winter in the wisconsin woods

When will we be there? The little one always asks as we approach the Minnesota/Wisconsin border. My response is look for the river, as soon as we cross the St. Croix river we'll be in Wisconsin. Over the river and into the woods, to the woodland retreat we go.

The wood chopping has picked up and I think I'm well on my way to a cord. My stance is better and my technique is improving. Dave tells me to release the anger while the axe makes the long swing from behind my shoulders to the log standing in front of me. It helps. Even with high temps in the thirties during the day, we had the fire going most of the time we were outside which means most of the time we were at the trailer retreat.

In the woods there is lots of snow. We wandered around in our snow pants and big boots. There were deer and bunny trails to follow, and the size of the poo indicated that the one we chose was that of a white-tail deer. We saw a few dart past, not a one decided to linger.

Snow pants and snow girls and snow forts and snow angels. Snow snow snow. The weekend was all about the snow. How to dress properly for the snow, how to wash dishes in the snow, how to make use of the snow, how to stay warm in the snow. The amount of gloves and hats that need to be rotated in when others are wet is ridiculous but necessary.

Warm gloves, warm hats, warm tea, warm hearts, warm words, warm love.

Yeah, I'd say it was a wonderful weekend and one that I didn't want to end.