Helicopter Ride

I had the pleasure of going on my first helicopter ride on Good Friday. There is a company in town that gives rides to see the river from this type of view. It was pretty amazing - keep in mind that the river had fell nearly 10 feet at the time of our tour.

A pic of some guys from work waiting their turn and our chopper.

Heading east along main avenue, I-29 is mid frame.

The building in the middle is where I work.

The main avenue bridge is on the right.

Turning north over main avenue, City Hall is just off the lefthand side. This shows the massive clay dike on 2nd street.

Mikkelson Field

El Zagal 9 hole golf course. Elm Street is completely under water.

Flood Control (?)

The few pics below are what has been my home away from home the last while. We are actually a little slow right now, so that is terrific and though some pics would be nice for people to see how I've been assisting. 3 days were spent in the field clearing trees for dike installation and the last 4 have been inside.

Staging area for pumps.

My home away from home.

The desk of the head guy at our building... ouch!


And another view of the Command Post where I've been. The large colored map in the background shows Fargo at the 38' flood stage (in blue).

WBT

Yes... that's right folks. I have now started a World Beer Tour at Old Chicago. I feel like I have rediscoverd an old friend, like that old glove you lost but had forgot you lost and suddenly you stumble across it years later and say... "Wow, this is amazing, life is good." Well, I had an experience similar to that last Saturday on a seemingly simple trip to Old Chicago... I asked our server for a beer and he kindly mentioned the perks that one acquires while on the WBT; how can one refuse?

For those of you who have never heard of Old Chicago's World Beer Tour... they have 110 beers on the list and as you cross milestones (10th, 25th, 40th...) you get gifts. This past weekend I knocked off 5 from the list; and to that I say, "Life is good."

March!

Wow, how time flies. I guess that is true with everyone, but I am always amazed when another month flies by. So... what's new with us over the last few week. Here goes.

1. Much work has been put into cabinets downstairs the past week.
2. Home & Garden Show was this past weekend, where I worked nearly 10 hours.
3. I've discovered Facebook and have spent a fair amount of time there.
4. We held a game night last weekend: Oodles, pool, and GH World Tour

That's been us pretty much the past couple weeks. Hope you have all had a wonderful month.

Sled Dogs

While we were at Surfside Nicole and I spent some time one morning on a sled dog ride. We have often wanted to try that when up our annual trip, but never took the time. The gal that gave us a ride mushes full time as her profession. She competes in races all over the country and gives rides when possible, according to her she is able to pay for her food bill throughout the year by offering rides (she has 45 dogs to feed!). Our total ride time was 20 minutes, which went by very fast, but we had ample time to talk with her before and after, so all together spent over an hour with her and the team.

This view shows the beginning of the team being hitched up, 10 dogs were used total to pull 3 people. They didn't even flinch at the weight. We're viewing a snowmobile trail, after the bridge there is an old trail to the right that we veered onto.

The final 2 dogs being brought down to be hooked up. I love the view of the dogs because they were so hyper to get going. Most of them are looking back to see how much longer of a wait. Nicole (in the tan carhartt's) is chatting with the musher.

Nicole with the most friendly dog (they were all friendly). He wanted to lean into anyone that gave him some affection and was happy to give you plenty of "kisses".

Surfside

A week ago we spent some time at Surfside on Lake Superior with the Berge's and Hjelle's. This is our fourth year in a row taking our annual trip to the North Shore. As always, our time went by too fast and the sights were amazing.

Sundown

Frosty trees and cloudy/foggy views. (Taken on Mount Oberg during a hike)

The gang on our hike, without the fog we'd be seeing a large vista in front of us, oh well.

Nicole and I during the hike. Nicole displaying her sleepy eyes; this was take 2, take 1 she had them completely closed. (a couple readers will know where she gets this from)

Our unit was right behind Nicole. We had the bottom floor all to ourselves. Complete with a kitchenette, jacuzzi, fireplace, tv, king size bed, and a wonderful bathroom.

Christmas - Round 2

Round 2 was spent in Minnetonka at Nicole's parents in mid January. Below is a typical picture after the two daughters finish opening their stockings from Santa. I believe this has been every year and is a fun tradition. Nicole was commenting on how different she and her sister look in this picture, but I see a few similarities.

Our nephew brought over his Wii to play. Golf, bowling, and boxing were quite fun.

Christmas - Round 1

I'm sensing a theme here: wow, it's been a month already since my last post. Oh well, here goes... round 1 of Christmas was spent in Reynolds. If I remember correctly we had 2 full days at home with the family which was nice since it's been quite a while since I've been home for more than a day at a time.

The traditional family pose, minus the 2 spouses and kiddos. Please note the tree in the background, circa 1979, yes its still alive a kicking, although barely.

I am particularly fond of this pose. We asked for them to give each other a hug; this was as good as it got.

And Christmas wouldn't be complete without Nicole making at least 1 type of pie or dessert.

New Year already!

Belated Merry Christmas to all the readers of this blog. We hope your Christmas season was memorable. Our letter should be in the mail shortly. Its surprising how fast a month can go! A few years ago I had bought my wife some snowshoes for her birthday and this year she bought me so. The picture below is at Lindenwood park on a fantastic Saturday afternoon. There are a few miles of trails to follow along the river. It is definitely a little oasis to get "out" of the city and enjoy some time together.

Picture in 'Connect'

'Connect' is a publication put forth by the American Zoological Association and their newest issue has a picture that Nicole took in their magazine. It was for a photo contest and she had honorable mention. It is fun to see her name and the zoo listed.

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