Somewhere around noon yesterday we saw the first flakes (again), as the afternoon went on the gound began to turn white.  Holding my breath I thought . .  Could this be winter at last?  Are we finally ready?  November was gracious enough to allow us the warmer temps and sunny outdoors we seemed to need this year.  I think we're finally ready for winter to begin even with it's shoveling, woodstocking, slipping around and frosty windshields because with it comes the fun part - snowshoeing, snowmobiling, crosscountry skiing, sledding, ice fishing etc. 

     As the kids got home from school yesterday afternoon (4:30), they rushed to pull out the sleds and don their winter clothing.  The snow was the the 'early season -slippery when packed' kind perfect for sliding. By the time they headed out to slide it was already dark.  No bother - they found the headlamps and headed out for a grand ol'time.  It's just the beginning of the fun to come this winter.  

     I had to go to town last night as I participate in the community Christmas Concert in Grand Marais.  The trail was slick and we took our time, adding about 30 minutes to our 50 minute commute.  Well worth the extra time as slow and steady wins the race in the winter.  By the time practice was over the temps had dropped enough, and the roads frozen beyond the slick-wet-freezing ice to just plain ice (which is actually a little easier to travel) and the County Hwy Dept had been by to sand the roads, all shaving 15 minutes off the trip.

     The rental skis will be coming out soon, along with the snowshoes and the snowmobiles.  We still have one cabin over the New Years holiday and it looks like the opening fishing weekend is filling up.  The Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, Winter Tracks Festival and Mush for a Cure events will all be happening again this winter!!  Have you planned your winter playtime yet? - Shari