Kids, Lakes, Loons and Pines

Northern Lights & Sunrise Ski

 There was a beautiful display of the Northern lights last night. Wyatt, Otto, and James got these stunning pictures.

I missed it, snoozing away, but I was up for this beautiful sunrise ski before my workday:

We live in such a beautiful place where we can enjoy these wonders of the natural world.

First of Spring

It is officially the first day of Spring, but we will be experiencing winter weather for a while here in the Northwoods.

We have been lake skiing, alpine skiing and snowboarding, ice fishing, and snow shoveling to mark the calendar/vernal/spring equinox.

It may still look like full-on winter here, but the longer days and beautiful sunshine are reminders that warmer days are just around the corner!

I enjoy sharing these snapshots with family and friends and my students and their families, who drop by from all corners of the world, too.

*******

This act of sharing photographs and ramblings of our daily life is a practice of gratitude that brings me joy.

I encourage you to reflect on the good in your life.

 

 

Late Winter Fun

I have been getting outside as much as possible, enjoying warmer late-winter days and great lake and trail conditions. 

Today I went on an adventure on a cross-country ski to the Canadian border with my friend, Deb.  We had a great day crossing lakes in the BWCA to a remarkable destination.

Fat tire biking has also been fun. 

We have benefited from the packed-down trails by dogsled teams for both lake skiing and fat tire biking.


Having fun things to do makes the long winters more bearable and fun.

I am looking forward to more late winter/early snow sports adventures.

Proud Mama Post of the State Champ

Zoe came out on top on Thursday as the Minnesota Highschool Girls' Nordic State Champion in the Pursuit Races!

We are so happy for our girl!

Race videos:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wBMhOYLsUKQNGGUUVLMmGwUnaqpaBFqX/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_tknVckeXrJNI1wX-B-TgP5Xko83MRLU/view?usp=sharing

 

Results:

https://www.mshsl.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/2023%20NORDIC%20Girls%20Pursuit%20Final%20Results.pdf

Ely Timberjay

http://www.timberjay.com/stories/devine-wins-nordic-ski-state-championship,19942

WDIO report

https://www.wdio.com/sports/elys-zoe-devine-wins-state-nordic-pursuit-championship-duluth-east-teams-finish-1st/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=IwAR25xVKrD39Qhs0-u4wZQPSZYAHvB3x3bQ6jBxaEviSr9RaoQye8fYtL7aE

Pioneer Press

https://www.twincities.com/2023/02/16/nordic-state-skiing-boys-and-girls-individual-titles-determined-in-the-blink-of-an-eye/

Lake Ski

I love twenty degrees in January.

The past couple of days, I have put on a lot of miles with skis on my feet, traversing groomed trails, and today on a lake ski.

These blue-bird sky days are such a delight.

I have been relishing a long stretch of days where temperatures cold enough for a crust on the snow yet warm enough to enjoy a couple of hours outdoors without getting too cold. 

*******

This act of sharing photographs and ramblings of our daily life is a practice of gratitude that brings me joy.

I encourage you to reflect on the good in your life.

Playing outside

We enjoyed another beautiful weekend with lots of time outdoors. The full moon, clear nights, frost-laden trees, and mild winter temperatures made our experiences outdoors a treat! Between the six of us, our outdoor experiences combined hiking, fat-tire biking, nordic skiing (skate and classic) (recreational and racing), snowshoeing, alpine skiing, and snowboarding.

This is how we do winter in the north woods!

Our life is busy, rich, and full!

*******

This act of sharing photographs and ramblings of our daily life is a practice of gratitude that brings me joy.

I encourage you to reflect on the good in your life.

What are you grateful for today?

Into the New Year

Happy New Year from the Northwoods!

We are now almost a week into 2023. Today, one of my students asked me what my New Year's resolution was. I realized I had not yet reflected upon this, so I responded quickly but honestly with my first thoughts.  

This year, I am not making a resolution for change, but hoping to continue to work with the intention of living an active and healthy lifestyle with a daily dose of outdoor time.

I am continually grateful for the flexibility of my work schedule, which allows me to get outside for an exercise break in the light of day, which is a gift during our long, dark winters in the north.  

Every day so far in 2023, I have spent at least an hour outdoors. This has come in the form of a walk, skiing, and even snowboarding.

This morning I had a pocket of time before my first meeting early in my day, so I was out on the trail at sunrise, bundled up for a 10 K classic ski at a temperature just above 0ºF.

My efforts to get outside every day have proven to nurture my mind, body, and spirit.

I am motivated and inspired to continue the practice.

 

Read more about my ramblings on this topic in various published articles, including:

"One Foot In Front of the Other"  Taproot Magazine::Issue 52::SAVOR

Family Adventures in Winter Weather in Taproot Magazine - Issue 37::SPARK

 "Healthy Mama Habits" in Minnesota Parent

December Snapshots

Season's Greetings from the North Woods!

I have gotten out of the habit of posting in this space, but I am taking a moment here on this Christmas Day to share some snapshots from December.

It has been cold and snowy, but I have been making time each day to get outdoors.

Winter is now officially here, and also the gradual return of the light.

Wishing you all a season of safety, health, happiness, an peace.

 

 

First Ski!

Well, I am declaring winter weather officially here!  Our ground is snow-covered enough that I went for a golf-course ski on Tuesday and went on the nordic ski trails today.

It is going to be a LONG winter, but I try to keep myself occupied with snow-sport activities outside and cozy winter indoor activities too.

❄️❄️❄️

Seasons in Transition

The last few weeks have been busy and exciting.  Our teenagers finished their fall sports seasons. The boys have been hunting. Our girl made a big decision and signed a commitment letter for college next year.  Now we are transitioning into winter weather and winter sports. With that comes the shift to winter clothing, boots, hats, and mittens. Also, pulling out and preparing skis and ensuring we have the sizes we need to outfit everyone for their winter sports seasons. 

Our life is busy, rich, and full!

*******

This act of sharing photographs and ramblings of our daily life is a practice in gratitude that brings me joy.

I encourage you to reflect on the good in your life.

What are you grateful for today?