Ice Fishing - Our First Outing of the Season

Our Sunday afternoon was spent out on a frozen lake in Northern Minnesota. The roads out there were pretty slippery: ice & packed snow, but Sam's a great driver & we made it safely to our fishing destination:)

Hwy 10


We had perfect ice fishing conditions: warm, no wind, and very little snow (plus we had beer). we could easily see the twelve or so feet to the bottom... little bit of fish action... but no one was really having any luck. saw a 5lb Northern though that we would have liked to catch for fun. maybe next time. overall a perfect Sunday afternoon :)

This is how Sam baited my hook... well... it was the only way to bait it because that's where the hook came out of the worm-jigger-lure-thing... I think they made it that way on purpose ;)


That's my lure 12 feet down

Ugly Sweater Parties: All the Rage

It seems as though Ugly Christmas Sweaters have become a primary theme at all the parties this time of year. Which is cool, it puts a playful spin on what would otherwise be your average drinkfest. This year we were invited to Kami & Dan's first annual USP... it was a blast! We played White Elephant with funny gifts, drank something called 'Reindeer Piss' (everclear, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg... delicious... but wow, take it slow!), and just hung around being drunk and festive!

Chelsie & I playing Guitar Heros like the old days!

Sam & I didn't have the time to pick out ugly sweaters for ourselves, and besides, they're usually wiped out by this time of year. And so we opted to wear goofy reindeer headbands that of course lit up.

Us

My friend Chelsie ended up coming down to visit for the weekend & so she, & her boyfriend, got to come along sans ugly sweater. I hadn't been out in so long (probably since Halloween- simply because I've had too much HW or Sam had to work too early) and with some old friends, I was convinced it was 2005... our group's glory days :)

Hmm I should probably go into more detail about the White Elephant game. Everyone attending the party was asked to bring a funny gift, something under $10, to contribute to the present pile that would be passed out according to the numbers that we all drew, and how the stealing aspect worked out. There were gifts such as: KY lube, a REALLY old VCR remote that looked like an early 90's flip phone, a miniature post office facade you could hang as decoration, a few other things I can't seem to remember, and a Wal-mart bag full of empty beer cans and about 2 shots worth of vanilla vodka. And then there was Sam & my present... we basically went around the apartment and threw in some junk we've accumulated over the years such as: 5-6 $1 Wal-Mart DVDs that suck, some sweet glow sticks... you know... for all the Raves that happen around here, a Vertical Hold CD, and the mother of all gifts, one of those water sacs that looks suspiciously like a penis... after white elephant everyone pretty much played with that: throwing it, putting things in it... it was actually pretty gross, but we were all drinking everclear, which made it hilarious. Here's a pic documenting the fun:

White Elephant!


Pictured: Kami, Jim, Chelsie & Chris... & the water 'D.

This party was a wonderful way to ease into the Christmas spirit, infusing it with silliness & good friends we don't get to see nearly often enough! Can't wait for next year's shindig :)

Wiiing in Our Pants

Last Friday Sam came home with a pretty awesome surprise: he bought us a wii. Since then, our days have been spent exploring deserted islands, racing mario karts, and punching/kicking/whipping the air around us. We must look like fools. But the wii has brought a lot of fun back into gaming for us - and by US I mean I will actually play something besides guitar hero.

I always loved my Super Nintendo, so much so that I still play it on the occasional rainy day - dominating Donkey Kong's jungles, or squashing those fucking goombas. But I never quite adjusted to my ps2... Thankfully the wii offers a no-brainer control/nunchuck && classic games that allow me to relive my childhood... or something. It's been a fun four days!

My favorite game so far (maybe because it reminds me of the old versions on SNES and N64) has been Mario Kart. Pure 90's Awesomeness... Updated.

My Fave Yoga Partner

I have recently started my yoga practice back up. I had abandoned it in the summer months, but am now hearing it call my name all over again. Yoga has such a multitude of benefits that I can't ignore: calming, grounding, strengthening, balancing, rewarding characteristics that hold so much appeal & power. And so I hope to practice it faithfully.

After the first session back in the swing of yoga things, I could immediately feel that this peace & connection was what I had been missing in my chaotic days.

Thankfully, whenever I pull out my yoga mat for a sequence, Leinie isn't far behind. He loves to lay on the corner of the mat: twisting, reaching, rolling and purring. I swear it seems like he's trying to do yoga with me. I have a slideshow of his yoga practice today that made me smile :)

Check out YogaJournal.com && their podcasts for sequences, poses & answers to your yoga questions.

Leinie && Simon

Our kit-cats enjoying an unseasonably warm November day out on the balcony.

Halloweenie '09

Sam & I decided to go against tradition, which is to attend some random house party hosted by any one of our friends, and spend this holiday with family & Sam's hometown buds.

Dustin, Mike, Dan & Sam


So we visited the small town hot-spots: the VFW, & a small Pub out on the town's lake. One thing we did keep in tradition was our alcohol intake. It was once again ridiculous, and made November 1st a miserable day to remember. All the day-after pain was worth it, though :) I would elaborate & recount some stories, but noooo sense is to made from them. At all. I vaguely remember all of us declaring that we were going to become fluent in Irish together (Jenny, Dan, Mike, Sam & I), & something about Dustin having a "raging clue..."

Glad we got to see everybody dressed up like d.bags :)

Grand Marais - 3 year Anniversary

It's been 3 years since Sam & I started dating. We've grown, changed, and loved each other on this crazy journey that we feel incredibly thankful for.

*Me, at the Duluth skyline park, bummed about the weather.


*Two of the coolest guys we never met. Perfect day for some Superior Surfing.


*Great Lakes Candy (it's tradition to stop && get a caramel apple, fudge, or some truffles!)


2nd Day: Sam & I woke up to lots of snow && were in need of some kayaking. We drove the 1/2 hour or so out to a small trout lake in the boonies. It was incredible. The sun was intense & shining, the trees & roads were dusted with snow; we were so grateful to be away from the city. Being stuck indoors, coping with asshole neighbors & traffic just isn't really our style... so it's nice to getaway & enjoy the important things in life. Here's some pics of our day:

*The road out to Trout Lake


*Sam Forgot Gloves so he Fashioned his Socks into some. My MacGyver.


After some fishing and kayaking, Sam decided that we should take a quick evening hike out to the Devil's Kettle (falls) north of Grand Marais. The hike to the falls was beautiful, but we both felt that it was a little over-hyped. Once we got out there either Sam or I said, "this is it?" One thing is to be said about this sentiment, in the falls' defense it was Autumn. Next time we hike out there I hope it'll be in the Spring when the waters are violently rushing down their course.

*The Lower Falls


*Sam & I Hiking out to the Falls


*Almost There


*Devil's Kettle


After our hike we decided to venture to a nearby beach in search of some beautiful views && smooth, flat rocks that Sam can use for hot stone acupressure :) Which I love.

*Paradise Beach


I feel so lucky to have been able to celebrate our 3 year mark in this beautiful way.

The Last 4 or so Months

I haven't written in a very long while... I guess the summer was too eventful, or homework was plentiful... but I feel like contributing to my online story this afternoon. Here's a visual recap of what we've been up to:

*Many June nights were spent around the bonfire pit w/ friends & family.



*At the VFW in Osakis - Mike & Sam (JUNE)


*Glensheen in Duluth, MN (JUNE)

*Bud in our Motel room in Silver Bay, MN (JUNE)


*Moondance Jam (JULY) Pictured: Grand Funk Railroad "We're an American Band"


*Leinie Bug (SEPTEMBER)


*Copper Harbor, MI (SEPTEMBER)


*Monks made Thimbleberry Jam here. Yum

*Harbor A.M.

*Ferry to Isle Royale National Park. (hopefully a destination for our '10 summer vacation!)

*Sand Dunes


*Our New Tent! Very excited! (SEPTEMBER) backyard camping

*Sam ♥

This was to be our first and last time camping for the summer. Soon the wind kicked up & it became a little too chilly for us, but we're looking forward to using our new tent next Spring/Summer/Fall!

Just a few snapshots from our life (&& it's a good one).

two week break - from everything!

The past week or so has been dedicated to trip taking/hanging out with family/loungin' on our beach/etc. The same will go for this upcoming week; excuse me as I wont be updating my blog because I'm too busy having fun!

But I will say this: expect an abundance of updates this weekend =)

Have a great week, everyone!

Kayaking Fever

It's official. Sam & I have both come down with the kayaking bug that's going around this summer... and it rocks!

Last fall some time we decided that we needed a new hobby- one that would allow for more outdoors time, exercise, and togetherness. I know, cute right? A few months down the road, Sam acquired a vibrant orange & white Pelican 100 Pursuit. He took it out a few times down in the Alexandria area, (of MN), and really enjoyed himself! After saving up a bit, I purchased a multi-hue blue Pelican Pursuit 100 Deluxe this Spring. We aren't serious kayakers so we didn't need serious kayaks- these definitely do the trick and for an excellent price! My only gripe is that the tracking on them isn't the best, but we're just cruising lakes and rivers around here. No rapids, waterfalls, strong currents, etc.

We took our new toys out to a lake in Osakis, MN, and quickly took to the water. Unfortunately, my paddle was too short... I basically paddled around an entire lake using only my left side. Yep. Down and back. Thankfully I found a longer set that will work MUCH better... and make me look like less of a kayaking loser.

We're setting off for the Alexandria area again tomorrow to spend some time with Sam's family. Bonfires, kayaking, garage sailing, beer drinking... Can't Wait!!

June Afternoons

Lately, Sam & I have been spending our afternoons sitting out in the sunshine on the banks of the Red River, casting a line out now & again, in hopes of reeling in an illusive catfish. (Well, they're illusive to us. Sam & I are somewhat fishing-challenged, but that doesn't stop us from trying.)




Fish We've Slain (Catch & Release Style)
★ 3 White Fish
★ 1 Carp (5lb)
★ 0 Catfish

Surprisingly, we caught all four fishies on the Beaver Flicks + crawlers. So good investment!!

Artist's Point

♥Sam in the distance.

Gunflint Tavern

We stopped to grab a bite to eat @ the Gunflint Tavern, while in Grand Marais. We chose it for its surprisingly diverse menu, that fused local cuisine with various cultural entrees. My meal consisted of Surly Cynic Ale (pictured above) & layered black bean/cheese enchiladas. Ridiculously good.

Get you some! http://www.gunflinttavern.com/

For being a relatively modern restaurant/bar, the staff had some good old fashioned S-A-S-S; letting everyone know that their business is appreciated, but not too much... so don't get full of yourself. The Gunflint Tavern definitely wasn't short on attitude... or tasty treats.

April O'Nine: Grand Marais

Some of Our Favorite Pictures From the Trip

Entering Duluth; Stopped to See the Sights
http://www.visitduluth.com/

Hwy 61 ★ Lake Superior

Grand Marais Harbor at Dusk
http://grandmarais.com/

An Outfitters Store in GM
http://www.superiorcoastal.com/

Icebox Graveyard

On Our Way to Canada

Canadian Border

Temperance River Boardwalk
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/temperance_river/index.html