Back to Basics

We love our place. In the summer it is grand, with its huge piers and motorized boats. However, my favorite time is the "off" season. I've never had the mechanical ability to repair boat motors, and it takes an accomplished crew to bring the big piers in and out. It is good to have a time of year when you aren't dependent on others.

Now, it's just me, my wife, and a little row boat. Nice and simple. In a little while the row boat will give way to the winter kayaks for moving across the fresh ice (propelled by Phillips screwdrivers in lieu of paddles). When the ice is thick enough--foot power will be the means of coming and going.

That is the wonder of living on an island. It will not allow you to become a couch potato. Every day you are compelled (if you want to get your mail) to get out of your cozy home and go forth into the wonder of winter. Every day there are new patterns in the ice and different birds coming and going. There is the brisk chill of a fresh winter day and the incredible brightness of the ice field that is the lake.

Here's to a good winter!

Leaves, Leaves, Leaves

Just about done I'm happy to say. There's a lot of work to raking leaves, but it keeps us in shape, and we wouldn't sacrifice a single tree to ease the burden.

Happy Halloween!

From our home to your home. May you have a great Autumn!

Fall Comes to Big Island

Big Island sits off the front door of Treasure Island on Lake Manitou. Here we see a fine start to Autumn--leaves all aglow in the waning light of a beautiful Indian Summer day.

Going Going Gone

The Point Deck was a place of good times and happy days to so many people over the years. It's seen birthdays, weddings, and fishing contests. It's been a place to relax for a multitude of guests. Now it is time for a redo. The foundation needs a bit of work. Wood can only last for so long in a lake environment. The replacement deck stands as a stack of 98 sixteen foot boards on the sea wall. Soon we will have a new platform and a new cycle of memories.

The Hibiscus are Back

Each year they seem prettier than the year before. Enjoy!

Fishing in the Front Yard

If you're looking for a trophy catch--we recommend you take the pontoon to the head of the lake, or White Creek. However, we have a young angler proving once again that fishing can be fun from the front pier.