Dolphins of Everglades City

Last May while we were on our way into Everglades City Pam shot this video of the dolphins playing in our wake. Being the computer geek that I am it took me this long to figure out how to get it on the blog. You can tell we are technologically challenged by listening to the end of Pam's commentary.
 I must confess that I couldn't have transferred this video to the blog without my trusty Popiel Pocket Thinking Cap. (see below)

Beam Me up Scotty!

Pam the Stalker

So I'm just getting settled on the sofa late Saturday afternoon when Pam says to me. "Let's go over and see Sig Hansen". Now this wasn't the first time she had mentioned this outing, just the first time today. She's been bugging me all week about going to see the star of The Deadliest Catch who was making an appearance at the Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque.

Not wanting to disappoint my bride I got my carcass up, put on my best sweatshirt and away we went. Upon arrival at the casino we found a line of people waiting to see Sig that looked to be about an hour long. Immediately I had flashbacks to my times at Disney World waiting to get on Mr. Toads Wild Ride! Needless to say we got in line and wound our way up to Sig. Sig of course is the captain of the Northwestern fishing boat on Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel. I didn't know Pam even knew who he was! We shook hands, exchanged pleasantries, and asked to have our picture taken with him. Let me tell you this was the highlight of the day for Pam. She stood between the two of us and got a big squeeze from Sig while the picture was snapped.

Our impression of him is of a very nice man. Patient and congenial considering he probably shook hands, answered questions, and took pictures with groupies like us for over 2 hours. He even commented on what a beautiful area we live in.

Hey Sig! I'm here too!

 While we stood in line we found out that The Mighty Short Bus was going to be playing later in the bar. One of my son Ryan's best friends is the lead singer for the group. Let me just say that these guys are good! They're based out of Madison, Wis. and play throughout the Midwest.

Thought I'd include a few scenes of the Mississippi as it looks right now for all of you who may be in the southern latitudes.

Lock chamber at Lock & Dam 11, Dubuque, IA.

Looking south over the main channel of the river with the Wisconsin bridge in the distance.

Trailer parking. Really?

Dubuque Marina

Unfortunately the weight of the snow and ice caused the roof of the dock Tourist used to reside in at Mid-Town Marina to collapse. These are (were) 50' covered slips.

Ours was the third slip out.

One More Haircut

That's right. I have one more haircut before Pam & I head south. Back when we wintered Tourist here in the cold, snowy north country I used to count down the number of haircuts I had remaining before we could start boating again in the spring. Same thing now but a different season and location.

Pam decided "we" needed to get rid of the wallpaper in the downstairs bathroom and while "we're" at it replace the sink, faucets, and light fixture. Not having had a lot of experience in this arena I'm slowly working my way through it. Fortunately Pam gives me a break periodically to get out in the community and see what's new!

View of the Mississippi above Lock 11 a few weeks ago.

Our backyard after freezing rain and snow.

Found this larger than life reproduction of Grant Woods' American Gothic in Dubuque, Ia. Looks like Mr. either sprouted some white hair or has a bad case of dandruff!

We're bracing for another 4" to 6" of snow tonight. Thank God. I was afraid I wouldn't get to use the snow blower anymore before we got out of here!

Highlight of the week; watching Grandson Luke in his H.S. wrestling meet. He lost a close decision after having 2 points deducted for body slamming his opponent. I thought it was wrestling not a limp wristed game of tag!

Winter Wonderland

They'd been predicting it for a week. But then how often is the weatherman accurate? Well, maybe this time! We woke up Saturday to 8" of fresh, fluffy, beautiful* snow.

First view from our deck. I'll bet our friends in Florida wish they were here with us!

The snow blower got a workout and so did I while Pam cheered me on from inside the house.

On the Oscar front the new Mom, & Dad, along with Franklin arrived home Saturday. Now as I write this they have experienced first hand the joys of parenting. I think you spell that "sleepless night"!

Think this grandma isn't proud?

So what you ask do we do here when the weather outside is frightful?

You get together with Mike & Nancy to watch the Packer game. Nancy insists everyone has on the appropriate apparel. My Packer lounge pants weren't quite enough to satisfy her dress code so I had to wear the Christmas Packer hat. Since I don't have a big head I had to utilize my big ears to keep it from sliding down over my face. Oh yeah. The Pack won!!!

*Just trying to convince myself that I like it!

HELLO OSCAR!!!

Franklin Matthew Diercks (a.k.a. Oscar)
Born 5:52 pm Wednesday 12/1/2010
8lbs. 11oz. and 22" long