A Full Moon Swim
I left the porch, the newly hatched robins and my pristine lake behind and took the Subaru to Minneapolis, or the “Minneapple” as some locals affectionately refer to it. Stopped in to see some old friends who design really neat homes, cabins and cottages. Although it"s a large metropolis, Minneapolis is the City of Lakes in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so Jeff , Mike, Doug and all the other people at SDC have a strong context from which to design these lakeshore dwellings.
Leaving the “Cities” this afternoon it was still about 85 degrees until I stopped in Spooner for a Dove bar. (I would have preferred a Snickers Blizzard-hold the chocolate syrup-but the lines get so long on a sticky humid summers eve.) As I continued east, the temps continued to fall as the full moon peaked and poked behind and out from the remaining scattered clouds, lighting them up like a carnivals midway. Soon, as the dew point and temps both met at about 68, the most beautiful layer of fog seemed to be gently poured over the pines and bogs and winding road in the most haphazard yet beautiful way. As soon as I had a signal, I telephoned my granddaughter who is staying with us, describing this magic and urging her to accept my offer of a full moon swim.
We’ve just returned from the dock , I’ve toweled off and slipped into my flannel PJ’s. That was an amazing swim, the entire lake lit up by the full moon on a crystal clear night that had shed the tears of the days earlier storms. A full speed run (okay, half speed) off the end of a wooden dock into the black abyss. We splashed around like a couple of muskrats in love knowing that this moment was ours forever…just the two of us under the stars with the sweet smell of pine in the air enjoying a full moon swim. Thank you my dear. Goodnight and sleep tight!
I’ve gotta run. Thanks for stopping by today and bringing the pie. All my love to you and yours, Elmer
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Best Breakfast Up North
Look, you're Up North and it's time to let someone else cook breakfast for you. Perkins? Forget it. Who needs more franchises...that's why you left where you were. I'm sending you to one of my favorite all time breakfast joints called The Lake Placid Inn.
Here is one of those "hidden treasures" off the beaten path that is as quirky as it is delicious. This is a place that hasn't been ruined by remodeling. Trust me, it's very clean, it's just still a blast from the past and that's part of it's charm. Wind your way slowly along the pine studded path of Hwy F on the reservation and look closely or you'll miss it. Your mouth will start watering before you get inside. And once inside, you better obey yourselves! Rule #1, sign in on the chalkboard if you want a table...even if the place is empty. (A name and number in party will do fine.) Don't hassle the help if you have to wait; they see you and know you're hungry. They also know you don't eat like this at home. (Sit at the bar and have a "shorty" if you have to...you won't be alone) When your table is ready you'll enter into the pleasure zone. All of these people in this small, quaint room have one thing in common...they're all happy! This is for families with 3 generations at one table eating pancakes, laughing, sharing stories and creating memories. You may also find the CEO of a large Chicago company in shorts and sandals with pure Wisconsin maple syrup running down his chin and chatting up the locals. The point is, it's all family here. Everyone is welcomed.
Orders are taken efficiently and prepared just as quickly. Don't dilly dally...know what you want. In less than 10 minutes you're food is on the way out with Denise's pronouncement " Don't touch the plates, they're hot". That's right, one of the few places that figured out hot eggs on cold plates don't mix. Now sitting right in front of you on the classic plastic tablecloth is the best beakfast this area has to offer. Just how thick is that french toast? Psssst....the bread is baked fresh on the premises and cut just before your order was prepared. Is this heaven or what? Here's the deal; the food is great, the people are salt of the earth and the portions /prices/ quality can't be beat with a cane pole.
After you've eaten, sip your coffee for a bit while Uncle Roger clears the plates. You, my friend are lucky. It's 10:30am, you've just finished breakfast and you have the rest of a stunningly beautiful day to enjoy yourselves in our playground called "The Northwoods". Now quit yacking, pay your bill, leave a nice tip and let someone else in on the secret.
I've gotta run. Thanks for stopping by today and bringing the pie. All my love to you and yours, Elmer
Here is one of those "hidden treasures" off the beaten path that is as quirky as it is delicious. This is a place that hasn't been ruined by remodeling. Trust me, it's very clean, it's just still a blast from the past and that's part of it's charm. Wind your way slowly along the pine studded path of Hwy F on the reservation and look closely or you'll miss it. Your mouth will start watering before you get inside. And once inside, you better obey yourselves! Rule #1, sign in on the chalkboard if you want a table...even if the place is empty. (A name and number in party will do fine.) Don't hassle the help if you have to wait; they see you and know you're hungry. They also know you don't eat like this at home. (Sit at the bar and have a "shorty" if you have to...you won't be alone) When your table is ready you'll enter into the pleasure zone. All of these people in this small, quaint room have one thing in common...they're all happy! This is for families with 3 generations at one table eating pancakes, laughing, sharing stories and creating memories. You may also find the CEO of a large Chicago company in shorts and sandals with pure Wisconsin maple syrup running down his chin and chatting up the locals. The point is, it's all family here. Everyone is welcomed.
Orders are taken efficiently and prepared just as quickly. Don't dilly dally...know what you want. In less than 10 minutes you're food is on the way out with Denise's pronouncement " Don't touch the plates, they're hot". That's right, one of the few places that figured out hot eggs on cold plates don't mix. Now sitting right in front of you on the classic plastic tablecloth is the best beakfast this area has to offer. Just how thick is that french toast? Psssst....the bread is baked fresh on the premises and cut just before your order was prepared. Is this heaven or what? Here's the deal; the food is great, the people are salt of the earth and the portions /prices/ quality can't be beat with a cane pole.
After you've eaten, sip your coffee for a bit while Uncle Roger clears the plates. You, my friend are lucky. It's 10:30am, you've just finished breakfast and you have the rest of a stunningly beautiful day to enjoy yourselves in our playground called "The Northwoods". Now quit yacking, pay your bill, leave a nice tip and let someone else in on the secret.
I've gotta run. Thanks for stopping by today and bringing the pie. All my love to you and yours, Elmer
Jumping Off
Hello everyone and welcome to my...I guess they call it a "blog" , whatever that means. I"m so glad, thankful and appreciative that you stopped by today. Pull up a chair while I throw a few more logs on the fire. Help yourself to any of the teas. I also brewed some thick java that is piping hot. Are these your friends out here? Bring 'em in; I've got all kinds of room; we'll just move this stuff out of the way. There's a stack of Hudson Bay blankets inside that you can bring out onto the porch if you get cool. It's a little damp today.
If you haven't stopped by before, we usually get together a few times a week, sometimes more often when more friends are up. It's all casual here. Bring your own cup if you want and I'll keep it here on the rack. You're welcome to discuss anything you wish; we certainly have covered most topics over the years. However we mostly talk about life in the Northwoods of Wisconsin; specifically the Minocqua or lakeland area and the north lakeland area including Boulder Junction, Presque Isle, Manitowish Waters, Winchester etc. These are my favorites and where I've spent most of my time.
We all seem to enjoy just being in the woods and water so real estate comes up often; the best lakes for fishing, property values, old homesteads etc. When we're not busy (which is most of the time) we eat, so food is always "on the menu". As you can tell when you walked in here, I have collected some nice art pieces over the years from local cratsmen (paintings, furniture, rugs, quilts etc.) that are all within an hours drive from here. We'll kick their names around a bit and see if we can't turn you onto their studios. Actually, they usually have a shed out back. A studio sounds kind of funny.
But, as I mentioned before, we usually just sit back, sip some coffee, listen to the fire snap, crackle and pop and talk about life up here; our lives in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and just how blessed we are to be in this area that is overflowing with natural splendor. It's a good life for sure and I'm glad you're here!
I've gotta run. Thanks for stopping by today and bringing the pie. All my love to you and yours, Elmer
If you haven't stopped by before, we usually get together a few times a week, sometimes more often when more friends are up. It's all casual here. Bring your own cup if you want and I'll keep it here on the rack. You're welcome to discuss anything you wish; we certainly have covered most topics over the years. However we mostly talk about life in the Northwoods of Wisconsin; specifically the Minocqua or lakeland area and the north lakeland area including Boulder Junction, Presque Isle, Manitowish Waters, Winchester etc. These are my favorites and where I've spent most of my time.
We all seem to enjoy just being in the woods and water so real estate comes up often; the best lakes for fishing, property values, old homesteads etc. When we're not busy (which is most of the time) we eat, so food is always "on the menu". As you can tell when you walked in here, I have collected some nice art pieces over the years from local cratsmen (paintings, furniture, rugs, quilts etc.) that are all within an hours drive from here. We'll kick their names around a bit and see if we can't turn you onto their studios. Actually, they usually have a shed out back. A studio sounds kind of funny.
But, as I mentioned before, we usually just sit back, sip some coffee, listen to the fire snap, crackle and pop and talk about life up here; our lives in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and just how blessed we are to be in this area that is overflowing with natural splendor. It's a good life for sure and I'm glad you're here!
I've gotta run. Thanks for stopping by today and bringing the pie. All my love to you and yours, Elmer
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