Barely Winter

Winter has barely showed it's face so far this season although we are at the climatological half way point of winter.  The temperatures and snow fall are near record highs and lows, respectfully.  The Beargrease Sled Dog Race, which runs up the length of the North Shore from Duluth to the Gunflint Trail and back, has been canceled due to the lack of snow.

Here we are fortunate enough to have about six inches of snow on the ground.  All thing considered, conditions on the ski and dog trails have been alright.  Ice conditions on the lakes of the Gunflint Trail are safe.  The winter trout season opened this weekend.

On the homestead we have barely burned a cord of wood.  This is only about half of what we were expecting to have burned by this time.  Honestly, I won't complain that we haven't been hit with any true sub zero arctic air masses.  However, according to the forecast one is on the way!

Inside we are putting together a materials list to complete the baby's room and building a bigger pantry to accommodate the utilities for our plumbing project this spring.

The other night deer bedded down within feet of our house and ravaged their way through the taller grasses that protruded through the snow along the driveway.  Huge wolf prints are on the road.