Grandma Barb’s This and That

Friday, February 21, 2014

Embracing snow and cold

We are a hardy bunch here in Minnesota and a lot of us them are embracing the snow and cold.  However I am not one of them.

Here are 5 ways to enjoy the winter here in Minnesota.

1.  Ice Fishing


2. Snowmobiling

3.Visiting the Ice Caves on Lake Superior.  This photo was shared by my daughter.  She and my son-in-law visited the caves on a very cold day.  You can see more photos of the caves here. I hope you will take the time to check out them out.  They are really something to see and it only happens once about every 5 years or so.  Thousands of people have been visiting them every day.



4. Walking in the snow



5.  Or like me, sitting by the fire looking out at the activity



I know many of you are sick of the snow but there are some that are still enjoying it.  Not me.

Sharing with Nancy over at a Rural Journal for Random 5 Friday.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great weekend!

See you next time
Barb

58 comments:

My Maine Blog said...

Hi Barb...I love your photos and it looks just like Maine especially the fish houses out on the ice. We have so many ponds and lakes scattered with them too. I've been gone for a while and I started a new blog...well kind of...I changed the name but in the process I lost all of my friends so I'm sending you my new blog address in the hopes that you'll be able to find me again. Thanks..Kathy Here it is...
http://gratitudeattitudeatforty-fourlatitude.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Hi Barb, These are lovely photos and that is interesting about the caves. Like you, I would prefer to be sitting by the awesome fireplace! Have a nice weekend.

Pamela Gordon said...

We've had a nice break from the snow that they're having back home while here in Alberta but it has been a long, cold and snowy winter for us all. These are really pretty snowy photos. Enjoy your cozy fireplace.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I wish I lived close to those ice caves they are incredible. I as you know enjoy the winter but even this winter was a little colder than I could handle most days. Oh the fire looks like a nice place to park:). Almost spring . hug B

Carole M. said...

the ice fishing and the caves shot are my faves. I can't imagine how fish can actually 'swim' in freezing water. You'd think they'd be frozen through. Poor things, not only enduring the cold but then to unfortunately pick up a food source on the end of a hook

Unknown said...

Wishing I lived closer as I would love to see the ice caves. Have seen several newscasts about them. I too am not a winter person, preferring to stay inside.

Vee said...

I just started to enjoy the snow in the past couple of weeks, believe it or not, now I'm wishing that I had been on board a lot sooner because it has been fun. Not that I won't be ready to say goodbye pretty soon. Besides all that, we're buried!

Mari said...

I've heard there are ice caves in the upper peninsula too. I'd love to see them, but then I want to go back to that fireplace!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i am not sure what is better the fire, the ice fishing (because i have always wanted to see it in person.), of the ice caves. awesome!! loved this post. so fun to see what is happening in your neck of the woods. stay warm. ( :

Barb said...

Barb! I can't believe you're not enjoying your snow (it's so beautiful). I love the shapes that ice makes. However, I've never really understood ice fishing.

TexWisGirl said...

neat that your kids got to see the ice caves. another blogger pal from wis. went to see them this weekend, too. :)

i like those colorful ice shacks. :) hardy bunch, for sure!

Nancy said...

When someone mentions ice fishing I always think of the movie "Dirty Old Men".....It looks like it would be a cold adventure to me....The ice caves are amazing. I'd love to see them....Your rock fireplace is

Nancy said...

it sent the other one before I was through...how rude...anyway I was saying I love your rock fireplace and I bet you have really enjoyed sitting in front of it this winter....

Brian King said...

Great winter shots! I love the ice fishing photo! That's cool!

Beth said...

I am with you on not enjoying the snow. Enough is enough!!

Great photos Barb!

Lisa Sall - Sall's Country Life said...

I'm with you tired of the cold! But, I have to say your photos are all awesome. some prospective holiday cards here! Oh, let's just enjoy it - it'll be hotter than you-know-what before we know it!

Prims By The Water said...

I have seen these pics of the Apostle Island caves..wish I lived closer to make the trek..so cool! Wonderful pics! Janice

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

I would be sitting right where you are, Barb - in front of that gorgeous fireplace! We saw the ice caves on the 6:00 news the other night - they did a great story on them. They are so beautiful. Love all the colorful ice shacks on the lake!(And your pretty blog header) Keep cozy. xo Karen

Karen said...

Oh, I'd love to see those ice caves! Still lots of snow here, and more to come. I don't mind winter.

Stewart M said...

I think I'd give all of those a go! But I can see the attraction of the last one!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Elaine said...

I saw those ice caves on TV--fabulous! Your winter activities are pretty much the same here, but there's also skiing, both cross country and downhill, dog mushing, skijoring, ice hockey, both inside and out, and of course there's ice sculpting. We don't have the fireplace, but I'm pretty content to spend a lot of time indoors too, with maybe an occasional walk for some winter photos. We don't get the wind here like you do, so it's a little easier to get out and about.

Lynn said...

I've recently seen these ice caves, they are AMAZING. I used to accompany my Dad and Uncles ice fishing, not my favourite past time, we didn't have little houses like this though, warmth and possible a nice chair to rest in :-). Great photos all...

Latane Barton said...

I like the 'sitting by the fire' idea. Guess I don't like being cold. Hugs to you, Barb.

Cranberry Morning said...

I think this time of year we can go ahead and embrace it, because the days are getting longer, the sun is hotter, and there is HOPE that it will be gone in another month (or so). I would love to have been up at Superior to see the caves.

Karen Lakis said...

The ice caves are fantastic! I'm still embracing the snow - for the most part. Although sometimes, it's just sitting by the fire as you are. Spring will be here eventually - hang in there! :-)

My Little Home and Garden said...

The cozy fire does looks inviting! I also like all of the colourful fishing huts; it must be a chilly way to catch dinner.

Gail Dixon said...

Love these images! Those ice caves are really something special. Cannot imagine that kind of cold though. I think I'd be parked in front of that fireplace too!

carol l mckenna said...

Gorgeous wintry photos ~ love all the activities ~ the colorful Ice Fishing House ~ walking in the snow and of course, the fireside ~ Beautiful~ thanks ^_^
Happy Weekend to you .

artmusedog and carol
www.acreativeharbor.com

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Oh I'm with you - a cup of tea - a cookie or two and a nice fire. I never did get that ice fishing thing - everyone looks so cold and miserable - and I'd worry about going through the ice - but I'm that kind of gal. LOL

Jeanne said...

Love your shots and how it is "snowing" in some of them. I have seen some interesting things about those ice caves, but have never personally seen them. I used to spend alot of time as a little girl up in Minnesota. My family had a cabin there and we spent much time in the summers there as my father LOVED to fish. Hugs to you from Texas! so also I saw that Roseate Spoonbill here, but you have loons which I just love!

Rose said...

Move over--I want to sit there with you!

Olive said...

I admire you hardy ones. I can give hardy tips for 103 degree weather if you need those. Thank you so much for your comment today-truly I have been gone so long I did not know if anyone at all would drop by. You are the best, Olive

eileeninmd said...

Great series of photos. After this winter, I decided I am not much of a winter person. I do enjoy seeing the photos, the ice caves are cool. The fireplace does look warm and cozy! Have a happy weekend!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Barb, your pics are amazing but I am right there with you sitting by the fire. The snow caves are awesome.
Wishing you warmer days soon.
Till then, hot chocolate by the fire sounds like a good idea.

Hugs

JOY @ http://joysjotsshots.blogspot.com/ said...

Ice fishing folks know how to be colorful. Snowflakes decorate the snow mobile pic perfectly. I'm with you at the fire place. Are these the caves people are walking on the lake to see while otherwise you can only see them by boat? EnJOYed seeing a part of your world.

Debbie said...

WoW Barb, these images are gorgeous!! Loved the images of the ice fishing but all are really wonderful!!

A really great post!!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

It sure has been a snowy cold winter! We are still digging out from the last one!

Our photos said...

Great series of winter photos!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Those ice shacks remind me of my childhood- when we lived in Goose Bay Labrador. I would love to see the ice caves- how cool! But yes...your fire looks most inviting, and that is probably where I would spend a lot of time. Have a great Sunday Barb!

Nancy said...

I saw a clip about the ice caves on tv and thought wow! Thanks for sharing your snowy images with us Barb. xo

Anonymous said...

Oh, the joys of winter! Great shots.

Carletta said...

I have never understood ice fishing but this made for a colorful scene.
We saw the ice caves on tv the other night as well. I was so enviouS of watching the story. What an experience!

EG CameraGirl said...

Beautiful photos, Barb. Yes, I am one of the ones still enjoying snow. I like embracing each season as it comes but I know most do not agree with me.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

What a wonderful photo of those ice caves! ( all the photos are lovely but I was just amazed at that one and followed your link as well :)

renae said...

Fun post, Barb. Seeing the goodness of winter and sharing. Thanks

Hey, try it! Get your sparkles with a fun sweatshirt. You never know til you try it? hahahahaha

Ailime said...

Olá Barb, absolutamente fantásticas as suas as fotos! A neve é deslumbrante e na verdade pode oferecer-nos momentos únicos!
Adorei as cavernas de gelo! Momentos memoráveis! Abraços e boa semana. Ailime

Our Neck of the Woods said...

The ice caves look awesome! But I'm with you - so over winter and the cold and snow. So I will sit by the fire with you :)

amanda said...

More often than not, I've been choosing the fire, too!

Many people we know have gone to see the ice caves. I love that area, and have always wanted to see it frozen, but between temps & crowds, we didn't do it. I heard that the thousands of people have been braking the icicles off, which is a shame. Still - a wondrous site!

Snow is so deep here now, we're running out of places to push it when we plow our long & winding driveway. It's taken on the "tunnel effect!"

Enjoy the fire, Barb!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'm so behind on blog reading. I'm glad I found this before I missed it! So interesting about the ice caves. I'd still be a wimp when it comes to driving on the ice covered lakes, tho. :) I'm with you, Barb, on No. 5. I'd rather be inside looking out most winter days! Stay warm and have a nice week!

Birgitta said...

So nice photos and I like the snow effect!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

This is very reminiscent of our area. We had some ice caves form up in Leland and thousands flocked to it too. The water broke up and they became unstable the other day. These were formed right out on Lake Michigan about a 1/4 mile out from shore. I did not go because I'm not fond of going out on frozen lakes or the cold! Winter won't let go here either. We're back in the deep freeze this week.

Unknown said...

So nice winter and great winter hobbies, one must use the seasons we have.
Winter is so nice when it's snowing, and then it is so good to come in and snuggle up by the fireplace after a Outdoor Day.
Good Tuesday from Marit.

Nell at njschout said...

Those ice caves must be amazing! The warm fire looks good too, though.

lenalima said...

Minha nossa, quanto frio...detesto
gosto de verão! obrigada pelo carinho! bjssssssss

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Barb;
What an amazing winter pictures! The ice caves are beautiful♡♡♡
I smiled with the word "not me", I wish I could see these marvelous scene.
Take care and have a warm day inside;

Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*

Betsy said...

I love snow and we didn't get enough where I am. Need to visit the snow caves in Michigan sometime. Love that fireplace with stone.
betsy

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Those are some amazing winter pictures Barb. It's cold here in Jersey but not that cold. I'm like you and would be sitting by the fireplace staying nice and warm.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Great photo of the Ice Caves! I bet they had a blast! Yes I am tired of winter too, if it would just get above zero I would be happier! Stay warm:)