Cedar Rapids Lodge

Pioneer Woman

2012-01-26T11:53:00.003-06:00

I recently purchased something just for myself.....

It is Pioneer Woman's cookbook! Every stinkin recipe has a picture! I love that kind of cookbook....and her recipes are so down-to-earth simple. If you've never heard about her, you might live in a box...well, maybe not....her website is one I follow on my blog list. She has an awesome website HERE where she shares her life as a wife, mom, cook...and lots of recipes. She also has a show on Food Network that's fun to watch.

So...I am browsing her website this morning and lo and behold...she has a brand new cookbook coming out soon. Check out her website, you can browse her cookbook on amazon...or purchase your own copy. I found mine on half.com for a deal...makes me think I need to sell some of my cookbook stash on there...

This winter weather makes me think of trying new recipes. What are you up to this winter? I'd love to hear from you!

On another note, I have joined the ranks of pinterest and have a button on my sidebar where you can follow me...it's a fun site where you can create "boards" or categories for anything that is interesting on any website...and then you can follow other people and see what their "boards" are filled with. I love it because I'm old and forgetful and now I have all my web ideas in one spot...PINTEREST!

Now to go try a new recipe....

Healthy Brownies!

2012-01-20T15:40:00.000-06:00

Have you ever heard those two words together??? Well, I'm here to tell you that you are one lucky dude today...I made them and have been told several times that they are really good! I happen to be on a 21 day fast from sweets and pop...so...I have not tasted them yet...come Sunday I will find out how good they are!

Here is all you need to make these brownies...

I pureed the beans, juice and all, in my magic bullet...you can use your blender, mini chopper...you just want the beans to be lump-free. Spray your pan...I used a 7 x 10 glass pan to make the brownies thicker.

I sprinkled these little goodies on the top of the brownie dough before I baked them. If you don't like mint, you can use mini m & m's or chocolate chips, peanut butter chips...you get the idea...

Mine baked almost 30 minutes at 350 degrees. I only let them cool about 10 minutes...then cut them with my trusty expensive plastic knife...remember me telling you many blog stories ago about how neat the plastic knife is when cutting warm brownies, cake, bars, etc. It's amazing!

I know, it looks like I'm all ready to eat this scrumptious plate of brownies with milk...it was a set-up just to let you see how thick and chewy they look...I put them back in the pan...just until the 22nd day...and then I drank the milk! Just wasn't the same without the brownies!

You can figure out the calorie count/WW points for this food by using the dry ingredient calorie count on the box, this one was 100 calories, plus the can of beans...figures out to 110 calories per 1/20th of a pan...not bad...no fats, no cholesterol...just chocolate! I swear you can't taste the beans, but the fiber content makes it a reward to eat. Enjoy!

Happy 2012....and a new baby!

2012-01-08T21:03:00.000-06:00

Blogging gets put aside as the Christmas season progresses...so much to do and never enough time! Well, we were stopped dead in our tracks this year...we had a new grandbaby coming on Dec. 27th! We took Wrigley to the doggy hotel and left for the cities on Dec. 23rd. We played with kids, celebrated Christmas Eve services, spent Christmas morning with little ones...and welcomed our 10th grandchild and 4th granddaughter, Olivia Basil, on December 27th. She will forever celebrate her birthday during the Christmas season, but I think she'll have no problem with that! Here's a photo montage of our week....

We attended Christmas Eve services with our son and family at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, listening to Leith Anderson preach his last evening before his retirement. Very moving service.

Captured a photo after church of Sam's family...before baby's arrival 3 days later!

Spent Christmas morning and day with these munchkins and their parents. We don't deserve this much fun!

On Tuesday, Dec. 27th, we arrived early to take care of our grandkids while Sam & Roz left for the hospital....Olivia Basil arrived that evening, surprising us all with who she was...her gender was a surprise to everyone, except probably the doctor!

I got to hold her within an hour or so of her arrival....love those fresh babies!

While Roz was in recovery, Sam & I took Olivia to their room and checked out all her teeny little parts. She was perfect...of course!

Note the Daddy's face...he's mesmerized yet again by his fourth little one! So cute!

Big sister, Monica, got her own "newborn" baby from Mommy when we went to visit her new sister. She was very excited and aptly named her "Baby Weeva" as she called her sister. Ben, 5, was so in love when he met his new baby. Lucien is here...but more interested in his Mom's tubes and wires!

Ben & Lucien introducing Papa to their new baby sister.

We are blessed to be grandparents to Olivia...and 9 more little blessings!

"Little Sister" trying to wake up and see the world...

I'm not saying anyone was tired on the trip home from the hospital, but....

We had a ball with these 3 kids for the 4 days their Mommy & Daddy were in the hospital. I brought my pink DS, which is always a treat for Ben & Lu...the microwave timer was our new best friend...setting 10 minutes and letting the boys share play time and their sister content to sit and watch.

Sometimes electronics just do their thing when a Nana needs time to clean the kitchen or get dinner ready!

We left our little charges and drove home on New Year's Eve, hitting a "warp speed" snowstorm when we were an hour from home. It was beautiful and a rare sight this winter....

I captured this "blue" snowfall when we arrived home...breathtaking...and we were glad to be home!

I can't end this post without sharing our 3 kids up north! They celebrated Christmas with their other Papa & Nana. We will have our family Christmas next week with everyone...and I hope to get a picture of all 10 grandkids! Stay tuned....

Tis the Season...

2011-12-19T10:48:00.001-06:00

I am beginning to realize that our "off season" is busier than when the resort is open! So many projects, travels, activities...we are hardly home to update this blog! Sorry about that...but we are feeling the old adage..."the older you get, the faster time flies!" I can't believe it is already December...and it's almost Christmas!

Again, this posting is a collage of photos gathered in the last few weeks. The month started off with our 4th annual Cookie Walk at church...I have always chaired this event, but the amazing help I receive each year makes the event a success each and every year.

Here's some of my elves setting up the tables for the shoppers.

A sampling of the beautiful goodies for sale by the pound.

Sugar cookies...always a hit!

We have some of the best bakers in northern Minnesota! Honestly...we couldn't hold this event without all the church people who bake for days and donate for this cookie walk.

This picture shows an eager shopper with his glove on, picking his cookies for his box...and if you look, you can see some of our new construction in the background. We have held these fundraisers to raise money to add onto our church...we've raised over $200,000 in the last 3 years! An amazing total in our small community! The addition is almost finished and we are all so excited to "move in"!

On the homefront, we've had lots going on at the resort. We're closed for the winter, but the work continues. Our carpenter, Kurt, parks his trailer here in the fall and works on our list as he gets time...

He has finished the new screened porches on cabins #10 & #11. They will be awesome next summer!

Cabin #11...trim needs to be painted yet.

Cabin #10...needs staining and painting in the spring!

New windows installed in cabin #4...

and windows in cabin #5...wow, did they need it!

Here's what my sewing room/4th bedroom looked like last week...new wood walls, painted ceiling and carpeting will be ordered soon. The bathroom is still a work in progress...photos to come.

We spent Dec. 3-12th in Shakopee with 3 little ones...their Mommy went on a mission trip to Swaziland, Africa! We had a wonderful time. I played house and Papa worked at Max's golf store during the day.

This little girl and her Nana had a great week together!

Presents from Mommy showed up mid-week(thanks to Daddy) and it made this little guy feel a little better about missing his Momma. Nana just does things a little different than Mommy, although I tried my best to stay in their routine each day. Their Mommy is a wonderfully organized person...and this 60 yr. old Nana probably worked a little slower...heck, I know I did! But it was such a gift to live amongst all of them for those 9 days! And their Mommy came home safe from a memorable trip doing God's work....and we're all glad to have her back!

We continue to be thankful for this group of munchkins who fill our life with love and joy!

We look forward to spending our holiday with all of our family, one little family at a time...and then we'll all celebrate together in the new year...if we can find a place big enough for all of us! There's an addition coming to this family on December 27th...and we're as excited about grandbaby #10 as we were the first time! I expect we'll have pictures of this new baby shortly after he/she arrives.

Merry Christmas to all my readers! We are humbled this season when we think of that baby born so many years ago who came to save us all....we hope you have Jesus in your heart this Christmas...and all year long!

I am Thankful For....

2011-11-22T16:39:00.000-06:00

Tis the month of Thanksgiving...and we have so much to be thankful for! God took us on a journey 25 years ago, bringing us to this beautiful resort...and we've never looked back! Well, maybe we did that first winter when the snowfall was over 100 inches!! We hunkered down with our four young children and spent alot of time together...time we had not had together for a very long time.

These pictures are just a sampling of what we are thankful for...perhaps it will remind you of those special people that you are thankful for too!

Little boys with donut cakes on their 4th birthday...

Nathan...who loves his Uncle John more than anything....and....

we think they look alot alike!

We're thankful for breakfast with Ben & Lu at Perkins...

Grandchildren who make Papa's birthday so very special.

Princesses who can't quite go without a nap...and the queen who cuddles!

I'm thankful for a husband who tackles any job....

Thankful for my Dad's pizzelle maker....

Pizzelles with Nutella filling...yum!

Who wouldn't be thankful for red cupcakes in a jar with cream cheese frosting!

I'm thankful that the snow has just barely started....even though it will stick around until April!

Thankful for a Papa taking his crew on the Elfun Trail....

Thankful for cute cousins in pajamas watching "Tangled" on Nana's couch!

Thankful that Tate doesn't mind posing for Nana when I ask her to! So cute!

And finally....I am thankful for all these little blessings in my life! Papa & Nana's life would be pretty boring without all these little ones to cuddle and love!

We hope you have blessings in your life that you are thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Enjoy your turkey day with your loved ones...

Golf Warehouse Sale!!

2011-11-20T18:03:00.001-06:00

I just need to remind all our guests, friends, family and golfing enthusiasts....Max opened his seasonal store this past week and we were there this weekend to see it.

Here's the proprietor, posing for his Mom!

And here's some photos of the merchandise for sale between now and Dec. 27th...

And here's a guy who loves to hang out in this place...

If you've never been to the store, it's a great place to find anything golf-related, along with lots of gift items, clothing....all at reduced prices...and the deals get better every week....if you can wait that long! But don't, because when you go, you'll find yourself wanting to go back and look again! The stock changes daily...Check out the Golf Warehouse website HERE. You might just get to visit with Steve on one of his "working" days!

Fall Activity...

2011-10-24T13:52:00.001-05:00

It's been almost a month since I last posted! I guess that's because there's just not much going on when the resort is closed! We closed Oct. 1st, but I had some quilting friends come out for 4 days the following week and stay in the duplex...and we all sewed our fool heads off! We usually do a group project each year, but this year we didn't know who would be able to come and how long anyone could stay, so we all agreed to work on our own projects...quilters always have unfinished projects!

These are some of our "works in progress". It's amazing how much sewing we get done when we lock ourselves in a cabin for 4 days! Looks like I have the largest finished project, but really, these ladies sew me under the table most of the time! My blocks in this quilt were sewn 3 years ago and I've been working a little each winter to finish the project. Now I can see an end to it...so, of course, we all decided to do a group project together for the next year! Jackie had a great idea for everyone to create a center block...and each month one of us suggests a type of border to add...until we see each other's finished "quilt" in the fall of 2012. Maybe this time I will get the project completed??

We have enjoyed the most beautiful fall weather you can imagine! Up north, we don't take good weather for granted! We savor it! We know winter is just around the corner and it lasts a long time, so fall is always our most favorite time of year...we just wish it lasted as long as winter does!

We watch this tree on our road turn the most beautiful fall colors every year...it's one of the first trees to show it's colors. And therefore, one of the first to lose it's leaves too!

We took a much-needed getaway to Hayward WI last week. We stayed at a resort for 3 days and enjoyed the fall colors...did alot of this...

and this....

And I couldn't get enough of these stands of birch trees...one of my favorite things about Wisconsin...

We stayed in this cabin....

somewhat primitive...made us appreciate our own resort! But we loved this...

and have decided to add this to a couple of cabins this fall...for the 2012 season!

Here's some other things we've been up to this fall...winter is fast approaching!

Steve's woodpile...waiting to be split and hauled closer to the house for winter heat!

Monica and Jill watching Beauty and the Beast in their jammies...

Two little girls going for a walk in the woods with Papa...

An event that occurred several times over the weekend!

Nate & Jill & Calvin walking on the Elfun trail this fall...

Sam showing his deer stand to Lu & Ben...memories...

Jill talking to Mommy...

We had Jillian for 8 days while her parents took Nate & Cal to Disney...with other Grandma & Grandpa and family...I think we had as much fun as they all did!

I hope you all have had a wonderful fall season...our leaves are down, raking will wait til spring....wood is being hauled into the house for the fireplace in anticipation of the cooler weather coming. Snow predicted tomorrow night...bah humbug!

We have turned off the water to all the cabins, blown out the lines, bedding is all washed & bagged for next spring, our lists are made for new ideas for next year....do you have your reservation for 2012?? If not, go HERE and click on availability to see what we have open for next year. We had such a great 2011 season and we look forward to a relaxing winter and a busy season in 2012!

Come join us!

September Activities....

2011-09-24T22:16:00.000-05:00

You probably think we're winding down the resort season...and we are...but, we've had alot going on this month! The weather has varied from 84 degrees to 30 and snow, then back to warm temps this weekend! Here's a photo montage of our month...

Our very favorite Aunt Erma came to visit from Arizona for 10 days! We were so excited and glad to have her here! We hope you come back again!

This storm in mid-September was rain, then sleet, then ice, then snow!

Thank goodness it didn't last very long, but it slowed the fishermen down for the day!

Steve and I had an opportunity to pick corn from Anna's garden(thanks, Anna!) and we had our own "birdseye" assembly line going to freeze some for the winter...

We started with beautiful full ears of corn...

We blanched the corn....

Cooled the corn in iced water...

Used this slick idea of putting the corn cob into a bundt pan hole...cut off the corn...

And freeze it! We finished with 45 bags of corn in the freezer to share with our family! What a fun project!

For yet another year, John, Ron, Monte, John & Del stayed in cabin #12 and wreaked havoc in camp for a week! Not really...they travel from CA, NM, FL & NE and meet each year to fish...and yes...have some ice cream before they head home!

Dick & Judy come each spring and fall...and always catch fish! I snapped a picture of these beautiful bass before Dick released them back into the lake!

Steve and I got out on the lake this week...he went to his usual spot in the reeds & lilly pads to cast for those elusive bass...and I snapped pictures of this beautiful sunset!

We even got a project done this week! Papa created this teeny toddler bed for my sewing room....now the short people who come to visit can sleep in their own special bed close to Papa & Nana's room!

The resort season will come to a halt soon...our last guests leave on September 30th. We had a wonderful summer and thank all our guests for coming and vacationing with us! We love sharing vacations with all the families! We will close down the cabins and start on our list of projects for the fall....some new bathrooms, new windows, new kitchens, new carpeting...the list goes on! In between these projects, we hope to get some rest, take a vacation, visit grandchildren...and even greet a new baby in December!

Stay tuned for continuing updates on the happenings at Cedar Rapids Lodge all winter long!

Lightning Strike on Labor Day!!

2011-09-12T20:26:00.001-05:00

At 4a.m. on Labor Day....this tree got hit...

You can barely see the stripe that traveled down the tree from the top...

Here's a close-up view...there was bark thrown all over the yard...Mem in cabin #8B said it looked like a fireball had hit the tree!

The poor tree sits on the creek's edge in the yard...away from any buildings...and the bark is stripped off the tree in a spiral from the top peak of the tree around and around to the base of the tree. We'll see if it can survive such an event...stay tuned next spring for a report of new buds...or not!

This week, Calvin got to fish with 2 of his favorite people...

Great Grandpa Addler, Calvin and Gene Kruger(practically a Grandpa to him)

He got some big crappies...but he loves to fish so much he wouldn't care if he caught anything!

And then this guy tried to get in the lodge...

He was on the window in the game room...it's been a banner year for tree frogs at the resort! We find them in cabins, on windows and hanging out at the pool...guess there was a huge increase in the birth rate this year!

Happy Fall everyone!! We've enjoyed 80+ temps so far, but this week we will start to feel like fall...and the trees have barely started turning...a little late for us northern Minnesotans! Our fall sunsets are the best!! Come see for yourself!

August Vacations...continued...

2011-09-01T15:22:00.000-05:00

We ended the month of August with some great weather and lots of fun families to share it with! 30 kids in one week was a true test of our "end of summer" patience...and we survived! Great kids and guests we hadn't seen for years...and hope to see again next year! This is a collage of all the activities enjoyed in August....

Cooper sharing his marshmallow roasting skills with his Mommy!

Sammy & Jake making their s'mores!

Calvin posing with the "famous" Tony...a true celebrity in Calvin's eyes!

Exciting kickball game with the kids vs. the big kids...very serious action!

The ever-popular golf cart rides around the resort.

Ben caught this giant bass on his little "Cars" fishing pole! It was under the dock!! Wow!

Left-handed Lucien using Papa's right handed golf clubs!

Nathan's first time tubing...he loved it!

Haiders, Lesemans & Weyandts kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake...

Jilly posing for Nana's camera!!

Monica took Daddy's "1980's" Care Bear home! I guess that's why I saved it all those years.

We had a wonderful summer with our family and with our guests! There's more pictures...just search for our resort, Cedar Rapids Lodge, on facebook. Thank you to our guests for sharing their vacation photos with us!

August Vacations...

2011-08-17T14:02:00.001-05:00

This month of vacations started out busy...and continues to be even busier each week! The old resort owners are getting tired...I hope it doesn't show! Our August guests have waited all year for their vacation and we want to make it the best week ever! Here are some exciting things happening at Cedar Rapids Lodge this month!

We have our very own weather station! We bought it from Andy...he delivered it when he came on vacation...and he helped Steve get it up and running! Now we know all the weather stats for Medicine Lake! Just ask!!

Curtis continued his tradition this year of having a hot fudge brownie sundae on his last night of vacation! And then...we made 4 more sundaes for his brother and cousins...they just liked the looks of his!

Curtis' Dad, Brian, couldn't be here with his family this year...he's the Captain of the sub USS Ohio and they were out to sea. So, Brian sent us a picture of his sub and a photo for his wife...so she wouldn't forget him on vacation! We can't wait to see you next year, Brian!

We had a fun visit from Laurette' and her kids! Her Mom was a bestest friend of mine when we lived in Illinois...and her & Jen grew up together, until we moved to Minnesota in 1987. Her husband was in the cities for business, so she drove up to the north woods to see all of us.

Steve and I had so much fun playing Papa & Nana to Ben, Katie, Sam & Hope! We hope they come back again and bring Daddy with them!

So...Ellen...has been a fun guest here for all of our years at CRLodge! Years ago, we had an old pair of stilts that she found and walked all over the resort on...they disappeared after many years, probably to the bonfire pit...so this year Steve made her a new pair and off she went like a pro! It is just so funny to see this short person walking all over taller than all of us...I think she likes the world up there! Anyway, thanks for the entertainment, Ellen! We'll take good care of the stilts until next year!

So...of course, grandson Nathan and his sister, Jill, had to try them too!

And speaking of fun outside activities...this boy(Calvin) FINALLY learned to ride a bike! Now he rides every chance he gets!

I realize that we don't have any fish pictures for August...lots of fish caught, but the big vacation ticket in August is the beautiful weather, water activities, boating, skiing, tubing, swimming and just enjoying Minnesota in the summer! We still have fishermen....I just don't have pictures to document the big northern or the nice walleye...or the basket of panfish...I'll try and do a better job of taking those pictures!

I guess I am proud that I was able to do this...

I actually finished a quilt for Miss Josie....Jen delivered it to her today! Quilting is my winter passion and it won't be long and I'll be sitting in my sewing room, watching the snowstorms and creating again!!

July Vacations Come to an End....

2011-08-01T19:48:00.000-05:00

It's August 1st.....where did July go? Resort living is a busy one...the summer months seem to fly by! We just finished 2 weeks with visits from all the grandkids and their parents. A busy time, but so much fun! Our grandkids range in age from 18 months up to almost 9 yrs. old. They have discovered that it's really hard on this Nana & Papa if they all show up at once, so they take turns. We appreciate that...and it gives us more time to play with each family.

Here's a variety of photos and stories to finish the month of July. August looks to be a busy month too!

Part of the excitement in July started with our dumpster(of all things)....

If you look very close on the left side...bear paw prints! Two different sizes! We haven't seen the critters, but they have made a mess of the dumpster contents a time or 2 this month...any ideas on how to deter them??

Luke arrived 2 weeks ago with a new gnome for the elfun trail...he was very excited to present us with the gift. So...we loaded "Luke" the Marquette gnome onto the golf cart and hid him in the woods with all the others...

He looks very "at home" in the woods, don't you think? I wonder if the kids will find him?

We had excitement one day when a rain and wind storm landed the pool furniture into the bottom of the pool. The kids all thought it was a great adventure to watch all the action getting the furniture out!

Eva had a lake in front of her cabin and delighted in getting muddy and floating at her cabin!

Henry made his first visit to CRLodge...and wins for possibly the cutest baby all summer! He'll be running all over next July!

July is not just for playing....John caught this 11 3/4" bluegill last week that weighed 1lb.4oz. We took pictures and he released this beauty back into the lake to let it grow! Probably the nicest bluegill caught all summer.

Eva was kind enough to model the new hat/t-shirt combos for kids...she's stylin!

Greyson let me take his picture after a day in the pool...he says he wears his goggles so he can breathe under water! Amazing goggles!

The minnow races were a hit with young and old...

The kids get their minnows, talk to them, train them....and hope they win!

If you tap the sides of the lanes, the minnows go so much faster...or so they think!

We run several heats...and in the end, everyone is a winner....of a free candy bar in the lodge!

Patty in cabin #2 promised Nathan he could ride her cart....so....he did...and...

He was so excited!! His sister, Jill, was excited too.

So Mike gave her a ride of her own!

This is what happens when you're 3 1/2 and you're having so much fun you just can't take a nap...

and then your sister plays with her puppies on you while you're sleeping!

Every year when my family comes, they have a fish fry...dubbed Margie's Fish Fry because my aunt fries all the fish for the dinner. She's been doing this for years, so this year her family had t-shirts made for the occasion!

Meet my Aunt Margie & Uncle Keith...he is my Dad's twin brother! They are very special people in my life.

Their daughter, Jackie....my kindred spirit! We both love the resort, our families, quilting....and especially our grandchildren!

My brothers, Dave & John....I am the oldest. I know, you can't believe it, but I am...and I have 6 brothers and one sister!

In closing...this is our middle son, Sam, and his wife, Roz. They are parents to 3 of our grandchildren.....and.....they are giving us grandchild #10 in December! What a fun life we have!

July Heat Wave!

2011-07-15T19:24:00.001-05:00

The resort is in full swing with vacationers everywhere! The kids swimming outnumber the fishermen this time of the year. The weather has been perfect for anyone on vacation, but it's a little warm for us "up north" people! Here's what everyone has been up to....

Brady Ristau caught this 32" northern and safely released it to catch again next year! He was one excited fisherman!

Carson is one of our favorite guests of the whole summer...and he is grandson, Nathan's bestest friend! He shows us his new tricks every year and loved running with his walker on the cobblestone path outside!

Papa and I each got a chance to get into Bemidji this week and watch this future "Joe Mauer" play ball!

We had a good laugh when our laundry girl, Shannon, pulled in with her new vehicle! She's like a little kid with a new toy! And she can get alot of bags of sheets in that thing...

Olivia lost her first tooth at CRLodge...and our tooth fairy pays really well! She was so excited!

And for the happy ending this week, here's Evelyn & Mel getting ready to head home. Their son, Greg, is who we asked for prayers for a few weeks ago....he is back home and back to work...a walking miracle thanks to everyone's prayers. These parents deserved a break and fished all week by themselves. Randy & Greg, they caught those fish without your help!! Amazing! We love happy endings!

Thanks to all our guests who have vacationed with us the first half of our season. We've had a wonderful year with some of the best fishing ever...and we look forward to the rest of the summer...and fall. We still have some wonderful weeks/weekends available in September. Come see us if you need a relaxing vacation!

Summer is in full swing!

2011-07-06T12:26:00.001-05:00

Where are the weeks going! We are into the middle of our summer season and the weather has been spectacular. We seem to get rain when we need it...everything has stayed so green this summer. The flowers are growing after the cool spring. The pool is crowded most days. The temps are 75-80 and sunny most days, with little or no humidity. Our idea of a perfect forecast.

I promised these guests that their photos would get on the blog... so here's a collection of fish pictures and everything else that has happened in the last 3 weeks! More to come....

Thad Erickson had a great week catching and releasing some beautiful walleyes!

Not to be outdone, his brother caught some beautiful walleyes as well...here's Thad & Chad!

Colton got to fish with grandpa and they caught this giant crappie...mom had to help him hold it! If he's anything like his grandpa, he's got some intense fishing years ahead of him!

It's not the size of the fish...it's the experience! Justine was just as proud of her catch off the dock!

And her brother, Brad, showed off his catch of northerns.

He's a die-hard fisherman!!

Every year during the 4th of July week, Sue catches her walleyes! Her son, Ryan, might lay claim to one of these??

Abby catches a giant walleye every year she's here!! I think she's going to be a guide when she grows up!

This sign appeared on the pirate ship last week...Jillian seemed oblivious to the message!

"GROSS...GET RID OF SLIMY GIRLS"

And here's the culprit cousins responsible for that great sign! They were cleaning the pirate ship and seemed to think they could keep girls away...no chance!

This little girl seems to love Papa's ice cream cones!

This was Peyton's first trip to CRLodge and he was one happy camper! Next year he'll be running around and hard to catch!

The new paddleboards continue to be the best entertainment week after week!

Grandson Nathan ventured out one day with the big kayak...and had to be rescued by his brother & cousin...they took the rescue seriously...and Nathan loved being pulled to shore!

Siblings Sam & Max modeling the new hat/t-shirt combos...how can you resist??

Grandsons Will & Greyson brought their lemonade stand on vacation and served lemonade and cookies to the guests at the beach...FREE!

Nathan thought it was the best idea all summer! He was their best customer!

Tyler showed his Mom that he was an expert at roasting marshmallows!

We had some threatening clouds on the 4th of July evening...the rain only lasted a short time...the fireworks in Bemidji went on as planned after the showers.

The sky lightened up towards the end of the shower...and we had a double rainbow...hard to get a photo of the awesomeness of the sky!

And my week ended up on a high note...I had been without a washer & dryer for 2-3 weeks...

and my dream of a front-loading set is now fulfilled! The redecorating will have to wait until fall...

that's fine...at least I can be the laundry queen once again!

Do you need a vacation?? We still have a cabin open July 16-23rd for 2-6 people! Give us a call or go HERE

to see pictures of cabin #4...a beautiful 3 bedroom cabin right on the water's edge. We'd love to give you a wonderful vacation experience with your family!

Last Week at the Resort...

2011-06-22T14:38:00.000-05:00

Life is about as busy as it can be at Cedar Rapids Lodge! We have seen one of the best fishing years in a long time. We have these posters in the lodge...

All the fish in Medicine Lake that are caught and released are recorded on these posters each year. The guests each week check the board to see what was caught last week...well, last week this year we filled the walleye column in just a few days. I had to add another page to the poster for the rest of the summer. This has NEVER happened! That's how good the fishing has been!

Here's a couple of photos of last week's catches....

David with his nice walleye...caught & released & on the poster...

Billy with his walleye...

Conrad caught this whopper northern on the paddleboard!

Even the resort dog scored last week...this cabin brought treats for her and she figured that out right away!

How can you resist a face like this??

Might as well take a snooze in between treats!

And this week...last night....we had one of the rainiest nights this season! The guests had left during the day, going to the movie, bowling, shopping, eating, whatever they could find to do on a rainy day...we had an event on the activity schedule for last night that was wonderful on a rainy evening....FAMILY BINGO!

Almost 50 people showed up for the first ever Family Bingo and it was a hit! Cards were 25 cents each game and the winner each time split the pot with the lodge...and the last game was blackout, so that winner(s) got the winnings from each games "split the pot"...2 lucky people shared $28.50 in cash! No, I don't have a gambling license...if you give all the money away, do you need one??

And to end the post, I just have to share my purple perennial bed with you...the picture doesn't do it justice, but it's beautiful!

We look forward to seeing all of you coming in the next few weeks...and we'll try and hold the rain for you!

Prayer Request...

2011-06-16T14:19:00.000-05:00

The guy in the middle, Greg, needs your prayers!

Disregard the short guy on the left...the 3 big guys are the Ammon boys. They were our first guests in 2010 and I posted this photo on the blog at that time. They came back this year in May to fish...Grandson Nathan greeted them when they arrived. Greg is in the hospital and is a very sick guy. He had pneumonia and a severe infection in his lungs. He is in a drug-induced coma while they try and get him better. His wife, Jana, is by his side and his little girl, Jessica, is there too.

The Ammon family is very special to us...they're like family. So I thought if I told you about them here that you could join us in praying for Greg and for his healing. God answers prayers and we are giving Greg to Him so that He can heal him...so he can come fishing again and be healthy again.

Tell all your prayer partners to include Greg in their prayers. We have trust in the Lord and we know He can heal Greg.

Thank you for all your prayers!

June Photo Album...

2011-06-14T11:31:00.000-05:00

All of a sudden we are thrust into a very busy job...running this beautiful resort full of guests who are having a great time catching fish, swimming, relaxing and spending precious time with their family. After a late spring arrival, summer seems to have arrived! The fishing has exploded, so much that I'm wrapping fish for the guests and I forget to take pictures of their catch before they make it to the fish house. Here's a collection of June photos of life at Cedar Rapids Lodge.

The ladyslippers are in full bloom on the trail.

Miss Tilly Turtle arrived to find a place to lay her eggs.

Mama deer with her fawn born just a couple of days ago...on the Elfun Trail.

Saturday between guests was time to bring the equipment in to landscape around the new cabin.

These guys only had a 6 hour window to grade the yard, add black dirt and hydro seed the lawn.

They finished the job and pulled out at 3:15p.m., just as the guests for the new cabin were pulling in! Now to watch grass grow!

Talk about watching grass grow, John & Jim were entertained one day watching a "lost" camper pull into our narrow driveway and then attempt to back up and drive out...he had to unhook the car he was towing and re-attach it after he got backed up and on the road again. We all agreed that we wouldn't want to drive that rig and pay for the gas!

2 little girls came to visit one weekend and became reacquainted....

and then helped Nana deliver a pizza to a cabin...

And these hooligans with their light sabers just never get enough daylight to cover all the territory they want to!

Papa always has help from someone eager to do the same things his Papa does!

Lu is going to be a great pool cleaner someday! He just loves netting all the bugs out of the water!

The flowers are all planted and the boats are in their spots on the dock.

Cal always loves fishing with Grandpa the Great...what memories! And a nice crappie!

Nate & Jill couldn't wait to play on the beach...don't be fooled...this is not a "topless" beach!

If you're 2...you can swim like Tarzan!

The new paddleboards have been used for various activities...

Conrad wanted to be the first one to catch a fish off the paddleboard....and he did!

And if you're Tarzan, you can get a ride from your big brother and giggle all the way!

(disclaimer...they were in about 4 inches of water so no life jackets)

Billy caught a net full of fish the first day of his vacation!

Crappies, walleyes, northern...and his trusty knife!

Leigha had to show us this blue & silver bluegill before she released it...it was really sparkly in the night lights!

She had a fun time with her Dad after potluck, catching a mix of a bucketful of crappies and bluegills!

And most importantly......

Sour Brite Crawlers are back this year!!!

Have a great summer everyone...and check back for more fun vacation photos!

.....And we're off!!

2011-06-01T12:44:00.000-05:00

We're in our second week of the 2011 season and life is pretty smooth! Our big projects are done and most of the to-do list is done or put away for the fall. Now we spend our days visiting with our guests, making coffee in the lodge several times a day and ensuring that our guests all have a great vacation. So far, the weather has been varied...yesterday was high winds most of the day, but this morning the fishermen are out and the sun is shining.

The first guests in the brand new cabin have come and gone. The second family arrives on Saturday and we are excited to share this beautiful new addition with all our guests. Finally got the finishing touches up...

New valances & wall words in one bedroom...

And in the second bedroom too!

And a new wallhanging in the upstairs bedroom.

Cabin #6 remodeling is finished and guests are in that cabin this week, enjoying all the updates....

A brand new kitchen with lots of cupboards....

and new carpeting...

We moved the life jackets, nets and minnow buckets to a new location...

easier access for the guests...

The lodgemaster tackled a project that had been haunting him for months. New laws dictated a different drain cover for the pool, so when he opened the pool this month, he had to get in and replace the existing cover...

Waders on and getting ready for the job...

Pool was braced to prevent the sides from moving...he did get wet but got the new cover on and the pool is filled and heating for the kids coming this week!

We had some special guests come to visit...

Miss Rowan came for her first visit and brought her parents and her grandma Nancy....a fun time!

Some of the grandkids were here and Nathan shared a tractor ride with Greyson...let's just say it's a good thing he can't drive on the highway yet!

We ventured out for our first fishing trip with some of the "boys"...

They had visions of catching lots of fish...but Papa soon discovered that 3 of the 4 poles needed some serious work after the casting by some young fishermen...

Greyson did manage to catch the first & only fish of the trip...big brother Will had to hold it for the picture...Greyson wanted nothing to do with that feisty fish!

We experimented in the kitchen with a new recipe...taco pizza...very yummy but not worthy of the menu just yet...

It was so good but took alot of cutting and chopping to make!

But this delicious pizza is on the menu and our new crusts are the best!

And finally, I thought you'd like to see what my car looks like after one trip to town. We can't leave the resort unless we have a full list of supplies needed...and we always have to come home with a full vehicle...

Just a few of the flowers that will get planted in the next couple of weeks around here! Come see for yourself what a fun place we have!!

The old comes down....and the new is finished!

2011-05-21T22:17:00.000-05:00

What a difference a week makes! Today we have guests in 3 cabins, with 3 more cabins booked on Monday, and several more during the week to fill the place up by Memorial weekend! Whether we're ready or not, the season begins and we're welcoming guests for the next few months.

We lost a part of the resort this week....the old barn probably built back in the 40s or 50s has been falling down for the last several years. It served it's purpose for years, the last several as storage for old furniture, fixtures, and leftover lumber from the many building projects over the years. We salvaged the lumber we could get out last week and hired Kyle to tear down the rest and haul it away. Here's the process:

The demolition in progress...so sad that grandsons weren't here to watch!

The front of the building is almost down....

Almost completely destroyed and most of it hauled away.

I think I took about 40 photos of the process, plus a video, just so the grandsons can watch the heavy equipment at work! The empty spot looks so different after seeing that barn there for all of our 24 years!

The new.....our brand new cabin #7 is finished and ready for it's first guests this week. The pictures make it a little tough to envision the whole package, but here's a taste of what you'll see this summer...

Cabin #7 2011

Kitchen is stocked and ready for fish-frying!

Another kitchen view.

The living room...the lodgemaster is posed...watching the Cubs.

Different angle of living room.

New infra-red fireplace in living room.

One queen bedroom...

The second queen bedroom.

Spacious storage under the stairs...

Downstairs bathroom.

View from the stairs looking down...

Storage area upstairs.

Upstairs tub/shower unit.

Large bedroom/TV area upstairs.

2 Full beds & 1 Twin bed upstairs.

Futon/TV area upstairs.

Now we wait....and share this new cabin with all the guests this summer! And the work load shifts to the swimming pool! It's filled, filters are working to clean the water and the heat will be turned on this week in anticipation of warm weather for Memorial weekend. And we know of one little person who's excited....

Jilly had to model her new swimsuit for us! She can't wait to swim!

Aren't you excited too??

...and the 2011 Resort Season Begins!

2011-05-15T14:33:00.000-05:00

May 14, 2011, Minnesota fishing opener! It's here! Last October, when we closed the resort down for the long winter, this day seemed eons away...and then....it creeps up faster than we planned!

One cabin left to clean....the new cabin needs to be dusted and pictures hung before it's rented this week! We can't wait to show off this newest cabin at the resort.

Fishing was great yesterday. The fishermen from the resort caught walleyes and a few northerns...one walleye was just over 24 inches, a nice catch for the first day of the walleye season. Biggest fish this guest had ever caught!

We have seen some definite signs that spring is here and summer is just around the corner...

The wild flowers in the woods are just blooming!

Our neighboring buffalo were out with their calves this week...

Sometimes it's like visiting a wildlife park!

We are happy to report that our gas prices are still under $4/gallon and the projection is for those prices to drop before summer! But....if you're wondering whether to haul your own boat up this summer or rent one of ours...here's a new one we added to the fleet this year...

A 16' Crestliner, 50hp, console steering, live well, trolling motor, depth finder, radio. This boat will rent for $400/week and it's already rented by a couple of guests. Call or email us if you'd like this boat while you're here.

We have the freezers stocked with some new foods for the lodge menu and we tried out the new pizza crusts this week...you know, we have to make sure this stuff is good enough to serve to you...

Didn't think we could improve on an already good thing, but you be the judge!

We also have a couple of new items that will be out around the resort grounds this summer. This little guy will be with his friends in the woods....

I found him at the Twins gift shop when we went to a game in April...what a fun place to go! I think he needs a name, what do you think?

And we have 2 of these paddleboards that will provide lots of entertainment...for the rider and the people watching...

You stand on it and use a long paddle to move yourself around the lake...you can watch a video HERE to see how to use the boards. I think they'll be a hit with young & old.

So, that's a peek at resort life so far...and more to come. I hope to post the finished cabin #7 photos this week. It is beautiful. We're working on the landscaping and seeding the yard around the cabin...the temperature is finally climbing to a comfortable number to work outside. Steve's on the tractor mowing for the first time...and I will do some planting around the grounds in hopes of getting it all done by Memorial weekend. See you all soon! Hope your week is a beautiful one too!

8 Days & Counting....

2011-05-06T15:11:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I've updated....resort life in the spring is crazy! Nuts! 13 cabins to clean, 13 refrigerators to move out and clean behind, 13 gunky stoves to take apart and clean, 48 beds to take apart, flip the mattress and make(ever so neatly). Wow, that's alot! I am thanking the Lord this spring that I am able to do this work. It's a long, dormant winter and when the spring work starts, there is no stopping.

Steve's chore list includes putting in all 3 docks, launching numerous boats, paddleboats, pontoon and making sure all the batteries are charged, in the boats and ready to use. His wife always provides an extensive "honey do" list that he does his best to finish! And then there's this huge monster of a job.....

THE SWIMMING POOL!

We're not complaining...this new pool is so much easier to winterize and then open in the spring. This year we have to put a new giant drain cover on and that will be a chore, since the pool has to be drained down so that some brave soul can wade in and install it! Anyone want first dibs at this job?? C'mon...it'll be fun!

We have enjoyed the open water and all the wildlife making their way back to the lake. Loons, goldeneyes, ducks, geese, swans and pelicans. And this guy.....

Can you see him? The first fisherman on the lake in a boat in 2011! Exciting!

And no, it's not Steve! He's working! Whoever he is doesn't know he got his picture taken.

Other signs of 8 days and counting until the first guest....

The candy counter is stocked and ready for the first customers!

The lodge is cleaned & new clothes are being folded and displayed...

New animals and a stringer of cuddly fish for the little fishermen...

The game room is cleaned and ready for the pinball guys to come clean the games so we can turn them on!

The pirate ship & playground sit ready for the pirates to play!

Isn't it cute...my first purchase at our new Menards store!

Some of you cabin #7 guests are probably wondering what's going on with that new construction! Well...

The frost is out of the ground, so the front awning is built and ready to shade the visitors....

Carpet & flooring is done, furniture is in...still looking for a cool area rug!

Kitchen is almost furnished and ready for the guests!

The heating/air conditioning is in!

Beds are made and ready for guests!

So, you can see we've been busy....the work gets overwhelming at times, but after 24 years, we are pros at this stuff! We stress and fret, but the work always gets done! We will be ready for our first guests next weekend! My house might be cluttered and dusty this week.....but the cabins will be clean and the boats will be ready and we'll have a smile on our face when the guests drive in!

If you live close by, stop in and see our place. Our life here is a gift and we treasure it. We have the best guests in the world and we look forward to seeing everyone very soon!

ICEOUT 2011

2011-04-25T21:04:00.001-05:00

When you live on a lake in northern Minnesota in the spring....you watch everyday for that magic day....ICE OUT! It happened today on Medicine Lake in Tenstrike MN. This is our 24th year to witness ice out on the lake...and it's always an adventure. I have recorded the dates of ice out every year since we moved here in 1987. Those dates get transferred each year to the new calendar, just like all the family birthdates! It's history! The guests who come up in June always want to know...when was ice out? Once the ice is gone, the lake has the opportunity to warm up with the spring sunshine and those water temperatures are important for spawning times for the different species of fish in the lake.

It's evening, but you can see the small chunks of ice near the shore.

The wind brought the ice to the resort shoreline this year. It was a slow melt so there was no damage to the shoreline.

Remnants of the small dock by the beach...lots of debris comes to shore with the ice out. This is the first time ever that the ice went out on April 25th! Some dates on the calendar have 3 or 4 or 5 years of ice out posted on the same date!

This time of year is the fastest changing season. We go from 6+months of winter to rain and splotches of green grass....the ducks return along with the geese and loons. The ground begins to thaw, everything is soggy underfoot when you live so close to the lake.

Every piece of equipment is overhauled and ready for the busy resort season....have to get this tire fixed so we can put our miles on the golf carts! They've only been a part of the resort for a few years, but they are a wonderful mode of transportation in the spring, hauling bedding and cabin supplies to all the cabins.

This is a common sight in the spring...hauling all the old mattresses out of each cabin and wait for the delivery of the new ones! We always find a home for the "gently used" mattresses...missions, homeless shelters, even friends who need an extra bed! Let us know if you need a full or queen sized mattress...they're still in great shape!

The resort sees major changes in just a month! By mid-May, the raking will be done, all 13 cabins will be cleaned and ready for guests, the water will get turned on, docks are put in, the pool is filled and the first batch of cookies are baked for the arrival of the first guests of the 2011 season.

Have we piqued your interest?? Come see the finished product...a lush, green resort yard with lots of fresh-planted flowers, new patio furniture, groomed sand on the beach, docks in the water with boats tethered to them and empty cabins with a warm plate of cookies waiting for the guests to arrive! We love our job as resort owners and we look forward to a great summer with lots of great fishing and fun carpetball games, along with the heated pool and a fresh stock of ice cream for the famous shakes!

Merry Easter....and....Our Walk is Done!!

2011-04-17T16:09:00.000-05:00

Oh my...we try not to think of April 2010! We had 70s and 80s most of the month. Steve had some docks in the water, I had most of the cabins cleaned and the resort grounds looked like early June. Not so in April 2011! Yesterday, we woke up at 5:45a.m. to get ready to walk from Bemidji to Blackduck with a group from church to raise funds for our building project at our Blackduck Free Church. This is what we woke up to....

We had worked outside the day before with no snow and the grass turning green...then we get up in the morning to 8"+ of new snow! Now, if it was November this would be a welcome sight! Steve could gather wood for the fireplace and I would be settled in my sewing room working on a project. But no....we were up early for our 25 mile walk!! So...we bundled up, layered for the weather and reluctantly put our boots on instead of our walking shoes. We loaded up the water, gatorade, energy bars and extra socks(along with our walking shoes) and headed to church by 7a.m. We almost didn't make it because the plows were not out and we had a hard time driving on the snow & slush-covered roads.

We walked into church and joined our group of 35 people who planned to make the walk...

You can see from these photos that alot of the walkers were prepared with their winter gear...not an easy way to walk a long distance with all those layers of clothing on! So much for trying to wear our new, bright green t-shirts to show who we were and why we were walking...the shirts just weren't made to fit over our snowsuits!

We all gathered in the church hall and shared lots of ideas on where to walk, how to walk and thoughts of rescheduling the walk until a better day...but you can see the date is on the t-shirt and we all were pumped to do it! So, it was decided we would get permission and walk inside the Blackduck School. We loaded up our gear and our plump, snowsuit-clad bodies and drove to school. We "re-dressed" ourselves to walk inside and, thank goodness, could take our boots off and put our comfy walking shoes on. The walk got underway at 8a.m., as originally scheduled, and Steve and I started our walk, quickly falling into step with a person walking our pace. We were able to keep that pace and we each walked with our "partner" to the end of our walk. I walked with Verna and we were so thankful for each other...we both said we were able to walk as far as we did because we kept the same pace and chatted the entire time. Steve walked with Cheri and they even stopped to stretch after several laps and kept going, walking side by side. The walk ended up being such a great time in the school because we were always in close contact with everyone else, passing in the hallways and gyms and hollering words of encouragement to each other. It was such a wonderful day, touched by God, that brought 35 people together for a common cause. All the walkers had received pledges and donations for their walks and we were ready to make those people who had donated proud of our efforts!

And...what a successful day we had! Everyone of us surprised ourselves by the distances we were able to complete. Verna and I walked over 5 hours, stopping one time and sitting down for a few minutes to rest, pausing for a drink of water, grabbing a banana or granola bar. She went a few more laps than me...I just reached a point where my legs and feet told me I was done! Steve and Cheri walked almost 6 1/2 hours, stopping once to change socks and get drinks, but continuing the laps over and over.

When we got home, Steve and I agreed that our minds and hearts could have kept us going for the finish of the 25 miles, but our feet and legs warned us over and over that we needed to quit. We both knew that we needed these legs to get our spring work done...we couldn't abuse them! We totally surprised ourselves by the distances we were able to walk. I went almost 15 miles and Steve walked 22 miles! That is by far the most either of us has ever walked....or probably ever will again! All evening we moved through the house like the old wind-up toys that teeter down a slanted board...we gave each other a foot rub that felt heavenly and called the day a fun successful time!

I think that my 3-4 mile walks this week will feel like an easy time after such an accomplishment!

Spring Brings.....

2011-04-14T11:23:00.000-05:00

Spring in northern Minnesota means different things than in different parts of the country! For us, living here for the past 23 years, we know spring is here with the hooting of the owls in the woods, the eagles flying low over the cabins, the return of the ducks and geese to the lake's edge and....

THE BEMIDJI HOME SPORT AND TRAVEL SHOW!

Last weekend we went to the new Sanford Center in Bemidji with Jen & Marc & kids to walk through and see all the new ideas & products at the show...tractors, landscaping ideas, pianos, frybread tacos, hot tubs, new building ideas, freebies from several booths, Stittsworth brats....and just seeing alot of friends in the area who also come out for this once a year event.

The new Sanford Center with the tractor display in the parking lot!

Nathan lived his dream of sitting on the big green tractor.

Calvin was most excited to get his picture taken by the BSU Beaver!

He's such a hockey fan and saw most of the games this winter.

The little girl of the bunch tried out the hot tub...don't we need one of these??!!

Calvin won a hat at a booth...and wore it the rest of the day! Goofy kid!

Even Paul & Babe were at the show...

Spring also means all that snow & ice melt and provide lots of new lakes and ponds where they aren't supposed to be...like the golf course!

Blackduck Golf Course lives up to it's name...The Duck...with water everywhere, especially after an all day rainstorm.

And....the work continues at the resort as the weather warms up. Steve has been grading the driveway almost everyday, moving the muddy frost boils and spreading out the mud so that everything dries up faster and makes for a smooth lane.

We went to a spring buying show yesterday...ordering new ice cream flavors and foods for the lodge. While we were gone, our carpenter laid the new laminate flooring in cabin #7...it's look nice and I'll take pictures when it's done.

Here's the beginning of the remodel for cabin #6....the new cupboards are in!

So much more storage space! Countertop is ordered and laminate flooring will be laid

in this kitchen too!

Only 1 month before our first guests arrive! Yikes...13 cabins to spring clean, new mattresses to be delivered, new furniture to be bought, curtains to be made, cabins to be stained, leaves to be raked....does anyone need a temporary job for the next 3 weeks?? We provide great meals and a variety of jobs all day long! To apply, just give us a call! We guarantee good stretching while making beds and washing windows, lively conversation while cleaning and/or raking, and a sense of pride when the jobs are done!

How many places think it's spring when the temps are still in the 30s???

Just us crazy Minnesotans! 35 degrees...we can put the winter coats away and open the windows!

Come on up....you can be tough...and crazy too!

Cabin #7 Updates...and Cabin #6 too!

2011-04-07T21:33:00.000-05:00

Cabin #7 is nearing the end of construction! The log siding is being put up, bathroom floors are done...now we need to get the kitchen flooring and carpeting for the bedrooms and stairs and whatever we're doing in the living room...haven't quite decided on that yet. Here's some new photos...

The lodgemaster admiring the new cabin...siding started...

Downstairs bathroom...walk-in shower.

Upstairs bathroom with tub/shower unit.

Cabin #6 was a puzzle...we talked about adding an upstairs, but the cabin is very sound...doesn't need to be rebuilt like #7 had to be. So...we're adding a new kitchen, bathroom and floor coverings. New hickory cupboards just like cabin #7...new countertops, sink, appliances...

Cabin #6 kitchen, gutted and ready for new cupboards.

New cupboards in boxes in living room...ready to be installed.

The problem with spring in Minnesota is...spring just won't come! The piles of snow just stare at us and the lake is still frozen. We've had swans and geese stopping by, looking for open water...we need alot warmer temps to see any sign of spring!

Northern MN spring...sidewalks are showing!! Yeah! You can't tell, but that circular drive is quicksand

and sloppy mud! All resort owners have to own rubber boots...very fashionable-looking!

Another sign of spring...you can see the bricks on the patio!

I guess it's the little things that get us excited for spring...if grass is showing, we don't even see those dirty piles of snow!!

Happy Spring! I hope!!

"WALK TO BEFREE"

2011-04-04T18:15:00.002-05:00

     When I was planning to write this post, I wanted to find the picture of Steve and I during our last race we entered...the "Race for Versace" back in 1986 in Peoria IL. It's a great picture of us crossing the finish line...picture that in your mind...especially if you know me now! It's almost funny, isn't it?

     Well, that was a 5K race those many years ago...now we have signed up for a walk to be held on Saturday, April 16th, in Bemidji MN. Our church, Blackduck Evangelical Free Church, is raising funds to add on to our present structure...new classrooms, new kitchen(to replace the kitchen built decades ago) and a youth area. Our pastor will walk that day from Bemidji to Blackduck, ending his walk at our church...(thus, WALK TO BEFREE) and he is collecting pledges for his walk. As the chatter continued about his walk, lots of other people wanted to walk too...so...Steve and I signed up!!! Yep, we're going to support our pastor and walk that day too.

     We have this letter composed on the church letterhead and a pledge sheet to send out to friends & family, but I'm just letting all my readers know about it too. We're a small church and we've raised over $160,000 in the last 3 years with various fundraisers. I happen to be on the committee that is in charge of raising those funds. We just had a dinner yesterday and raised well over $2000 in about an hour. The dinner was "Spuds & Splits"...baked potatoes with all the fixins and then ice cream sundaes(splits). This was the second time we had this dinner and the comments are always great. It's just different from other fundraising dinners and was very well-attended. A giant thanks to our church people and to the community of Blackduck for coming and supporting our efforts!

     So...Steve and I are asking you, our friends and readers, to pledge any amount for our walk. We're just asking for a one-time donation in support of our effort to walk the 25 miles...will we make it?? We're going to give it our best! We're training together and I've walked farther than I've ever walked before...only 5 miles at a time, but it's a start!

     Thank you to all our friends/family/readers for considering a donation. You can make your check to "BEFChurch Building Fund" and send it to us or our church. You can comment on this blog and I will reply with the mailing address. We will both put our best foot forward and we will let you all know the results after our walk...if when we finish the walk!

Hooray!

2011-03-24T07:31:00.000-05:00

     Weatherman messed up! Thank goodness! No snow here...no ice...no rain...only sunshine!
Somebody realized it was spring! Schools an hour south of us were closed because of winter storms!
The next storm will probably find us!

     More later...have a great day!

The Forecast...

2011-03-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

     So....the weatherman says we're getting hammered today and tonite...12-18" of that white stuff!! Has anyone realized yet that it's spring?? Well, this forecast sure doesn't sound like spring! We sit here in our warm living room with a fire roaring in our new fireplace...watching and waiting for those snowflakes to start falling. Of course, we hope the weatherman is wrong...but when he's says it's a 100% chance...I think it's coming!

     In the meantime, here's a couple of cabin #7 updates and a photo story of what we've been up to the last few weeks...

Greyson turned 4 in February and we got to celebrate with all his cousins!

He got to go to the Legoland display at the Children's Museum! We all had fun!

Lucien, 3, Ben, 5, and Monica, 1, came to visit 2 weeks ago!

Jill & Monica had fun together....they even learned to share!

Jill and her friends were excited when we got the Easter decorations out last week!

Nathan looks like a giant next to his sister!!

I got to do this...for the first time... in a granddaughter's hair!! What fun!

Nathan turned 5 yesterday!! Do you even know how excited a person can be when they are 5??!!

All he wanted was a bus cake and a firetruck for his birthday...he scored!

Oh...the cabin...not too many changes lately. We measured for window coverings and floor coverings.

Furniture buying will begin soon...how many beds...where to arrange everything...the husband worries about getting the siding done in time and the wife worries about what quilts to get for the beds...priorities!

Here's one of the built-in shelving units for the downstairs bath...great storage in this cabin!

Look past the tools and you see the new bar countertop for stool seating...

Fireplace surround is done and shelf added for DVD player...

And I have a list of to-do's to get done before summer...

I have 2 of these to finish for 2 boys in Bemidji !!

For those of you who think I'm always this super-organized person...my sewing room right now!

Really need to address this problem...soon!

Maybe with this impending storm tonite, I'll get the time?? So they say!

So that's our life the last few weeks...people ask what we do all winter...now you know!

Oh...Jen just started her own blog...check it out HERE. Another way to keep posted on our family!

Progress on Cabin #7 Continues...

2011-03-08T19:00:00.002-06:00

So...our carpenter, Kurt, has been varnishing trim boards like crazy in his garage across the road from us. When he gets several pieces done, he comes and puts them up. He's been cutting and putting trim up for 2 days...and more to do! Lots of trim work in this cabin.

Not an exciting photo, but the guests will appreciate this closet under the stairway. And be sure and admire the amount of trimwork in this closet!

The east side of the upstairs bedroom, trimmed & painted.

West side of upstairs bedroom...looking out over those blasted cattails!

Now the guests will have a beautiful view of the lake!

Upstairs bathroom painted and ready for built-in shelving...Kurt's working on it!

Yes, the tub is upstairs and large walk-in shower is downstairs.

Hand-built banister and "infra-red" fireplace in living room.

Countertop arrived yesterday and Steve & Kurt put it in today...

Lots of great cupboard space...still need to buy a new stove. Waiting for our

new Menard's store to open this spring!

One more view of the closet...bedroom on left, stairway on right.

(for those who like detailed photos)

We're beginning to see an end to this winter project! We know it will get done. Now the question is...will we have time to start and finish remodeling cabin #6...the consensus is that cabin #6 may have to wait until the fall, but we'll know more in the next 2 weeks. We need lots of melting snow...the roof is covered with snow right now and the piles by the cabin prevent us from taking the furniture out to begin work...time will tell, but it will get done, maybe later rather than sooner. We'll just keep you guessing for a couple of weeks.

And if you don't have a reservation for the summer, we still have some great cabins open for the 2011 season! Call us at 1-800-233-8562 or check out the resort website here. We'd love to help your family create some "forever" memories of time spent together!

Happy Birthday, Max!

2011-02-28T21:45:00.000-06:00

On February 29, 1976, I gave birth to the first of our 3 sons...Maxwell Steven weighed 8lb.15oz. He was born 2 weeks after his due date...something doctors don't seem to allow now. When Max's older sister, Jen, turned 2, I was very pregnant and nearly due with her brother. I remember Steve bringing Jen to the hospital when Max was born...my baby girl looked so grown up! And now she had a brother who would become her best friend and playmate for many years!

Max--3 months old

Max's favorite spot...his swing.

Max sported the "bowl" cut in the 70s...so cute!

3 years old and very scared to get his picture taken!

Daddy was his "Idol" and if Daddy shaved, then Max wanted to shave...

When Max was 4, he made our local paper's front page! With a leap day birthday, he was big news in our small town. He didn't quite understand it, but held up his 4 fingers on one hand and 1 finger on the other hand...he was a celebrity!

When Max was 2 1/2, brother Sam was born. Any photo we have of the 2 of them shows Max with his hands on Sam's head...I don't know why, but he liked holding him by the head! Sam didn't object!

When Max was 8, our dog had puppies...an experience all 3 kids enjoyed. Boy, it was sure hard letting those puppies go to their new homes!

When Max was 11, we moved our family to Minnesota and bought our resort. He truly thought we bought the resort so that he could fish everyday...and he really tried to do that! He loved the resort and quickly learned to clean fish, drive the boats and deal with all kinds of people visiting the resort each year.

His love of the resort led me to think he might make a career of this life, but his love became the game of golf. He chased that little white ball for many years and followed his dream of becoming a golf pro.

Even though he is a busy guy in the summer when we are also busy at the resort, he finds the time to come visit a few times in the spring and summer and takes off in a boat to catch that elusive bass!

Max & Sara married 10 years ago and even though our memories of Max as a little boy seem like only yesterday, we are brought back to reality with the gift of these 3 blessings in their life...and in ours!

Greyson, 4, Will, 8, and Tate, 1

Happy 35th Birthday, Max!

Where did the years go??

A Look Back in History...with Pictures!

2011-02-15T15:04:00.000-06:00

Our resort, Cedar Rapids Lodge, began in 1933. I think back to that time...way before my time... and can only imagine what northern Minnesota was like back then. Harry Archer came here from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to settle and built one cabin a year for 7 years to begin the fishing camp.

Here's a few photos of those days...

One of the original cabins...

Another cabin from the 30s & 40s

Harry left in the 40s and Ray & Norma Williams bought the place. They improved the resort and built more cabins, a lodge, their home, a pool and built the business up for lots of families....some of those families are still vacationing here today!

More early photos...

An early postcard of the resort.

Another postcard advertising the resort.

The original lodge area from the 50s & 60s.

Another lodge photo...smoking was allowed inside!!

Shuffleboard continues to be a fun sport at the resort...this original game is still being played!

Ray Williams in one of the early fishing boats.

A great day fishing...a long time ago!

Postcard advertising the new playground in the 50s & 60s...

A family group coming in from fishing!

A new pool in the 60s...this changed the whole vision of the resort from a fishing camp to a "family" resort. It was a great addition to the resort!

This cabin sat "over" the water's edge...it was torn down in the late 70s to make room for a new cabin...but we've heard lots of wonderful stories from the families who stayed in this cabin.

I could go on and post pictures right through 2010...but just wanted to share a piece of the history of our resort. You can visit our resort website here to see updated photos of the resort...and even make a reservation for your family for 2011! Making vacation memories is priceless...and we promise you won't be disappointed!

Keep reading our blog for updates on our newest cabin being built....and give us a call if you'd like to start your own family traditions at Cedar Rapids Lodge!

Happy Birthday, Jen!

2011-02-12T12:09:00.001-06:00

37 years ago we were blessed with this bundle of joy!

Her Daddy was in the Army...Jen was born at the Ft. Sill, OK army hospital...and she was free!

My cost was $10.50 for 3 days of meals while we were in the hospital.

We spent the next 9 months in Oklahoma...

Jen & her friend, Sira born a day apart....6 months old...our apartment complex pool area..

.both daddies were in the Army.

We had a one bedroom apartment...$125/month with pool!

Jen slept in our bedroom...we were cozy!

Jen...10 months...Steve's Army time was done and we moved

back to Illinois, close to grandparents & family.

Jen at 1 yr. old with Grandma's dolls

When Jen was 2 yrs. 2 weeks old, her brother, Max, was born!

We lived in Eureka IL and Daddy had a new grocery store...

Jen at 4 yrs. old...

When Jen was 5, brother Sam was born...we lived on Maple Drive in

Eureka IL, and vacationed in Wisconsin & Minnesota.

Yes...when Jen was 10, she was blessed with another brother, John!

She had ordered a sister, but instead we got this 10 lb. bundle...

and she quickly fell in love with him...and he with her!

3 years later, this family left our roots in Illinois and moved to Minnesota...

and the rest is history...Jen grew up at the resort and met the love of her life and

now she has been given these special gifts....

And so have we!!

Happy Birthday, Jen!! I dreamed of growing up and having my own little girl...

and you fulfilled that dream!

Happy 1st Birthday, Tate!

2011-02-08T22:31:00.000-06:00

A special little girl celebrated her birthday this past weekend. Tate is our youngest grandchild...the 3rd little girl's birthday that we have celebrated in the last year! When our first grandchild was born 8 years ago, we didn't know there would be 6 little grandsons born before we had a granddaughter...then we get blessed with 3 little girls in one year. What fun! And oh, so much pink! We've enjoyed these little girls and all their ruffles and frills...and celebrating a 1st birthday for the youngest one is a very special day!

Now, when you've never had a birthday, balloons within reach are a real treat!

And that 1st birthday cake is special too!

Papa Steve shows off his littlest princess in her birthday bib...

And Nana shows off the fancy tutu and baby legs...so festive for the party!

And getting to eat the cake is the best part of all!!

Happy Birthday, Emerson Tate!

You're our 9th little blessing and just as special as the 1st one was!!

2011 Winter Update

2011-01-26T21:59:00.000-06:00

Okay...we've seen way too much of this neighbor! He's Mike...he plows our driveway whenever it needs it...which is several times so far this winter! And February & March can be the snowiest months of the year in Minnesota! Ugh! Mike really does a nice job for us...we just wish we didn't need him anymore.

Winter is long here...and sometimes we look for something exciting to do...this week Steve wanted to take the flag down...he noticed it wasn't flying right, so I thought it would be an adventure to hike through the snow to the flagpole with him! The dog got so excited when we both stepped outside with our boots on!

There's Steve hiking through the almost thigh-high snow with the dog close behind...and me taking pictures along the journey...

The hook broke...so we had to take it down for awhile...the dog is nearly swallowed by the snow!

I can't remember this much snow on the picnic tables...

The Weber grills look like coneheads in the snow...

Our January has been busy babysitting this little urchin and her brother every Tuesday & Thursday. Jen took a long-term sub job for 7 weeks and we got the bonus job! Jillian and Nathan entertain us...and we sleep well after they go home!

Well, sometimes Papa sneaks a nap while they're here...he's growing some "Papa Fur" as Nathan calls it!

And the cabin construction continues. The cold sub-zero weather last week halted all work for several days. The wind and -25 to -40 temps just didn't work to try and heat the cabin with portable heaters.

But this week is warmer and the electrician came to hang lighting and Steve & Kurt started hanging cupboards...

Beautiful hickory cupboards!

Lighting in kitchen and dining area...

Ceiling fan and lights in living room & dining area. That wall is crying for a quilt to hang on it!

Steve's trying to finish the drywall, but it's a little cool for the mud to dry so we can paint...we'll have to wait for a little warmer weather...or get the furnace installed!

Winter is more than half over, isn't it???

Despite Snow...Cabin #7 Getting Done!

2011-01-13T15:24:00.000-06:00

I finally put my boots and winter clothes on and hiked down to the "new" cabin #7. Wow...I had not walked down there for a couple of weeks...these pictures will show the progress...

Kitchen area...sink will be under window...stove on center of big wall.

Kitchen stove wall to the left...huge wall with log beam...hallway...living room on right.

Lakeside queen bedroom...east side has queen bedroom too...both downstairs.

Stairway before railing added...TV/fireplace will be in right corner of living room.

You can see the bedrooms down the hall...

Standing on first stairway landing looking upstairs...Steve is standing at entry to large bedroom upstairs.

Lakeside window and eastside window of large bedroom upstairs. Thinking maybe queen bed, full bed, twin bed and futon with TV area upstairs...

lakeside

east side...elfun trail out the window...

Full bath on main level...upstairs will have full tub/shower unit.

Standing on steps, looking at front door of cabin...huge windows for lots of light.

This picture makes the cabin look huge...it's the same size as the old one, but with the cathedral ceiling, it makes the cabin look so much bigger and more spacious!

We can't wait for all of you to see it! And now, Mel, you get to stay in it!!! We're so excited for it to be finished. The pine inside was pre-finished, so Steve doesn't have to do varnishing all winter! We're getting really smart in our old age! Sometimes I wish we were 10 years younger so we could do this life that much longer...it is way too much fun...and all you special people who stay here every year make our job the best!

We'll see you all soon! Check back for more pictures as these guys get the job done! If it ever quits snowing, we might get to start on cabin #6 too! It's going to get a second story of we get enough work time this spring!! Stay tuned...and have a great weekend...

Christmas with 9 under 9!!

2011-01-11T13:50:00.000-06:00

Oh my...blessings abounded within the Addler family this Christmas! We all were able to gather at Max & Sara's house this year for our family gathering around the Christmas tree. Every year I pray that no one will get sick...and all those littles stayed healthy! If you're not related to us, you might get a little bored by all the photos, but my sister in Mongolia will appreciate them...so just look and read and experience all the joy that we did watching the miracle of Christmas through our grandchildrens' eyes.

The evening started with the first quiet photo of our newlyweds spending their first Christmas together as a married couple! The noise level of 9 children might deter them from parenthood for awhile...on the other hand, they're as crazy as the kids and love em all!

Alicia & John...1st Christmas married 2010...the calm before the storm...

Our attempt to take a picture of all of them...before gifts were opened!

The party begins with Nathan checking out his first package...(it's his very own cordless vacuum)

Greyson & Lucien, both 3, checking out their batwing ships...

A happy Nana sitting with her 3 little girls...with their new babies...they all were mesmerized by the fact that the dolls' eyes opened and closed...

Miss Tate started walking all over a few weeks ago...she's the youngest at 10 months old.

Jill & Monica are 4 months apart and should be best buds...if they can learn to share!

They could pass for twins...almost the same size.

Papa always has someone in his lap waiting for a story...

There's almost always a wrestling match with so many little boys...and big boys too!

Monica cuddling her new baby...

Nathan entertaining Uncle John & Aunt Alicia...(he likes her hair too)

Will, the oldest, entertained us one evening with his magic show...

Our littlest princess posing in her rocker with her Christmas outfit...

Tate's t-shirt says it all..."Happy Birthday Jesus"...

A shout out to our guests...

2011-01-07T13:52:00.000-06:00

I know...I have not posted pictures from our Christmas celebrations with our kids & grandkids...I'll get to that. Today I just need to share some photos and give a big thanks to our guests, wherever they are...and you know who you are! But first...winter at Cedar Rapids Lodge...

This is the view out my living room window...

A cold blustery day...snow blowing the sidewalk shut...

Tracks in the snow from Steve filling the feeders...the dog going out for a quick trip...squirrel footprints.

Part of the cleared walkway showing the depth of the snow!

There are now 2 ice fishing houses on the lake...probably more to come. One has not been used since it was put on in early December, so we hope to be watching when the guy tries to move it...won't be an easy task. The other house has been used 2-3 times. Fishing in the winter seems like such a dull sport...but I know there are some die-hards out there who love it.

Now...onto the important part of this posting today...our faithful guests! WE LOVE YOU! We sat here last fall when the phone didn't ring, wondering if we should take our cabin availability off of our website. We thought that having that option on our website eliminated so many calls that we were unable to chat with prospective guests and convince them to come a different week...well, there's still some thoughts in that area, but only where it concerns brand new, never been here before visitors. I'm talking about my died in the wool, show up every year, have fun, go home and tell friends about us, repeat guests. Our phone started ringing at Christmas time, our inbox filled up about that time too.

We send out a Christmas newsletter in December that also includes their reservation confirmation, asking them to send their deposit by January 7th if they want their cabin for 2011. Now, let's get real, we all have guests who we know are coming and they don't respond immediately. Do you cancel them? Good grief, no! You wait a few days after the due date, call or email and remind them. Well, by the looks of our mailbox the past week, we don't have many guests to call. They are coming...or they've let me know that they can't make it this year, but they'll be back. After 24 years in the business, we always hate to lose a guest, but most of the time they skip a year and come back...at least we hope they do. Am I rambling? I hope not. This part of the winter is a make or break time for our business. We want to know that our guests will be here...we can finish that new cabin and know that it will be filled for the season...plan other projects and know that someone will appreciate the improvements. Wanna know the best thing we did last year for our guests? Here it is...

It's the Carpetball Game that Steve built last winter...this game was played with standing room only everyday of the summer...

And all ages enjoyed it!

This added structure was a very close second to carpetball...

A real pirate ship was added to the playground area...

and yes...the grandkids were a deciding factor in building it!

The warm summer days were also spent doing this....

There were several tournaments held and the players loved the water version.

Well, have we convinced you yet that we run a fun place?? Perhaps the fact that we have a menu and will cook for you if you don't feel like fixing your own food...and 2010 was the first year for this sandwich...

Handmade pork tenderloin...need I say more?

Have we piqued your curiosity for our vacation place? If so, check us out HERE. But do it fast! Our wonderful guests for 2011 have not left many cabins open for you! If you check the cabin availability and don't see what you need, just email us or call us. We'd love to put you on our waiting list...or perhaps we can offer you another week...

If you've decided that a family vacation is an important part of your family's life...and you like tenderloins...give us a try! Just be prepared...if you have kids, we're good...we always convince them to bring their parents back every year!

Happy New Year Everyone...Take a Vacation this Year!!

Special Delivery

2010-12-21T22:00:00.000-06:00

This grandma is very excited to share the holidays with all our little munchkins! There are several reasons why...it's always fun to just watch all the grandkids together and see the fun they have with each other. This year is our first Christmas with 3 little granddaughters....and I think the gifts and the little girls' outfits...might add a little bit of ruffles, bows and girlie stuff to the occasion.

Jillian is the oldest...

then Monica...

and Miss Tate is the youngest of the crew!

This year I get to buy these for my girlies....

3 little Bitty Babies with eyes the same color as the little girl who's getting each one. I have inspected each baby to make sure they're ready for their new homes...they will each have a new blankie to cuddle in...and I think even the mommys will ooh and aah when Jillian, Monica and Tate get to open this present. I have been a doll lover for my whole life, and I always remember the smell of a new doll on Christmas morning...it's heavenly to me! I have most of Jen's dolls from her childhood...except for those we have been able to sneak home with Jill...I love having babies at my house for the little ones to play with, but also can't wait to share stories with these little girls about my love of dolls...and encourage that love in each of them.
I know that my granddaughters love me, but there's a certain guy that they're all crazy about...he lives with me...and he's totally smitten with these little girls...

Jillian, 21 months, lives the closest and hardly leaves Papa's side when she's here to visit.

Monica, 17 months, figured out this summer that her and Papa had something in common...they both like ice cream!!

Tate, 10 months, loves Papa, too, and already knows that he is the resident "book" guy...you can bring him

a book anytime and he is always ready to read...and all the grandkids love that!

Here's our wall of blessings...

It's newly created, so the pictures need tweaking and they're a little crooked and I'm sure we'll change out the pictures as we get new ones...and these little ones grow another year older...but we feel as the verse states...we "give thanks" for these 9 blessings in our lives and we get to spend the holidays with all of them....and their parents(our kids).

Merry Christmas...may you all have dollies to buy...and trucks...and dinosaurs...and Star Wars guys...or whatever your little ones are dreaming of.

And don't forget to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus! He's the most important reason for this season!

December musings...

2010-12-19T22:45:00.000-06:00

Oh boy, this month is flying by and still lots to do before Christmas! Does everyone feel this way? I'm really not stressing. I start the season with lots of ideas and projects I'd like to get done...then I reach a point where what got done is it...and no need to worry about what didn't get done! Every year I have this vision of making a lap quilt for all my kids and a fun new blankie for all the grandkids...who am I kidding!! I'd have to go somewhere for 2 weeks with no phone and no family...it's not worth it! Christmas will come and everyone will have gifts to open...and the reason for the season is Jesus...not presents...or unfinished quilts! Thank goodness! But...I did get some cute little blankies made...3 for my little granddaughters' new baby dolls and 1 for a grandniece(wow, that makes me old)...here's the little blanket for Rowan Elise Swigart.

It's a quilt made with 2 fabrics and is a self-binding quilt. I found the link here for the instructions.

Her directions are very easy for a beginner or a seasoned sewer. It goes together fast and you can use

any flannels or fleece fabrics.

Continuing with December news...we had visitors this weekend. Sam came up with Ben, 5, and Lucien, 3, and left mommy at home with Monica, 1. John & Alicia also came up...the big kids played in an alumni basketball tournament in Blackduck...and the little kids got to play with Papa & Nana. We went outside and the boys tried the winter sports...let's call it hockey/golf...you decide...

Lucien setting up the ball/puck

He could hit it further on brick rather than snow!

On Saturday afternoon, 3 more cousins added to the fun and the 4 boys took some quiet time to watch a movie...

Calvin, 6, Ben, 5, Lucien, 3, and Nathan, 4....a rare moment of no one in motion!

This Nana loves spending time with all these little guys...they grow up too fast! Christmases will come and go, but the memories of our time with grandchildren is so precious!

I hope all the grandmas and grandpas get lots of cuddle time during the holidays with their little ones!

Merry Christmas!

Cabin Update....and Christmas Decor at Nana's...

2010-12-07T14:50:00.000-06:00

Cabin #7 is progressing beautifully! Steve says the work is ahead of schedule. All the windows are in and the cabin is all insulated inside, ready for plastic covering and then the drywall and pine walls can begin. The cooler temps have slowed everyone down a little. The propane heaters help keep the inside warm, but the outside log siding will wait until warmer temps.

Here's cabin #7 with windows, soffetts and green shingles...covered with snow!

Here's the upstairs room/window...all insulated and ready for pine walls.

Here's the view out that window to the lake...frozen with one fishhouse out there

so far. It'll be a beautiful view of the sunsets next summer!

Inside our house...Christmas is brewing. The tree is decorated, the window is filled with

all things musical...

And this munchkin is one of 9 frequent visitors who make sure they're all singing at the same time!

This is a sleigh & reindeer that Steve made in 8th grade...our kids and

now the grandkids, love playing with it and re-arranging everything...wait...

Santa seems to be missing...

Oh...there he is, in the cradle next to Linus...hmmm, wonder who did that?

Could it be this short person? She seems to rearrange the Snoopy

display every chance she gets!

Here's what it looks like on a good day....who am I kidding...

a good day is whenever there's short people playing with the decorations!

Oh...looks like the "rearranger" visited the nativity scene too!

And aren't the little ones who touch and play and rearrange the magic

of Christmas?? We certainly think so!

Happy Holidays at your house...and hope there's someone to move things around for you too!

Happy 90th, John!

2010-11-30T14:49:00.000-06:00

We celebrated a very special birthday on November 21st! Steve and I traveled to Illinois for his Dad's 90th birthday....a birthday that Hallmark celebrates with only one choice of a "Happy 90th" card! I guess that means it's a rare occasion in one's life.

John Addler is one of those "rare" people. He is an amazing person. He was born in 1920, one of 4 kids to Mabel & John Sr. He graduated from Manual High School in Peoria IL in 1938.

This is a bicycle he made with a friend!

He went to work at Caterpillar, leaving for a period to join forces in the Navy during the war. He and his brother, Bill, were both in the service, which must have been a very tough time for his Mom.

Bill & John 1944

They came home from the war and John returned to Caterpillar, where he retired in 1979. We always tell the story of our son, John, when he was very young, asking Grandpa if he ever worked! Our John never knew Grandpa John with a job...he thought he was just made to fish and golf! And he has fulfilled those "retirement" occupations well. He plays golf every single day that he can...and he plays like a pro! Our oldest, Max, grew up to be a golf pro and I can't help but think that his grandpa had some influence over him! And Sam is not afraid to tackle any repair job, big or small, so we just know grandpa had a hand in that confidence! Sam followed Grandpa around at the resort when he was only 8, watching him fix whatever needed fixing!

We bought our resort in 1987 and John has been here every single spring and fall since then. In our early years at the resort, he came to work in the spring...with my Dad. One spring, Steve assigned them both the job of painting the pool. I only wish I had pictures of that day! We laughed so hard. The old pool had a very steep slope from the shallow end to the deep end...so those crazy guys tied themselves to each other and painted...we all knew that if one fell, the other one would follow...but it was just funny watching them paint, thinking they were both "safe and secure" with that flimsy rope! The next spring neither one of them showed up early enough to paint the pool...I guess we burned them out in one year! They both quickly learned their jobs...John called my Dad "Sparky", because he did all the electric work, priding himself on not turning the power off...and getting shocked good a time or 2! My Dad called John "Plumb", because he was the water guy...taking care of dripping sinks every spring and fixing water leaks...they worked well together for several years!

We've had some great stories from Grandpa John over the years. A few years ago, Grandpa made this comment that we've shared many times since then. He said, "I always thought computers were going to be a fad; but, then again, I thought that about cars too!" Our kids never laughed so hard when he told them that! Several years ago, a friend of Grandpa's cancelled his week, but called from the hospital to re-book the cabin for the following year...this guy, Perce, was approaching 90 at the time. Steve was amazed that he was concerned about his cabin at his age...when Grandpa commented, "At my age, I won't even buy green bananas!" The stories just never end!

The blessings we have had with this man in our lives for so many years is that all of our grandkids,

his great-grandkids, know him very well. Even Jill, who's 20 months old, sees his picture and says "grandpa addler". What a delight! He has taken his great-grandsons fishing, just like he did with his grandsons...and granddaughter...many times.

This fall, John had some great fishing stories...and these pictures prove it!

These pictures are 2 of my favorites...these little guys love their Grandpa "ADD"eler, as they call him...

We think Nathan & Great-Grandpa look so much alike with their glasses on!

Ben and Great-Grandpa at the beach

He also became the Master at "playhouse" building...reading the instructions for this playhouse and becoming the "Head Contractor" for building this popular attraction at the resort this summer!

How can I say enough about this wonderful man?? He's a gift from God that we have been blessed with...and we can all only strive to be like him! He takes such good care of himself, but he knows these physical bodies don't last forever. He knows where he's going and he's not afraid. His faith is an example to his entire family. We all love him and his kids all got to share his 90th birthday cake with him! And it was a yummy Dairy Queen cake...

The John Addler family - November 21, 2010

Happy Birthday, Dad! We think you'll be celebrating with many more

Dairy Queen cakes!

We love you!

The Construction Continues....and Winter Arrives!

2010-11-17T18:34:00.000-06:00

I find myself taking pictures of the cabin progress...and then can't find the time to update the blog!

So....here's a progression of pictures that should show the cabin is getting done! And it's going to be awesome! This week the carpenters have fought the weather...we've really been fortunate this fall with warm weather, but winter is finally coming. We had snow flurries today and some slick roads....ugh! Now it will be a long time before we see spring...

But....we get to varnish and decorate a cabin this winter...that will be fun!

Here's the progress photos....

You can see the design of the cabin...2 story, open ceiling...

Here's Wrigley checking out the upstairs of the cabin...one giant bedroom!

And here's the cool "log" beam in the living room...

This photo is for Jennifer Seidel...we put windows back into the back of

the cabin...like the original cabin had! She requested this!

This picture was taken today...shingles, carport, windows, door...progress!

Picture taken from stairway...white area will be large windows in living/dining area!

So...the cabin construction is going well...we're hoping the heavy snow holds off until

we get most of the work done!

Check back for more pictures....

and Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Birthday to John...and his Mom...

2010-11-10T16:54:00.000-06:00

27 years ago, this Mom had a baby....a 10 pound baby! He was supposed to be a girl, according to his 10 year old sister....his 8 yr. old and 5 yr. old brothers really didn't have an opinion. But that big sister thought 2 brothers was enough for any girl and she ordered a girl and she thought that's exactly what God would give her! Well, her Mommy told her that at least it wouldn't be 6 brothers like the Mommy had! And gee, I love em all...and I did finally get a sister after 4 brothers...but when this 10 pound baby arrived in our house, we decided we probably wouldn't hit that "6 boys & 2 girls" status that my parents had accomplished!
So....the 10 year old sister went back to sleep the morning that she was told by phone that she had another brother...but let me tell you, when we brought that darling baby boy home the next day, she became his big sister and his other mommy...and life was good! Enjoy these memories...I sure did!

John Kenneth (about 24 hours old)

Max & Jen excited about their new brother...

Sam loved to climb in the crib with his baby brother...

Our family picture 1984...not one of us aware of what God had planned for us

just 3 years later....

And yes, this 4th baby was born on his Mother's birthday...so from that point on, he got to choose the cake,

he got the glory each November 9th....but isn't that what any Mom would let their cute baby boy do??

Happy Birthday, John...you will never forget your Mother's birthday, will you!

Birthdays...a New Cabin...and a Haircut!

2010-11-03T22:04:00.000-05:00

Birthdays...

Well, the wonderful guy I live with turned 60 last week! We were invited to dinner at the Bloomquist house and Papa got a birthday hat, a homemade apple pie and even candles! It was exciting...much more exciting than celebrating by ourselves!

Then we traveled to Shakopee and celebrated this little guy's birthday...

Lucien turned 3 just one day after Papa's birthday! We celebrated with cousins and aunts and uncles, grandpas and grandmas and friends too! He had an exciting day!

Then Papa and I drove to Brainerd for our 3 day resort conference. We had a great time seeing all our resort owner friends, listening to stories from the summer and gathering a wealth of information to help us all be better resort owners. Steve was the conference chairman and he did a wonderful job...and we were glad when the conference was over and we could come home to this....

a new cabin #7 being built!!

Steve and Wrigley are checking out the work done while we were gone....it was just a concrete slab 4 days ago!

The steps leading to the second story...a giant bedroom and second bathroom for the cabin!

These pictures were taken yesterday...and now the guys worked all day today

and have even more done...

(more photos to come later)

And....even the dog looked different when we picked her up at the kennel....

She got a new haircut and even got a bath! Katie takes very good care of her there!

Thanks Katie!!

Wrigley loves the kennel because Katie is there...she lives across the road from us

and Wrigley has known her forever!

And the weather...well, this fall will be remembered as one of the warmest! We've had

frost a couple of times, but we're still enjoying warm days! Hope it lasts so we can get

the cabin finished before winter gets here!!