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One of the true “follower of dreams” is Ellen Southern.

(Click on Ellen for previous background information.)

Ellen touched base this afternoon about our day.

It was a good day, starting with a wintery (and cold) dog sled outing with two very nice people, Cindy and Bob from Brighton.

Just look at the joy on this new musher’s face. Cindy ~ You’re a natural!

Followed in the late afternoon with the company of good friend, Amy; enjoying the dogs, sharing chores, and looking forward to a BBQ chicken dinner in my Barbie oven and some chat time.

I attempted to coax Ellen over to our cabin for a night of dinner, lively conversation, and critter talk, but chores and battling snow prevailed at Serendipity Ranch, Ellen’s slice of Heaven.

Upon arriving at the Wee House tonight, I found this email waiting for me.

It prompted me to present another installment of “Livin’ the Dream”. Ellen style.

Sherry,

Ellen

SIDEBAR from WW:

Scott and Helen Nearing. (Click on names.)

I have two of their eighteen books ~ Living the Good Life, and Continuing the Good Life. (The Maple Sugar Book is on my list to purchase.)

Although icons of simple living, I can’t relate to them entirely.

Why? They didn’t have animals.

Animals are our lifeblood. I can’t imagine living any other way.

I would bet the farm that Ellen couldn’t either.

I pray we will continue to do so for many years to come.

Doug agrees and seconds that motion.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

Pro/Con, Good/Evil, Starsky/Hutch, Lucy/Ethel…There always seems to be a balance. Good…bad. Funny…not so funny.

It’s official. Today, our tiny shower is finally out of commission due to the freezing temps.

It will be spring before we have a shower at Russ-Stick Acres.

(Hmmm…I hope my co-workers aren’t reading this.)

That’s the bad news.

The good news is, late in the day I went to the airport in Traverse City to meet my son, Charlie (Click on Charlie) his wife Kristina, and my grandson David.

SIDE BAR: That video was shot years ago, when Charlie first began the business of producing Christian films. He had just graduated from Hope College, and Compass Academy in Grand Rapids, when he got his “calling”. For the record…I said “Go for it!”, although little did I know he would leave Michigan for good, and years later, encourage his younger golfer brother to do the same.

As I’m driving to the airport, I’m listening to live coverage unfold by Sean Hannity about the US Airway’s LaGuardia flight that ditched in the Hudson River.

I fought the urge to drive faster to the airport.

The fact I had difficulty seeing made me temper that urge.

I was experiencing a small battle of my own, just trying to GET to the airport.

All the while… listening to the crash details unfold surrounding the New York flight.

Finally…

I reach Grand Traverse Bay.

They arrive!

It took them just about as long to get from Chicago to Traverse City, as it did getting me from Russ-Stick Acres to Traverse City.

While waiting at the airport, I had a nice chat with my ex-husband, Dave, and his wife, Annie, (in picture) catching up on family news. I actually traveled to California with the duo, when Charlie and Kristina got married a couple years ago.

It warms a mother’s heart to see her son with his son.

This is David’s first trip to Michigan.

Stretching those legs from the long flight.

News is, David did better than I do on flights.

Hmmm…I bet he will be a natural musher too.

Coming from 80 degree temps, he will have an interesting introduction to Michigan weather.

Coldest day of the winter today.

The best news…the luggage made it.

All is right with the world.

In our small world anyway.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

When I started my year-long quest to do a daily post to our Russ-Stick Ramblings Blog, I had no idea how much I would depend on my computer to make it happen.

Well, Tuesday night, in the chilly air, the only thing that froze up was my Word Press Blog.

I was ready to “put it to bed”, as they say in the world of publication. With finger raised in the air, I ceremoniously went to hit the “Publish” button. Nothing. Nada. Nothin’ doin’. A white page.

I chalked it up to being late at night when Internet use is at its peak, or the computer being jammed with my constant downloads.

However I knew I was in trouble at 5 a.m. the next morning when I attempted to finish the job. Again, white.

Not to fret. No reason to fret. Because, bottom line, I’m not in charge.

I’ve learned over the past few years that God places burdens in our way for very specific reasons.

I’m fairly certain no one saw me panic when the rain graced our Lance Mackey weekend. As it was, it made us all come together, under the tents.

It gave us mushers a chance to show Lance what we were made of. Let a little rain bother us? No sweat.

There’s always a reason for the bump in the road. We may not find out for days, months or even years. So now, when things don’t go quite right, I try and remember…I’m not in charge.

And honestly, isn’t it a relief to know we aren’t in charge?

And now…my Blog…albeit late:

One day Chicken Little was walking in the woods when — KERPLUNK — an acorn fell on her head. “Oh my goodness!” said Chicken Little. “The sky is falling! I must go and tell the king.”

It’s early morning Tuesday ~ a week day ~ a work day.

I trudge through the snow on the trail heading from the Wee House to the main cabin, exaggerating my stomping boots, like a child in a mud puddle.

I like to hear the dull crunch left by each passing step in the cold frigid air.

“House dogs” leading the way.

On a weekday, I usually find Rustic Russ standing near the coffee pot or feeding the wood stove, gearing up for his second round of chores, which includes warming the truck and placing a single can of Pepsi (my morning caffeine) in the console in case I forget to do so.

On the weekend, he comes to me at the Wee House, hauling a plastic red sled loaded down with a day’s supply of wood. Last Sunday his arms were loaded as he arrived at 9:00 a.m.. An apple, bottle of water, can of Pepsi, Chips/Dip, and a Pay Day candy bar. He must have thought I needed nourishment. The apple was a nice touch.

Early mornings during the week days are kept simple. Easy.

Yet difficult, as I unwillingly extract myself from my rustic life to go out among the English. A quick wash of the face with hot water and I’m almost ready to leave for work. I say a silent thank you for the water at my finger tips. Tomorrow I may not be so fortunate. Most years we lose our cabin water, taking us back to the early days of heating hauled water on the wood stove.

I turn on the TV news for humor, and to light the tiny cabin, as I finish getting ready, and to see if the world is still intact.

I like to see what the top stories are in the “real world”. One day this week the two top “teaser” stories were: 1. Who wore what at the Golden Globes, and 2: PEBO was just about ready to make a decision on which type of dog would be selected for the White House. Obviously, it’s a slow news day, which is actually good.

I shake my head, watching the Peacock folks stand near their NBC building, in the “Plaza”, shivering from the cold, but unwilling to mess their hair with a hat, or don gloves while holding the microphone. Words like “Arctic Express, Freezing Temperatures, School closings” blare from the small rabbit-eared TV.

I think to myself…and say out loud to the dogs…when did winter weather become abnormal? When did cold weather justify such fear?

Is it because people have heard nothing in the last six months except for making planet Earth greener and Global Warming?

Do people not expect winter to occur any longer?

I recall Iditarod Champion, Mitch Seavey, quietly saying one of what I call his “Mitch-isms” on the Iditarod trail years ago.

A checkpoint checker commented on the frigid Alaska weather, to which Mitch cocked his head and replied “It’s kinda like Alaska or something.”

I respect and admire Mitch – always showing common sense.

Again, at a checkpoint several years ago, one of the checkers commented on the fact he was in a good mood, even though trail conditions were lousy. He looked her way, as if stunned, and replied “I choose to do this.” So simple, so profound, so Mitch.

For a year I had this uttered phrase scribbled on a sticky note on my computer at work as a reminder that I, too, had a choice.

The fear, the excitement, isn’t just on TV, although it begins there. I walked a couple blocks to get my lunch today from the small town restaurant. The local waitress, Sherri, was shocked I had walked, as it was cold outside. Cold, but refreshing. Life affirming, actually.

Truth be told, it was about 9 degrees. I didn’t have the heart to tell her I have washed my hair outside in temps of this caliber.

I try to imagine what most people would do if they joined our musher friends in Alaska for a day or a week during the -46 to -65 temps. It’s all relative.

A smart person once said, there is no inclement weather, only ill-prepared people.

Of course, you don’t want to be ignorant about the cold. Keep the 30-30-30 rule in mind. Known as the “30-30-30″ rule, it claims that at a temperature of -30° F, and a 30 knot wind, that unprotected flesh freezes in 30 seconds.

I do worry about the little kiddies waiting for the school bus with zippered jackets flying open and hats scattered about their book bags as they run about chasing each other with snowballs.

Those images blend into my day at the office. My entire day is weather worry with non-stop requests for heat and electric assistance ~ people on the verge of frozen pipes, empty propane tanks, and electric snuffed out homes.

Upon arriving home, I’m back in my element.

I’m at ease with the weather when I am at home.

Where cold weather is welcome and celebrated.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

Saturday morning came early.

I was still playing catch up from the week.

We got an early call that our scheduled Dogsledding 101 participant, Brian, had come down with a serious case of the stomach flu. Needless to say, we postponed our time with Brian until all is well.

Having given the dogs the cue something was up…we then decided both Rustic Russ and myself, and friend Amy, would hook up every dog in the dog yard and head on out for a stroll around the “block”. Rustic Russ with 6 dogs, Amy with a strong team of 5, and myself with my “Dream Team” of 4 and Doug. Doug is probably one of our most beautiful and largest dogs, however, he isn’t a strong puller. He just never has been.

I was excited. It had been a while since the dogs had been off the “property” trails and they would be excited to see new sights and smell new smells.

Little did I realize Amy and I were in for an exciting ride, even with 5 dogs each.

While Amy fed and played with the birds, I got our teams figured out. (Amy wasn’t as keen about writing on her hand as I was…she just used her memory skills.)

Once we got everyone harnessed and hooked up, we pulled the snub line and took off. 1 – 2 – 3.

We took the dogs through some of our trails and then off down the drive we went, onto the public road and beyond.

(Sans camera…Rustic Russ didn’t think it would be a good idea, not that I would fall or anything…just not a good idea…as he wanted me to enjoy the ride and didn’t want me worrying about the camera.)

The dogs were excited. Luckily, they were following Ranger’s lead and sticking very close to the Gee (right) side of the road. Actually, my team was sticking TOO close, as I was running over every clump of snow that lay near the bank.

Trying to stop on the road was next to futile, even with the bar brake grinding with pressure.

One of our first bouts of excitement was seeing a large dog run out to greet Rustic Russ’ team as his team stormed up an incline on our first leg of the outing.

As the stray dog swung back to check out the second team, I yelled for Amy to command her team to “On By!”. She did. They did. Hawk and Hans were good boys.

My “Dream Team” was a little more curious, and started to follow the big black dog back into his long driveway where a yellow Lab also waited. However, a no-nonsense “ON BY!” and my Union and Aliy got the point. They snapped back to attention and kept heading up the incline.

Rustic Russ would just fly ahead of us, but wait at every turn or difficult crossing.

At one point, he nearly lost his team as he was attempting to assist us, as his team decided to take off down a steep plowed road in the opposite direction of where we were heading. It seemed logical to them. He dove (Rustic Russ can be real fast when needed) and grabbed the gangline and while getting to his feet, he fished the line towards himself as he walked backwards and gently called to the rest of his team to follow his direction. They did. (Oh, if only I could be that calm.)

Having passed Amy with my team, I was directly behind Rustic Russ now.

Rustic Russ was shouting for me to assist Amy, who had difficulty getting over a steep berm and had lost her balance on the sled in the deep snow behind me. She was having difficulty righting the sled while hanging on, as the dogs lunged forward.

Realizing I could either help her now, or wait until her hold gave way and try and catch her passing driverless team, I nervously jammed my snow hook in the roadway and laid my sled over on top of the loose hook. It was moving along the surface with a jerking motion, as the dogs were anxious to move up to see Rustic Russ. Luckily, their jerking motion only served to set the snow hook. I was then able to go back and hold Amy’s leaders and gangline while she got back on the sled and straightened out.

At that point, Amy and I wondered what happened to this simple concept of “around the block”. Our block was proving to be a trip of inequities.

As we took off again, Amy passed me and left me trotting along as she gained speed and caught up to Rustic Russ.

We had called ahead to the Troyers, to tell them we would be coming by their Mustang ranch. They have several large dogs who might be excited to see us come by. As it was, they kept the dogs in the house for us and their dozen plus Mustangs gave us more than a second look as we went on by. As Deb Troyer waived from their large bay window, the horses in the field next to the house and barn bunched together and then trotted in a panicked huddle, tearing themselves away from their half-consumed round hay bales.

We finally got the hang of it and the rest of the trip was pretty uneventful, with the exception of my s – l – o – w dog team. Rustic Russ was flying, as I said. Amy wasn’t so bad herself. I could see her dogs loping. My old gal, Union, along with non-pulling Doug boy, wasn’t going to win any medals for speed, but that was just fine with me. Rustic Russ offered me another dog, but I declined.

It was nice to head back home and head down the drive and get back on our own trails. The dogs love our trails. You would think they would get tired of seeing the same trails, but they don’t.

It was a nice outing. All the dogs in the kennel enjoying a caravan on the rural roads of Mancelona. I’m sure we were quite the sight.

We ended with time spent in the dogs yard. Feeding, scooping, putting away equipment and doling out fresh hay to each dog.

The dogs were so content. Tired, full bellies, and curling in their warm, dry beds – both inside their dog houses and out. (Although their house entrance is clear of snow and looks like a little den inside the hay-filled blue barrel, our Siberians normally prefer to lay outside in the open air so we offer them comfort in both areas.)

I realized I had a pretty good thing going with camera in hand, shooting pics of Rustic Russ and Amy doing all the work. Shhhhhhhh….

However, I got the photo shot, while Amy got the Thank You. I’d say she got the better deal.

It doesn’t get any better than this.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

Congrats Laura!

(Seen here at the 2008 Shaw’s Training Session in Newberry – in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.)

Read on!

Since Rustic Russ and I honor the 4th Commandment, Sundays are pretty relaxed at our place. We have come to cherish our Sundays. Thus, our timeframes are altered just a tad.

Before I tell you about all the fun we had on Saturday, there are a couple newsworthy events worth mentioning.

1. Lance may be pulling from the Yukon Quest race. Having won the last 4 times, he may be making a decision to step back this year. Read why. Click here.

2. It was great to see all the race results for White Oak Classic and Tahquamenon. (Click on races for results.)

So many of our old (and new) friends did so well on their individual races. Congrats to everyone!

Special mention needs to go to Laura Bontrager who came in FIRST in the 6-Dog Sportsman running dogs owned by our dear friends, Bob & Jan Shaw.

Laura has been running dogs for many years at the Shaw’s and has grown up with the dogs, becoming a permanent fixture at the Shaw’s, both in the kennel and in their hearts.

Sharon Nelson-Curtice (L) and Jan Shaw (R) (with chili bowl in hand) ~ talking dogs.

Bob Shaw ~ heading out to check the teams at the Training Session.

Congrats to Bob and Jan Shaw for creating a line of “Shaw Dogs” over the years that continue to marvel and amaze us!

We thank you on a daily basis for our lead dog Ranger, a “Shaw Dog”, who came to us by way of Joann and Larry Fortier ~ Coyote Run Kennels. He’s an amazing dog. When Rustic Russ goes, Ranger is in single lead ~ it’s that simple. Now that is something to howl about!!

Coming right up ~ Part 2 ~ check back soon,

Woodswoman

Photo by Rustic Russ ~ after dropping me off at work Friday morning. This river is on my way to work.

Weekend Wrap Up is here.

Just in case you missed it, here are some top stories.

1. Posted today by Jeff King ~ Videos. (click on videos)

Our buddy Carrie (Jeff’s gal Friday) says The Rock Star has been having fun with a camera mounted on his sled.

Check out the trails and the cold temps (hovering around -40). (Thanks for that disclaimer on viewing Jason’s frost bitten toes Carrie.)

Don’t blink, or you might miss an awesome pass on a narrow trail by fellow Husky Homesteader, Dave DeCaro. (click on HH)

2. Musher Shaynee Seipke reached her goal of $250 in helping Hooper Bay! (click on goal)

Heck, why not put her OVER the goal? There is still time!

Best of luck to Shaynee as she competes at Tahq this weekend. Perhaps she can break the record she set last year.

3. Check out all the happenings at the Aurora 50/50 race. (click on race)

Hats off to Erin Redington (Ryan’s wife), brother-in-law Ray Redington, and Cim Smyth for exemplifying sportsmanship, putting dogs and people first, and just plain human compassion.

NOTE: Ryan will be coming to Russ-Stick Acres in August. Mark your calendar.

4. Bummer news ~ Tim Riley and Danny Glenn have officially withdrawn from their first attempt at Iditarod this March. (click on names & Iditarod)

Not to fret though. You haven’t seen the last of Tim Riley. He is on the race trail as this is being written, along with Michelle. White Oak Classic in Minnesota! (click on WOC).

NOTE: Tim will also be a speaker next August at Russ-Stick Acres with Dee Dee Jonrowe and Ryan Redington ~ on running dogs “old school”, trapping, and “reliance” living. Mark your calendar.

Hats off to both for all the hard work they have put toward that endeavor.

5. More bummer news.

Tasha (click on name) broke her fibula (one of the two leg bones) above the ankle in a skijoring “adventure” this past week. She reports she is in good spirits, albeit on the couch, which from what I can tell isn’t a place Tasha usually lingers. Surgery and a plate securing the bone will hopefully get her back on the trail as good as new, in record time.

SIDEBAR:

I can relate. It was only a couple years ago when I, too, broke my fibula above the ankle in mid-January.

It was a lazy winter afternoon at home. I was taking a picture of Rustic Russ and Idita-Brat, Andie, hauling wood with the dog teams. I was in the middle of making several food dishes on the wood cook stove when I thought I would grab a camera and capture the moment. Stepping out on the hard pack near the porch door, I whipped around to take another picture of Andie, lost my footing with the new slippers Rustic Russ had given me at Christmas, and came down hard in a twisted fashion. Snap. Not a sound you want to hear twice.

In the realization of what had happened, Andie watched from her dog team. With the assistance of Rustic Russ back into the house, I realized my winter was over. Done. Finished. Stick a fork in it.

I refused to go to the doctor that day. However, the next day the local Urgent Care confirmed my suspicion. (I also refused to take anything for pain, as I needed to feel the damage so as to not injure myself further.)

Rustic Russ had whittled me a “Tiny Tim” crutch out of wood to use until I made it to my first orthoped appointment in Petoskey later in the week.

For me, that was a dark day, as we dropped off our lead dog, Kiwi, next door at Jensen’s Animal Hospital to have one of his kidney’s removed. A very difficult and costly surgery. Worrying about his outcome took the attention away from my situation. We both recuperated – together.

I was in a cast (toes to knee) until late April. Crutches, a veritcal ladder loft to our sleeping quarters, not to mention outhouses, made for a tough combination. Picture if you will…Rustic Russ hoisting me on his shoulder and literally pushing me up, rung by rung, into the tiny enclosure in the loft flooring that leads to our bed. I still wince at the thought of that mighty feat. ‘Til death do us part.

Kiwi also got back on the trail the next fall and was with us for two more glorious years, until cancer invaded his other kidney and took this amazing dog from us after a long and stoic battle. Kiwi lives in our hearts forever.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

As I arrived home early yesterday, my furry winter friends were there to greet me.

One more day of work, then it is Freedom for the weekend.

TGIF (Today GOD is FIRST!)

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

Every morning, Monday through Friday, I awake and slowly come to the realization that the day is not mine to do as I please.

It belongs to my employer.

The State of Michigan.

I shake off the urge to fight or flight, and head off to my life as a bureaucratic mole.

As I pull away from Russ-Stick Acres, I lock the image into my mind’s eye…holding it there for reference throughout the day.

As I drive along the river road, I envision what it would be like behind a team of my favorite huskies.

Every morning, like clock work, like the clock-work turkeys they are, a large family steps out in front of my vehicle displaying no regard for my schedule.

Heading to breakfast at a horse farm.

Once at my destination, my office. I am there for 8+ hours. My room with a view.

Throughout the day, I think of one of my respected woodland creatures, the coyote.

I can relate to his sometimes unfortunate task of gnawing off a limb to escape a pesky trap.

Freedom must be attained at any cost.

I curse the fact I didn’t pursue a career that allowed movement, allowed freedom.

However, I have a room with a view.

Staring out my freedom window, I ache for a day I will be home at Russ-Stick Acres, Monday through Friday.

Some week nights, we are blessed with the company of good friends.

Tonight was one of those nights. Woodsman and good friend, Tim Riley, came for a visit and dinner.

It had been too long since Tim’s last visit to Russ-Stick Acres.

Rustic Russ was bringing him up to speed.

Rustic Russ explained the workings of the new mill.

Tim was glad to see how the place changed since his last visit, and stayed to enjoy a dinner in the cabin.

Good friends make good dinner companions.

Enjoying old friends and talking about life in the woods.

Having a nice dinner, a nice visit, and a special evening will make it a tad easier to start the process all over again the next day.

To resist the urge of fight or flight.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

This past fall, Rustic Russ and I met two amazing people at our Full Moon Fall Fling, featuring Alaskan Champion musher, Lance Mackey, and local musher, Tim Riley.

Gladwin, Michigan resident’s Scott Seipke and his musher daughter, Shaynee.

Even though Shaynee and I had not met, she was no stranger to me. I had heard stories of her Good Samaritan deeds performed throughout the night of the “challenging” 2007 Midnight Run, in addition to other random acts of kindness on many mushing trails.

As Shaynee heads to the Tahquamenon Race (click on Tahq Race) this coming weekend, she is reaching out to folks to assist others in need.

I felt compelled to let RSA (Russ-Stick Acres) be a PSA (Public Service Announcement) for this amazing cause. Jump on board if you feel so inclined. You’ll know when you are touched to give. It’s a great feeling to follow through, even if it is a teeny tiny amount.

NOTE: Last year, at Tahq, Shaynee broke a course record in the 19 mile, 6-dog Sportsman race.

Take it away Shaynee:

Hey everybody!

P.S. Race updates will be at: www.tcsdr.org

Thank you readers.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman