Warm hearts

This January was the warmest in Minnesota since 1846. It's back in the 20's again and we got two inches of snow last night. You could practically hear the sigh of relief from the natives.

Shoot

Hunts over. Some high school students found it after six clues. We had the park right, though, and how the medallion would be hidden. Close, but no prize.

The Hunt is on

The Medallion Hunt* started on Saturday. Should have been Sunday, but they released the clue early. I haven't been out to dig yet, but I've been doing a lot of noodling. Second clue identified in what the medallion is hidden. A Pearson's Nut Goodie wrapper (local candy maker, very tasty!). See...

Son of Pear, hometown fare,
The nut of this year’s quest.
Sweetest patty, never a baddie,
Covers the prize at rest.

*Medallion Hunt is sponsored by the Pioneer Press. The medallion is hidden somewhere on public land in Ramsey Co. A new clue to it's location is released every day. For some, it's a local obsession.

De-decked

Sad, but true. This weekend I repacked my holiday decorations (except the mini-tree which will go back up for Susan's arrival). The tree was especially crispy, so removing the lights was both easy and messy. Made the whole place smell good. It took me a while to clean up most of the needles (never say all, they hide). Now everything is in boxes waiting to go back downstairs. Usually the apartment feels empty when Christmas is gone, but this year it doesn't. Could be because I'm still planning things to do with it. Just have to wait until I can afford it.

Susan's trip is all planned out. We've got reservations where needed, lots of Winter Carnival things to see and do, and plenty of downtime to just hang out. Weather permitting, we are going snow tubing! Like sledding, but on a real hill (which is good because I have neither sled nor hill). Looks like it will be lots of fun.

Thus far I'm dragging on my New Year's resolutions, but kicking tail on my To Do list.

Making a list, checking it twice

I love making a list and then crossing things off. I got lots of home stuff done this weekend and then made big lists of other things I want to get done. I'm still hanging on to Christmas by my fingernails. It's not done until Susan comes to visit at the end of the month. The Tree is not going to last that long, though. It's dead. It stopped taking in new water a week ago. Now I tiptoe past it as to not loosen any needles. I still have a few friends I want to invite over to admire it, but if they don't see it by this weekend, they may have to just admire the photos.

New Year

New Years was wonderful. I don't think I've ever been through that many states on New Year's day before. Unfortunately, I've come back with a cold. Mild but annoying. So I've taken it easy the last few days (which the cat loves). I cleaned house and am working on a grocery list. Mostly I sit on the couch and admire my Christmas tree.