MS 150 training and completion:

So.... I did not use my gym membership more than 5 times. I suck. Nor did I go out and train more than a few times. I super suck. BUT, somehow I managed to accomplish biking 150 miles in two days. How? I have no idea. Perhaps it was residual of countless hours of dryland training and downhill ski practice when I was younger. Has my athletic muscle memory stuck with me? Who knows. But my recent training fell flat. Hence the reason why you haven't seen any posts from me about my biking journey.

Somehow I did manage to "do the damn thing" as I like to say. Here are pics to prove it. Would I do it again? I'm not sure, I think I would. Only if I can make the time to train. It's there for the taking, I just have to not let work get in the way. The most inspiring reason to do it again is my grade school friend Jolene, who I ran into during the event. She has MS. I had not idea. And SHE rode 150 miles. She's a huge inspiration to me and makes me want to do it again 2019. I've even been invited to join her team. With that, I think I just might. As long as I can figure out how to become one with my bike seat and keep my tooshie from hurting SO DANG MUCH. I'll keep you posted.

A little inspiration to do this thing!

I signed up for another 3 months of Snap Fitness today. I'm soooooo ready to get over this sickness and get back in the gym! That gives me until June 7th to use the facilities (unless I re-sign again). The race is June 8-9 so that will be perfect timing!

MS 150 Bike Ride

Wow, it has been a long time since I've posted anything on this blog. Is anyone out there still?

I'm writing about the start of another journey, the journey to a more fit me. The first carrot I'm dangling out there for myself is the MS 150 bike ride June 8-9 of this year.

This blog will document my preparation and progress, all thanks to my friend Brian who talked me into this. I am looking forward to sharing my training with everyone in hopes that it inspires others, just like others have inspired me. It's a simple concept, really. It starts with a desire and a spark.

I've been to the gym a few times, but currently have bronchitis. I hate bronchitis because it takes a good month or more to get over. I really don't have a month to spare, so we'll see how this all goes.

Wish me luck people! Until the next post...

Cheers!

Fourteen Years After 911

Facebook and the internet used to be flooded with 911 remembrance photos and stories on this day. Today there is very little. Many of you remember this day so vividly, a day that changed the way we live forever. That morning, 14 years ago today, I woke up to the radio stating a plane hit the World Trade Center. "A Cessna?" I thought. Then I saw what happened. I immediately knew it was terrorism when I saw the gaping hole in the tower. Horrified, I thought "that was brilliant". Who thinks that? But I knew it had to have been meticulously planned and executed...guess that comes from having been raised by a marine. While glued to the television, I went online in a college class "chatroom". I was upset, but it was my first day at the U of MN so I couldn't fathom being a no-show. It was only me and the professor. Everyone else were "no-shows", go figure. My professor said, "a plane hit the Pentagon, I have to go", and disappeared. I was suddenly alone. Not knowing what to do or where to go, I went to work. I arrived at noon and shortly thereafter they closed the business (as many did that day) telling us to go home. A co-worker and I decided to go to the little church around the corner in Wayzata. It was packed. It brought comfort. Little did we know a local family would learn their hero son, Tom Burnett, just lost his life while taking down the terrorists on United flight 93. On the way home I was glued to the radio, nervous and scared, but I couldn't help but notice all of the US Flags that were flying high on all of the overpasses leading into Minneapolis, peoples yards, cars, wherever you could fly a flag. It was an amazing, emotional sight. Show that you love your country like we all did on that day. Fly your flag high! God Bless America.

My Review of Reef FANNING LUXE

Originally submitted at Reef

Our best-selling Fanning line of footwear has gotten a glam makeover in the Fanning Luxe. Enjoy all the comfort and durability of one of our signature sandals but with a sparkle of bling. The sparkle isn't the only detail that makes this flip flop shine; a visible heel airbag absorbs pressure a...

Reef FANNING LUXE

A wardrobe staple!

By Paula the fly girl from Luck, WI (but often in the Florida Keys) on 4/25/2012

 

5out of 5

Sizing: Feels true to size

Width: Feels true to width

Pros: Stylish, Durable, Comfortable, Cute, Breathable

Cons: Wears out quickly

Best Uses: Beach, Outdoors, Walking, Everyday, Travel, Going Out

Describe Yourself: Casual, Stylish

I love my Reef sandals! The new Fanning Luxe will certainly transition nicely with dressy attire for the girl who is sick of heels that hurt, throw you off balance, and get stuck in the cracks.

I buy a pair of Reefs every six months. They are always comfortable, easy to walk in, and super stylish. My only complaint is that they seem to break down quickly, but maybe I just wear them that much! :)

(legalese)

More Chickens!

One More Sweet Song...

Exuma, Bahamas, June 2010. It was our first trip to the island and definitely not our last. When my husband, Todd, asked me how I would like to celebrate my 40th birthday I told him, "Saltwater fly fishing of course!” He asked me "Where?" so I suggested we try the Bahamas since we had yet to fly fish there. It did not disappoint. Exuma is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, and one of the last great untouched places in the Caribbean.

My goal on this particular trip was to finally catch a decent permit, or a nice-sized bonefish if nothing else. “A birthday catch I could be proud of would be a great present”, I thought to myself. Like maybe a 5-6 pound bone...

Our first day on the flats offered calm winds and a rising tide during the morning hours, which were ideal conditions. As soon as we got on the water we started seeing bones all over! Our saltwater fly casting was a bit rusty but luckily our guide, Drex Rolle, brought us up to speed quickly. Despite being accomplished fly fishermen, casting in the salt is much different then casting in the cooler, fresh water that we are accustomed to. With saltwater, wind, warm temperatures, and salt build-up can affect the performance of your fly line and your cast.

Fly fishing the saltwater flats is no easy feat. You must have the ability to cast anywhere from 30-70 feet (sometimes into the wind), and most importantly have the correct rod weight and warm water fly line to do it. Plus, here you are casting to fish that have braved their way onto the flats to feed. They are constantly moving, making for a more difficult target. Not to mention skinny water makes fish nervous. Having to evade predators such as sharks and barracuda, while trying to feed during a relatively small window of tide opportunity, makes any flats fish wiley and fast to leave once spooked. Don’t let it scare you, it’s not rocket science, you just need to be prepared with proper equipment and have some fly casting experience under your belt.

Drex has over 20 years of saltwater fly fishing experience under his belt, and I swear that man cast a fly in the space of a silver dollar at 100 yards, in the wind. At the risk of leaking one of my fishing secrets, I have to admit that Drex is one of the best guides I have ever fished with. For him to take the time to teach us the finer points of saltwater casting, was much appreciated; most guides do not do this. They expect you to know what you are doing when you show up. They would much rather spend time getting you hooked into fish than wasting precious time giving you casting lessons.

Once we were warmed up, we took on the huge schools of bonefish we were seeing. All morning, 20, 50, 100 bones to a school would swim by. Bones everywhere! We must have caught 20 each that first morning – all on a fly rod. Then, just before noon, I hooked into a 7 pound bone on the fly! I wasn’t sure just how big it was…I knew it had some muscle, but didn’t think it was much over 4 pounds. When I got it to the boat, Drex proclaimed, “That’s a good fish, mon”! I was so proud…I thought to myself, this is the fish of the trip!

Not quite.

Poling around, sight casting to that many fish (in ninety degree heat) takes it out of you and we overheated quickly. So, we asked Drex if we could go for a swim. Drex brought us to the most beautiful, white sandy beach to take a dip. It’s close to the place where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. The area was incredible! After a refreshing dip, we ate lunch, talked fishing with Drex, soaked in our surroundings, and then headed back out on the water for more fishing.

By mid-day the fishing action had started to slow down, which is typical. However, we knew big fish were still around because Drex would calmly tell us, “Cast over here” and when we missed the hook-up he’d quietly proclaim in his laid back voice, “That was a double digit mon”. He always told us after the fact so not to give us “bone fever” which can really mess up your cast. With all the action slowing down, Drex started to sing, “Give me one more, one more sweet song before I go” (he sounded very Marleyesque). Then, suddenly Todd hooked into something big! Great, I thought, he caught a lemon shark or barracuda. But the line didn't break so I knew it was something else. Todd said, “Drex, this is a big fish...I think might run out of line". At that moment I knew to store my fly rod and get out of the way!

Zing went the line, around the boat and back again, and back a few more times. When we finally caught a glimpse of it I screamed, "Oh my God, what the heck is that"? I knew full well it was a big bonefish. Drex was breaking a serious sweat as he coached Todd, knowing what Todd had on the line but not saying it aloud. So, I teased Drex and said, "That's gotta be a big barracuda". Then Drex shouted, "No mon, that's a BIG BONE"! I thought Drex was going to have a heart-attack right there in the boat! When the guys finally landed Todd’s prize in the boat, I swear Drex did cartwheels. All I could say was “Holy Crap!” over and over (OK, that’s not exactly what I said). All Drex could say was, "That's a BIG PIG MON, it's a HOG"!

Todd had landed a 13 pound Exuma bonefish, a rarity in that part of the Caribbean. To date the world record is 19 pounds. Todd had caught his trophy bonefish on the first day and stole my birthday thunder! But, that is quite alright by me. He was suddenly thrust into the celebrity spotlight on the island and had everyone talking all week long. What a fantastic memory for him, the kind all fisherman dream of.

In the fishing days that followed, we caught plenty of fish but they were the typical smaller-sized Bahamian bones. I never once saw my permit, either. Drex kept teasing me and saying that he bet I wished I had caught that big fish. I said, "No way, the permanent smile on my husband’s face and his newfound celebrity status was worth the price of admission”. I could not have been happier or more proud. Todd is a damn good fisherman, which I am very happy he is. Makes fishing with my partner in crime all the more fun!

Kolah

I just had to post this pic, how cute is this dog? That's my girl!

Our New Butcher Block

Todd has always wanted an authentic butcher block. One day, on a whim, I decided to search Craig's List and see what was posted. To my surprise, there it was...a beautifully aged LARGE butcher block. Location: Marine on St. Croix. Perfect I thought, close to home and a fun area to visit to boot! I read the specs which said the block dates back to the early 1900's, weighs around 500 lbs, and is most definitely an authentic piece. I sent a message asking if it was still available, and it was. I replied, without question, that I would like to pick it up ASAP. We agreed that evening would work, so after telling Todd about my incredible find, we recruited Nick's help and drove to Marine on St. Croix that evening.

When we arrived at the house, I was in awe of the beautiful location and home. The log home is located along a tranquil section of the St. Croix River. You could see there was a lot of history with this place. After introducing ourselves and speaking with the home owners (who gave us a tour of their beautiful home), I asked if their home is on the National Register of Historic Homes and indeed it is. It was built in the early 1900's (coincidentally the same age of the butcher block), it took seven years to build using no electrical power whatsoever, and was built with the intention of being a resort - trout farm and all.

The gentleman explained that his parents had purchased it and he grew up there. Now, he and his wife are the proud owners. His mom had bought the butcher block back in the 70's with the intention of adding it as an island in the kitchen, but it never fit, so on the porch it has sat for over 30 years. The price they were asking was even more astonishing. The wife said they understood it is worth a lot more than their asking price, however it is too big (and heavy) for most people and their kitchens so they priced it to move.

Move it, to our amazement, we did! I can't believe no one was killed in the process. When we got it home, Nick and Todd put it on an Appliance Dollie, and Nick hauled it up our tall deck steps while Todd and I pushed form behind. I can see why the priced it to move! Once we got it in place, Nick proclaimed that it will have to stay with the house forever because he is never moving it again!

The company that created the butcher block is called the Bally Block/Michigan Maple Block Co. (www.mapleblock.com). The company was established in 1881 and is still in business today. We are amazed at the history of our new purchase. "If only the block could talk", Todd says. It probably wouldn't even speak English! We are truly honored to be its new owners.

Gone Fishin'

Gone Fishin'. It's a sign that any of us up here in the North Country could hang on our door year round. Whether it's trout, pike, bass, northern, or crappie fishing, you’re bound to have a favorite. Trout was Jon’s favorite. Jon was one of my husband’s best friends and subsequently one of mine. We’ve known Jon for years, Todd longer of course, but I treasured his friendship just the same. He was the first person to befriend me when I moved to the north country. Jon took his life recently, for reasons we’ll never understand. In fact, it was the eve of my 40th birthday party. Jon, you were supposed to come celebrate with us and stay overnight "in the spare bedroom" as requested. You never came. As I write this post the tears flow. Not a post I could ever imagine writing, but one that I feel the need to tell nonetheless. For Jon represented so many things to me as a person, all things of which tie back to nature and most importantly fishing. To me, Jon represented a quiet strength, a solitude, and most of all sunshine.

As I've mentioned, Jon loved to hunt and fish - he loved the outdoors. He’d go anywhere - the family cabin, cottage, area lakes (especially the secret ones Todd told him never to share with anyone). He and I hit it off because we shared that same love, as many of us in these parts do. Jon wasn’t a superior hunter or fisherman by any means, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t the best. He was the best in the sense that he had a pure love of the sport, its way of life, and a respect for it. Something not every outdoorsman has, but a trait I insist that any person I spend time in the field with honors. This strength came from within, a strength that I wish more people knew he truly had. It comes from your core being that is void of arrogance, jealousy, hatred, ignorance. Jon wasn’t one to puff up his chest and turn every outdoor adventure into a competition…he just went along quietly, enjoying every moment for what it was, with the company he kept, nature, himself. A quiet strength.

Solitude. It's one of the reasons we live up here in the North Country. Here, the forests and lakes are peaceful and calm. They stand quiet. They have centuries of stories they could tell, but they keep their secrets to themselves.  I never knew Jon to say a bad word about anyone…not even those who deserved it. His soulful solitude was his gift. His calm demeanor made you feel at ease; loved. This is what I miss the most.

The sun in the north woods, especially when it lights up the red and yellow maple leaves in the fall, is brilliant. Jon had a smile that could do the same. It would light up a room the moment he walked into it. It seems to be the cliché thing to say about a person after one passes from this world, but if you knew Jon and had ever been in a crowd of people with him you would know what I am talking about. He had the best smile, a true ray of sunshine.

Jon wasn't perfect. None of us are. I have no delusions about this fact. But Jon was special to Todd and to me. Dearest Jon, I want to say I wish you knew how much you are missed, but I'm quite certain you know. I know that I will still see you each day...in the strength of the tall white pines, the crystal blue lakes, the babbling waters of the trout stream, the lonesome call of the loon. I know you are there. I can feel you. I know you have gone fishin', and that's how I want to remember you. I see you smiling. I hear you laughing. I feel your presence. You were very loved, you are very missed, and will forever be in our hearts.

Tight lines my friend, until we see you on the flip side.

Love, Paula
XOXO

Fawn-Doe-Rosa with Keenan

Keenan Hacker and I spent Sunday together at Fawn-Doe-Rosa. I took him for the weekend so mommy and daddy could go fishing and have some one-on-one time. Keenan and I had a blast feeding the animals. His favorites were the otters and rabbits, my favorite were the llamas and vocally annoying guinea hens. The wolves and mountain lion were taking a nap, so we didn't get to see them very well. However, the 2010 chick and duckling models had arrived, so we enjoyed watching them. Not to mention the roosters, which after serious discussion, we agreed were not at handsome as Frankie.

Peeping Rooster

Frankie is nuts. He stands on the deck and looks through the door glass. He tries to come inside when I open the door. He misses the dogs, and I think me. Whenever I start the car he comes runnin'; chasing me down the driveway as I drive off. And, the creme de la creme (drum roll please) he plays fetch with Abbie and Kolah (I swear)! I throw the ball and Frankie runs after it. He never knows quite what to do with it once he gets there, but he'll still chase the damn thing. I never thought I'd see the day...

Frankie

Meet Frankie. He's our new rooster. My friend Tammy gave him to me. Frankie is fabulous! I never thought I would own a rooster, let alone fall in love with one. Frankie thinks he's a dog. He comes when called, knows the command "speak", and loves to play with Abbie and Kolah. Today he hung around outdside my home office window because he missed me (or so I thought). What a crazy bird! He's new, so I don't have many stories yet...but rest assured there will be stories galore in the weeks to follow.

Prom 2010

Sarah and Cole Mortel went to prom together this year as friends. What a handsome couple! Sarah is dating a boy from Grantsburg but before they met he had already agreed to go to prom with his friend Emily, so Sarah decided to ask Cole. Gary says they are great friends. What a nice class 2011 is! Graduation next year will be bittersweet - a lot of fun but sad to see many of the kids leave our community as they embark on their early adult adventures.

FCM Plane Crash Involving My Former Boss

A twin-engine airplane, flown by my former employer Alvin Bipes of A.B.Flight Services, crashed into the Minnesota River on April Fool’s Day near the intersection of River Road and Flying Cloud Drive. However, this was no April Fool’s joke!

"They took off normal and when they got up maybe 50 feet, that's when it suddenly went down, like he lost complete power," said witness Wallace Check.

Al Bipes and his best friend Tim Jacobsen were on their way to New Richmond, WI where they were to drop off the plane and drive back to Minnetonka.

Their small plane, a Beech Travelair that Al was borrowing form a friend, crashed just 500 feet from the runway and luckily into the water, which is there as result of seasonal flooding, thus buffering the landing.

Emergency workers pulled out Al and Tim, both conscious and alert, and sent them to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis to treat some serious but not life-threatening injuries. Al suffered a broken back, ribs, facial bones, along with facial lacerations. The same goes for Tim, minus the broken back.

Having spent two years working for Al as his Business Development Coordiantor/Travel Manager, I personally have flown with Al many times. I can say with confidence and pride that he is a damn good pilot and his skills saved both the life of his best friend Tim, and his own. I would gladly fly with Al any day before any other local pilots out there.

God was certainly watching out for you that day Al, but good job on the flying too. God Speed!

My Little Tiger

Another Olympics is upon us...and Kaylin Richardson, my little tiger (I've always called you that, you know), I couldn't be more proud of you and to have been your first ski coach with USSA Gilboa Racing Club. How many years did I coach you? Five? Something like that. I always knew you were going to go far. And now, your second olympics in BC! What an achievement to be there. Ski well my little tiger. No matter how you place, you are my hero and my champion! Soak it all in. You are the bravest, the strongest of heart, and the most adorable. I'm glad you liked me as a coach and I'm happy you got your french fries every time we skied. It was all about having fun, and fun we sure had! Ski fast and enjoy the ride. You deserve all that you have achieved. I'm so glad I could be part of it all. Love, your biggest fan, coach Paula!

5 Years of Wedded Bliss

I can't believe five years have gone by already. Where does the time go? On Februray 12th Todd and I will celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary. It seems like he has been by my side for so much longer (*sigh*). I am grateful to have met Todd, and cherish the fact that he is my husband. We have had tons of fun together in that short amount of time. Todd, I love you with all my heart and look forward to the rest of our fun-filled years together. We are the perfect fit, "like peas and carrots" as you always say -- you are the best! XOXO Happy Valentines Day!

Gift Ideas for Todd

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. To Todd, scotch. :)

Christmas Entertainment

Type in the name of a Christmas song and watch these guys sing it for you (especially Rudolph, Jingle Bells, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas) - http://www.sundog.net/carolofthechins/flash/card.swf

Watch the Christmas lights synchronized to the Black Eyed Peas We Got A Feelin'(too funny) - http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/christmas-lights-set-to-black-eyed-peas/1abptk01a

Ghost Buck

Deer season in Wisconsin is upon us once again! It's the first one I have ever hunted. Todd thinks it's funny that I'm excited about it, but that's because I've never really had a place to hunt before. Now that I own my own land, not only can I hunt but I can do it in my pj's before work! I sat in our deer shack, by myself, on Saturday afternoon. I had a beautiful 10 pointer run through, but I didn't have a clear shot. Bummer! The neighborhood kid shot at him three times and missed, thank goodness! I hope he is still around, I'd like another chance at him! And then there is Ghost Buck! We've only seem him on Trail Cam in the middle of the night. I pray he hasn't been shot by another hunter yet, and decides to wander through during hunting hours. So does Todd. I keep telling Todd I'm going to get to him first. But, he is Ghost Buck. Ghost Buck is smart. Ghost buck is elusive. So, we'll see. We are waiting...waiting for you Mr. Ghost Buck!