Showing posts with label Minnesota scenery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota scenery. Show all posts

Monday, April 27, 2026

Sunday

 Quiet day, we worked outside a bit...raked some and worked on another project on the patio.  My other baby brother and she who see robins first stopped by to visit.  Happy Birthday today to she who sees robins first!

Late in the afternoon I sold some "stuff" and we had to go to Osage to meet up with the gal.  The "stuff" was weaving bobbins that came with my spinning wheel a long time ago and have nothing to do with spinning or so I was told by an expert!

I took a photo on the way back.

We had some sunshine in the morning.  

We dropped off some books and bookmarks for the Little Library...it still had some books that I dropped off last Fall.  Maybe the Summer readers are not here yet! 

Minnesota weather:  High 57F or 14C  Low was 42F or 6C.  It is supposed to rain all day on Monday...we will see if that happens. 

What's cooking?  Leftovers warmed in the microwave:)
Far Side




Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Dermatology

 We had Dermatology appointments.  Last year Far Guy's Breast Cancer diagnosis came about through a Dermatology appointment....for what he thought was a cyst. Anyways they are important appointments.

Far Guy got an all clear...see you in six months. 

I had two biopsies one on my leg and one on my arm...the one on my arm looks nasty.  We will wait for the biopsy report and go from there. 

The best part...going to Kentucky Fried Chicken for the Tuesday special.  So supper was easy peasy:)


Some Minnesota scenery. 

Minnesota weather: High 52F or 11C  Low was 35F or 2C 

Far Side

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Happy Spring!

 We left East Grand Forks to go back home and sign our taxes so they could be electronically filed. 


The fields were steaming it was so warm.  We picked a couple of great days to travel!


64 degrees in March...now that was nice!  We went out for supper in downtown Park Rapids and then back to our home for a good nights sleep.  The next morning it was still 50 some degrees as we welcomed the first day of Spring!


Not much snow as we travelled back up North. 

It was a good trip and Sadie was happy to see us again. 

Far Side

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

A view

 The places I mow sometimes have a view...mostly I mow in places surrounded by trees and not much of a view.  So a view is appreciated.  This is at the end of our old driveway...we don't use it anymore...it fills up with snow in the winter...the snow comes flying off that field. 




It was a good afternoon to mow.  I am not yet done with round one. I mow a number of areas.   

The weather was good; High of 71 F or 22 C  low of  46F or 8 C eh.  Almost a perfect day to be outside. 

Supper was a freezer meal...Chicken & stuffing hotdish.   I  can report that it freezes well.  Far Guy says the recipe is a keeper and we can make it again.  It made six large servings.

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole  Hotdish


Ingredients:

1. 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 3 large breasts)

2. 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (e.g., Stove Top)

3. 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

4. 1/2 cup sour cream

5. 1 cup chicken broth

6. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

7. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

8. Salt and black pepper, to taste

9. 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)

10. Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)


Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:

1.1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Casserole: Hotdish

2.1. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the optional butter for extra richness.

3. Bake the Casserole: Hotdish

3.1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

3.2. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

3.3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

4. Serve:

4.1. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

4.2. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavor


Yes we call it Hotdish in Minnesota.  FYI I didn't add the onion powder, garlic powder, butter or parsley. 


Far Side

Monday, March 24, 2025

Ranger Blue

 Far Guy got Ranger Blue out of the garage and we went for a ride. 

It snowed.  Not much maybe an inch of snow but there is some ice under that snow so it must have rained first. 

Fun to be back on the trails again.

The road home.  
It was fun to get out and about...we didn't see anyone else while we were out...no people, no traffic, no dogs. 

Sunday was a quiet day...Naan Bread Pizza was for supper. 
Far Side


Monday, November 4, 2024

Tamarack

 The far tree is Larix laricina also known as Tamarack or Larch. 

Their needles turn from green to a faded green to bright gold this time of year.  Then the needles fall off.  Tamarack is a deciduous conifer.  

Most certainly a interesting tree...that will never be cut down for a Christmas tree.

Not much new here...Far Guy turned all the clocks back and changed the batteries in the smoke detectors.  We need a new CO2 detector as it would not stop chirping when he changed the batteries...they are only good for a few years. 

Far Side


Thursday, October 17, 2024

Update

 Still not feeling great.  The Doctor believes I have an infection in the deep stitches in my face and has prescribed antibiotics.  So I hope that make me feel like a new person and SOON.  She said she would hate to go back into my face to retrieve those deep stitches.


This is one of the prettiest Maple trees on the way to Detroit Lakes.  I have stopped many times to take a photo...it looked just about the same yesterday...although this photo is from 2009. 

 Far Side

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Going with the flow

 Not much we can do about anything. We can take care of each other and embrace each day as they come along. 

We can be kind...I could be kinder....so I let Far Guy cook.  I didn't even swear when the phone rang and it was a recording that said wait on the line we want to talk to you.  #iwaskindanddidntcallthemdumbasses

The bear is still visiting...I wonder if he/she knows I am a bit gimpy right now...just call me Chester.  It is only a matter of time before that bear comes out in the daylight.   He/she must have a den nearby.

 


Far Side


Friday, October 27, 2023

Rainy Day

 It rained on Thursday...no snow yet.  We hear it snowed up North.  Jen said it was "really slow rain that was white."

I did errands in town while Far Guy had his infusion.  I had so many errands that I had to do a few after Far Guys appointment. 


Beaver pond in the Smoky Hills.


It was a dreary cool day, I spent some time with Baxter and then had a nap.

Far Side

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Fall reflections

 I enjoy the warm days of Fall.  We used to call it Indian Summer...but I heard that is frowned upon now...maybe it should be called a second summer...dry warm days to be enjoyed before Winter is upon us. The only thing bad about those days are the Asian Beetles...you know the little orange and black bugs that bite and stink when crushed.

Yesterday I went over to my baby brothers with Ranger Blue and he power washed it for me.  When I got back home I dried it all down and cleaned up the inside.  Far Guy and I went out and counted how many No Hunting signs we need to replace.

What do you call the dry warm days in the Fall? 


Far Side

Monday, July 17, 2023

Clouds

 The clouds were interesting this past weekend. 


Small Grain field to the left and a corn field to the right.  It was just about sunset. 


We enjoyed a Ranger Blue ride looking at the fields and the clouds.  Some quiet time together.

Far Side

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Still not Springy

 We went to recycle and to the local grocery store.  


The fields are filled with snow again and snow was drifting across the road.  The sky had some blue spots. 


Seems like all I have done this last week is cook!  I made some lasagna yesterday...I like it once and Far Guy will warm up the extra frozen servings. 

I finished the baby blanket I was working on...haven't taken a photo yet.  

Far Side

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Good Roads?

 The roads were great on the way down to our place in the woods.  Lots of snow there, June our snowbank is huge.  It began to snow during the night and the next morning the roads were a sloppy slick mess.  We visited our accountant for our taxes and went to the bank.  Stopped by to visit with my Mom and we all went out to lunch with my other baby brother and she who sees robins first. 

Good to see family.  Mom is adjusting to life without my Dad, it is hard for her.  It was afternoon before we left. 


The roads were wet but good until we got 20 miles from our winter home...then it was slow going. 


The space between the two fronts was blue sky! 

We made it back safe and sound.  We were thankful that the whole drive was not icy. 

Sadie and Little Elvis were happy to see us...Andy and Jen were busy in the kitchen cooking something Oriental ... a salad...with a sauce...rice with bacon and corn...and meat, ginger, red peppers, water chestnuts...it was quite good! 

Far Side


Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Old Truck

 Back at home an old truck sat on one of the corners on the way to town.   One day in early December I stopped and took a photo.  They have more snow now. 


Far Guy and I ran errands yesterday, the weather is above zero...and that is a real treat.  Our high yesterday was 15 F or -9 C eh! 

I have been catching up on my sleep and yesterday was one of the first days that I have felt almost normal in a couple of weeks. 

Far Side 

Saturday, July 9, 2022

Green

 So far this summer the rain has helped to keep non irrigated fields green.  Some so green it almost hurts your eyes. 


Not sure what this field is ... when it was planted they went over the whole field with a very large roller. 


Here are the tomatoes


They have grown much taller in the past couple of days...I may need a ladder to pick them. 

Far Guy got Tilly back yesterday...she now has power disc brakes.  I have not driven her yet but I heard she stops on a dime.  I should mention that I have a recurring dream where I am driving a car and the brakes make the car go faster and faster.  (yes I am a tad strange)

Far Side

Sunday, April 3, 2022

Busy Saturday

 We had a busy day, I went on an adventure with Jen, my baby brother and his bride in the morning. 

 When we got back Jen moved the downstairs bed upstairs in preparation for the new bed coming on Monday.   I was of little help with one hand and Far Guy was struggling but we did what we could to help Jen.   It was musical beds upstairs moving one to a different area...thank goodness for Jen.   We still have to put the bed together upstairs...it has a frame with drawers underneath...it needs to be dusted and cleaned up and all the bedding washed.  We have all week to get it accomplished...maybe longer.  I will miss all those drawers.   I have a bunch of clothing to go through one day soon.

We went for a Ranger Blue Ride in the afternoon.  I had been looking forward to a ride for a long time.

Our driveway.



Swans in a field. 

My baby brother, his bride and Baxter joined us for supper.  Impossible Italian Sausage Pie, Salad and Ice Cream for dessert.

Far Side

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Other Stuff

 I attempted to kill the lawn mower.   The drive train belt came off and stranded me over by a  trail between properties that I mow.  Far Guy came to the rescue and after we got it hooked up with a strap we towed it home with Ranger Blue.  We watched some videos and the next day Far Guy attached the drive train belt that had come off...it wasn't busted in pieces...but he took off to town to get a new part.  In the meantime it worked just fine and I mulched all the leaves in the yard and began the mowing of the wildflower gardens.   It is just a matter of time before the drive train belt comes completely apart in pieces...Far Guy says it is really chewed up.  The mower is 11 years old.  We are contemplating what to do...repair the mower...we have the parts...buy a new mower?  Will they be more expensive in the spring?   Will they even be available in the Spring?  Decisions...

Far Guy finished the mowing of the wildflower gardens...I may be done with the lawn mower for this year  I mulched 9 1/2 times.  We will see how many leaves end up in our yard from the woods.

Far Guy fixed my floor lamp...it had a bad switch...Far Guy jiggled it around and now it is as good as new.  I turn the lamp on for extra light when I crochet while watching TV. 

We took Tilly for a ride to a different Auto Body Shop who say they can do the body work and paint her this winter and get it out by the summer...waiting on that bid. 

I have been painting up a storm...I have 66 ornaments painted now.  Yeah me! 

Our weather is cold 48 F for a high or 9 C and very windy and we have rain forecast for the next few days.  Next week we get even colder.  I would like what we call "Indian Summer" for the entire month of November! 


South of here there are still some pretty leaves.  This road was under construction all summer, nice to see it finished. 

Far Side

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Quiet Day

 We saw this nest along one of the trails in the area.  It is a wasp nest. 


We have gone on this trail before and this is the first time we have seen the nest. 

We had a quiet day on Friday.   I had a nap in the afternoon.  I am feeling a bit "off"  my Covid shot arm really hurts...not sure if that is a coincidence or not....the weather changed.   I often have intense itching in that arm.   I got the flu shot in the butt...the injection site is swollen to the size of a softball and has a temperature.  I am tired and chilled, but I am often tired because I am old. 

We started painting the Christmas Ornaments...the first few test ones turned out great so painting is a go.   It will be a process and I hope to be done by November 1st...we will see. 

Far Guy made Halibut and a baked potato for supper...raspberries for dessert.   He is a good cook. 

We may get our first freeze overnight. 

Far Side


Sunday, October 3, 2021

Trails

 We live in an area where there are many backwoods trails to ride.  

We were gone about three hours yesterday riding up North of us. 


It was a pretty afternoon. 


My other baby brother, she who sees robins first, Far Guy, my baby brother and his bride. 



We got back home just after sunset.   

Far Side

Saturday, July 3, 2021

Down to the River

 We went for a ride one night down to the river that feeds into Straight Lake. 

It was a warm day and was much cooler in the woods. 


We thought we might get a glimpse of that bear that has been in the area...no luck.


It was a nice quiet cool ride....we didn't see anyone else until our ride was almost over...and those we saw were relatives:) 

Far Side