offer on the home. However, the owner wanted to see what an open house would bring and sure enough many offers were made.

Craig set out to show the owner that this was indeed the right home for his family. He told them he was passionate about lake life, he wanted to raise his family in that home, and he would preserve much of the home and property as it had been for years. It worked. Craig and Janie found themselves in the midst of the first big change in their life; they now had lake life on a daily basis.

The Norby family lived their lives to the fullest. But all the while they felt uneasy about their younger son Max. Mother's intuition told Janie that something was wrong. Max had always had stomach problems and some sensory issues. The doctors told them that everything was fine, there was nothing to worry about. Even Janie's experience in teaching kids, some of whom had Cystic Fibrosis (CF), didn't foretell of her future. When Craig and Janie convinced the medical professionals to do some testing, the idea that Max could have Cystic Fibrosis wasn't something they believed to be true. As Max was tested for the disease, Janie waited in the research library where she learned much about CF, and began to realize that this was probably the ailment that had been plaguing her child.

To keep her mind off of everything that was going on, Janie began to do the paperwork of adopting a third child. This was something they had been considering for a year and it seemed a good thing to occupy herself with. On February 27, 2003 at 5:00 pm the phone rang at the Norby home. With fear and hesitancy Janie answered the call from their doctor. The diagnosis of CF had been made. The second big change in the Norby's life was upon them.

They now had medical treatments, research, fundraising, and more, to deal with on a daily basis.

The next few days were grueling and held even more tension as they learned that this genetic disease had a 25% chance of being in Justin, their older child, as well. The wait for his test results proved to be almost more than Janie and Craig could take. They knew that CF would impact nearly every facet of their life, but they didn't want it to take over their lives.

When the call finally came with the news that Justin's sweat tests were negative they were flooded with relief. It was at that moment they decided that they would have a new 'normalcy' in their household. They would give Max the best treatments they could, they would fight this disease, they would be optimistic, and all of this would be part of their ongoing life, but it wouldn't take over.

Fortunately good news soon followed the bad; they were going to be able to adopt a child from Guatemala. The diagnosis of Max's CF convinced them that another biological child was out of the question. Instead, God gave them a beautiful, adopted daughter named Gabi who came home to them in May of 2004. This was the third big change in the Norby's life, and it filled them with joy.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease. Two parents can unknowingly carry a defective gene. Each time two carriers conceive there is a 25% chance that they will pass the disease to their child. Ten million Americans unknowingly carry the gene. A simple test prior to having children could alert parents of the potential for this deadly disease.

The defective cells in a person with CF produce thick, sticky mucus that can harm not only the lungs, but also the pancreas and other organs. Sufferers can experience lung infections and nutritional deficiencies that are extremely serious. In addition, people with CF are more susceptible to illnesses than the average person. Throughout their lifetime they can expect to spend a lot of time in and out of hospitals for treatments and testing. The average life expectancy has increased dramatically in the past five decades. In 1950 children with CF rarely lived to school age. Now the median age of survival for a person with CF is 35.1 years.

To look at Max is to look at a poster of an all-American boy. His sparkling personality, his tenacity, and his kindness have made him someone that the community wants to fight for. Everyone around Max wants to give him what the rest of us already have-a normal life. So far, there is no cure for CF and the Norby family continues to live at a level of normal that is far different than the rest of us.

Each day of Max's life he must wear a special vest for two treatments lasting approximately 30-40 minutes each. The mechanical vest quickly and powerfully constricts his chest to loosen the thick mucus in his lungs. He must sit still during these treatments, not an easy task even at the age of five as he is now. He also inhales strong medication given to him via a nebulizer to further loosen the mucus. Not only does Max need to ingest an extremely high calorie amount each day, but everything he ingests must be preceded by pancreatic enzymes that enable his body to digest the food and drink. Without the encapsulated enzymes Max would suffer from intense abdominal pain and would not absorb the much needed calories and nutrition. Each day, for the rest of his life, this is Max's normal status.

The Norby family feels fortunate for so many things; family, friends, community, great doctors, and that only one of their children has CF. They are thankful for their lake life and for what it offers Max. It is the catalyst that enables Max to endure his treatments, knowing that at the end he will be able to go kneeboarding, wakeboarding, swimming, kayaking, fishing, ice skating or snowmobiling on his beloved lake. The Norbys even have a mini-cabin, built by Amish people, at the edge of the water. It has a place to eat lunch, play a game, or just hang out, and a loft with a bed that makes an afternoon nap far more adventurous. The walls are covered with photographs of the many things that Max loves: family, friends, and the lake.

Janie and Craig are incredibly strong and optimistic. They will fight CF for Max and for the 30,000 other people who suffer from this debilitating disease. There are few others fighting CF, mainly because it doesn't affect as many people as Cancer, Alzheimer's, or other diseases that kill. CF is nicknamed the orphan disease because there simply aren't that many companies willing to help fight it. The cost of the vests, drugs, hospital stays, and more, adds up to incredible amounts. Medications alone average $6000 a month. But the Norbys, scientists and doctors all agree that with enough funding for research better treatments and even a cure could be found.

Fate has watched over Janie and Craig as they found a lake home, found a way to deal with CF, and adopted a third child. Fate will surely stay on their side as they continue to live their life loving their children, loving their lake life, and loving that the lake can sometimes wash away the pain.

Max Norby
Age 5
Diagnosed with Cystic
Fibrosis February 27, 2003
Favorite Activity: kneeboarding with my brother Justin
Favortie Food: grilled cheese sandwich
Favorite Toy: my four-wheeler
How does it feel to have CF? Sometimes it hurts.
The best part of having CF? I get to eat lots of donuts, pudding and milkshakes.
The worst part of having CF? I have to do the yucky treatments for a long time.
Most excited about for kindergarten? Going outside for recess.
How does it feel to go on the great strides walk? It's lots of fun because my friends come and we ride our scooters.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Mpls. Chapter) has fundraisers throughout the year. The largest is The Breath of Life Gala, November 12, 2005. For more information on events, or how to make a donation, please contact the foundation at 651-631-3290 or Email them at minn@cff.org or visit their website www.cff.org. CFF would welcome any fundraising opportunities that corporations may be willing to sponsor or that individuals are willing to organize. Please take a deep breath and imagine how wonderful it would be for CF sufferers to be able to do the same. 

By Bobby Jensen   Tue, Aug 04, 2009

Fall is the season to bring the outdoors in so it will stay with you through the winter months. When you look to dress your personal spaces with plants, always consider the textures and colors of both the flowers and the leaves.

INDOOR PLANTS
The benefits of having indoor plants extend far beyond aesthetic beauty. Indoor plants filter pollutants from the air, release oxygen and reduce humidity levels. Research has shown that plant leaves alone can actually filter low levels of carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, and plant roots purify numerous toxic chemicals.

Here are some examples of plants that perform well indoors and are most effective in filtering harmful chemicals and purifying your indoor air: Bamboo Palm, Chinese Evergreen, English Ivy, Gerbera Daisies, Janet Craig, Marginata, Mother-in- Law's Tongue, Pot Mum, Peace Lily, and Warneckii.

The outdoor Garden in the Fall

Fall is also a time to do some extensive pruning in your outdoor garden, enjoy the last blossoms before the onset of winter, and "put your garden bed to sleep." The following are some tips you can follow in your garden:

• If you need to do lawn repair, such as reseeding, or starting a new lawn, now is the best time to refurbish your lawn. Seed now to allow grasses enough time to become established before the onset of cold weather.
• Do not fertilize trees, shrubs, perennials, roses or any of your plants at this time. if you apply fertilizers this late in the season, the plants will not have enough time to harden off any tender, new growth before winter.
• Fall is for planting. plant trees and shrubs, and perennials; there are lots of bargains at this time of year.
• With cooler temperatures, roses are in their glory. keep up your spray schedule for diseases and pests.
• Water is critical to the survival of your plants through the winter, especially evergreens. Water until the ground freezes.
• As the foliage yellows and dies on tuberous begonias, dahlias and other summer flowering bulbs, dig them up and let them dry out for a few days before storing them in a cool, dry place for next season.
• Before nighttime temperatures dip below 50 degrees, prepare your house plants to bring them in for the winter. Clean and repot them, inspect for disease and insect pests before moving them indoors.
• repot summer weary pots and beds with cool weather mums, asters, flowering kale, pansies, and other fall-blooming varieties.
• Cut back dying or yellowing perennials to six to eight inches, leaving enough stalk to hold snow for better insulation over winter. the flower heads of ornamental grasses, sedum, coneflowers, and rose hips are wonderful for winter interest and a source of food for the birds.
• Make sure to clean your gardening tools and oil them before you store them for the winter.

FUN FALL PROJECT
Triple Layer Bulb Cake

Here is a great idea for fall planting. Plant bulbs in layers in the same hole to get a double or triple affect in the spring. What you will need are three types of bulbs, one in each timeframe - one early, one mid-season and one late blooming. The timing is stated on each package. Dig a 10"-12" hole and put bone meal on the bottom in a thin layer. Cover with a light dusting of soil and then put your late season bulbs in first. Then cover them, repeat the dusting of bone meal and soil, and then add your mid-season bulbs. Repeat the process with the early-blooming bulbs, then cover with the soil and make sure it is level with the rest of the ground. Remember to make sure the bone meal does not directly touch the bottom of the bulbs.

Here are two combinations that I like.

Ice Follies Daffodil for the late season, Chionodoxa (Glory-of-the-snow) for the mid-season, and Muscari Armeniacum (Grape Hyacinths) as the early spring. Another combination is Double Late Mt. Tacoma for the late spring, Red Riding Hood Tulip as the mid-season, and Blue Pearl Crocus for the early spring selection. There are many combinations that you can try; just remember last to bloom goes in the hole first and then mid-season, and lastly the earliest bloomers. Now you can sit back and watch nature at work come spring.

 

By Barb Umberger   Tue, Aug 04, 2009

When Ron Schara grew up, the people who lived along the waterfront weren't folks with million-dollar homes. Far from it. "They were almost exclusively commercial fishermen or poor people," Schara said. "If you were fairly well to do, you didn't live on the river. You were on higher ground."

How things change. Today, when he drives along the Mississippi River roads between Winona, Minn., and Lansing, Iowa, and thereabouts, the big new homes have riverfront views. "I don't even recognize it," he said. Schara, host of the popular television show "Minnesota Bound," grew up in the bluff region near the Mississippi River in northeastern Iowa.

When he was a child, he remembers spending weekends with relatives who had a cabin on the Mississippi River. Memories include regularly walking through nettles from the cabin to the river on his quest to fish for bluegills.

Those early days in rural Iowa planted the seed for his love of nature. At 18 he started realizing how much of the natural world he took for granted. He clearly recalls a field trip with his ornithology classmates and the moment he spotted a rose-breasted grosbeak through his binoculars.

"I will never forget that," Schara said. "I had lived there all summer and hadn't seen one. How could I have been on the earth 18 years and never saw a rose- breasted grosbeak before?" The experience caused him to look more closely at the outdoor world's beauty and abundance.

Schara spent one year studying music at the McPhail College of Music before switching to Iowa State University where he studied journalism and fish and wildlife. "Many people don't realize that I played the trumpet professionally," he said. "My dad's side of the family was very musical. I got into music as a kid."

The tug between love of the outdoors and love of music played itself out all through his school years, and was especially keen in high school. "I was really torn in high school," Schara said. Little did he know that all the pieces would someday fit together; his present career combines his background in communications and the outdoors, and certainly the use of his voice. Schara worked as an outdoors columnist for the Minneapolis Star Tribune before moving to television broadcasting.

"I never thought I'd be doing this but it is interesting how things go together. All the pieces were there."

Enter 'Minnesota Bound'

Today, Schara is the host and down-home storyteller on the popular show "Minnesota Bound." He frequently gets teased about his job. "People ask me, 'How do you know when you're working?' "

The show's popularity still amazes Schara. His approach in telling stories, instead of preaching, probably helps draw in viewers. "I talk about how other people are involved in the outdoors, whether they're an artist or a fly fishing expert. Everybody has a story."

And it's not only people who have a story to tell. One segment that aired this summer, for example, showed close-up footage of a pair of adult robins taking care of their young. "We take robins for granted, yet when you catch them on camera, you see things you've never seen before," Schara said.

Robins are just one natural wonder living in our backyard that can make for fascinating stories. "What's with the wood tick?" he said as another example.

Of course, some credit for the show's popularity needs to be given to Schara's first co-host, Raven, a black Labrador retriever. Because of some health problems, the original Raven has retired from regular television duties, but a new Raven appears with Schara on the program.

Raven joined the program by happenstance. "It was a cold, February day and we were trying to create an interesting set," Schara said. My wife asked, "Why not have the dog appear with you?"

The cameraman, who wasn't keen on the idea because Raven's jet-black coat wouldn't appear well on camera, asked if Schara had something bright and colorful to use with the dog. "I went to the hall closet and the good Lord had a red bandana there, and the cameraman said that was perfect."

No lack of material

One thing's for sure: There are always more discoveries to make in the great outdoors, and more about nature we need to understand. Schara certainly doesn't expect to run out of material any time soon.

If you're looking for your own outdoor adventure, Schara suggests the many state parks in the region. "Minnesota state parks are the jewels of the state," he said. "And if you've never floated on a river, you need to try that.

"We have so many lakes that we tend to ignore the rivers," he said. "Around every bend is a new picture and good fishing." Schara recommends people visit Lake Superior at least once, perhaps renting a charter for fishing.

"We have such variety here - the prairies of the Dakotas, the Canadian wildlife and lakes, Lake Superior, the great agricultural region of southern Minnesota and Iowa, the Mississippi River, Wisconsin's beauty and lakes. You don't have to look far."

Recreational boaters in the upper Midwest are also lucky compared with boaters in some parts of California, Schara said, where reservations are required for boating on certain lakes. And boats on those lakes must travel in the same direction.

One of Schara's favorite places is a day spent fishing for walleye and muskie at Lake of the Woods on the U.S.-Canadian border. The huge lake is peppered with more than 14,000 islands.

Cabin up north

When Schara was looking for the right lake and lake cabin for his family, his priorities were water quality and fishing. He was in charge of picking the general location and lake, and his wife - who isn't swayed as much by a lake's fishing potential - was responsible for picking out the cabin. "She decided what kind of nest to build," Schara said. Their year-round cabin near Walker, Minn., is considered a nesting place; a place to entertain family and friends.

Schara admits to having mixed emotions about lake development. "I love being on a lake but we do need to take care of the land we occupy. So many people want to have blue grass all the way to the lake, and want to clear the 'weeds' out to the lake.

"I think we should consider more lakescaping with natural plantings," he said.

Schara considers himself an optimist as it pertains to conservation. "We are capable of making the right decisions. We have the information and tools to reduce our impact on the environment. That's my hope.

"Pollution and environmental degradation is not what we want to pass on to the next generation. Our forefathers did do dumping in the rivers, but they weren't evil, they just didn't understand the impact.

"The outdoors and nature are important to the quality of our lives - we are the stewards of the natural world."

Catch 'Minnesota Bound' The television program "Minnesota Bound' airs on KARE-channel 11 in Minneapolis- St. Paul, KBJR-channel 6 in Duluth, Minn., KTTC in Rochester, Minn., and KVLY in Fargo, N.D. Schara also hosts "Backroads with Ron and Raven" on the Outdoor Life channel and "Call of the Wild' on the Outdoor channel. Merchandise featured on Minnesota Bound and other outdoor-related items are for sale at the Minnesota Bound store at the Mall of Amer ica, Bloomington, Minn.

Check out the following Minnesota Bound Web sites:
www.mnbound.com
www.minnesotaboundstore.com

By   Tue, Aug 04, 2009

Halloween is a great time to throw a party for all ages. 

Spare no extravagances, that is a real person on the buffet table!

     

Continue the theme with the color black, lots of webbing, and great tablescaping.

  

Remove the mask, spider, and witch and your decorations will last through Thanksgiving.

     

By Lee Hoedl   Thu, Jul 30, 2009

It was well known German writer Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, in his later years, who penned the phrase "Nature is the living, visible garment of God." This is never more evident than in the splendor of the autumn season. Much like the daily lull of Life quieting itself at twilight for its evening rest, autumn changes its grand arboreal garment and brings with it its own gentle process of "quieting" before its winter lull. The forest canopy transforms itself into golden shades of red, yellow and orange, myriads of winged wildlife prepare for their journey to warmer climates and Nature readies itself for its long winter nap... all to the quieting waves of Life's hear tbeat.

As part of an annual autumn tradition, I enjoy taking the time to slowly and intentionally walk as much of the shoreline of our little Ottertail County lake as an opportunity to reflect on the past glorious Minnesota summer months before autumn turns the corner toward winter. And when that shoreline just isn't long enough, in the early morning hours I venture to nearby lakes as well; just me, my thoughts, soft sand and the rolling waves gracefully lapping over the shore. It's a rare moment of solitude and solace; a chance to reflect on past months, mistakes and milestones. It is an opportunity to experience my own "quieting" of spirit and one to which I encourage others.

This autumn I came to the Minnesota lake country with a lot on my mind - particularly concerning recent events and circumstances in my life - so it took more than one shoreline to quiet this wanderer's spirit. As I stopped for a moment in the early morning light and looked out over the waters, I observed something I hadn't given prior or proper attention. Lap...... lap...... lap...... I've experienced it continuously each weekend while at the lake, but on this day it seemed especially meaningful. Lap...... lap...... lap...... Before a single lake wave had a chance to crash on the shore and retreat, another wave was already overlapping it and crashing to the shore, and another, and another. The water advanced, retreated, and advanced in a never-ending musical round of what I fondly refer to now as the waves of Life's heartbeat.

In Nature, I believe that life is not linear, but cyclical. It revolves around the seasons, ignited by the celestial journey of our earth around the Sun. It teems with excitement throughout the phases of the moon and repeats its pattern on a monthly basis. And when it reaches its maturity, it becomes food for new life springing forth in this cyclical heartbeat of Life. It is most likely true that there is very little within our life that is completely linear as well; our life journey doesn't seem to unfold in only one direction and in orderly incremental stages. Over the years, I've often thought of my life as a series of storyboards in a comic book; each event neatly framed and following another. It is most recently on my journey as an older adult, spouse and parent, I have come to believe that rather than a storyboarded existence, our life is more similar to the never-ending round of advancing- retreating-advancing waves of events and journeys within our life. We, by our very nature [notably, over 60% of our body is made up of water and the chemical composition of our blood is similar to that of sea water], are a life form teeming with ebbs and tides. Our life itself is melded together by series of high points, low points, turbulence, joy, peace and silence - Life's symphony of overlapping waves of journey and discovery, leaving its mark on and defining the shores of our personal life. Lap...... lap...... lap......

Take a moment this autumn to walk with me down this short stretch of shoreline and allow me to ask you: What major events, milestones, memories, and mistakes have occurred to you since the beginning of summer? It would be my guess that they happened concurrently; either simultaneously or one after another in a seamless fashion. Advancing-retreating- advancing waves of Life's journey. Some of the events, milestones and memories of the past months were most likely painful and some were most likely joyous; many of which are just a memory, like a sand castle washed away by the steady tide. Regardless, the events, and milestones and memories have now become part of the rich rhythm of Life's heartbeat - a testimony that you are truly alive.

It's very difficult in this life to have complete "closure" - perhaps because this Life has little room for closure. Life goes on with its never-ending waves of journey and discovery. And much like the shoreline that continues to be transformed by its constant contact with the water, our life remains ever-changing by our contact with Life itself. Though we may never find all of our answers and solutions for issues that face us yesterday or today, perhaps the closure we each personally seek can simply be found in that momentary lull between overlapping waves of events and situations in our life. That momentary lull that allows us to silence ourselves, respect and appreciate the very moment, learn from and make amends for the past if need be, forgive, remember fondly and move on - all before the next wave laps up on our personal shoreline of Life.

And perhaps it is true that the most important life contribution we will leave behind in the autumn of our life is simply a profound impact on others. Life is a grand symphonic heartbeat of overlapping waves of journey and discovery - marking time while leaving its mark on the shore of our personal life. And if we allow ourselves to be adventurous, we will find ourselves caught up in this glorious journey and discovery. We become one single note in the grand symphonic heartbeat; the advancing-retreating-advancing wave of our life journey gently lapping on the shores of others' lives... followed by the life journeys of another... and another...

Enjoy your walk along the shoreline this autumn while listening intently to the heartbeat of your life.

By Tim Bewer   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

Each trip "up north" (to you non-residents that means northern Minnesota) adds a special memory to our lives. The photos we have all taken of loved ones in front of a huge fish, or statue of Paul Bunyan, are etched into our minds bringing a smile each time they are recalled. Minnesota holds so many treasures that you need never put voice to, nor hear the words, "I'm bored" again. Here are two sources to help you navigate through our wonderful, lake-filled state; Brainerd Bound, a book to help you find some of the more popular, well-known sites and activities around the state, and author Tim Bewer's list of top ten places in Minnesota that are more obscure, but historical and definitely worth visiting.

Recently three people passionate about Minnesota and all of its landmarks compiled a book called “Brainerd Bound .” They are Mark Rustad, Curtis Johnson, and Mark Utter. Their compilation is a large coffee-table book packed with beautiful, historical and recent photography of landmarks throughout our state. The history behind each picture is well laid out and the clean lines make it relaxing to read through. In addition to giving you ideas on what to do while you’re at the cabin, this is a great gift idea for cabin owners, lake home owners, or other Minnesota history buffs. Here are some excerpts:

Turtle Races: Since 1966 tourists from around the world, as well as locals, have gathered every Wednesday during the summer to witness smiling children race their turtles in Nisswa, Minnesota. Ted and Tony Dullmum and Travis and Brent Best from Nisswa are local entrepreneurs who catch turtles on Roy Lake during the summer and rent them to the eager contestants.

Resorts & Resort Owners: Along with countless others, these legendary Brainerd Lakes Area families combined to build the base of tourism that the region enjoys today. To honor them, we captured this portrait at the historic Lake Hubert Train Station. It was here, a century ago, where vacation seekers disembarked from Northern Pacific trains to enjoy an “up north” adventure. We honor and thank these families. Pictured standing from left to right are Jack Ruttger, Stewart C. Mills, Jr., Dutch Cragun, Don McFarland, and John Kavanaugh. Sitting are Deb (Madden) Thuringer, Bob Spizzo, and Mary (Cote) Boos. Many of the parents and grandparents of this group of area luminaries founded resorts, tourist attractions, and businesses that lured travelers to the Brainerd Lakes area.

Paul Bunyan’s and Babe’s trip to This Old Farm: On Monday, September 1, 2003, Paul Bunyan Center closed for good, breaking the hearts of Minnesota residents and the many vacationers who had visited the park in past years. The summer of 2003 gave parents one last chance to bring their children to Paul Bunyan Amusement Center and gave local communities and organizations, including the Governor of Minnesota, a chance to fight for Paul and Babe’s survival. A summer of uncertainty turned to hope when This Old Farm, only eight miles east of Brainerd, was finally chosen to be Paul and Babe’s new home. On Friday, September 19, Paul and Babe left their home of fifty-three years and made their historic journey to This Old Farm.

This Old Farm, Paul Bunyan and Babe’s New Home: Four generations of Rademachers have toiled to assemble this fifty-acre tribute to yesteryear. It is one of the few remaining public attractions that capture the area’s history of farming and pioneer living. Paul Bunyan Land at This Old Farm Pioneer Village showcases antique cars, a blacksmith shop, a print shop, old farm machinery and implements, a fire station, general store, filling station grainery, log house, one room school house, saw mill, saloon, depot and many other classic structures that will bring you back to the Brainerd of the early 1900s. Over thirty rides and attractions will be added beginning in 2004.

Betcha Never Been

Variety is one of a travel writer's most trusted clichés, but part of what makes Minnesota such a great place to both live and visit is that it truly applies here. From skyscrapers to sod houses, highbrow art to world-class kitsch, and boreal forest to tallgrass prairie, we've just about got it all here. Despite this, Minnesota's top destinations are so wonderful that travelers tend to return to them year after year. And, I must admit, I was once guilty of this habit. But that was before I got the enviable assignment to write a travel guidebook about the state. I spent 18 months crisscrossing Minnesota exploring new places and getting in depth with my old favorites and this experience drove home the state's impressive diversity in a most compelling way.

When people hear about my book they often ask me to recommend lesser-known places to visit. My response, of course, depends on the person asking, but I am never short of answers; in fact, even keeping this list concise wasn't easy. And while each destination included here is relatively unknown, they are not all inferior.

Had I compiled a list of my top ten favorite places in the state-famous or otherwise-Jeffers Petroglyphs and Lac qui Parle would have been on it. Other than showcasing Minnesota's diversity, I didn't intend for the destinations forming this eclectic collection to share anything in common. Some were chosen for their natural beauty, some for the way they highlight history, and others just because they're unique. But looking back on the list after I had made it, I realized that they all do share one trait-each place has a story to tell. And I do believe that if you really want to know the North Star State, then these places are just as much must-sees as Itasca State Park or Fort Snelling. So here, in no particular order, are ten places you've probably never visited, but definitely should. 

Ancient Art

Few places in Minnesota are as evocative as Jeffers Petroglyphs. Atop a low rolling ridge, small islands of crimson quartzite part the native tallgrass prairie. This exposed bedrock, some of the oldest in the world, is decorated with buffalo, elk, thunderbirds, humans, weapons, and similar subjects. In all, over 2,000 ancient glyphs bear witness to the exceptional holiness of this site to the Native Americans who have come to hear the wisdom of grandmother earth for at least the last 5,000 years. Even without the sacred carvings, a visit to Jeffers would be worthwhile just to soak up its singular beauty.

The Lake that Speaks

Another place that spoke to early Native Americans was Lac qui Parle, a natural expansion of the Minnesota River. But these voices weren’t in their heads; they came from clamorous throngs of Canada geese. The “Lake That Speaks” hosts up to 150,000 honkers during the fall migration, more than any other place in the state. Even outside the migration seasons this is amongst the best wildlife watching spots in Minnesota, and bald eagle, white pelican, beaver, and white tail deer can all be sighted while paddling the river or hiking the bottomland trails at Lac qui Parle State Park. Just down the road from the park is a reconstruction of the Lac qui Parle Mission chapel where fur trader Joseph Renville helped complete the first Dakota alphabet, dictionary, and translation of the Bible.

Mini Minnesota

Otter Tail County comes as close as any place can to being a Minnesota microcosm. Best known for its nearly 800 lakes, the largely agricultural county also hosts prairie and forest preserves, a vibrant arts scene, a host of oversized statuary, historic B&Bs, great camping, and a growing ethnic diversity. All of this, and much more, lies along the Otter Trail Scenic Byway, which zigs and zags past red barn farms and all-American small towns. Heading out of Fergus Falls, home to one of the state’s best local history museums and the world’s largest otter, the 150-mile loop connects the iconic 1889 Phelps Mill, the hill and dale of Maplewood State Park, the faster-than-you’d-expect turtle races in Perham, and what better way to end the drive than by taking in the leafy views from atop Inspiration Peak. The artistic offerings at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center are worth a quick detour from the byway’s official route.

Another Twin City

Just as Fargo-Moorhead straddles the Red River, Moorhead itself strides across its college town and farm town facades. The latter has shaped most people’s perception, which no doubt helps explain why the smaller half of the “Other Twin Cities,” is such a slighted travel destination. Fact is, soy and scholarship make an interesting mix—grain cars roll past hip coffeehouses— and there is a whole weekend worth of things to see and do. Foremost is the Scandinaviancentric Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, which hosts both a 76-foot Viking-style ship that a local middle school guidance counselor built to sail to Norway and an authentic Norwegian stave church built entirely of wood, except where modern building codes demanded otherwise. Other top stops are the Comstock House, an elegant 1882 home still filled with original furnishings and fixtures, and the Rourke Art Gallery and Museum with notable Native American and African collections.

Finnish-American Heartland

Next time you're headed to Ely make time for a short detour to Embarrass. Finnish immigrants arriving in Minnesota during the late 19th century worked, by and large, in the mines of the Iron Range, but those who settled along the Embarrass River chose to farm. The township remained almost entirely Finnish until the taconite revolution of the 1950s brought additional residents. But it is still a Finnish town at heart and locals have gone to extraordinary lengths to preserve their heritage. The pioneers built distinctive hand-hewed log homes, barns, saunas, and other structures so sturdy that many remain in use today. A few restored buildings have been moved into town-one houses a Visitor Center and another a gift shop-and during the summer volunteers lead tours to intact farmsteads. For full Finnish immersion come in June during the Finnish-American Summer Festival: it's highlighted by pesäpallo, a Finnish game that resembles baseball as dreamed up by the writers of Mad Magazine.

A Lake and a Lot More

Lake Bronson State Park, tucked all the way up in Minnesota's forgotten corner, is a 3,598-acre oasis of prairie, oak savanna, and forest. While the namesake lake draws most visitors, this is a well-rounded park with 14 miles of hiking and biking trails, paddle-in island camping, and enough historic sites (including a massive split stone-constructed observation and water tower combination) to earn it a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Ecologically it lies in the transition zone between the prairies of the west and the forests of the east so wildlife viewing is good and, surprisingly, this is one of the best places in Minnesota to spot a moose.

The Forgotten Interior

Sure, the Lake Superior shoreline never fails to please, but for me, the true beauty of the North Shore lies inland along the raging rivers carving up the Sawtooth Range. The added bonus of turning toward the interior is that the further you go, the less likely you are to have company, and that is especially true at George Crosby Manitou State Park. While some 600,000 visitors descend on Gooseberry Falls each year, just 18,000 take the lovely detour off Highway 61 up to this undeveloped, 6,682-acre park. Besides the lovely Manitou River scenery, those who hike the rugged trails are rewarded with old growth forest and excellent wildlife viewing. Crosby Manitou was the first Minnesota state park designed solely for backpackers so even the camping is superb. The less energetic can picnic along Benson Lake.

The River Wild

OK, honestly now, how many times have you driven north from the Twin Cities to the North Shore, or the Boundary Waters, and never made more than a pit stop in between? It's understandable, of course, but there are several sights along I-35 worth some of your time. My favorite is Banning State Park, a 6,201-acre gem straddling the Kettle River, the first waterway officially designated Wild and Scenic by the state of Minnesota. Centered on a mile-long gorge filled with raging rapids like Dragon's Tooth and Hell's Gate, adrenaline junkies can ride the waves while others can watch the whitewater action-and admire the beautiful sandstone cliffs and glaciallycarved potholes-from some of the state's loveliest hiking trails. Other trails pass scenic ruins from the quarrying days of old and spring wildflower throngs.

Living History

Strolling down St. Paul's Summit Avenue gives you a glimpse of a bygone era, but for a real look at life in the Gilded Age, step off Summit and into the Julian H. Sleeper House. Seth Hawkins, a genuine Renaissance man, has turned his home into a museum of Victorian decorative arts and invites the public (by appointment) to learn about the hows and whys of 1880s interior design. Just about everything, from the Eastlake furniture to the Oriental carpets to the scores of owls, is authentic to the period. Tours are personalized and if something catches your eye, Dr. Hawkins can spin a tale about it. Two rooms have been set aside to indulge some of his other interests: one hold the world's second largest collection of President Garfield memorabilia and another currently hosts an exhibition of Slovenian history and culture.

The Twine Ball

Certainly one of Minnesota's oddest attractions, I believe that, taken as a whole, the world's largest ball of twine made by one person is also amongst its best. A look at Darwin's extraordinary orb--all nine tons and 40-foot girth of it--is worthwhile, but it's only a part of the twine ball experience. Francis A. Johnson, the one-of-a-kind genius behind the baler twine, was also an obsessive whittler and collector, and a small museum holds a few of his hand-carved wooden pliers and other mementos. Though you can see the twine ball and museum in just a few minutes you could easily spend hours listening to local volunteers spin tales about Francis and his fans. Johnson not only inspired Weird Al Yankovic's epic song The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota, but also several imitators, hence the need for the qualifier after "world's largest." But make no mistake; this is the original giant twine ball and that will always make it the best.

By Associated Press   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (AP)

In the carefree years after World War II, American families had the time and money to take summer vacations.

High on their list of places to go was Minnesota’s lake country. Sixty years ago, 4,000 resorts dotted the state. Today, there are fewer than 1,000 resorts and it's losing more every year.

Topping the reasons: a meteoric rise in the value of lakeshore property.

That can mean higher taxes for resorts at the same time the traditional family vacation is taking a back seat to work and other activities that place heavy demands on parents and children.

Faced with rising costs and shrinking profits, resort operators see the potential windfall of selling their land, and the option becomes hard to resist, said Tom Day, vice president of government affairs for the Minnesota Resort and Campground Association.

“We’ve been losing close to 100 resorts a year,” Day said. “This is the biggest issue facing the hospitality and tourism industry in the state right now.”

Resorts that rent cabins or campsites by the night or week are going to seasonal arrangements, while many seasonal campgrounds are selling out to take advantage of soaring property values, Day said.

“The true ma-and-pa resorts are being run out of business,” he said. “Those that are a little bigger in size and have the capabilities to expand are doing that. So the big are getting bigger and the small are disappearing.”

Jerry Smith, a real estate agent who handles lakeshore property in the Pelican Rapids area, agreed. “The taxes are getting so high, and with the price of gas and stuff, they can’t make a living doing it, unless they’re real big,” Smith said.

Dick Pettit and his wife, Lynn, decided to quit the resort business five years ago.

They sent letters to their campers at Ridgewood Resort on Long Lake, a few miles west of Detroit Lakes, telling them the campground would close at the end of the 2005 season.

Forty years working in the resort industry has left Dick Pettit with a tan George Hamilton would envy. But it was hard-earned.

Pettit, 68, takes care of 120 acres of land the couple own, 25 of which comprise the resort. Soon, however, it will all be annexed into the city of Detroit Lakes.

“Then we will develop the property (for private housing) and probably invest a million dollars in roads and sewer, which you can’t recoup with camping,” Dick Pettit said.

Taxes have also been a drain, he said.

“Our real estate taxes now are well over $30,000, which is probably 15 to 17 percent of our gross income,” Pettit said. “When we first started, our taxes were around $4,000. It’s gotten to be a real bite.”

Smith said he knows the dynamics resort owners like the Pettits are experiencing.

“I can certainly understand why they’re selling out,” he said. “I used to be part owner of one (resort) and the land is much more valuable than the business would be.”

When the Pettits purchased Ridgewood in the late 1970s, it had 160 camping sites and 22 cabins. Guests paid by the night or week. Within a decade, the campground, known for years as Tom and Jody’s, went exclusively to seasonal renting for RVs.

“They (weekly campers) would make a reservation, stay for one night and if the weather was bad they’d pull out. You wouldn’t get any rent from them,” Lynn Pettit said.

Offering RV campers an attractive rate to stay from May to October was the way to go, she said.

“They start to look at it as their own little private place and they take better care of it,” she said.

As the Pettits get ready to shutdown Ridgewood, they are preparing to set up a 150-unit RV condominium association on 120 acres of land they've agreed to buy on Little Cormorant Lake.

Renters at Ridgewood will get first shot at buying into the association, with RV sites starting at about $25,000.

“We were kind of sorry we had to get out of the business and felt we were dumping our customers; some of these people have been camping here for 30 years,” Dick Pettit said, adding that 130 people have already signed up to move to Little Cormorant.

Fewer resorts mean fewer people can enjoy Minnesota’s lakes, said Dan Berg, owner of Lakecrest Resort on Long Lake and a member of the Becker County Resort Preservation Task Force.

“There’s no question resorts add a whole dimension to people’s ability to go out and enjoy the lakes in Minnesota,” Berg said. “The people who can afford it are buying up property and building big, expensive homes.”

Another factor hurting the business is the way people take, or don’t take, vacations, Berg said.

“Families are so busy that they’re not finding time to go on vacation,” Berg said.

Many resorts, including his own, are still taking reservations for August, he said.

Resort operators say their season doesn’t really get going until July and winds down when families begin preparing for school in mid-August.

Five years ago, the Legislature modified a law that required schools to open after Labor Day, a move that hurt resorts, Berg said.

Under the new law, which was intended to give school districts more flexibility, schools may not start before Sept 1. Labor Day falls on Sept. 6 this year, which under the old law would have meant an extra week of heavy traffic for resorts.

While the Sept. 1 starting date is less beneficial to resorts than the Labor Day rule, the Minnesota Resort and Campground Association supports the current law because it fears any further changes will result in zero protections for resorts.

The last week of summer is often the make or break week for resort operators, Berg said.

“At the end of the season, you look at what you can generate in income and balance that against your expenses,” he said. “For many people, that means they decide to liquidate the resort and walk away.”

By Tom Henke   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

Humans require about 2 1/2 quarts of water a day.

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A human can live more than a month without food but only as much as one week without water.

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The average individual uses about 125 gallons of water per day.

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About 60 percent of the weight of the human body is water.

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A gallon (231 cubic inches) of water weighs about 8 1/3 pounds.

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The water we use today is the same water the dinosaurs used.

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The tallest waterfall in the world is Angel Falls (Venezuela) with a total drop of 3,212 feet (980m).

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The deepest and oldest lake in the world is Lake Baikal (Siberia) at 6,365 ft. (1,940 m) deep and 25 million years old. Lake Baikal holds one-fifth of the earth's available fresh water.

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The worlds largest (surface area) freshwater lake is Lake Superior (North America) with an area of 32,000 sq. miles (82,103 sq. km).

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Four quarts of oil can cause an eight-acre oil slick if spilled or dumped down a storm sewer.

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These and other fascinating water facts were found at www.h2o4u.org.

By Barb Umberger   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

In the blockbuster movie “Titanic,” Leonardo diCaprio’s character reminiscences about fishing in a man-made lake near Chippewa Falls, Wis. That would have been Lake Wissota, located five miles east of town. The trouble is, Lake Wissota wasn’t filled with water until several years after the Titanic sank in 1912.

Chippewa Falls residents no doubt were amused by the reference. Lake Wissota was transformed from a small pond into a 6,024-acre lake when the Wisconsin-Minnesota Power Company built a dam on the Chippewa River for producing hydroelectric power. Thus the origin of the name Wissota – “Wis” for Wisconsin, “sota” for Minnesota.

Creativity was used in naming many other lakes in Chippewa County — from Ace in the Hole Lake to Axhandle Lake, Nut Lake, Picnic Lake, Fishpole Lake, Dog Island Lake, Burnt Wagon Lake, Knickerbocker Lake, Rat Lake and Odd Lake. Many are named after people, from Jim Lake and Jacks Lake to two Lake Mary Janes, Lake Dorothy, Lake Cindy, Ruby Lake, two Lake Rogers, Lake Jerome, Lake Stanley, Bob Lake, Little Bob Lake and even Old Abe Lake.

Another part of nature – woodlands – was critical to the region’s history. Lumbering was big business for decades. Frenchman Jean Brunet built the area’s first sawmill in 1836 at the falls of the Chippewa River. Within a year, it was described as one of the world’s largest.

Technology businesses are a main employer today. In fact, 17 percent of technology employment in the state can be found in Chippewa County. More than 40 manufacturing companies, including Cray, Inc., Leinenkugel, Mason Companies and W.S. Darley Pumps, employ more than 5,500 people.

When residents are finished with their work week, many visit the county’s 450 lakes and 21 trout streams. More and more out-of-towners have also discovered the treasure trove of lakes near Chippewa Falls.

‘A renaissance lake’

A couple of years ago, Twin Cities buyers found Lake Wissota, according to Bruce Hayhoe Jr., co-owner of Woods and Water Realty. As he described, “Lake Wissota is a renaissance lake right now.”

In 2003, there was not enough supply to meet demand. "People from the Twin Cities had been driving on clogged roads to their cabins in Alexandria, Nisswa-Brainerd and Hayward,” Hayhoe said. "Many started looking for other lakes and found Lake Wissota just 94 minutes from Minneapolis.

"I like to say that our hidden jewels are not so hidden anymore,” he continued. And they’re becoming more and more developed. Most of the homes on Lake Wissota are year-round homes, but he estimates that only about half are used that way. With few listings on Lake Wissota, buyers often look on the Chippewa River for available properties.

“Lake Wissota is still underused compared to other lakes, and it has so many different feels to it,” Hayhoe said. “There’s a lot of diversity. There are sandstone cliffs and several hidden bays. It’s big enough for big boats and great for sailing. When I show clients properties, I tell them that the house is secondary to the lake location. I try to get them on the water.”

Lake Wissota is the largest of 13 holding ponds on the Chippewa River. Clearer, spring-fed lakes tend be in the northern part of Chippewa County, he said.

“Chippewa Falls is a unique area,” Hayhoe said, “and a great place to raise kids. It’s a cosmopolitan small town and it is very close to the Twin Cities.” Eau Claire, Wis., is only 20 minutes away.

Hayhoe and his wife bought their home on Lake Wissota about 10 years ago. “I could never afford to get back on it today,” he said. Their home is only 50 feet and six stairs down to the lake. “We still wake up every morning thinking how lucky we are to be living on this lake,” he said.

Going home

Skip Thaler loves Lake Wissota but hates to talk about it. “It’s been a well-kept secret until now,” he said with a laugh.

He and his wife, Jill, grew up in Chippewa Falls but live in the Twin Cities. They bought a lake home with 300 feet of frontage on Lake Wissota about 20 years ago. Being close to family and friends is important to the Thalers, as is just going back to the familiar beauty of a region they have known since childhood.

While there are many homes on the lake, it’s not a crowded “people lake” like Lake Minnetonka, Thaler said.

Small town flavor maintained

Edna Bunn moved to Chippewa Falls in 1962 when her husband’s job at Control Data moved there. She joined Control Data herself and later worked with Seymour Cray at Cray Research in Chippewa Falls. She worked at Cray until her retirement in 1991.

“What I like the most about Chippewa Falls is that it has kept its small-town flavor,” she said. “When we moved here, I remember the sign said the population was 13,000. It’s still about that today,” she said.

“It’s so handy to live in town and be able to walk to the bank, the dentist and the post office.” Besides the county’s many lakes, Bunn noted that Duncan Creek runs through town and eventually into the Chippewa River.

Bunn and friends often visit High Shores, one of two restaurants located on Lake Wissota. The other is the Dock (formerly the Water’s Edge). A third restaurant, Connell’s, is located near the lake.

Good place to raise a family

Les Davis and his wife also moved to Chippewa Falls in 1962 when his job at Control Data moved there. He later joined Seymour Cray at Cray Research when the company was formed in 1972.

He and his wife bought a home on Lake Wissota in 1968 and have lived there ever since. Having raised their four children there, they now enjoy entertaining their grandchildren at their lake home. Davis described Chippewa Falls as a good place to raise a family.

When their children were small, boating and waterskiing were regular activities. “The lake provides ample opportunities for fishing and other recreation,” Davis said. “It’s big enough for sailing and big enough to operate a power boat without bumping into somebody.” Davis said the lake is pretty quiet but certain areas are busy, especially during summer holidays.

Seymour Cray’s father was involved in building the dam that created Lake Wissota, Davis said. The elder Cray was the city engineer for a number of years.

Lake visitor since the 1930s

Ruth Jean “Jeannie” Crane still has vivid memories of visiting her parents’ summer cottage each summer while growing up. In the 1930s, her family lived there from Memorial Day to Labor Day. She remembers playing with the many other children who lived there in the summer and visiting with relatives who also maintained cottages on Lake Wissota.

One friend of her parents taught her how to “surfboard ride,” as they called it at the time. Sounding like a precursor to today’s wakeboards, the family friend pulled Crane and her brother on tow ropes as they balanced both feet on the board. She also remembers the days that she and her brother swam across “the small lake,” a smaller section of Lake Wissota. Her mother allowed them to do so only if one rowed while the other swam across. They took turns rowing and swimming. Her brother, a fighter pilot, was killed in World War II .

Crane’s first husband retired as president of Crane Lumber, a company with a long history in Chippewa Falls. Another well-established company is Premium Chippewa Spring Water. Because of her homes’ proximity to underground springs, Crane has been able to drink and use spring water for household and yard use her entire life. In fact, aside from time away at school, she has lived her entire life in four different homes in Chippewa Falls – and all were on the same piece of property. She recently moved to a new condominium but it is near the spot where she was born, raised and then lived her married life.

“I have all kinds of memories about Lake Wissota,” Crane said. “I miss it because I’m a water person, but it’s so much work to have a home in town and a lake home.” She understands why so many people today want to live in a lake home year-round to have the best of both worlds. Crane still is able to see Lake Wissota close-up when she visits her son’s home on the lake. It is located about one-quarter mile from the site of her parents’ former cottage.

Crane said that while the population inside the city limits of Chippewa Falls is not growing, many people are making homes in the country. She has heard that about 17,000 people live near Lake Wissota.

“In the early days, there were a lot of wealthy people in Chippewa Falls,” Crane said. Examples of that wealth can be seen today in the Cook- Rutledge mansion, a restored, historic High Victorian Italianate home, and in Irvine Park, donated to the city by the Irvine family. Crane described the lighting and decorating done in the park during the holidays as “one of the most beautiful spectacles you’ve ever seen.” Crane points to the Heyde Center for the Arts as a recent, positive addition to Chippewa Falls.

Quick Clicks

• Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce
• Chippewa Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Chippewa County Visitors Guide
  
• Lake Wissota State Park, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Website
• Woods and Water Realty
  

By Barb Cross   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

An invitation to your garden

Curiosity gets the best of us and we will follow the invitation until we know where it leads. Some paths evolve naturally, while others are carefully planned and crafted. A good path has beauty in part because it can lead us on a journey where we can forget ourselves, even if only for a moment.

You will need a path to get you there

If you don’t provide paths, they will make themselves. Although paths are an invitation to continue onward, they generally start as transportation routes. Every yard has transportation routes, which means every yard has a garden path in the making. Whether your goal is to keep your feet clean on a muddy day, to protect your newly-planted vegetation by confining traffic, or to funnel guests to your front door, paths are a functional necessity.

Paths carry you to a destination, whether on foot or by vehicle. Many people don’t think of the driveway and the walk to the front yard as paths because they serve a function, but think again. If driveways were treated with as much care as each stepping stone in our garden, the transition in and out of our homes would be more inviting and interesting. The same principles apply, whether it is a stepping stone path through a garden, the walkway to your house, or the driveway.

Invite people to relax and linger

The design of the path will dictate mood and even the pace people will walk. If the path is narrow and there are delicate flowers along the way they will walk slowly and linger, especially if there is a bench and a view at the end. If the path is wide and smooth, the pace quickens because travel is easy.

Consider these four guidelines when creating a pathway:

Establish your trail system

Connect your outdoor rooms by linking them with garden paths. Walkways can flow together like a river with smaller paths trailing off the main traffic area. A change in materials, or the width of a path, is a signal something is near or about to change just ahead.

Provide interest

Curved paths with interesting plants, views, furniture or garden ornamentation placed where you can’t miss them at each new turn keep your visitors interested. Guests will be more likely to follow the trail if you plant some tall vegetation that will fully or partially obscure the destination.

Be practical

The more traffic your path will have, the more functional it needs to be. Paths that have a purpose need level and smooth surfaces that can be maintained throughout the year. Make sure they are wide enough with a turning radius big enough for any traffic they will carry. Follow the same rules as you would for a small path, just scale it bigger for a higher traffic one.

Be creative

Let your paths take you in new directions. If the garden path is to be a contemplative sojourn, a narrow path for one person sets the mood. Use wood chips and stepping stones with floppy blooms for an informal look. Formal paths are wider, often more angular and better groomed. Bricks or pavers with closely trimmed shrubs work well with a more formal style. Feel free to mix it up; there are no hard and fast rules. 

By Teri Bennett   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

The fall colors are full, the weather is magnificent, and the big game is on. This is a win-win situation, a fall gathering of friends to watch the game outdoors! By now you know I’m not afraid to haul a large table outside, so I figured it couldn’t be that hard to bring along a television as well. I had the perfect fall lake setting in mind for this party.

Set high atop a sharp incline, this gazebo overlooks the water on three sides and the setting is bursting with fall colors from the surrounding trees. Fortunately there is power for the television, and with a good antenna I was set for the game. Rustic benches, picnic tables, swings, and chairs all work well for this get-together, and they add to the charm. A warm fire in a firepit or outdoor fireplace will add warmth and ambience.

Fall offers its own color palette so I simply continued that theme with my leafy dishes, table coverings, and fresh flowers. Mums, pumpkins, rich plaid and paisley fabrics, copper and iron all blended to make the setting comfortable, pretty, and inviting. Candles are always beautiful, but can be a hazard with dried fall leaves around so use extra caution if you choose to light them.

Everyone likes to snack during the game, so I set out large containers of pretzels and seasoned nuts along with spiced tea. Having a cup of something hot always feels good in your hands on a cool day. I also made extra containers of nuts and tea to send home with my guests as a little gift. I tied the recipe and a small spoon with a ribbon onto the glass container to make it look special.

 Our menu for this party is white chicken chili served with salsa and sour cream, cornbread bowls, nutty carrot salad, busy day pumpkin dessert, and assorted caramel apples. (Cut the apples into slices so guests can sample each kind.) Cold pop, water, and beer complement this game theme. Baskets, canisters, and trays can be made pretty with special spoons, colorful napkins and rings, and decorative touches like ribbons and cinnamon sticks.

The combination of fall colors, a beautiful lake setting, good food and friends is all you need for a wonderful get together. Unless of course you're a guy, then the big game and a good beer should suffice.

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Spiced Tea

• 1 c. instant tea
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 c. Tang powder
• 1 small pkg. lemonade mix (3 oz.)
• 1 tsp. cloves
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Mix ingredients well. Use 2 teaspoons of mix per cup of boiling water. Delicious on a cold fall day.

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Cumin-Chili Pecans

(From Party Nuts! By Sally Sampson)

• 1 large egg white (2 T.)
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 cups raw pecan halves
• 2 T. sugar

Preheat the oven to 225 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the egg white in a large stainless steel bowl and whip until frothy. Add the spices and salt and mix to combine. Add the pecans and toss until completely coated. Add the sugar and toss again.

Transfer the nuts to the prepared sheet and arrange in a single layer. Place in the oven and bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until lightly colored and dried out (about 1 hour and 15 minutes).

Remove from the oven. Immediately loosen the nuts with a metal spatula and set aside to cool before serving. Makes 2 cups.

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Chicken Chili

• 1/2 diced onion
• garlic (2 cloves, crushed)
• celery or cilantro (as desired)
• chicken breast pieces (4-6 breasts)

Sauté in 2 tablespoons olive oil until cooked through.

Then add:

• 2 cans chicken broth
• 1 large (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cans drained great northern beans
• 2 cans drained black beans
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 small can diced chile peppers

Cook for several hours until chili reaches desired consistency.  Serves 4-6.  Serve with sour cream and salsa.

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Corn Bread Bowls

Open one package of Pillsbury Cornbread Twists, do not unroll. Part them and place on waxed paper. Spray bottom of muffin pan. Wrap dough over outside of pan and bake as directed.

Remove from pan and pour chili over cornbread bowl.

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By Nancy Henke   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

The Lessons of The Lake

The lake has taught me so many things. As a child I learned to swim, row, fish, ski and so much more all in the waters of a Minnesota lake. There are other lessons learned from the lake; deeper lessons, metaphorical lessons that I have learned as an adult such as reflection, change, patience, endurance, growth, and spiritual peace. And for me the most important lesson I have learned is that there is something far more powerful, far greater, and far more important than my day by day worries. The lake is a daily reminder of this and for that I am thankful.

The Lesson of Power

Sometimes the lake has taught me lessons through tragic, unimaginable events. It has made me stop in my tracks, think, hurt, and grapple with the lesson. Why? Why would my cousin drown at our grandparent's cottage? A place that held laughter, family, fun, and love. Why would two beautiful, young people succumb to hypothermia in the darkness of our backyard lake? Unseen, unheard, and so helpless. I can only find peace in knowing that a power and a love far greater than I can comprehend is at the helm of my life's ship and He will help me through the difficult lessons.

The Lesson of Change and Control

Sometimes I learn slowly, over a long period of time. I look at my children each day and they seem unchanged: they are seemingly the same height as yesterday, they have the same smiles, and the same sweet voices. But a glance at a photograph jolts me into the realization that they are ever changing. I know they are growing up so quickly. It won't be long before they set their own life's sails and venture out to sea. A look toward the lake leaves me with the impression that it is the same day after day, but I know that it too is changing always. It reminds me that life is always changing, sometimes growing, sometimes waning and that I can't control it. This lesson is one I struggle to grasp. But I can find peace in knowing that I don't have to control it, I don't have to be in charge. My life's ship can sail with the wind of the Holy Sprit blowing through it.

The Lesson of Beauty and Fulfillment

Only the water can house the fish, only the water can feed the plants, only the water can seep into the crevices of the earth and fill it. Sometimes I operate under the false impression that I have earned a roof over my head, that I have earned the food on my table, and that love should always seep into the crevices of my life. Just like the fish didn't earn their home in the lake, and the plants didn't earn the daily food, and the earth didn't earn its fill of refreshing water, nor did I earn my place in this world. The worry and stress of having to earn everything for the rest of my life has been removed. I have peace in knowing that the source of my replenishment will never dry up, will never leave me hungry, will never forsake me, and will always fill my crevices with love.

 

The Lesson of Fun

While this lesson is simple, it is also wonderful. I have found the lake to be a place to cool off, to splash, to ski, to snowmobile, and it is immensely fun; offering laughter and joy. It is a place to congregate with my loved ones. It offers me an excuse to stop and enjoy life. I find much peace in knowing that the creator of such a thing has even more in store for me.

The Lesson of Us

It is fascinating that the lake seems to be a world all its own. Though it is always changing, everything has its place. E verything lives together and uses the same resources day after day. As a mom I have often said to my children, "You need to try to get along with one another, you need to see the other person's point of view, use respectful words, etc." I have to laugh when I think of myself angry with a driver on my road (clearly they were in the wrong, right?), or gossiping about the person I saw earlier in the day (is it gossip if it's true? Okay, okay.), or yelling at my kids (they deserved it?). I'm sure God is up there watching me, shaking his head, loving me, understanding me, but laughing at the irony of me trying to teach my children the very lessons I have trouble learning.

I know I have to try to live together with everyone, and I know I have to share the same resources with everyone. I'm sure God is hoping I can be more like the creatures of the lake as I grow. I know I will continue to learn life's lessons. I feel so fortunate to have the lake as one of my teachers. I'm sure you have your own beliefs and your own lessons. Take a moment to look at your lake today, see what it has to offer you beyond the physical aspects. And, celebrate your life on the water!

By Barb Umberger   Thu, Jul 30, 2009

Green lake: jewel of west central Minnesota

GREEN LAKE STATS
Lake Area: 5,406 acres
Maximum Depth: 110 feet
Public Access: SW side in Spicer and on the S, N, NE and NW shores
Information is supplied by the Department of Natural Resources.

Every lake has its own mystique. "And if it doesn't, you can make something up," said local resident Allan Latham, with a wry smile. Latham was responding to questions about oft-repeated legends pertaining to Green Lake, located northeast of Willmar, Minn.
Green Lake is not the only lake in the region, but it is the largest. Ask anyone who lives near it and you're bound to hear the same response: "Green Lake is the jewel." An additional 14 lakes are located within a 10-mile radius of Spicer. The nearby town of New London touts its access to "17 lakes in 15 minutes."
Many articles and locals have repeated that Green Lake was named the second-cleanest lake in the world. While the water is remarkably clear, Latham credits Twin Cities broadcasting legend Cedric Adams with the proclamation's pervasiveness. While the claim likely is not based on scientific evidence, it was made to Adams and he broadcast it frequently, turning it into local lore.
"I always thought calling it the second-cleanest lake was rather skillful," Latham said. "If it was called the cleanest lake in the world, the claim could be argued. You'd have some explaining to do." Latham even believes that some fishermen probably still drink out of the lake. About 90 percent of Green Lake is spring-fed. In recent years, its frozen, crystal-clear water has been used to build the ice castle for St. Paul's Winter Carnival.

Other myths about the lake include that it claimed both an airplane and a locomotive. An airplane does rest somewhere in the depths of the 5,000-acre lake. A military plane on a training mission crashed in the lake during heavy fog in the mid-1950s, Latham said, and was never recovered. A mini-submarine tried to find it one summer in the 1980s but its biggest success was churning the sand on the lake bottom, making viewing near impossible.

As far as the locomotive, Latham does not believe that the lake swallowed a train. Rather,the story probably stems from trains that used to pick up and transport large blocks of lake ice used to keep food cold before refrigeration. In fact, more substantial ice-cutting operations were conducted on nearby Foot Lake. With train cars positioned on the frozen lake, ice was loaded using conveyer belts.

Latham also remembers newspaper accounts stating that bizarre "monuments" were discovered protruding from the bottom of Foot Lake. Many theories arose as to why the mystical-appearing monuments were in the lake.

"After a while, people realized that they were simply supports used to hold the weight of the trains that came onto the frozen lake for loading ice," Latham said.

Spicer Castle

Latham has strong ties to the area's history. His grandfather, land developer John Spicer, founded the town and built "Spicer Castle" in 1895. The Tudor-style home, originally built as a summer home, is now a bed and breakfast. Visitors can also experience a dinner cruise on Green Lake or participate in a murder mystery dinner held each weekend at Spicer Castle year-round.

Latham is pleased that the historic property has remained in the family; his daughter is now the manager. In his understated manner, Latham described his role today this way: "They let me drive the boat."

Grandpa Spicer was a friend of railroad magnate James J.Hill. The railroad through west-central Minnesota was built in large part because Hill, Spicer and others wanted to move wheat and other cereal grains to mills in the eastern United States.

The railroad also was responsible for growth in tourism. Green Lake became one of the most popular destinations in Minnesota for tourists wishing to escape summer-heated cities. Hundreds of people at a time took excursion trains from Minneapolis-St.Paul, Sioux Falls, St.Louis, Omaha and other sites to Green Lake. Resorts, first using large tents, were common on the lake's northwest shore. (Allan Latham, below, left)

Another local figure with a big impact was Col. Cushman Rice. Attorney LeeAnn Clayton, whose office is located between New London and Spicer, is researching and writing a book about Rice. A true soldier of fortune and otherwise colorful character, Rice is most often remembered for his financial bequest that built the hospital in Willmar bearing his family name. Built in 1937, Rice Memorial Hospital is the largest city-owned hospital in Minnesota.

Cliff Simon

Today, Green Lake is fully developed. Latham said the annual turnover in lake properties is about two percent. "I'd say that about three-fourths of the properties have been owned by the same family for more than one generation," he said.

Cliff Simon and his wife have owned a condominium or single-family home on the lake for 20 years. He originally entered into a condominium development on the lake with a friend back in 1983 - purely as an investment. But he and his wife fell in love with the lake and decided that they would commute to their jobs from Spicer. Cliff works in Delano.

"Green Lake has been a bit of a secret in Minnesota," Simon said. "It's one of the clearest lakes and it offers lots of good fishing and other recreation, and a great location." He also noted the escalating property values of late.

The lake has a sandy, rocky bottom with few weedy areas, making it a good swimming lake. The water in front of the Simons' home is shallow, enabling them to put a volleyball net on the water and enjoy a fun, cooling game in the summer.

"The lake has tremendous structure - a lot of reefs and hidden islands," Simon said. "Its deepest point is 110 feet deep but you can be in two- or three-feet depths out in the middle of the lake. It's a great lake for walleye and bass."

Aside from the beauty and the recreation, Simons said that one of the best benefits of living on Green Lake is the friends they've made along the lake. "That's certainly one of the biggest treasures."

Joe Monnens

Joe Monnens and his two brothers grew up on the southeast corner of Green Lake, near Spicer Castle. "I never knew how lucky I was until I left," he said. Monnens works as a graphic designer in Minneapolis."As a kid, I took the lake for granted." He recalls countless hours spent swimming, tubing, knee-boarding and fishing on the lake.

Monnens has especially vivid memories of fishing with his brothers and father on an old pontoon boat. When the boys were five or six years old, their father would tie them to the seats of the boat for safety, and tie the fishing rods to their wrists so they wouldn't slip into the water. "He got such a kick out of it when we'd catch five- to ten-pound northerns," Monnens said. "We'd catch good-size sunfish, too. My dad knew where the good fishing spots were." 

Monnens' friends enjoyed the lakeside activities available out the door of their home but he suspects his mother's cooking may have been an even bigger draw. "My mom is an awesome cook. She'd make full meals for my friends whenever they came over."

The lake has lost some of its charm over the years, Monnens said. When he was a child, lake properties were mostly small cabins occupying small lots, giving the lake a "rustic, peaceful feeling." As with many Midwestern lakes in 2003, Green Lake sports more million-dollar homes and high-powered boats than just a few years ago. "A sense of commerce has arrived that has taken away some of the romance," he said.

But Green Lake still remains special to Monnens. "It is such a beautiful lake; the water is crystal clear. You can just relax on the porch, watch the sun rise at 5 a.m. with a cup of coffee, or watch the sun set from the dock. That clear, clean and crisp feeling - it's just beautiful."

The lake and surrounding area offer a variety of benefits to residents and tourists, he said, from the excellent fishing, antique and other shops, golf courses and just the small-town atmosphere.

"When you leave, it becomes a bigger world," Monnens said."But going back is always a fun thing. You forget about your worries. People are honest, true to who they are, unpretentious. You don't have to worry about [office] politics. It's a friendly place."

In what likely is the ultimate testimonial, Monnens added, "It's a place where I could go back to and live. People really care about the area. The pace is slower there but it's all about enjoying what life is about day to day."

Water-ski team: national champs

With such plentiful lakes near Willmar, it's no surprise that fishing isn't the only recreation. One very popular lake attraction is the Little Crow Ski Team. Throngs of locals and visitors watch the all-volunteer water-ski team perform on the Crow River each summer.

The team, which includes about 125 competitive water-skiers, had won 10 regional titles and two national championships heading into the 2003 season. Its jump team won a national championship in 2002.

During a one-hour program, team members perform barefoot skiing stunts, swivel skiing, "doubles routines," a ballet line, jumps off a ramp involving 360-degree spins, and record-setting pyramid building featuring a five-tier pyramid of skiers. Barefoot skiers are pulled by boats going 40 to 45 miles per hour.

The Little Crow Ski Team performs Friday evenings before a crowd in New London's Neer Park. The park's bleacher seating for 1,500 fills early. The largest crowd to visit Neer Park for a show was on Aug. 14, 1998, when 6,639 people cheered on the Little Crow team. The team also makes appearances at local summer celebrations.

     

Green Lake Area Fishing Information

LAKE ANDREW, 814 acres Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass. Walleye fingerlings are stocked every other year. Numbers and sizes of walleyes are good.

BIG KANDIYOHI LAKE, 2,692 acres Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and channel catfish. Walleye fry are stocked every other year.

CALHOUN LAKE, 618 acres Fishing: Northern pike, bluegill and crappies. Walleye may be found due to a connection to Green Lake by the Middle Fork Crow River.

DIAMOND LAKE,1,565 acres Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegills and crappies. Walleye fingerlings are stocked when natural reproduction is inadequate. Walleye are abundant and nearly three-pound average size. Quality northerns common.

EAGLE LAKE, 824 acres Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and bluegill are present but in low numbers.

LAKE ELIZABETH,1,054 acres Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and crappies. Walleye fry are stocked every other year. Northern pike angling is good.

LAKE FLORIDA, 674 acres Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and bluegill. Florida is a good early-season walleye producer.

GAMES LAKE, 515 acres Fishing: Northern pike, bluegill and some crappie, walleye and largemouth bass. Walleye stocking has been discontinued, however, walleye may be found due to a connection with Norway Lake.

GREEN LAKE, 5,406 acres Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie and smallmouth and largemouth bass. Walleye fingerling stocking has not been necessary in recent years due to adequate natural reproduction. It is a consistent walleye producer with potential trophy northern pike. Experimental regulations include a 24-inch maximum on northern pike.

LAKE KORONIS, 3,014 acres Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, crappies, bluegill, smallmouth and largemouth bass. Walleye fingerling stocking has not been necessary in recent years due to adequate natural reproduction. Walleye and large-mouth bass are abundant and some near trophy size. Quality northerns are common. Excellent crappie fishing early in the season.

LONG LAKE (HAWICK), 286 acres Fishing: Northern pike, bluegill, walleye and largemouth bass. Experimental restrictions on bass; all bass over 12 inches must be released.

LONG LAKE (WILLMAR),1,575 acres Fishing: Walleye. Low numbers of northern pike and bluegills.

MIDDLE FORK CROW RIVER RESERVOIR, 855 acres Fishing: Northern pike and some crappies and walleye. Walleye are not stocked. Northern pike are abundant and of average size.

NEST LAKE, 945 acres Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie and smallmouth bass. Walleye fingerlings are stocked every other year.

NORWAY LAKE, 2,344 acres Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass. Walleye fingerlings are stocked when natural reproduction is inadequate, and a northern pike spawning area is operated. Good-size northern pike are available.

RINGO LAKE, 716 acres Fishing: Walleye,northern pike and crappie. Walleye fry are stocked every other year. Ringo is a good early-season lake for one- to three-pound walleye.

WILLMAR LAKE (FOOT), 435 acres Fishing: Walleye,channel catfish and some crappies. Walleye fry are stocked every other year. Good shore fishing. Walleye in the one- to three-pound range are abundant.
Information is supplied by the Department of Natural Resources. 

Beyond Green Lake

If the lakes draw people to the area, many nearby sites and activities keep residents and visitors busy when they're not in a boat. A sampling of other area attractions includes:
Sibley State Park- at 2,500 acres,it offers miles of hiking trails, birding and more than 300 nature programs
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center- a 500-acre center on the southeast shore of Lake Florida
Golf courses- Island Pine Golf Club, Atwater; Hawk Creek Country Club, Raymond; Little Crow Country Club, Spicer; Eagle Creek, Willmar; Valley View Golf Course, Willmar
Glacial Lakes Trail- 22 miles of trails built on an old Burlington Northern Railroad bed. Twelve miles are paved for biking, inline skating and hiking, with an adjacent path for horseback riding. The trail runs through rolling hills, prairie, wetlands and farm land
Green Lake Bible Camp Chapel- Norwegian-style stave church on Green Lake
The Barn Community Theater- stages seven shows a year in Willmar
Monongalia Historical Society Genealogical Library and Museum- Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Thursdays through Sundays. The society serves as custodians for Scandinavian artifacts from settlers who came to the area in the mid-1800s
Antique- and other specialty shops 

Quick Clicks
Willmar Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau www.seeyouinwillmar.com 1-800-845-TRIP
Little Crow Ski Team www.littlecrow.com Hotline: 320-354-5684
Spicer Castle www.spicercastle.com
City of Spicer www.spicermn.com
Area hotels, resorts, and campgrounds
Beards Resort New London,Minn. 320-354-2745
Cedar Point Resort Spicer ,Minn. 320-796-5146
Dickerson's Lake Florida Resort Spicer, Minn. 320-354-4272
Gauer's Sunset Shores Resort New London, Minn. 320-354-4220
Hide-Away Campground New London, Minn. 320-354-2148
Island View Resort Spicer, Minn. 320-796-2775
Northern Inn Hotel & Suites (adjacent to Little Melvin's on Green Lake) www.NorthernInn.com 1-800-941-0423 

By Barb Umberger   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

By the time Shawn Chambers retired from the National Hockey League in fall 2000, he and his wife, Lisa, had moved 10 times in 11 years. In his 13-year career, he played for the Minnesota North Stars, the Dallas Stars, the New Jersey Devils and other teams. Two of those Dallas and New Jersey teams won the Stanley Cup.

"We've never lived in one place longer than three years," Lisa said. "It's been exciting and an adventure, but once we had kids, we knew we wanted to put down roots." Even the family's beloved chow chow, Misha, has moved with the family to every hockey hometown.

Shawn, a Detroit-area native, and Lisa, who grew up in the Twin Cities, met through a mutual friend when she was a student at the University of Minnesota and he played for the North Stars. 

When Shawn retired, the couple could finally decide where they wanted to make their home. Shawn and Lisa spread out a map of the United States and pondered their options. Shawn initially liked the idea of living in Arizona or Florida and being close to many year-round golf courses. Lisa thought about the Colorado mountains. But after careful consideration, the couple decided to build a home on the Whitefish chain of lakes in northern Minnesota.

"We literally looked at the entire map and considered where we wanted to raise our kids and where we could be close to other family members," Lisa said. "That's our number one priority - even though Shawn really would golf 12 months a year, every day, if he could," she said with a laugh.

The couple always knew their destination would be a lake home. "This just felt right. We love the area," Lisa said of their new lake home five miles from Crosslake.

The Chambers liked that the Crosslake area provides a great place for raising their three children, Cody, 11,Connor, 8,and Cortney, 5. Their new home is near Lisa's family and Shawn still has a choice of about a half-dozen local golf courses. By the time snow covers the links, Shawn makes a lighted, near- regulation-size hockey rink on the frozen lake. He also coaches his sons' hockey teams and the family has started snowmobiling, too.

"Having your own ice rink on the lake - that in itself is a neat lifestyle for kids," Lisa said. "You can't do that in a suburb, or be able to fish off your dock. It adds another dimension to childhood."

During Shawn's hockey career, knowing that every move to a new city likely could be repeated, Lisa became skilled at streamlining their belongings. Some items just remained in boxes. Finally being able to take things out of boxes and display or use them was long overdue and appreciated.

"We set up the kids' beds and were relieved that we'd never have to do this again," Lisa said. "It was an odd feeling, but it felt so good. We knew that 'this was it.'"

Lisa has many happy memories of spending time on the Whitefish chain throughout her childhood. Her parents and aunts and uncles still own properties on the chain. In fact, family members have owned property there for 60 years. Her grandfather bought the lakeside acreage "for a song" in the 1940s. "He bought it with the intent of keeping the family together," Lisa said. Lisa's father and his three siblings eventually divided the property,and each of the four families has its own cabin today.

"I remember swimming in the lake with my cousins, jumping off a raft, playing kick the can, walking to the candy store. Those are great memories. We do the same things now that were so important to me,like biking to the park." The children also love bonfires, fishing, and camping on a nearby island.

The family cabin of her youth is nothing like the custom-designed, year-round home in which Lisa now lives. In contrast, Lisa fondly remembers the small cabin with the curtained door, coolers serving as a refrigerator and kids zipped up in sleeping bags on the floor at night. "If it was windy off the lake, it was breezy inside, too," she recalled. "It even moved the curtains. It was definitely a seasonal cabin."

Shawn didn't grow up with a family lake cabin but this is not his first Minnesota lakeside experience. He and Lisa built a smaller lake home on the chain - on Daggett Lake - 10 years ago to be near family. It served as a home base during his constant hockey travels. "That home was so cozy," Lisa said. "We loved it there. We wanted to be there every spring."

The Chambers' new home technically is not a full log home but its construction is superior to many full log homes. Instead of one and one-half inch exterior logs, it uses D-style pine siding, featuring logs six to eight inches thick for that "heavy log look," as described by Paul Maki of NOR-SON, Inc.,the home's designer and builder. "You pay a premium for that but you get a good- performing house that is very stable and has full insulation," Maki said. "It certainly has the look of a log home."

Railings and corner boards are white cedar,as are the logs used on 60 to 70 percent of the home's interior walls. One huge log was split and made into a bar top in a pub area in the home's lower level.

The home was hand framed with 2-by-6 construction. The main floor is just over 2,800 square feet, including a 912-square-foot garage. The upper level has 837 square feet and the lower level, which includes a media room, is 2,001 square feet.

Wood flooring used in the dining room, kitchen, hallways, great room and breakfast room is Brazilian walnut. The kitchen cabinets are made from knotty alderwood which provides a rustic look. "It has a nice grain pattern," Maki said, "similar to cherry." The custom front door is also made from alderwood. 

Lisa's favorite part of their home is the great room - large and open but warm, centrally located with a beautiful view of the lake. "The log work is amazing," she said, as is the beautiful stone fireplace. "We always end up gathering here," she said. During the first Thanksgiving in their new home, the room easily accommodated about 26 family members.

Maki also enjoyed designing the octagonal-shaped screen porch. "A screen porch is essential for lake homes," he said. "Many people end up enclosing them but this house has a full, real screen porch."

The home is set back 75 feet from a bay and 100 to 125 feet from the main lake, with part of the lot wooded. The location provides the family with both privacy and fantastic lake views. Every room except for the laundry room and mudroom has a view of the lake. Another important consideration was designing the home to be functional today and when their children are teenagers.

"After moving so many times ,it did take a while for this to feel like home," Lisa said. "The winters are long, but the location is beautiful, the nearby towns are quaint and charming, we're happy with the schools and we're close to my family. We're just two and one-half hours from the Twin Cities. We've made friends here; the kids have made friends."

"We need to be selfless and consider whether our kids are poised to have a good life. It just feels right."

By Lee Hoedl   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

With the advent of each autumn season, there is a reoccurring thought entertained by many Minnesotans to alter the state nickname to the "Land of 10,000 Lakes and Infinite Colors." And rightfully so. Although home to the state tree of the red (Norway) pine, Minnesota is also home to extensive forests of maple, basswood, birch, popular, oak, elm, cedar and aspen; each offering its most dramatic shades of autumn.

During the season of autumn, the brilliance of colors is never more poignant than in the protected forests, woodlands and prairies of Minnesota; 55 state forests and 66 state parks, occupying an area of over 226,000 acres. When my love affair with Minnesota blossomed in my early high school days, I made the personal commitment to experience as many - if not, all - of the state parks that Minnesota has to offer. And this is no easy task, as the 66 state parks span from northern Grand Marais to southern Worthington. To date, I have experienced the sacredness of 47 of the 66 Minnesota state parks. And of those 47 parks, I have had the pleasure and privilege of experiencing 42 of these parks during the autumn season. Of those 42 parks, I present to you Minnesota's Gold: my personal top ten statewide gems in which to experience a unique fall season of changing hues.

Northwest Minnesota

Maplewood- Situated within Ottertail County, which is comprised of one-tenth of Minnesota's lakes and streams, Maplewood State Park is home to one of the largest protected maple forests in Minnesota. Because of the richness of its maple, the park becomes a celebratory explosion of brilliant reds, oranges and yellows in the fall season, so take time to walk and rest under the park's wonderful canopy. In addition to its colors, the park hosts approximately 150 species of birds and 50 species of mammals. Finally, regardless of whether you exit east or west from Maplewood State Park, treat yourself to a relaxing autumn drive along State Highway 108 - sometimes some of the best autumn scenery is simply roadside. Park Attraction: Excellent hiking trails and fishing; 25 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Pelican Rapids, MN. The park entrance is located seven miles east of Pelican Rapids on State Highway 108.

Zippel Bay- If it is changing colors among a lake environment for which you are searching,you will find your refuge at Zippel Bay State Park,near the northern city of Baudette. Located on the shores of the one of the world's largest lakes, Lake of the Woods, the park displays phenomenal stands of autumn shades of birch. And should you be in the area when the Aurora Borealis is present (as I once was), spend the evening enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience among these pristine woods. Complete your experience; treat yourself to a casual autumn drive south on Highways 72 and 71 through the Bemidji and Itasca State Park area. Park Attraction: Beach recreation and camping;9 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Williams, MN. From the west end of Baudette, take Highway 172, ten miles north to County Road 8. Go west on County Road 8 for seven miles to the park entrance.

Northeast Minnesota

Bear Head Lake- Located just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Bear Head Lake State Park is a haven for moose, timber wolves, and black bears. Although the majority of the park is comprised of fir, spruce and tamarack, take the time to enjoy the subtle crispness of autumn among these grand pines. It will refresh your very soul. And if so tempted, spend the evening among the pines; on a clear night, you will never experience a greater exhibit of the cosmos. If you are in no great hurry, take the afternoon to drive east on Highway 169 through Ely, and then onto County Road 1 for a very scenic and casual drive to the North Shore. Park Attraction: 17 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Ely, MN. From the town of Tower, go east on U.S.Highway 169 for nine miles to County Highway 128. Take Highway 128. Go south seven miles to the park.

Temperance River- If you are searching for the perfect photograph that includes rivers or waterfalls amidst the autumn colors, then Temperance River State Park is your ideal location. The contrast of the changing white and yellow birch amidst the spruce and fir is striking. In addition, the river ways will leave you relaxed while the waterfalls will leave you breathless. Be sure to take time along State Highway 61 to visit area establishments such as the Coho Café, Cascade Lodge Restaurant or Betty's Pies for wonderful local cuisine and hospitality and Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse and Cascade River State Parks for exquisite North Shore scenery. Park Attraction: Phenomenal photo opportunities of scenic areas along the river and lake; 22 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Schroeder, MN. Entrance to the park is one mile north of the town of Schroeder on State Highway 61.

Metro Minnesota

Afton- Nestled on the St.Croix River, Afton State Park is one of the Twin Cities' best-kept secrets. It is the ideal autumn location for a brief getaway from the Twin Cities, with trails for both the novice and experienced hiker. Trails wind through wonderful stands of oak while the lulling sound of the St. Croix River is never far away. As an added bonus, take advantage of the various apple farms and sales scattered along your way to the park's gateway, as well drive north on Highway 95 to visit the cordial town of Lakeland. An afternoon at Afton State Park and leisurely drive along Highway 95 is just the medicine for a weary spirit. Park Attraction: Wonderful hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty that take you through bluffs and restored prairies; 20 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Hastings, MN. From St. Paul, go eight miles east on I-94, seven miles south on Highway 95 (old County Road 15), then three miles east on County Road 20.

Lake Maria- It is this state park that houses one of the few remaining large stands in Minnesota of basswood, maple, elm and oak, which combine for a wonderful tapestry of autumn hues. If seclusion among the metropolitan hustle-and-bustle interests you, then enjoy the solitude of the rolling terrain of Lake Maria State Park, site of one of Minnesota's oldest moraines. This is also a park where stargazing around a campfire is a memorable experience. Park Attraction: Secluded backpack campsites and remote camper cabins; 14 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Monticello, MN. The park is accessible from the south via Highway 39 and Wright County Road 111 or from the north via County State Highway 8 to Highway 39 and County Road 111.

Southeast Minnesota

Frontenac- Frontenac State Park remains one of Minnesota's premiere birdwatcher's paradises, with more than 260 species of birds recorded within the park's perimeter. While viewing the infinite hues of autumn in this natural utopia of floodplain and hardwood forests, be sure to keep your eyes open for the occasional bald eagles that frequent the park in fall, winter and spring. I saw my first bald eagle in this very park. Park Attraction: Camping and great hiking/skiing trails that will take you through diverse landscapes along the Mississippi River; 13.5 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Frontenac, MN. The park is located approximately ten miles southeast of Red Wing on Highway 61 or seven miles northwest of Lake City,then one mile north on County Road 2.

Sakatah Lake- Should you find yourself canoeing along the Cannon River in southern Minnesota, be sure to take a break when the river intersects with Sakatah Lake. You can also reach Sakatah Lake State Park by bicycle or car as well. Sakatah Lake State Park is home to a myriad of refreshing autumn colors, sponsored by the local bur oak, aspen, basswood, elm, butternut, and ash. When you've finished with your visit to Sakatah Lake State Park, add to your experience by driving east to State Highway 60 and continue north along the Mississippi River. Your afternoon will be filled with wonderful small town hospitality and memorable autumn vistas. Park Attraction: The paved Sakatah-Singing Hills State Trail, which runs through the park, spans 39 miles from Faribault to Mankato; 5 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Waterville, MN. The park entrance is located off State Highway 60, one mile east of the intersection on State Highway 13 and 60 at Waterville,or fourteen miles west of Faribault.

Southwest Minnesota

Split Rock Creek- It has been many years since I experienced a late fall walk and rain shower in Split Rock Creek State Park, but it is a memory I will cherish. Take time at this park to enjoy the panoramic view of fall prairie colors of wildflowers and grasses. You will get your best view of the park and Split Rock Lake from the Beach Side Trail Center. Some of the freshest aromas of a Minnesota autumn can be found in this park, so feel free to camp and enjoy it for a second day. Park Attraction: Camping and wildlife/waterfowl observation; 4.5 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Jasper, MN. The park is located seven miles southwest of Pipestone just off of State Highway 23.

Blue Mounds- Standing 100 feet above the landscape on the Sioux quartzite cliff, you will understand the subtle attractiveness of the Blue Mounds State Park in autumn. You will be treated to the fall transition of hundreds of different wildflowers and grasses, as well as one of few locations in Minnesota that houses prickly pear cactus. Also treat yourself to a rare observation of the Blue Mounds' herd of 45 bison. If you are so inclined, stay through the evening and witness the splendor of a Minnesota prairie sunset; these are sunsets found only in the movies. Park Attraction: Buffalo herd and prairie wildflowers/grasses; 13 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Luverne, MN. From the town of Luverne, go north four miles on Minnesota Highway 75. Turn east on County Road 20 and go one mile to the park entrance.

Take the time during a late September or early October afternoon to explore one of these parks (or any of the remaining 56 state parks) in your area. Make it an adventure and a celebration of one of Minnesota's gems, but be sure to also make it an annual tradition.

By Mark Peterson   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

"Should I sell this house,remodel it or tear it down?" If you are wrestling with this question then you've already determined that something about your house is not quite right. And chances are good the problems you've identified and the issues you'd like to address are significant and fundamental to the home, otherwise remodeling would probably be your answer. Although making a big decision like this can be difficult, it also can be an interesting adventure. It requires balancing your heart and emotion with practical decision making. You'll find it to be a very personal decision because often there is no obvious answer.
The decision making process requires completing an assessment of your home and heart to determine the best solution for you and your family. You'll get the best results if you partner early in the process with a design and build professional who has both remodeling and custom home building experience. A good professional will help bring perspective while objectively guiding you through the design and build process. 

In pursuit of the best solution for your home, begin by fully identifying all of your needs and desires currently not met by your home. Typically this list includes a combination of practical problems and lifestyle improvements. The practical issues might include fixing all of the old and drafty windows or addressing the leaking foundation. Lifestyle improvements are issues that you don't like about the home, such as incorrect flow from room to room or a kitchen that isn't conducive to your style of cooking or your entertaining lifestyle. Sometimes you'll find that the entire home is simply antiquated for modern living; maybe the hallways are too narrow,the rooms too boxy, the staircases too steep or maybe the overall layout is just not right for today's modern family. Consider everything. During this early phase it is important to get everything on the table to ensure the critical issues are thought-through and solved by your ultimate decision. 

From here you can begin to look at each of the three solutions in greater detail. Whether you should sell your home and buy a new one ultimately is a value decision that is driven by the current real estate market situation and availability. We're not going to spend much more time on this option; other than to say, if you can sell the home that is not right for you and purchase one that is better suited for your family, that would be a prudent decision if you are not personally tied to your current neighborhood. If however, you cannot find anything in the right neighborhood with the character, personality and features you desire, you probably are faced with the remodel or tear down question.

Once you've decided that you want to stay where you are, it's time to look deeper within the house to determine which path you should pursue. You've identified the functional and lifestyle issues your home presents, now you need to determine the state of your home's bones. Are the mechanical systems in good working order? Do you have old plumbing or is it new? What about the heating and air conditioning, electrical, the roof, siding, windows, foundation, landscape, etc? During this time you should also look into health related issues of the home including mold, lead paint, asbestos and more. It is important to know the condition of all these elements before making a decision to remodel your home.

With the guidance of your design and build professional, you will proceed through your analysis until the path of best choice becomes clear. Some "rules of thumb" to consider; if your existing room sizes and locations are fine but you need more space, you're probably leaning more towards remodeling with an addition. If however, your existing rooms are problematic, you may be leaning more towards a tear down. Also, if you've determined through your analysis and assessment that you may need to "touch" or alter at least 50% of the existing house, you also may want to consider a tear down more seriously. The 50% threshold is only a ballpark figure and will vary for each home and homeowner, but depending on the condition and age of the 50% you're not remodeling, you may find more value in starting over.

Regardless of whether you choose to tear down or remodel, it is important to understand that the cost for each can fluctuate fairly dramatically because of all the variables. Unfortunately, there is no "rule of thumb" as it relates to cost; sometimes a tear down will cost more, sometimes a remodel will cost more, sometimes it will be a wash-it all depends on who you work with and what you want for your home. If during your analysis you find that one approach is more expensive than the other, you need to determine if the added features and benefits provided by this option are worth it to you. Tearing down and building new will allow you to start fresh and accomplish everything you've ever wanted. Also consider the long term added value of custom new construction, both in terms of the customized living space you will enjoy today and the resale value of a newer house tomorrow (versus the value of a more dated structure). However, tear downs present limitations as well; mainly relating to city code such as height restrictions, lot coverage, set-back and more. It is quite possible that if you tear down your current house, you would not be able to rebuild one as large or in the same position because once the existing structure is removed, you must work completely within the current zoning standards. Most codes are more strict today than they were when your home was originally built. As a result, many of today's homes, especially those in older neighborhoods, could not be built new under today's codes. Your analysis and due diligence will allow you to understand all of these parameters before you make your decision.

Usually at a certain point during the assessment of your home you will have gained clarity on the best path to pursue. Although you almost always can make a case for either decision, the right path for you should become clear. You will look at all of your needs, you'll consider the options and impacts of both tearing down and remodeling and then you'll select the approach that is best for your family, your lifestyle and your home. It is a decision based on evaluation of the facts and the opportunities presented by each approach. 

Once the decision is made the real adventure begins. When you begin your project you will be presented with another set of decisions to make. Whether you remodel or tear down to build new, the key is to select a design and build professional that can help you translate who you are as a family into your new dream home. If you decide to tear down, a word of caution; many classic neighborhoods are being compromised by people who simply select a house they like from a model home tour or new development and build it into the neighborhood without regard for the history or context of the surrounding homes. The best new home "in-fill" construction is that which looks as if it has always been there. If it stands out like a sore thumb, the neighborhood has been compromised and the tear down has failed. Don't simply pick a layout that you like and plop it in your neighborhood; design finesse and sensibility is key for you,your new home and the legacy of your neighborhood.

Rest assured that the decision you make will be right for you and your family. When faced with a decision such as "should I sell, remodel or tear down," each person will come to a different conclusion based on their values, dreams, family situation and neighborhood. Have fun with the process by clearly identifying your objectives and looking beyond your preconceived ideas. Your sense of adventure and individuality will allow you to see beyond what your home is now. You'll be able to see what it can be. Enjoy the journey!

Mark Peterson is the principal and chief designer at M|A|Peterson Designbuild in Edina. The company was named the 2002 "National Contractor of the Year" by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

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Whether you are starting to remodel this fall or are simply dreaming about remodeling sometime in the future, you will want to look at the advice our experts have given to us. These quality construction companies and remodeling specialists will help you do things right the first time. Good planning is the key to a successful remodeling project and these experts can steer you in the right direction. They know from experience what things you should be considering and that can be invaluable to you in avoiding mistakes and getting exactly what you want from your remodeling project.

Lake Country Buildershas been building and remodeling in the metropolitan area for years.In addition they now offer the same design and build services in the Brainerd lakes area. The most attractive part of this new division is that you can work with their designers in the metro area on a day to day basis,while they worry about all of the workings going on up north. Building and remodeling in these two different geographic areas brings along different problems and desires. We asked two architectural designers at Lake Country Builderswhat things people should consider when designing their project. Bob Near and James Croft have noticed a lot of differences as they do design work in the two areas. Often times lake homes here in the metro area are a primary residence while homes in the north are a secondary residence used mainly as a retreat. The function of the home is the main thing to consider when you are building or remodeling.Our experts offer you the following list of things to think about when building or remodeling a lake home.

Metropolitan or Urban Lake Homes Function is first Great room area for daily family living Convenience is a priority More refined More contemporary More arches and gables View is a priority More service entries with mudrooms and storage Attached garage Kitchen accessible from garage for day to day use More amenities Efficiency is a priority Gourmet kitchens More curb appeal More gas fireplaces More closet and storage space

Up North Family retreat and congregating place (instead of living space) Goal is to relax or have fun (instead of function) More creature comforts Open floor plan,but not overly dramatic Great room for family and extended family Detached garage used mainly for boat & toy storage Needs gathering space & a space to retreat to for privacy More basic kitchens (less roll out shelves,knife drawers,etc.) Less closets & storage (aside from garage space) More rustic,more logs More trapezoid windows More lake appeal than curb appeal Functional,central entry that everyone uses Bigger premium on land, views and trees

  

Michael Anderson,founder of Storganize (previously called Glenwood Design), has been outfitting homes with storage equipment for 19 years. That is long enough to see trends and needs change. These days people have way more "stuff" than they know what to do with. He has found that the most common desire of people when it comes to storage is to have their "stuff" behind closed doors. But you also need to combine this desire with the need to be able to see everything housed within the storage unit. That way it will be quick and easy to find what you need. He emphasizes the fact that everyone has differing needs and space availability so there is not one single solution that will work for everyone, therefore an expert coming to the site will produce the most benefit, and create the best personal solution. Here are some suggestions from the professionals at Storganize:

Don't Clean Yet, Call First

• Consult a professional to save you time, effort and most of all space
• Let the storage designer see things as they are currently in order to assess your storage needs; don't clean before they come
• Take inventory of your stuff; decide which things you use vs. what is simply there, and part with whatever you are able
• Store the things you use close at hand so they can easily be found when needed; the rest can be stored in less accessible places
• Choose the design that suits your personal life (no wasted space)
• Use quality products so they will last a lifetime
• Boats and Water Toys
• Try to house these bulky items in a garage,as their own storage unit would be too big and expensive
• Try hanging canoes, windsurfers, and paddles on racks
• House all smaller items inside of storage units to avoid pile ups on your larger items, thus making everything difficult to find and use

Closets 

• Consider using a small "extra" room as a closet in older homes
• Have a multiple purpose room such as an office/closet combination or a craft area/closet
• Use regular shaped spaces; this will result in better storage than irregular shapes
• Be sure that the built-ins you choose are adjustable so you can move things around as needed

Built-Ins
Built-ins can be the key to good storage as they hide things from sight so your space won't feel cluttered. They open easily, and the contents are easy to view and access. Mudrooms, laundry rooms, garages, under the stairs, and, of course, your current closet can all offer a place for built-ins. Whether it's for all the items in the garage, your entertainment equipment, the lake toys,o r the home office, built-ins can provide you with an easy way to stay organized!

Chuck Reese, owner of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, is passionate about what he and his company can do for their client's lake properties. His locally owned and operated company (but backed by a national organization) can offer you many ways to enhance your lake property and quite possibly give you the highest impact home improvement for your dollar. In addition to the usual lighting objectives: security, safety, and curb appeal, he also helps people to go farther with their lighting; creating outdoor living spaces, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and extending their view. He told us his philosophy about lighting, "It's not about the fixture, it's about the effect and the function." The possibilities of what good lighting can do are endless.

Chuck begins by meeting with the client and discussing their objectives. He really listens to them and asks many questions to figure out exactly what the client is looking to accomplish with their lights. Is it curb appeal they want? Are they looking for safety with lighted steps or other hazardous areas? Is it security against intruders they are after? Do they want to create a certain atmosphere? Would they like to create an outdoor living space? After much discussion he creates a plan and lights the client's property with a portable system so they can actually see what the finished product will look like. Then they make any adjustments to finalize plans. That way there are no surprises when the project is complete. He offered us the following advice on specialty lighting.

Creating An Outdoor Living Space

• Choose a focal point for your space; this can be a water feature, a tree, or a sculpture
• Light the focal point to enhance it, not to compete with it or detract from it
• Think of the space as a painting or photograph with varying light levels in order to highlight what you want and minimize what you don't want
• Try to see the space as a room, using shrubs or trees as walls, a canopy of trees as the ceiling, and openings as windows
• Make guests comfortable by lighting paths and walkways
• Use soft ambient light on patios,pools and decks
• Use only enough light to walk safely and see people's faces,but not so much that it gets in people's eyes or attracts insects
• Think about the view from the indoors
• Think about the view from the lake
• Consider competing light from neighbors or streetlights

Special Considerations for Lake Homes

• Remember steep inclines and steps should be lit for safety
• Be sure to light the approach to the dock for sure footing
• Consider lighting the dock itself
• Consider lighting your boathouse
• Check the view of your home from the lake and adjust lighting accordingly

And as a final note Chuck addressed the approaching feeling of cabin fever that comes with fall and winter. As the days get shorter things can become depressing. Creating an outdoor space with lights will extend your view on long dark nights. Where windows can create a black wall on a dark night,outdoor lights can create a scenic outdoor space. The expanded view will help alleviate your cabin fever in addition to making your home a warm, inviting, safe haven!

Wood flooring is hot and getting hotter. The latest trend is wide plank;the wider the better. And people are no longer looking for perfection in their wood, they are looking for age, distress, and the beauty of imperfection. Recovered timber that is milled into wide plank flooring is what people are after.

Manomin Resawn Timbers is a twelve- year-old, local company that retrieves timber from old buildings across the country, custom mills that timber, and installs it into high-end homes. There is a much higher degree of craftsmanship involved in this flooring causing the price to be higher than regular hard wood flooring. Builders and customers believe it's worth the extra cost because the floors produced are truly one of a kind.

While most hard wood floors are anywhere from one inch to six inches wide with a seven foot board length, reclaimed timber can be up to ten inches in width and as long as twenty feet. This huge width adds a lot of character to the end product. In addition, the timber is older, stronger and more stable because it was allowed to dry naturally. For this reason it can be milled into a wider plank. Newer wood milled at this width would crack and shrink causing problems down the road; it doesn't have the advantage of age. Also, the older trees have tighter ring structures further adding to the strength and beauty of the flooring. It is even possible to put this sturdy product in a basement right over cement as long as there is no moisture. There is no need to float the floor as you would need to with modern wood flooring.

Besides the greater width, reclaimed timber has a more distressed, antique look. It is a more exotic floor with many variations and a lot of character and is able to fit into many different styles of homes, from New England style cottages to timber frame or log homes. Its ability to fit into so many styles is what makes this flooring so popular in both upscale homes and cabins throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

  

This high quality flooring involves a great deal of craftsmanship in its making and installation. Manomin Resawn Timber likes to work with the home builder as well as the client; that way installation occurs at the right time. For example, this flooring should go right under the kitchen cabinets if possible. And when re-rocking a fireplace, the boards can slide right into a gap underneath the hearth for a proper fit and a better look. It is also important to get the newly-installed floor covered with red rosin paper or a thin board upon completion. That way the finished floor will be protected from any damage during the rest of the building and finishing of the home.

Like most trends, people are finding out about this product by word of mouth. Interior designers and builders alike can help you find this beautiful "not new" flooring. Once you see it, you'll know there's nothing else like it.

As you drive throughout the beautiful areas in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin you can't help but notice the distinctive log homes sitting majestically atop hills and along lakeshores. Their warm and rustic looks conjure up images of a relaxing and grounded lifestyle. Nearly everyone that sees these homes dreams of owning one someday.

Kuepers Construction, Inc. is a design/build firm in the Brainerd Lakes area with almost 30 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. Bruce Weaver of Kuepers helped to educate us about the different types of building materials being used for log homes.

Milled Log Siding

This siding material is milled from lumber to look like a log, and is available in several sizes and an array of styles. While the corner applications are limited due to the size of the material used, this product can achieve a rustic, warm look at a relatively low material cost.

Full Log Home

This is the traditional, time honored type of log home. Homeowners building this type of home can choose from various wood species and log shapes to fit their taste, and in addition, there are many different corner applications that can be used to achieve various looks with these homes. It is, however, very important that these logs are cut with great precision and care so as to not compromise their structural integrity.

Another point to consider when using this type of construction is the drying method. Kiln drying is a faster method, but can potentially compromise the wood cells, while air drying, although a lengthy process, allows the logs to dry in a natural time frame resulting in a high structural integrity. The drying process is very important because there may be shrinkage of the logs after construction is complete resulting in potential maintenance issues.

Half-Log Construction

According to Bruce, this is the most popular type of log home being built today. The appearance of half-log siding is virtually indistinguishable from full log siding. It gives the homeowner all of the exterior characteristics of a full log home, and allows for a variety of interior finishes to be used. This ability to use various finishes,including sheetrock, is very attractive to homeowners. Half-log siding also offers the benefit of higher energy efficiency as it can be insulated with fiberglass. Due to its appearance, energy efficiency, and elimination of shrinkage concerns, it is easy to see why this is the most popular option. In fact, this type of construction is even being used in renovation projects to give homes and cabins beautiful facelifts.

For many of us building a log home is the realization of a long awaited dream, so weigh these construction choices carefully and don't compromise on quality materials and craftsmanship. But don't dream too long;costs are rising at an average rate of over five percent per year! No matter what your taste or budget, it is possible for you to enjoy the lifestyle of a log home for many years to come.

Jeff Danberry has enough experience and knowledge on remodeling homes to make the Danberry Companyone of the top players in whole-home remodel projects. As the Twin Cities' population continues to grow, and space for new homes becomes more limited, more and more people are choosing to remodel. When spending the large dollar amounts that are often necessary for these projects, it is important that you can trust the company you choose to give good advice and do quality work. One of the remodeling trends Jeff has noticed is the desire to blend the newer parts of a home with the older parts. The desire for consistency leads many homeowners to extend their remodeling projects farther than their original plans. Putting in an updated kitchen often leads to continuing with a mudroom; new siding often means updating windows; even something as simple as new countertops can lead to new cabinets.

Jeff offers the following advice when beginning a remodeling project:

• Interview 2-3 remodeling companies and ask for examples of previous work
• Give a dollar amount that you have budgeted to the contractor
• Choose the person you trust and feel good about
• Get preliminary figures on the project
• Investigate financing options
• Ask for what you want out of the project
• Check zoning and city codes before spending money on drawings
• Be sure to save money for some "fun" things in the project so that you're happy with the final result

Mistakes to avoid:

• Getting designs done prior to setting a budget
• Having plans drawn up without a contractor's help (This often results in drawings that are overpriced and may not be possible.)
• Spending money on drawings that end up wasted because the project wound up being too expensive (Again, set the budget early in the process.)

  

Jeff also brought some interesting facts to light such as: 95% of the people who remodel end up wanting to do more. That is a good indicator that people are happy with their remodeling results. Many people also end up spending 20-30% over their original projections, not because the contractor did a poor projection, but because the client decided to do more and the project grew. Interestingly enough, people are always happy after the project is done and would do it again if given the chance.

The Remodelor's Showcase in early October will feature a remodeled home (shown on this page) done by the Danberry Company. Jeff has been both President of the Remodelor's Council during the mid-1980's and the Chairman of the Remodelor's Showcase in the early 1990's. This show offers an opportunity to anyone thinking of remodeling to see the work of both the Danberry Company and other remodeling companies throughout the Twin Cities.

To see a continuation of this article, search for "Hockey Player and Family Sign Long-Term" or click here

By Megan Nelson   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

Dock out is approaching quickly and winter storage season is just around the corner. When the boat comes out this season and the dock is put away, consider if dock equipment upgrades are needed for the next season. Docks are as much a part of the lakeshore scenery as the water itself. With a variety of docks and lifts to choose from, make sure the equipment on your shoreline fits your needs as well as meets city ordinances.

The purpose of the dock is to be functional. The numerous dock designs available means docks can also be easy to handle and aesthetically pleasing.

All dock types can be custom designed to fit any need, bought packaged, or even recycled from previous owners and dock recycling companies.

Niccum Docks has been in the dock business for forty plus years. They have made it their business to custom design docks from standard plans to elaborate ideas. Brett Niccum suggests considering the different factors of using a dock.

Consider the style options:

Sectional Docks

Sectional docks are still the most common dock on lakes and rivers. These docks are made up of multiple pieces that are installed section by section. Some are permanent; however, most are removed to avoid damage over the harsh winter months. Removable docks require that the dock is put in and taken out each season. This normally requires a day in the cold spring water and another day in the cold fall water. 

Some friends and families that appreciate the boating invitations they receive in the summer will offer to help on those chilling days. Otherwise there are many companies available to do this chore for a charge. Most dock companies offer standard and enhanced versions of the sectional dock. 

Floating Docks 

Floating docks are often selected for waters that have changing conditions or less than perfect shores, or bottoms that prevent the use of standard docks.

ShoreMaster has a polyethylene modular floating dock system. This system is durable, pleasing to the eye and easily adjustable. Each section can be attached to another section to make any design desirable.

Hydro Hoist® created the Hydro Port PWC Platform that attaches to any floating or fixed dock. This foam filled platform is unsinkable and easy to use. Multiple units can be locked together and each has a patented keel guide for easy personal watercraft (PWC) loading and slide off launching.

EZ Dock offers EZ Port as a boat lift system. It is unique compared to other lift systems because it floats. The rollers can be adjusted for varying hull depths. It also offers a one piece EZ Port for simple dry docking of PWC. EZ Port can be used alone or with other docking systems to protect PWC from damaging waves or weather.

Roll In Docks

A number of companies make docks with wheels attached. Many people choose wheeled docks to avoid the cold spring and fall waters of the Midwest. At the end of one side of the dock is a set of wheels. To put the dock in, the opposite end is lifted manually or attached to an ATV, or vehicle, and then rolled into the water. Attached poles are then placed into the ground to keep the dock sturdy.

ShoreMaster's version is called Wheel-A-Dock. This dock has adjustable screw legs that allow adjustment for uneven lake bottoms and varying depths. It also has special poly tires that eliminate the inconvenience of flat tires. 

Roll-n-Go, a Minnesota based company, was inspired by the many homemade docking systems it saw dotting shorelines. The Roll-n-Go docking system is a great alternative to traditional docking systems. PWCs, small boats and pontoons can easily be pulled from the water and launched at a later time. This versatile modular ramp is easily extended or modified to accommodate specific craft requirements. Roll-n-Go recommends using this system when local ordinances prevent the use of a lift, for rocky shorelines, on riverbanks, or for fueling, maintenance, covering and cleaning. Dock-in and dock-out days are also eliminated with this easy to store system.

Lifts

Lifts are often seen attached to docks to help protect the boats they hold. Changing water conditions, wakes, weather and shorelines are the most common reason people choose to put their boats on a lift. Boat lifts also help keep boat bottoms clean and provide stability for passenger boarding. Lift designs range from manual to hydraulic, and permanent to removable. Some lifts include covers.

Accessories 

Accessories are available for all docks. Depending on how the dock is used,there are many options to select from. Floating swim platforms are great for kids to play from while Mom and Dad watch from a dry bench on the dock. Ladders, ramps and bridges make docks accessible from water or land. Dock rails and gripping help make walking (not running) on docks more safe. Cleats,guides,canopies and flag poles are other finishing touches that can be custom made for any dock.

Materials 

Docks used to be made only from wood. Technology advancements and a demand for maintenance free docks fueled the dock industry to develop many alternatives to wood. Today most docks are made from:

• Aluminum
• Steel
• Polyethylene
• Foam

Cedar Coating and color are things that should be considered when designing a dock. Some materials and colors capture heat more than others. Light colors are the best for keeping bare feet cool in the summer. 

By Barb Umberger   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

Your family can't wait to get away for a long weekend at your special hideaway. That same seclusion, however, can increase the possibility of burglary.

Lakestyle interviewed security specialists to learn about the latest in security systems and products. A list of inexpensive, common-sense tips are also included to help you keep your property theft-free.

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Advice from the experts

First,security need not be expensive. In fact,one type of deterrent from Intermatic, electro-mechanical timers, starts at about $5. The timers offer "random time features"- the ability to randomly change on-and-off times earlier or later than set, so that anyone casing the property would be more likely to think it was occupied.

"Security doesn't have to be a big investment," said Art Noparstak, of Intermatic. His company's digital timers range from about $14 to $16. They can be set to change on-off times every day of the week, for example, or be the same during the week and be different on the weekend.

Intermatic also makes wireless alarms, outdoor timers with photo-electric sensors that automatically turn lights on or off, landscape lighting and lamp posts with bulbs that screw into a photo-electric cell, automatically turning the light on at dusk.
One product that may have special appeal to cabin owners is a three-in-one power failure light. The handy model PR3C plugs into the wall as a nightlight for everyday use. But if the power goes out,its built-in rechargeable battery keeps the light lit. And in cases of power outages, owners can use the product as a rechargeable flashlight. Intermatic products can be purchased at Home Depot, Menards, many hardware stores and other retail outlets.

         

For cabin owners who want a more comprehensive system, Control Products' deluxe miniAlarm Security System (product MA-D) offers the features of a monitored system for thousands of dollars less. Owners can install the wireless motion,door and window sensors in minutes and never have to pay monthly fees. The one-time price is just $199.

Its sensors communicate with the control unit even through walls and between buildings. If the sensors are tripped,a 200-decibel siren sounds as does a message that you record. The system automatically dials up to four numbers of your choice.
Control Products also sells security decals and yard signs, and it ratchets up the fake-out with a $29.95, nonfunctional yet authentic-looking camera meant to stop potential burglars in their tracks. The camera is housed in weatherproof, anodized aluminum. Its adjustable angle, cable and LED give it the same appearance as an expensive, working security camera.

Other products, such as a three-in-one power-out light and door alarm,are also popular with Control Products' customers.
Having some type of deterrence definitely can prevent break-ins, said Control Products' Chuck Guerin. "Many times, people breaking into a cabin aren't looking to rob it. They may be looking for a warm place to party." If they see a security sign or camera,they'll most likely look for another venue.

"Anything you can do - whether it's a motion sensor, a light, a door alarm or a siren - can be effective," Guerin said. "I've seen statistics that 70 to 80 percent of potential burglars are scared away if a light turns on or a siren sounds."

Most Control Products offerings are sold at its Web site.

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The following are additional tips* for keeping your property theft-free.

Environmental security:

• Install a gate at your driveway. Make it difficult to steal your belongings.
• Trim trees that allow access to doors and windows. Trim shrubbery that could conceal intruders. If you leave your power on, consider a timed-light, motion sensor or a security system.

Essential security:

• Choose doors of solid wood or steel with reinforced jambs and frames.
• Secure all doors with deadbolt locks and all windows with adequate locks.
• Cover all windows with shutters,blinds or drapes. Don't encourage theft with a display of your belongings.
• Leave extra keys for home and gate with trusted neighbors.Don't hide spare keys near your home.
• Keep all boats,recreation vehicles and other items securely locked and disabled,even when locked in an outbuilding or garage.
• Never leave firearms in your hunting cabin. They are easily sold and difficult to trace.
• Engrave belongings with your driver's license number. Record the make,model and serial number of your possessions. Keep the list in a separate location.

If you think you've been robbed:

• Don't go inside. Call the police from a safe location and wait for their arrival.
• Don't disturb anything in the area. Footprints and tire tracks could be useful in solving the crime.
• Have a neighbor or friend check the property often. Their frequent presence helps reduce your chances of theft.

*Reprinted with permission AAA-Chicago Motor Club ©2003

 

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Quick Clicks

Control Products www.protectingyourhome.com
Intermatic www.intermatic.com
Burglary Prevention Council www.burglaryprevention.org 

By Doug Miller   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately. To front only the essential facts of life And see if I could Not learn what it had to teach And not when I came to die Discover that I had not lived. - Henry David Thoreau

Douglas R. Miller is a local nature photographer who resides in Tonka Bay, Minnesota. Most photographs utilize a Fuji S-2 SLR digital camera with a Nikon 300mm 2.8 Telephoto lens or a Macro or Micro lens for flowers and insects.He has taken pictures in many parts of the world including the Midwest, Costa Rica, the Falkland Islands and Antartica. Penguins, icebergs, pink sunsets, monkeys, toucans, and scarlet macaws all grace his web page.

  

  

By Megan Nelson   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

Labor Day weekend represents the end of another summer boating season, but as many people are beginning to think storage and winterization, there are still a few folks that take to the lakes. These die-hards appreciate the quiet beauty the fall brings to boating. They know that there are moments when the water looks like glass and the sun fades into the shoreline transforming the sky into the amber hues of the turning leaves. These are the moments that are peaceful and touch the soul.

Most fall boaters also know that as peaceful as the moment seems, safety is still necessary. In the fall, water temperatures drop and less people are on the lake. This can cause a deadly combination if boaters are not prepared for emergencies. Here are some suggestions for keeping your fall boating trips safe.

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1. Prepare:

Hypothermia can occur in a matter of minutes. When a person is submerged in cold water the skin and nearby tissues cool and the blood retracts from the limbs and focuses on the heart and other organs. No one plans to fall in the water and get hypothermia. Planning ahead can help prevent hypothermia if a person accidentally falls in the water.

• Wear warm clothes. Boaters should dress for the water temperature not the air temperature. Warm clothes like wool under water proof clothing such as Gore-Tex or nylon are best.
• Always wear a PFD (personal floatation device). A person can extend their chance of survival by limiting the amount of energy they expend once in the cold water. A PFD will help the victim float without the need to move their arms or legs.
•  Keep an eye on the weather. Storms sneak up quickly in the fall, especially on the North Shore. Make sure to watch the weather and be able to react quickly if a severe storm is approaching. Bring a buddy. Boating with another person can also help survival chances even if they are in another boat. Learn to swim. Contact the local Red Cross or health club for information on lessons.

2. Stay Calm:

To survive in cold water, keep calm and conserve your energy. 

• Get as far out of the water as possible. Get on anything that floats. Being in the water will cool a person faster than the air. The head loses the most heat (50%), so keep it out of the water. 
• Conserve energy by remaining still. The fetal and heat escape lessening posture (HELP) will increase your survival time. Swimming or treading water will cool a person about 35 percent faster than remaining still.
• Form a huddle. Huddling in a circle with others will help preserve body heat. If children are in the water, place them in the middle of the huddle. Children cool faster than adults. 
• Keep an optimistic outlook. Even if chances are slim,there is still a chance. A positive attitude will help a person survive and stay calm.

3. Stay Put:

Staying where others are likely to look will increase chances of survival.

• Before leaving the dock a boater should always have a float plan. Create a float plan by letting someone know your boating agenda. If plans change, make sure to inform that person and let them know when the trip is complete. In the event of an accident this will help a rescue to team know where to look.
• In cold waters,hypothermia sets in quickly. Even a good swimmer is not likely to make it shore if they try to swim from the boat. Distances can be very deceiving in the water. Stay with the boat unless there is no hope for rescue and the chances of reaching shore are certain. Use a floatation device if possible.

 

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1. Make sure the victim has an open airway and is able to breathe. Then, check for respiration and pulse. Respiration may be slow and shallow and the pulse may be very weak. So check vital signs very carefully.If there is no pulse or respiration, CPR must be started immediately.

2. Prevent further heat loss:

• Gently move the victim to shelter and warmth as rapidly as possible.
• Gently remove all wet clothing;cut it away if necessary. The small amount of heat energy the victim has left must not be expended on warming and drying wet clothing.
• Wrap the victim in blankets or a sleeping bag. If available, place warm water bottles or other gentle sources of heat under the blanket on the victim's neck, groin, and on the sides of the chest.

3. Transport the victim to a hospital as soon as possible. Only a physician should determine when the patient should be released. Incorrect treatment of hypothermia victims may induce a condition known as After-Drop. After-Drop is a continued fall in the victim's core temperature even after he has been rescued. This is caused by improper rewarming, allowing cold,stagnant blood from the extremities to return to the core of the body. When this cold blood returns to the core of the body it may drop the core temperature below a level that will sustain life. For the same reason, hypothermia victims must be handled gently and should not be allowed to walk.

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DO NOT:

1. Place an unconscious victim in a bath tub.
2. Give a victim anything to drink,including hot liquids and especially alcohol.
3. Rub the victim's skin (especially do not rub it with snow).

Information provided by Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Boating Programs

By Barb Cross   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

Trees are amazing because as they grow and mature they change the environment they inhabit. Everyone remembers a photo of themselves standing in a place with small trees. That same place 20 to 30 years later is not the same place at all. Those of you who have lost fully mature trees to disease or storms know that without the trees the "feel" of the place is drastically altered. Trees mark time with their longevity and provide a sense of grandeur, protection, and change the quality of any area.

We all have childhood stories about trees. We may remember a picnic under a tree,a tree house,or a rope swing that we flew from as we got really brave. Our memories of trees as well as their beauty and function make us feel strongly about them and compel us to plant them in our own yards. There are practical reasons to plant trees too. A well placed tree is truly a solid investment in your home. You may want to screen a view,lower your energy bill, beautify your home, or attract birds for entertainment. 

Whatever you want your trees to do, you need to choose carefully because you will be living with the results for a long time. Often by the time you figure out you've made a mistake, the tree will be so big it will be hard to remove. If you decide to live with it anyway you will spend years cleaning up after it, fighting shallow roots cracking your driveway, or trimming branches to shape the tree into something it will never be. 

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Here are some things you should know:

1. Trees come in all different shapes and sizes. Full grown trees can range in height from 15 feet to 100 feet tall. All the pruning in the world will not make a large canopy tree fit against a house or other small space. The general shape of the tree branches can be horizontal, upright and columnar, or pointed downward and weeping. Planting a low branching tree in a lawn area is guaranteed to lead to aggravation when mowing. An evergreen will require a 30 foot spread when it is full grown. If you don't have that much room,your privacy will be lost as you trim up the branches to make it fit.
2. Trees have distinct soil and climate requirements. Nature does a good job at planting trees because it matches the specific requirements of each tree with its surroundings. Nature knows pines like well drained sandy soil, cottonwoods don't mind wet feet and can grow lakeside, and nature will never try to plant a magnolia tree in cold climates. There are ways to add non-native trees to your landscape, but you will really need to give them special care. The best way to get trees to grow well is to match your surroundings with your tree's needs.
   Tree location depends on your reasons for planting. You know where to plant if privacy is your goal. Whether you are trying to screen out a roadway, an unattractive view, or create a room apart from your neighbor's view, evergreens are often used as privacy screens because they provide year round visual barriers.
3. Evergreens planted on the north and west sides of your home can block winter winds. Shade trees should be planted on the south and west sides of the house, or in another area such as a patio that needs shelter from the hot summer sun.
   When you plant trees to beautify your home, think of them as the structure for the rest of your yard. If you have a large yard,you can break it into "rooms" by using groupings of trees. A tree can outline a "ceiling" in a patio and provide a place to hang lights. A flowering tree can create a focal point at the end of a path.
4. Fall is the best time to plant. You can plant trees during the spring and summer, but fall is the best time to plant. The temperatures are cooler, trees have started to go dormant, and it gives them some time to put down roots before the next growing season. Also, the likelihood of rain is greater during this time of year, which will help ensure a good start for your new tree.

There is a Chinese proverb that says "keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come." Maybe if we plant a tree in our yards we will find pleasure that will outlive us.

  

By Teri Bennett   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

Everyone loves a hayride in the fall! It is the perfect way to bring people of all ages together for some fun. Getting outside on a beautiful fall day can lift everyone's spirits and the best part is you won't have a mess in your house. I found several stables and ranches in the yellow pages of the phone book that offered hayrides. The one I chose was close to my home and had a lake nearby where I could have a bonfire. I chose to start the party with the hayride because the children were excited about it, and it really got the party going. Whether you have a fall birthday to celebrate or you're just looking for a great way to get people together, this will be a big hit.

To greet people as they arrived I set out pumpkins with birthday greetings written on them. They made a unique birthday banner and directed people to our party. In addition I brought out lots of hearty wool blankets in fall colors. I draped them over big spools that we used as tables, over tailgates as tablecloths, and of course over people for warmth! I also set out pumpkins, hay bails, and bunches of flowers from the supermarket. I didn't even put them in water, I just put out the cellophane wrapped bunches. They were perfect for our casual,outdoor theme. 

A bonfire is a must at a fall party. In addition to being a wonderful heat source and being beautiful, a bonfire provides a central gathering place for your group. I had everyone back their cars in and encircle the fire. It helped to block the wind and provided us with trunk and tailgate space for serving our food and beverages from. 

For simple snacks I put out chips with dips, candy corn with peanuts, and hot dogs with buns. That way the kids could get busy right away roasting their hot dogs over the fire and didn't get cranky waiting for dinner. I made cute skewers from old coat hangars and then used them again for roasting marshmallows and making s'mores after dinner. I placed the s'mores ingredients into large, clear containers. It looked cute, kept things organized, and made everything easily accessible. The rest of the menu consisted of crispy parmesan chicken strips, dill potato salad, and baked beans. Of course no fall party would be complete without a large container of hot cocoa. In addition to being an old time favorite it kept everyone's hands warm. 

A great fall party game the kids can play is much like a traditional Easter egg hunt. Simply find a large area where the ground is covered with lots of fall leaves. Scatter wrapped candy all around and the children will have a ball collecting it. Cowboy hats make great containers in which the children can place their candy in as they collect it and afterward they can take the cowboy hat home as a party favor. They are great because they're easy to find and inexpensive. After all of the fun, the hayride, and the games, we ended our party with a birthday song and cake. I chose a Frankenstein cake from Byerly's. It was perfect for a 12-year-old boy and fit right into our fall theme. You can't go wrong with a combination of outdoor fun and a simple menu on a great fall day. A hayride birthday party is sure to entice the young and old alike to get outside and celebrate!

  

 

 

By Nancy Henke   Wed, Jul 29, 2009

Was Lakestyle meant to be? I may never have a definitive answer to that question,but I never worry about it anymore. For me it has been answered. I have had the great pleasure of reading a book recently that solidly answered that question; the answer was a resounding yes! If I had let my fears get in the way I may never have realized this dream, a dream that was meant to be.

The book I read is called "If You Want To Walk On Water, You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat" by John Ortberg. It is an appropriate title for someone like me,someone who loves the water, but is sometimes afraid to venture from my place of safety. It addresses,in depth, so many of the reasons we are afraid to pursue our dreams. Our society constantly sends us messages to avoid risk taking. I'm not talking about stupidity, or reckless behavior. I'm talking about doing the things we want to do even if we are a little afraid about the outcome.

In addition to Ortberg's book I have also recently read a book by Marlo Thomas called "The Right Words At The Right Time." It is a compilation of stories by famous people reflecting on influential words that have changed the course of their lives. It didn't take me long to figure out what words were spoken to me at the right time in my life to change the path I was headed down. Those words tied right into the message from Ortberg's book.

Some years before Lakestyle began my life was fine; in fact it was really good. But I had a choice to make and fear of making the wrong choice had frozen me into indecision. The choice was between having more children or pursuing my career. I was so afraid of making the decision, afraid that either way I would have regrets. Fortunately a wonderful friend of mine, Marge Grahn Bowman, shared her wisdom with me. She looked at me in a very matter of fact manner and said, "Nancy, can't you have both? Why don't you just take your fears and tuck them in your back pocket and go ahead and follow your dreams?" Those were the right words at the right time for me.

I know it seems so simple, but it hadn't seemed simple until that point. In fact it had sounded impossibly overwhelming until she spoke those words. I didn't know how to get rid of all my fears, how to sort out all of the potential problems I might face. What I didn't realize was that I could set those possibilities aside until they became realities. I could cross those bridges when I came to them. The visualization of me taking my fears and tucking them in my back pocket was just what I needed. She didn't tell me to abandon my fears; she didn't tell me they were silly. She just told me to set my fears aside for a time. I could have more children and a career. I could have ups and downs. I could have fear and courage. I could be afraid and still chase my dreams. What has ensued has been the greatest rollercoaster ride I have ever been on (and with four young children in my life I have been on a lot of rollercoasters!).

That is exactly what John Ortberg encourages his reader to do too; tuck away those fears that stand between us and our dreams. We have all been given gifts and our job is to use those gifts. We may not be called to be religious leaders or missionary workers, but we are called to be something. It is our job to trust that if we pursue our dreams and callings, things will work out. Even to fail at trying to reach those dreams is better than not trying at all. It just means that you need to get up and try again (okay you may want to try a new tactic too, but you get the idea). Some questions from his book that I found interesting are ones to ask yourself: "What do I enjoy doing for its own sake? What do I avoid doing? Why? For what do I wish to be remembered? How might the offer of money or promotion sidetrack me from my true calling? What would my life look like it if turned out well?" These are thought provoking questions at the very least.

He tells a story of a child standing on the edge of a pool, her father is in the water with arms wide open to catch her. He is encouraging her "Jump! Don't be afraid. You can trust me." Of course we all know what is going on inside of the little girl, a conflict between being afraid of something bad happening and the idea that someone she trusts is confident about the outcome. We all have this battle going on within us about various things in our lives. "Trust says, JUMP! Fear says, NO!" Either choice the child makes will impact her future decisions.

Children need our encouragement to take risks early on in their lives. Even if it doesn't work out perfectly they will feel good about having tried. My friend's words come back to me often as I parent my own children. The night before school starts, the day before camp, just before a tryout, I find myself telling them to tuck their fears in their back pocket and try anyway.

As adults we will feel good about trying things too. Ortberg goes on to say, "When you take on a challenge, it builds the core of who you are, even if you don't perform flawlessly." In fact, Herman Melville said, "Failure is the test of greatness." Know that you will sometimes fail, and more importantly know that sometimes you won't. Hang on to the hope that those times are out there waiting for you.

It isn't only the fun of working here at Lakestyle that makes me glad I took the risk. It is the courage I now feel from having taken a huge risk. It's not whether the magazine is the homerun of the century or not, it's that this was our dream and we went for it.

I hope the message I have sent to my children is to go out into this world and pursue the things they want to pursue. I hope when they are faced with the daily battle of whether to trust and jump,or to be afraid and say no, that they will trust. I hope that they know that even when they are afraid they can tuck away their fears for a little while and go for it.

And as for me...now that I have gotten out of the boat, I hope I can take steps toward walking on water. I know I can't attain perfection; I also know I don't need to let my fears get in the way of trying new things. I will continue to strive to deliver a magazine that our readers want, to create the magazine that we here at Lakestyle have dreamed about. Please feel free to let me know what you'd like to see in the magazine in the future.

Celebrating Life on the Water,

Nancy Henke, Editor 

By Nancy Henke   Thu, Aug 20, 2009

"Lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature." Henry David Thoreau

Water has many uses and meanings, almost as varied as people. Some believe it has a kind of healing power, while others believe that healing comes from our relationships. I believe in both. As the water can cleanse our bodies, a long chat with a good friend can cleanse our spirits. Water's healing power can be as extraordinary as a baptism or as ordinary as dipping your toes into gentle, lapping waves. And the power of our relationships can be as intimate as "What can I do to help you through this difficult time?" to "Hi, how'd you sleep?"

When my family moved here from Wisconsin, my parents were bound and determined to have a home on a lake. After all there are 10,000 here; there should be a spot for us. This turned out to be no small task, but they did eventually find a spot on a small lake in the metro area. I have many happy memories of times on that lake.

My memories have recently been stirred up and continue to swirl around in my mind. I remember so many times with my best friend. We really gave our best efforts to swimming from the rocky shoreline, but the numerous leeches were often more than we could stand. We'd shake some salt (in large measure) between our toes in an effort to make them wriggle free. Finally out of frustration (and being completely grossed out!) we would simply grab them and rip them off tossing them away as far as we could. Fortunately after that my family built a home-made swimming raft from which we could swim leech-free. Other times we would strap on life preservers and swim as far as we could hopeful that we could reach the other side of the lake. And despite our somewhat conservative demeanors, we even tried skinny dipping one night, just the two of us, soul mates that we were.

Other days we would hop into our trusty row boat with our fishing gear trying to be true Minnesotans. After much ado trying to bait our hooks, set our bobbers to appropriate depths, and looking for a good fishing spot, we would begin our fishing in earnest. Sometimes we would catch the occasional bull fish, not exactly a prize fish for two young girls barely able to bait a hook. We'd row into shore, grab a stick, shove it down teh fish's throat and swirl it around like we'd been shown. Again, being thoroughly grossed out by this gnarly looking fish, we'd often give up and seek help from others in its removal. My favorite fishing story though is when one of us cast our pole (I won't mention any names) and the entire package, hook, line, sinker, and pole went flying out into the lake. Certain that this error would be penalized in death by my parents, we immediately set our recovery plan into motion. Much screaming and jumping around resulted in no success. Plan B came into action. My friend, not exactly an avid fish catcher up to this point, grabbed my pole and promptly cast accurately enough to catch the other fishing pole. This was without a doubt our greatest fishing achievement!

Many years late, we still enjoy our time on the water. We have watched our children splashing in the lake, building castles in the sand and simply sliding down from their play set with a hose to make things more exciting. Other times are spent simply drinking coffee and chatting, with the lake acting only as a backdrop.

This fall as most of us fight to keep the leaves mulched and bundled, the grass short, the dock removed, and the boat stored, my friend will be fighting brain cancer. Just as she bravely fought strong waves, leeches, and bull fish, she now bravely fights a much larger enemy. Just as she jumped into action to retrieve a lost fishing pole, she has now jumped into action by undergoing neurosurgery, and chemotherapy. This will be the fight of her life and the fight for her life.

The large yellow ribbon in the picture on the previous page was an idea of one of my friend's neighbors. Her neighborhood is lined with ribbon-wrapped trees all showing support of my friend Teresa in her fight against brain cancer. I pray for her full recovery. I pray for many more times in the future that we get to enjoy our time on the lake. And mostly I pray that I will have my dear friend near to me for many years to come!

This autumn, as you settle down on teh deck or dock to read Lakestyle, I hope you'll experience a bit of healing too. Whether recuperating from an active summer on the lake, resting up for the challenge of readying for winter, or fighting a personal challenge of your own, I hope Lakestyle provides a small respite. Here at Lakestyle we celebrate life on the water, but first we celebrate life. Teresa, here's to our life together.

Nancy Henke, Editor

By Teri Bennett   Thu, Aug 20, 2009

Having your family and friends over for the 800th time can be a little repetitive if not a little boring. I have a Simply Different idea for you to surprise them with...a garage party! With a little work, a lot of imagination and a good sense of humor you can turn your garage into a fabulous place to hold a party.

The good news here...most of us have a garage. The bad news...mine was filled with a lot of stuff! I loaded up our snowmobile trailer until it looked like the Grinch's sleigh as he left Whoville, pulled it out of the garage and threw a tarp over the whole thing. I decided to embrace the rest of the garage fare (bikes, saws, shelves, etc.) to use as a backdrop for the party.

Next I pulled out the comforts of home. I am all about cozy so I brought out some rugs and layered them on the floor. I know this next idea sounds a little crazy, but it's easy to do: I brought out the kitchen table and chairs. It's much sturdier than a card table and will make your guests feel special.

The back of my truck made a great spot for the bar set up. The wagon and small chair worked well for varying elevations. I always use lots of napkins and towels to add warmth, interest and help with any spills. I put soda and beer into large tin tubs, added a few candles, and pulled up a couple of stools. The car bar was set.

As you can see I used the fall harvest to set my table and buffet. Use whatever you have around the house, but try to stick with your color scheme. I used a blanket as a tablecloth, placed pumpkins, gourds, and more candles on the buffet. For serving pieces I used wooden bowls, baskets, and copper to fit in with our rugged theme.

The table settings were also simple. The denim napkins were casual and made a nice accent color. They were topped off with small, painted pumpkins sporting Gerber daisy hats. (Tie the daisy hat to the pumpkin stem with a piece of raffia.) I hollowed out some gourds, filled them with votive candles and placed them between pumpkins in the centerpiece.

Every garage needs a chandelier, don't you think? This was so simple. I hung my votive chandelier from the motor of the garage door opener and decorated it with honeysuckle and a stuffed, imitation chicken.

I'd like to kiss the person who invented the portable fire pit. I pulled mine into the driveway and surrounded it with a few chairs. This gave us another conversation area in addition to warming things up. Since a fire beckons to have marshmallows roasted over it I have included an easy s'more recipe.

Every successful garage party (with kids that is) needs to have bobbing for apples. After all, in the garage no one cares about a mess. The kids will want all the parties to be garage parties!

The recipes I used for the party are simple, delicious, and best of all they can be made ahead of time. You get to relax, let your hair down and enjoy your party. Garage parties are supposed to be a gas!

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Did you know?

You can make your own butter pats by cutting a cold stick of butter into squares with a sharp, cold knife? After cutting, place pats in ice water until it is time to serve them. For even fancier pats use chilled, miniature cookie cutters to cut shapes from your butter pats.

Michelle's Apple Cashew Salad

• 1 bunch spinach
• 1 head Romaine lettuce
• 2 red apples cut into bite size pieces
• 4 ounces shredded swiss cheese
• 8 ounces cashews

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup vinegar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp. grated onion
• 1 cup salad oil
• 1/2 tbsp. Poppy seeds

Do not add the dressing until it is time to serve, otherwise the rest of the salad can be made ahead of time.

Busy Day Beef Stew

• 2 lbs. stew meat, cut up
• 6 whole carrots, peeled
• 1 (2 lb.) can whole tomatoes
• 1 lg. onion, cut up
• 3 stalks celery, cut up
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 1/3 cup tapioca, uncooked
• Pinch of thyme, marjoram and rosemary

Place raw meat in large casserole or roaster. Add the remainder of ingredients. Cover pan. Bake slowly at 250 degrees for 5-7 hours. Serve with flat noodles, potatoes or rice.

Easy S'mores

• Marshmallows
• Fudge-stripe cookies

Melt marshmallows and place between two fudge stripe cookies.

Pumpkin Squares with Whip Cream

Crust:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 2 tbsp. sugar

Mix the above and bake in 9x13 inch pan for 10 min. at 350 degrees.

Filling:

• 2 (15 oz.) cans pumpkin
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups half and half
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ginger

Mix all of above ingredients and pour over baked crust. Bake 30-45 min. at 350 degrees or until knife comes out clean.

Top with whipped cream.

Special thanks to:

Tonkadale Greenhouse
3739 Tonkawood Road
Minnetonka, MN 55345
952.938.6480

Antiquity Rose Cookbook
429 Second Street
Excelsior, MN 55331
952.474.2661

By Tom Henke   Tue, Jul 28, 2009

The recipe usually goes like this: Take a cabin, add some friends, toss in some fun times and create memories, layered with love.  State Representative Bill Haas and his wife Joenie created their own recipe: Take some friends, add in some fun times, throw in a pinch of love...and build a cabin.

Most of us dream of building memories at our cabin.  Some of us dream of building a cabin.  Few of us take that dream and do it by our selves. Bill & Joenie Haas have recently finished just such a dream.  But it didn't happen over night.

Bill is the Republican four-term State Representative (representing the Champlin/Northern Brooklyn Park area) and owner of Haas Managed Benefits, a health care and benefits consulting firm while Joenie is a group travel coordinator for Marshall Field's Travel.  Together, they set off to build their dream cabin, on their dream lake.  
 
For the Haases, the choice of lake was easy: Bill wanted a cabin nearby.  Joenie's parents had retired on Lake Mille Lacs in 1972 which made the lake feel like home. Add to that the short drive of just two hours and the Haases knew the lake on which they wanted to build. Bill adds that they "just love the lake."  After creating the list of "must haves" (sandy beach, no hill, close to the water), it only took five years to narrow the search from the right lake to the right lot.

Considering their marriage of 32 years, the Haases had what it takes to tackle building a cabin together.   Bill designed the cabin himself over a two-week span.  They decided on a two bedroom, two bath home with a loft and an open floor plan and acted as their own general contractors. The Haas' began in April, 1999 with a lake-owner's first priority: the dock.  Having succeeded in their first project, the Haases began building the home on Memorial Day. 

Leveling the lot, taking out trees, digging the foundation.  Those first days were difficult and exciting.  Shortly after starting the Haases were approached by their neighbors, Kenny & Patty Waneous who offered them the use of the loft above their garage.  The Haases graciously accepted.  Armed with a soft bed, an air conditioner and a shower, they were now able to tackle the project with a renewed vigor. 

"Once we started we were not going to stop until we were done" said Bill.

With a foundation in place, the Haases were committed.  They bought much of the lumber from Menards while the siding and floorboards were milled locally by Boyd Lumber.  "Boyd Lumber was great," said Bill. "Every Thursday night, we'd head to the cabin and a new bundle of supplies would be waiting."  Building each weekend, they soon finished the walls and flooring.  Then came the hand framing of the rafters including a 48-foot center beam.  From time to time friends would help, but most of the work was handled by the Haases themselves.  

Then came the first setback: The walls were not standing true.  The weight of the roof had caused the walls to bow.  Then came yet another setback.  While assessing the problem, Bill fell 10 feet from the loft area to the floor.  Luckily there was nothing broken, or as Bill puts it, "The lord was watching me that day."  Sore but recovering, Bill used the time to consider their problem and concluded that all he needed to do to fix the walls was to cut the rafters free and use a come-along to true up the walls.  After an intense weekend of adjustment, the Haases were back on track and the walls were perpendicular to the floor, just the way they should have been.  That was the end of September. 

October: Siding and soffits

November: Heat, insulation and plumbing

Thanksgiving: A makeshift bedroom and the first weekend in the cabin 

Christmas: A working fireplace

Winter months: Sheet-rock, electrical, and cupboards

Finishing the interior took most of the spring.  By July, the staircase was complete, another milestone in the adventure. "When Joenie walked down the stairs and exclaimed, 'we don't have to use a ladder anymore!', that was the greatest feeling" said Bill.   

Hand-hewing the handrails with a sharpened lawn mower blade and poly-coating all the woodwork took until September 2000.

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Lessons Learned

As it turned out, every nail was set by the Haases (along with a few friends), every piece of siding placed by them, every window set by them.  Just a few projects were hired out: the brick work, heating, roofing and ceptic.  Five years of searching, seventeen months of building, 2,000 plus hours of effort, just a few mishaps, and a beautiful cabin later, the Haases had turned their rough drawings and ideas into a reality.  "Our dream turned out exactly how we wanted" said Bill.

After "lots of knicks, cuts, bruises and sweat equity," the Haases think they saved about 50% by building the home themselves.  Even while saving money, they gained memories and a real sense of accomplishment.  What's more, "it is also something that we did together, a commitment we made to each other."   They later named their getaway the Haas-C-Enda, in part a tribute to a Bills father who used to say that when it was time for the family to go home.
    
During the project, the Haases were able to get away for a vacation to Europe and Asia.  While on vacation and visiting some memorable locations, Bill had an idea.  Why not add a bit of history to their cabin? 

The Haases cabin on Lake Mille Lacs features the only fireplace in Minnesota with a stone from the Great Wall of China, another from the Bridge over the River Kwai, two from the Three Gorges area of China and four from ancient Greece.  One of the last stones placed was a red stone that Bill found on North Shore of Lake Superior that is shaped like a heart: fitting for a cabin hand made with love.

By Megan Nelson   Tue, Jul 28, 2009

What does going “up north” mean? Does it mean going to the family cabin or a favorite resort? Does going up north mean a weekend full of camping, hiking, and fishing? Maybe going up north really means going west or even south.

Going up north means something different to everyone. To some, it means roughing it in the wilderness with tents and campfires. To others, it means escaping the hustle of the cities to a peaceful lake. For most Minnesotans, going up north means traveling to the same destination.

Discover what up north means to other Minnesotans by trying a new vacation destination this fall. Visit a historic B&B,  a rustic cabin, a family resort or a luxury hotel. Watch the beauty of the leaves changing on the St. Croix or on Lake Superior.

Minnesota is home to 10,000 lakes and even more vacation destinations. There is so much to experience so close to home. Enjoy your adventure! 

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Historic

Historic inns and hotels allow guests to slip into a slower paced time of the past. Each has a wonderful and unique story to share and many are a short drive away. Consider heading to Red Wing to visit the St. James Hotel or to Hastings to stay at one of the charming Thorwood Historic Inns. Rather head north? Take a trip to The Naniboujou Lodge in Grand Marais or the Brittany Cottages on Madeline Island.

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St. James Hotel
The feel of the early 1900’s is present in each area of the St. James Hotel. Guest rooms are named after historic riverboats and are individually decorated with turn of the century style and antique furnishings. Fantastic dining with a panoramic view of the great Mississippi is available in the dining room on top of the hotel. Jimmy’s pub, full of character, invites you to sink into a leather chair and stay awhile if you are interested in an afternoon cocktail.

The woodwork and furnishings of the St. James Hotel lobby is worth a moment of study, as well as, the rest of the common areas. Pictures throughout depict the rich history of the hotel and the town of Red Wing.

The St. James Hotel is mainly for couples and leisure travelers who come here for the experience and feel of historic Red Wing and the historic St. James Hotel. For more information, visit www.st-james-hotel.com.

What to see and do in the Red Wing area 

www.redwing.org

• Shopping
• Antiquing,
• Site seeing (22 buildings listed on National Register of Historic Places)
• Rock climbing
• Golfing
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Boating
• Downhill Skiing
• Cross country skiing

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Thorwood Historic Inns - Thorwood and Rosewood
A few blocks from the St. Croix, awaits the Thorwood Inn in historic Hastings. Guests are welcomed to explore its old world charm and unique decorations that ensure no two rooms are the same. After a day full of activity, guests may retire to their suite and slip into the soothing waters of their two-person whirlpool tub and stare into the fireplace tucked cozily in the room.

Down the road is the Rosewood Inn that was saved and renovated by owners Pam and Dick Thorsen. They captured the flow and essence of the old Victorian home by using pieces of the old Ritz Hotel in Chicago. Like the Thorwood, an elegantly decorated foyer and sitting room await you upon arrival, as do the one-of-a-kind suites which include a fireplace that can be seen from the bed or the two-person tub. The attic suite boasts a skylight to gaze out of on a clear night and a teak wood tub for two.

The Vermillion, St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers embrace the inns with beautiful bluffs and ravines making it a great escape from the cities and perfect for a quick weekend getaway.

A homemade dinner and two person massage awaits in the privacy of each suite. “Sometimes once the guest sees the suites, they can’t imagine leaving, so we are becoming famous for our hat box suppers” said the Innkeepers. “We also offer bountiful picnics to be enjoyed in the beautiful nearby parks with river vistas.” More creative package ideas can be found on www.thorwoodinn.com.

What to see and do in the Hastings area 

www.hastingsmn.org

• Carpenter Nature Center
• Old Ramsey Flour Mill and Falls
• LeDuc Mansion owned by the MN Historical Society.
• Mississippi, Vermillion, and St. Croix River and Bluffs
• Kayaking
• Frisbee golf
• Walking
• Biking
• Golfing

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The Brittany Cottages
The Brittany Cottages are great for people truly seeking peace and quite. Tucked away on ten peaceful acres are a few secluded cabins on a small island. Guests start their journey by traveling to Madeline Island from Bayfield on the Madeline Island Ferry. The cabins are situated on the edge of Lake Superior with a private beach to enjoy. Decorated like an old cabin , the cottages feel like a place that many used to go to as a kid.

Once a private estate, built in 1905, by Gregory Hull, a civil war hero, and his wife Cora.  This now secluded resort, displays many of the original furnishings that can be found garnishing the property. A breathtaking garden, refurbished by Innkeepers - Alan and Beth Fischlowitz, allows the same escape as it did in the 1920’s. Complete with a flower lined croquet court, original stones and gazebo, it is the perfect place to get lost in a book.

“Imagine being in the garden with a book or a martini and watching a deer walk by you 20 feet away and ignore you” described Alan. Besides reading in the garden, many guests bring their kayak or rent one on the mainland and launch it from the private beach. Check outwww.brittanycabins.com for beautiful photos and more information.

What to see and do in Bayfield/Madeline Island area 

www.bayfield.org

• Big Bay State Park
• Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve
• Tour the Apostle Islands
• See a stage shows at the Big Top Chatauqua
• Bonfires on the beach
• Golf and tennis at Madeline Island Golf Club
• Rent mopeds, bikes, canoes, kayaks or sailboats 
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Charters
• Shopping

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Naniboujou Lodge
Naniboujou is on the National Registry of Historic Places and rightfully so. This resort was built and decorated in the 1920’s. It was to be an “ultra exclusive private club for Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey and Ring Lardner among other club charter members”. Black Friday, of the Great Depression, spoiled the hopes of it remaining ultra exclusive and eventually it was sold and opened to the public.

This is a destination for those who want to get away from everything. “Enjoy a quality of life others only dream about,” suggest innkeepers, Tim and Nancy Ramey. They encourage guests to leave behind their laptops and cell phones and lose themselves in the 1920’s aura.

The original hall is brilliantly decorated with designs of the Cree Indians, bright and colorful like no other décor in the world.  Silence surrounds the property and lets guests focus on the gorgeous views of Lake Superior. Red Adirondack chairs line the beach and a large solarium faces the lake for picturesque views.  The view is more than Lake Superior, moose, deer, birds and other animals frequent the property. To learn more about the view and lodge visit www.naniboujou.com.

What to see and do in the Grand Marais area 

www.grandmarais.com

• Superior Trails
• Judge C.R. Magney Park
• Grand Portage National Monument and Trail
• Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
• Cross country skiing
• Hiking
• Shopping in Grand Marais 

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Luxury

Luxury resorts offer endless activities and more comforts than home. Brainerd, the Dells, Lutsen, and Two Harbors, boast spectacular properties such as; Cragun’s Resort, Grand View Lodge, Kalahari Resort, Lutsen Resort & Sea Villas, Caribou Highlands Lodge and Grand Superior Lodge.  Each property offers its own style of luxury, perfect for fun and relaxation.

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Cragun’s Resort
Cragun’s Resort has perfected the art of creating packages that cater to groups and families. Honeymooners enjoy staying in the Shoreline Suites while groups up to 25 find the Oaks House perfect for staying together but maintaining privacy with separate entrances. Cabins and Lakeside rooms are also available.

With 1-mile of shoreline and two beaches on Gull Lake there is an endless amount of water activities to keep every guest entertained. The resort is great for active families and groups looking for the cabin experience with endless activity.
 
Personal boats are welcomed and tour boat runs daily for a scenic cruises. Canoes, paddleboats, pontoon and ski boats are available at the full service marina along with water sport equipment. For the kids, there is Water Adventures, with lifeguard certified counselors that guarantee kids are safe and have a good time on the lake.

Horse drawn trolley rides, beach parties and hiking are common activities in the fall. Cragun’s is the #1 family resort. They offer plenty of programs to keep kids busy so they sleep through the night. Families love the “Get Wild” animal show and the kid’s club. Check out Cragun’s Labor Day and MEA packages this fall.

For golfers, the upscale Legacy Courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr, are a must play. All holes are designated as an International Signature Sanctuary. This top notch golf resort even has golf carts with ProLink GPS. If the weather isn’t ideal for golf, guests visit the Sport Centre which hosts golf simulators, as well as an indoor track that encompasses the volley ball, basketball and tennis courts. For reservation and additional information, visit www.craguns.com.

What to see and do in the Brainerd/Nisswa area

www.brainerd.com

• Paul Bunyan Trail
• Pillsbury State Forest
• Bobby’s Legacy Golf Courses
• Dutch’s Legacy Golf Course
• Boating
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Family Programs
• Kids Water Adventures
• Hiking
• Indoor Sports Centre
• Gull Lake tours
• Dog sledding
• Cross country skiing

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Grand View Lodge
Grand View Lodge has been catering to families since 1918. Many of their visiting families have been returning for the past 40 years to experience the rustic woodsy feel combined with luxury. The main lodge is filled with cozy chairs and an enchanting stone fireplace. Outside quiet sitting areas, an outdoor fireplace and wooded walking paths join the beautiful Grand View gardens with thousands of flowers. Follow the incredible flower lined stone walk way to the beach and set your eyes on glistening Gull Lake. Guests love the indoor waterslide and pool that sits on the edge of 1,500 feet of natural sand beach.

Grand View offers town homes, distinctive lakeside cottages or historic lodge rooms to accommodate any size group. Playaks, canoes, paddle boats and non-motorized fishing boats are at no charge to guests. Ski boats and pontoons are available for rent or keep your own boat on a guest boat lift. For hot deals at Grand View visit www.grandviewlodge.com.

What to see and do in the Brainerd/Nisswa area

www.brainerd.com

• Paul Bunyan Trail
• Pillsbury State Forest
• The Preserve Golf Course
• Deacon’s Lodge Golf Course
• Mountain bike rental
• Guided bike tours
• Horse back riding
• Fishing
• Yoga
• Water wars
• Basket weaving
• Live lounge acts
• Massage

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Kalahari
Kalahari, a luxury hotel in the Wisconsin Dells, makes family travel fun the whole time. This resort is ideal for families who want lots of entertainment. Open year round, this resort includes the nation’s largest indoor wave pool and nine water slides. The 410 foot long Torrent River and the pipe-style, spiral flume Tanzanian Twister as well as the Lily Pad Hippo Walk, lap pool and the Baboon Bay children’s play area can be found under one roof. Outside, water activities include waterslides - Zimbabwe Zipper and Swahili Swirl and a whirlpool spa.  A regulation size basketball court, two white-sand volleyball courts, three luxurious spas and a digital, surround sound, 10-screen cinema can also be found on the property.

Custom designed African themed furniture, a fireplace, large balcony and safari inspired artwork and fabrics decorate suites. The Presidential suites also include a wet bar, dining for six, living room and deck with oversized whirlpool. For more details on the rooms at Kalahari make sure to check out www.kalahariresort.com.

What to see and do in the Wisconsin Dells area

www.dells.com

• Everything at Wisconsin Dells
• Endless Waterslides and wave pools
• Sports
• Spas
• Theaters
• Art Galleries

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Lutsen Resort and Sea Villas
Lutsen Resort and Sea Villas stretch across the shoreline of Lake Superior and the Poplar River. From the old North Shore feel of the lodge rooms to the modern luxury of the condominiums, Lutsen Resort meets the needs and expectations of every guest. The scenic views, natural back drop and expansive offerings have made Lutsen Resort a very popular place for weddings.

Surrounded by wooded area, it is terrific for watching the fall colors fade into winter. Guests can warm up on cool evenings with the fireplace in the lodge, a bonfire on the beach or in their own private jacuzzi. Oversized chairs await you in the lodge, sink into them and take up a game of checkers or read a book next to the fireplace. In January, some guests join the polar bear club by dipping into Lake Superior and running back to the warmth of the indoor sauna and pools.

Lodge room, Sea villa, Poplar River condominium and Log town home guests have full use of the resort’s historic lodge. The lodge includes lakeside fine dining, lounge for drinks and casual dining, game room, heated pools and a complimentary par three golf course. For lodging descriptions and area activities visit www.lutsenresort.com.

What to see and do in the Lutsen area

www.lutsen.com

• Gondola rides
• Lutsen Mountain Bike Park
• Horseback riding in the Sawtooth Mountains 
• The Alpine slide
• The Superior Hiking Trail
• Sea kayaking
• Snowmobiling
• Dog sledding  
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Downhill Skiing
• Cross Country Skiing
• Swimming

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Caribou Highlands Lodge
Caribou Highlands Lodge is nestled on Lutsen ski hill with never-ending views of the woods and mountains that wrap around Caribou inviting guests to explore. Paths and trails lead onto the mountain and into the woods for those who wish to see nature at its best. The North woods feel of Caribou transports guests from the hustle of the big city while still enjoying all the amenities of a luxury resort.

At every turn guests will encounter attention to detail in the crafts that decorated the main lodge and each of the properties. Caribou offers a charming stay in the main lodge, Village condominiums, Village town homes or Poplar Ridge executive lodges. The town homes and executive lodges are available to rent as a whole or as separate floors.  Perfect for a romantic weekend getaway or a large group vacation.

The three season outdoor heated pool, indoor pool, 3 whirlpools and 2 saunas are great places to relax after a long day of hiking or mountain bike riding. Tennis courts, video arcade, canoeing and the Mountain Kids program are a few other ways to enjoy the stay at Caribou. Ski-in and ski-out lodging is available at Caribou during the winter season. Additional information can be found at www.caribouhighlands.com.

What to see and do in the Lutsen area 

www.lutsen.com

• Gondola rides
• Lutsen Mountain Bike Park
• Horseback riding in the Sawtooth Mountains 
• The Alpine slide
• The Superior Hiking Trail
• Sea kayaking
• Snowmobiling
• Dog sledding  
• Canoeing
• Mountain Kids Program
• Cross Country skiing
• Downhill skiing
• Tennis
• Golf

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Grand Superior Lodge
Sister to Caribou Highland Lodge is Grand Superior Lodge in Two Harbors. Grand Superior promises a small family feeling with all the amenities of home. “I treat this as if I were welcoming guests into my home” said John Hartwick, General Manger.

Privacy and that “away feeling” are captured in each of their unique lodge rooms, 1-2 bedroom cabins and 3-4 bedroom homes. It would be easy to stay snuggled in one of the cozy cabins reading a book next to the fireplace but Two Harbors offers a lot of activities.

It is a short trip to Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls or the Superior Hiking Trail to watch the brilliant fall colors dance in the north shore breeze. After a long hike, many guests like to slip into the soothing 12 person whirlpool that is encased in large smooth stones in the lodge. The waves of Lake Superior can be seen lapping the shoreline from nearly everywhere at Caribou, including the large whirlpool and the balcony of the restaurant.

The restaurant serves a northern cuisine of elk, venison, walleye or trout and compliments them with a reserve wine list for special occasions. For reservations make sure to visit the Grand Superior Web site at www.grandsuperior.com.

What to see and do in the Two Harbors area 

www.lakecnty.com

• Two Harbors Museum and Ore Docks
• Gooseberry Falls Sate Park
• Split Rock Lighthouse and State Park
• Superior Hiking Trails
• Grandpa Woo’s Excursions
• Fine Dining
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Biking
• Fishing

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Secluded

Secluded cabins and resorts offer the peace and tranquility the busy soul needs. Sprinkled across the lakes of Minnesota many secluded properties still offer quiet time and picture perfect settings. Discover Castle Haven on Lake Superior, Samara Point Resort on Gull Lake and The Lady Slipper Inn and The Heartland B&B in Lake Country.

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Castle Haven
1 mile off the highway down a dirt road are the secluded Castle Haven Cabins. These 12 cabins sit snuggly on the shores of Lake Superior. Built in 1935, the cabins have been part of the Lind family since the beginning. Dwight and Debbie Lind take pride and care of their cabins and as tradition holds, they do everything, even the cleaning. The cabins house two bedrooms, kitchens and hardwood floors. Recently, they added an addition to their property when they opened the Quilter’s Cabin in May.

The Quilter’s Cabin is not for overnight guests but for guests looking for brilliantly colored fabrics and detailed patterns for quilts. Guests stop in to enjoy the array of fabrics, colors and engage in interesting conversation with other guests and with Dwight and Debbie.

This is a great place to sit back and hear the stories.  People come here to, “open the windows and listen to the waters,” Debbie explained about her guests who keep coming back. “It is never the same here, wait ten minutes and it will have changed. It never gets boring.”

85% of their guests are repeat visitors. “Debbie & Dwight are such nice people. We have been coming to the same cabin for the last 21 years. We just love it.” long-time visitor, Dale VandenHouten, said after he and his friends returned from Grandma’s Marathon.

More information about Castle Haven can be found at www.castlehaven.net.

What to see and do in the Two Harbors area

www.lakecnty.com

• Two Harbors Museum and Ore Docks
• Pioneer Crafts Gift Shop
• Gooseberry Falls Sate Park
• Split Rock Lighthouse and State Park
• Superior Hiking Trails
• Rustic Inn Café
• Grandpa Woo’s Excursions
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Biking
• Cross Country Skiing

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Samara Point Resort
Samara Point Resort  captures the spirit of simple country elegance. Lakeside cabins with pine and calico décor are nestled in the still woods of lake country. Samara Point is found on the North end of Gull Lake. Boats trailered by guests, are welcomed to tie up at the private dock. Otherwise, the use of a 14 foot fishing boat is provided with each cabin along with a secluded sandy beach. Pontoons and motors can be rented and bait and gas purchased at Samara Point. Badminton, volleyball and croquet equipment line the property for your leisure. To ensure the peacefulness that Samara Point offers guests, the number of guests is limited.

This is the place to “get away from it all”. There are no planned activities, no game rooms, and no schedule. Only natural wood burning fireplaces, handcrafted furnishings, picnic tables and grills at each cabin. Plaid bedspreads, large picture windows, screened in porches and personal kitchens at the cabins are perfect for couples vacationing together. The 4 bedroom home on the channel welcomes a slightly larger group with a private dock and stocked kitchen. Reservations can be made online at www.samarapoint.com.

What to see and do in the Brainerd/Nisswa area

www.brainerd.com

• Paul Bunyan Trail
• Pillsbury State Forest
• Boating
• Enjoy the peace

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The Lady Slipper Inn
The Lady Slipper Inn offers excellent bird watching. Gold finches, purple finches, Baltimore orioles, wood peckers, wood ducks, geese, blue hereon and other birds can be seen up close. A hike down the well maintained trails lets guests spot deer and other wildlife. A view of the wildlife is also offered from private suite windows and personal decks.

The typical destination for the guest staying at The Lady Slipper Inn is the B&B. Guests get a sense of a real calming feeling when they visit one of the well designed and comfortable rooms. Each room has a double whirlpool tub, fireplace, private deck and private entrance. Guests enjoy twin spring fed ponds for swimming, catch and release fishing and canoeing. In the fall, they relax on a horse-drawn sleigh rides, let their minds wander in nature’s beauty during a cross country ski trip or a jaunt on the trails with complimentary snowshoes.

Sitting at the head waters of the Mississippi, “this is a beautiful, settling, romantic get away for couples” said Innkeeper Pat Corbid. Full descriptions of rooms and area attractions can be found at www.ladyslipperinn.com.

What to do and see in the Park Rapids area

www.parkrapids.com

• Straight Lake Creek
• Itasca State Park
• Park Rapids area
• Area Lakes
• Hiking
• Canoeing
• Cross country skiing

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The Heartland B&B
Guests who stay here generally are headed for the Park Rapids area which is only 6-miles away. “The Heartland B&B is the exact opposite of the Lady Slipper Inn” explained Pat. “The guests are more active and tend to participate in events outside of the B&B”.  This is a great place to stay when attending weddings, special events, and family reunions on the areas lakes.

In the middle of lake country, guests can set off in any direction and will stumble upon one lake or another in less than 3-miles.  There are plenty of trails, state parks and area lakes to keep everyone moving. On-site bike rental is available and in the winter snowmobiling out of the B&B to the area trails and lakes is very common. The Heartland Web site, www.heartlandbb.com, has more information on area attractions and events.

What to do and see in the Park Rapids area

www.parkrapids.com

• The Heartland Trail
• Soaring Eagle Trail
• Horseback riding in Paul Bunyan Sate Park
• Itasca State Park
• Area lakes
• Boating
• Hiking
• Cross country skiing
• Snowmobiling 

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Explore Minnesota is another great site to find new and exciting destinations, www.exploreminnesota.com. I hope you take me up on my challenge and try spending a weekend or week away from your normal vacation destination. I know you will appreciate the new experience.