More blowing and drifting forecast for Coyote Ridge for the next few days. Wind chills expected to be -25-35 degrees.
If we get much more snow on my country lane, I won't know where to put it.

Over the Top...But Not Really

I try not to be controversial here and I think I am still above the line in my thinking on this one.
What you are about to read below is not a condemnation of our medical care for seniors, but instead an eye opener.
I hate sweeping generalizations, but the person who wrote this has some pretty thought provoking observations.
Here you go........


Here's the way it should be

Let's put the seniors in jail and the criminals in nursing homes.

This would correct two things in one motion:


Seniors would have access to showers, hobbies and walks.
They would receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs, etc.
They would receive money instead of having to pay it out.
They would have constant video monitoring, so they would be helped instantly if they fell or needed assistance.
Bedding would be washed twice a week and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them.
A guard would check on them every 20 minutes.
All meals and snacks would be brought to them
They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose.
They would have access to a library, weight/fitness room, spiritual counseling, a pool and education...and free admission to in-house concerts by nationally recognized entertainment artists.
Simple clothing - I.e.., shoes, slippers, pj's - and legal aid would be free, upon request.
There would be private, secure rooms provided for all with an outdoor exercise yard complete with gardens.
Each senior would have a P.C., T.V., phone and radio in their room at no cost.
They would receive daily phone calls.
There would be a board of directors to hear any complaints and the ACLU would fight for their rights and protection.
The guards would have a code of conduct to be strictly adhered to, with attorneys available, at no charge to protect the seniors and their families from abuse or neglect.

As for the criminals :



They would receive cold food.
They would be left alone and unsupervised.
They would receive showers once a week.
They would live in tiny rooms, for which they would have to pay $5,000 per month.
They would have no hope of ever getting out.

Maybe one day we will have our priorities straight! What do you think?

A Party

Yesterday we celebrated the 60th wedding anniversary of Sue's folks, Molly and Harv. We had been trying to do that for a month but heavy snow and high winds thwarted those plans until yesterday.
It was a nice sunny day (-6 degrees} so we decided to all meet at a great Mexican restaurant in Owatonna, Minnesota mid-afternoon.
Of course we have a few pictures to remember the day. We took more, but they were a bit blurry so I didn't include them. Sorry if you don't see yourself.













If I do say so myself....what a fine group of people!
The food was outstanding and the portions more that ample. In fact, there is plenty left over for tonight....yum!
Before going to the party yesterday, we stopped at Fleet Farm for some shopping. If they don't have what you are looking for, you don't need it. Man, what a cool store!
After we left the restaurant we went over to Sue's brother's house. Mark and Janet as such good hosts and everyone is very comfortable at their home.
At about 7:00 we decided to head back home. It is a short drive, only about 45 minutes.
By then the temperatures were already falling. By the time we dropped Sue's folks off and arrived back out to Coyote Ridge, the temps had already fallen to 15 below.
A fire in the fireplace quickly took they chill off and all was good.

Cold

Much of the Midwest woke up to ridiculous temperatures this morning. Out here at Coyote Ridge we dipped down to -24 degrees...and yes, that was the actual temperature. I won't even say what the wind chill was!
I did happen to catch the outside temperature inside the truck after we started "warming up".

I can't complain too much as our neighbors to the North in International Falls, MN checked in with -46 degrees this morning.
A warm up is on the way tomorrow with our high expected to be 10 above.
As a "real" Minnesotan, I am looking forward to not having to wear a coat tomorrow.

Long Overdue

Can you believe it is past the middle of January already? I say that for several reasons.
1. We are getting tired of winter
2. I have not posted in almost two weeks
3. I am trying to justify in my mind the fact that I have been too lazy to post any updates.
The winter here at Coyote Ridge has been one for the record books already. We already have our allotment of snow for the entire season. While the snowfall is up, the temperatures are down. By the end of the week our highs will be lucky to reach zero while our lows approach 20 below.
But, I must say....it is beautiful!
I am finally getting around to posting some pictures from Christmas. We visited my folks in Des Moines and had a great time visiting with the family.
Of course I have a few pictures to share.
They include my folks, brother and his wife, niece, nephew and assorted spouses and friends.








It was really nice to spend Christmas with the Des Moines crew. My folks are very much involved with life and all it has to offer. They have slowed down a little, but considering Dad is almost 91 and Mom 88 years old, they get around great and try not to let the grass grow under their feet.

Foxes Invade Coyote Ridge

The past two mornings we have had the pleasure of watching some foxes hunting for food here at Coyote Ridge.
I know they are serious about hunting, but we get the biggest charge when they leap into the air an pounce on their prey.
I was able to get a few pictures for you. They are not the best quality as I was shooting through a window and screen...but you will get the general idea.
Feel free to click on the image for a larger picture.










There is always something to be seen out here at Coyote Ridge...you just have to be looking at the right time.