EAGLES!!!

We now have two Bald Eagles working the Eastern shore between the Elks and the county ramp. One plucked something from the lake--couldn't tell whether is was a duck or a fish--and flew to the tree on the point halfway between the Elks and White Creek. We never get tired of watching them. Here's hoping a nest follows.

Happy New Year

There always seems to be a moment on a cloudy day, when the sun finds a place to shine through. Maybe that makes a good New Year's wish. May the sun shine through for all your days in 2012.

First Snow

We add some lights to the flag pole for the holidays.

The first snow of any substance. It's been a pretty forgiving winter so far.

Merry Christmas!

With very best wishes from Treasure Island.

The Birdy Bush

It is the lady of the island's habit to put a row of sunflower seeds on the railing of the kitchen deck at the beginning of each day.

We have a flock of sparrows on the island that is quite dispersed among the many trees. That is, until they hear the call "birdy, birdy, birdy." Then they all fly to the bush at the kitchen deck railing to watch eagerly as the morning's snack is laid out.

I could only catch a representative few with my little camera. Often the center of the bush will hold another twenty or so.

The Squirrels are always happy to help with the clean up.

The Deck is Done

Finished! Little did we know there would be so much foundation work to do. Many of the support boards along the sea wall had to be replaced and shot with new anchors. Nearly 800 pounds of concrete and five new posts were installed to shore up the center sections.

The point deck should be good for thirty more years. If only I could say that about myself!

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!