Hey Hey the gang is all here, well almost. Deer Camp here at Lake Iwanttobethere. The wet weather has continued right into opening morning here at camp. Sometime during the night the light drizzle turn into snow and in places where it is cold enough it has stuck. Looking out from the kitchen window the assortment of pickups and trailers have a thin covering of white stuff on them. I will not be hunting this year but still have made it to deer camp to help out as much as I can. Someone has to be around to remember to put wood in the old stove and not burn the eggs.

Yesterday afternoon the guys started to show up, the uncles and cousins and friends that make there way to deer camp each year. In the old days it might just be a hour drive for some or for me just minutes. But now some of the guys they have to catch a plane to get here. One of the uncles and his son had to drive through a blizzard to get here. We are getting just a mild wisp of that storm here now. To warm to really snow a lot and what snow we have will be gone by afternoon. What we do have is mud, lots and lots of mud. The trail coming into deer camp is slick and although there is no ruts there is some soft spots forming from all the traffic. Already the older guys are lecturing the younger guys about how they drive their atv's. Young guys won't be around when it comes time in mid summer to haul in some more rock and fill the holes. One of the cousins was made to strip out on the porch, he was covered in mud and we weren't going to let him drag that all in to the shack. He being new here asked where the shower was and was greeted with laughter as he was pointed to the creek.

Full house here on opening weekend. Like most deer camps there is a interesting mix of hunters here. The camp here is not a lot of family but just a lot of old friends and neighbors. The guys you hear me talk about all the time are here at deer camp. Of course Elmer is here, with his trusty 30-30 in the rack he has the bunk closest to the door. Chuck is here, that way we are guarantee Maple Syrup for breakfast. Reed the Realtor with a gag order on selling us anything. Sheriff Tim was suppose to be here but work called and he had to run to the other end of the lake. Frank the plow driver and Mark the mailman are busy in a hand of cribbage, that dollar they bet will just keep going back and forth between them. Hammering Hank and his father in law Marvin are also here for the first weekend. Elmer and Marvin have become friends so they are sipping Turkey and talking of things long before anyone else's time.

So as I look out the kitchen window here I can see tracks heading out like the fan on a turkey tail into the woods. Bout an hour from now guys will start making there way back to camp. I have chili simmering and rolls rising. I am sure there will be a few stories to pass on.. From Lake Iwanttobethere [84493]

Day two of deer camp brought on a few weather changes. The stove was still warm this morning when we got up as the young cousin decide that he would go through the night and keep it stoked. Seems that Elmer told him that as the NEW guy here at camp it is his job to make sure the fire stays burning. This morning the wind has died and the sun is out. Cold, crisp and clear just the way some of the guys like it. Two does were shot and a six pointer joined them hanging from the beam. Pressure is off as we have meat hanging and talk was loud and the smoke thick late into the night. Marvin, Hammering Hanks father in law shot his first deer, one of the does not thirty minutes into yesterday mornings hunt. Him being a city slicker from back east said it took him a long time to get his heart to beat normal and then he remembered you were to wait for awhile to make sure the deer was down. He forgot how long he was to wait and not until Elmer came by his stand to get him for lunch did he come down. Well everyone else was already back at the Hotel, as we call the deer camp and it took the two old guys awhile to drag that deer back to camp. When asked why they just didn't come back for help Elmer replied he did not want to have to walk back twice. Marvin as you can imagine was beaming through the night and was buying drinks. Elmer also told him that he had to put money in the cookie jar every time he poured some Turkey. Funny, this morning I looked in the cookie jar and all of Marvin's money was gone..

Marvin and Elmer slept in late this morning and are here sitting on the porch sipping hot coffee and waiting on who will return with the next deer. I added more fixing to the chili and now it has been simmering for about 24 hrs and getting mighty tasty. Some more rolls are rising above the old wood stove and there is Hamms on ice in the old blue cooler. Football game on at noon and I expected most of the guys will take an extended lunch and watch the game. Mouse problem is much better this year as the traps were checked during the week and I also brought to camp my two toms Buff and Smokie with me. The boys are three and a half and we have treated them like dogs. Meaning that they actually come when called by name and like the labs they do like to hunt. Smokie is about 14 pounds and his brother is just a tad smaller at 13 pounds, both are jet black and can only be told apart by their different colored collars. The guys being guys all raised objections when they came and saw the cats in the shack. But then as the day and evening went on the sound of mouse traps going off was few and far between but the cats were doing their job and they picked the young cousin to bring all of their catches to. As the evening wore on guys gathered around the big round table and cards were brought out. Funny how many laps the two black cats found their way to and how many guys were caught holding cards in one hand and petting a cat with the other.

This morning the two cats were sleeping at the head of the bed with Big Earl, we of course took a picture and will post in on the wall later. A big old chunk of prime rib is in the oven for supper tonight and wiping my hands on my apron I head out to the porch to see if anyone has come in. Sun is shinning but it is a bit nippy out. Elmer and Marvin are hunkered down in the chairs with their collars turn up against the wind. Marvin sees me and asks if I heard about his deer? I tell him yes and turn back to go in the shack. Elmer starts off by saying ' I remember my first deer it was way back in 19......" I stir the chili and add a log to the fire. From Lake Iwanttobethere {84530}

Midweek here at Deer camp, the weather has not changed and according to Sunshine Ray we are going to see several days of the same. Cloudy overcast skies, some rain and a few snow flakes. Things are looking pretty dreary. The only color is the splash of orange when you spot a hunter. Half the guys have return to town, Elmer and Marvin are still in camp, Marvin is enjoying his time here in the woods and away from his busy life back on the East coast. Even though he turned off his cell phone Elmer took the battery. No calls will be taken out here. The two of them did go into town last night, Even after a few days they did need a shower and they were running low on cigars and Wild Turkey. I brought the cats Buff and Smokie back to the cabin. They have done their job at the Hotel. Funny how when we were all playing poker the cats were missed by those whose luck at card playing had changed. The mice are not all gone and the sound of a trap snapping during the night can still be heard. Of course that is the least of your troubles trying to sleep in the hotel. Guys who always swear their wife's are lying about their snoring are now having contests over who can keep everyone awake. Hands down Big Earl is the best or the worst depending on how you look at it.

Well hunting has been slow, we have had four deer taken and all of them have been brought into Ma and Pa's for Pa to butcher for us. Food has been good and plenty of it. I will take credit for that as I am not hunting this year but am still at camp doing the cooking. I suppose I could have bought a license and I easily could just sit on the porch here and as the sun settles I could take a doe on the edge of the field. Every evening they move around the edge of the field and check out the feeder before heading back into the swamp. I have been doing some fixing and rearranging here during the day. Even playing with an idea of doing some expanding, maybe even a shower house would be nice. Of course everyone is in favor of that but no one wants to start working on that in the middle of season.

As far as I know no one has seen or heard anything about the big buck I call the Ghost. I am hoping he is still out there. The guys from the next shack down came by yesterday afternoon. They were looking for one of their "Guest" that seems to have gotten himself turned around. I asked in a round about way about the "Ghost" and they said they have seen tracks but, no they have not seen him.

I did make my way to the Lodge to check up on things and get a few cases of Hamms. Gus said the Lodge has been quiet during the day but has been busy after dark. A lot of blaze orange sitting in the chairs and a lot of stories being told. Rumor going on around about a big swamp buck being shot but no pictures yet. A young gal up the road shot her first deer the other day after asking her dad if she could sit alone. Her dad was in here beaming and receive a lot of congrats from other proud dads. Makes ya feel good when ya get to pass on a tradition. Bud and Barney were happy to see me when I picked up clean clothes back at the cabin and the wife had several apple pies waiting for me to take back to camp.

Well back to deer camp and I brought a few books that I have been meaning to read. No honey do list for me, at least for another week or so. So we will enjoy some quiet down time and see ya when we come out of the deep woods, From Lake Iwanttobethere [84664]

A mid week flurry and several deer are hanging from the beam. There is a little sag to it as a heavy doe and an eight point buck are hanging. With the second weekend of season coming to a close there are only a few tags left in camp. Today guys were out in the morning but everyone was back in camp for the football game and of course the disappointment of a loss. Some guys blame football for their drinking and other guys blame their drinking for watching football. Mark had the van backed up to the porch and we watched the game and did our annual repairs between plays. Actually there was not to much to do as it seems the guys are spending more time here on the off season. We looked through the log book kept on the kitchen table and everyone has made a trip or two and made an entry in the log.

We fired up the grill and did venison steaks for lunch today and a few of the guys who had there deer hanging went grouse hunting. Frank and Mark are still deep into their cribbage game and that dollar is looking pretty ragged. I lost count how many times it has been passed back and forth across the table. Still waiting on a nice day to show up, this past week it has been the same never ending cloudy overcast day the only difference is darkness interrupts it. A few snow showers and twice we woke up to a dusting on the hoods of the trucks. Soon as the wind came up the snow was blown away. The deer thermometer on the hotel wall has not dipped below twenty two nor has it risen much above thirty two. Wood pile has had a dent taken out of it but already we have dragged in some dead wood and this next week we will bring out the chain saw and do some cutting and splitting.

Marvin and Elmer have gone into stay at Elmers cabin for the rest of the season. They both scored on a couple of does and they hauled them to Elmers garage where Elmer will do his own butchering and make some sausage. I know the two of them are hoping for a decent sunny day to take the boat out and do some fishing. For now they have a blue tarp hanging on the railing around the edge of Elmers dock to block the wind. They are sipping something from a thermos that I don't want to taste. Even Elmer winces from time to time when he takes a sip from it. The only way you know they are out there is you can see there heads with their orange hats on bobbing behind the tarp and see two big red and white bobbers floating out front of the dock. Barney has gone out a few times to visit them but even he has given up on fishing. It does not take Barney long to return to the cabin and his spot on the floor in front of the fireplace.

I to am home for a few days, have some stuff that needs to be done and of course the never ending paper work at the Lodge. Don't want that to get to deep on my desk otherwise the only way to catch up is to just take it all and stick it in the fireplace. I have done that in the past and then people get upset with me for burning what they think are important papers. I figure if it is really important they will send it again. The new solar collector at the cabin is pretty much all done. Just have some fine tuning to do on it and until we get some sunshine I can't do that. I have plans on my desk for a new solar shed for out here at the lake. Got the approval from the wife but I have to take down two smaller sheds in exchange for building a new one. Now me if I need to store something I just build another shed, the wife things the property is starting to look like a compound so I have agree to take a few down in order to build a new one. I have not mentioned that I am thinking of a playhouse for the grand kids, but I'll let the grand kids work on grandma.

Well heading to the Lodge here, need to do some catching up with all the guys and I can hear a Hamms calling my name even from here. Heres hoping everyone has had a good deer season so far from Lake Iwanttobethere [85027]

Getting to be that time to start thinking about turkey day here at the Lake. I say that because I was down at Ma and Pa's checking up on our deer and I see there is a sign in the window about taking orders for turkeys and hams. Over at Amy's a sign also greets you when you come in asking for your pie orders to be placed early and don't forget to get plenty of dinner rolls. Seeing the sign I bought a bag of Amy's clover leaf rolls and brought them to the Lodge. No sooner had I dipped a bowl of chili and buttered a few rolls when the other rolls were quickly snatched up. A kind of quiet settle on that end of the bar except for the slurping of chili and the dipping of rolls.

That time of year to when it gets crisp in the morning. For some reason the smell of baked bread from Amy's seems to carry through the entire town on a day like today. She bakes everyday but when it gets cool the smell of bread just hangs in the air then. Traffic seems to slow when it goes past her shop. Another place is Del's Sub and Pizza shop. With most of the leaves down from the trees now, when Del shoots the pizza cannon off for a delivery the sound now carries across the waters of the lake. I am sure more then one new order has been called in because a pizza was seen skipping across the waters of Lake Iwanttobethere.

Windy the windmill is turning on top of the hill behind the Lodge. Has gotten that no one pays it much mind any more. Just like the recently painted water tower. We have gone through the summer and it is hard to remember what it looked like before the paint job. A slight dusting of snow fell overnight and most of it is already gone where the cars have driven down Main street. The sun comes out from behind the clouds for a few minutes at a time and slips back before it can do any melting. Earl down at the General Store was out on the porch with his broom and cleared his sidewalk before the first customer came through the door. The sale cart sits out on the sidewalk with window wash and a assortment of car brushes and even some of the long handled ones for pickups. The little bottles of yellow and red Heet are stacked on the bottom shelf, a reminder that it is going to get colder.

Masterbaiters shop has a few cars and trucks parked out front. It is a weigh station and a few guys in orange are talking outside the door. There is even a lonely pontoon trailer at the access, somebody is out fishing. Blaze orange is still the color of the day but there is but six days of season left. The other side of the lake is all done as they are in a different zone. Leaves are finally coming down off the apple trees and the deer have moved in to clean up around the base of the trees. They must be coming in during the cover of darkness because the wife said she has not seen them. A few apples still cling to the trees and of course there is enough for more pies but I can't reach them, even with the picker.

Hammering Hank and Skinny are having lunch and I have been told that they have Lodge work on their schedule for the afternoon. Picnic tables will be taken into the garage for storage and garbage cans will be moved closer to the trees so they won't get hit with the plow when the first snowfall comes. Windows will be washed and screens will all go to storage. We got a case of them new cfl light bulbs and they have been sitting collecting dust but Hank says he will get them all put in today. His wife Tess changed them all in his, I mean their cabin and they are a lot better then the ones he tried a few years back. Sounds like a lot of work to me so I am going to take the trail down to the bait shop and listen to some hunting stories and the soothing sounds of bait tanks bubbling, From Lake Iwanttobethere.. [85072]

Views from a stand, I was thinking the other day about all the different views from deer stands I have had over the years. Some were good and a few were almost perfect but it seems I always enjoyed the most the one that I was in at the time. When I was young high stands were the thing. I once climbed up a stand so tall that I was even with the crows that flew by. Had a great view of the swamp and I even got to watch from my vantage point a lone hunter walk into an island in the swamp and watch three deer sneak out the far side. Nothing I could do about it, I was so high and so far away and the tree tops were so skinny that even just a slight breeze made the entire stand sway from side to side.

My neighbor Pete took me once to his secret deer camp. After spending a night under the sleeping bag with mice running across the top of my head I was happy to throw some jelly between a couple of pancakes and follow him out to my stand. My stand was a couple of boards nailed between two birch trees. You needed a ladder to get from one rung to the next. He left me there and I just leaned up against the base of one of the trees, no way was I even going to try and climb that stand.

An uncle took pity on me and brought me to his camp for the weekend. The night before they drew straws for stands and I got stand number seven. Checking the map I made my way out to it the next morning and could not find it. I was told you can't miss it but I did. When the sun came up I did find the stand, well I found an ice house six feet off the ground. Making my way up the ladder the key that I was given did fit the padlock and I found myself in what some consider to be "the" deer stand. Carpet and a comfortable chair, even a heater and a shelf to put my lunch on. I didn't see a thing that day but I was comfortable.

Another buddy of mine took me out and put me on a trail, his instructions were to walk the trail and you will find stands along the way. Just spent some time in each stand and move on to the next when you start to get cold or bored. I followed the trail and spend time in a variety of stands along the way. Some were newer then others, all were uncomfortable as a stand needs to be built for the user. One stand that was only about four feet of the ground was constructed of pine branches. I climbed up and standing holding my rife in my arms heard a snap right before I fell through the floor to the ground. My arms hitting hand rails and the floor slowed my descent and I landed upright. I decided to finish the trail and avoid the remaining stands. When I told the buddy about the stand he just said normally you see a deer before you get that far.

As I get older I seem to have gotten broader and heavier. Deer stands are not as attractive as they used to be. I do a lot more still hunting now, Moving slowly down trails or through cedar swamps. My hunting partners who are all younger say I have a nack for it. Truth be known as you get older you just plain move slower. Now finding a nice tree to lean against or sit down on some pine needles is just as good as climbing that stand. Seems to be less wind down on the ground and I can see under the trees instead of having to look down through them. Lot going on down here. It may look quiet from up in the stand but there is a lot of things to keep you busy on the ground.

Everyone has spent time in the woods knows that after awhile things calm down and what looks to be lifeless is filled with life. It does not take long for mice to scamper across your boot tops or squirrels come to inspect you. If you are lucky they will say nothing and move on. If you are not so lucky they will broadcast that you are there and do a running play by play for anyone who will listen. Grouse will appear and they seem to know you are deer hunting and will strut in front of you and move along like an old girlfriend. You just don't exist anymore. Redheaded wood peckers will pick the tree you are sitting at to start slamming their heads against. The sound echoing out like a sledgehammer banging against a Buddha's temple gong. What was a quiet fall day is pretty loud here on the ground.

And just like that it goes all quiet, the mice disappear, the grouse are gone and the squirrel is quiet. You hear the fluttering of the woodpecker as it takes flight and moves through the woods away from you. You turn your head, cocking it to one side as you listen and hear something else in the woods. Letting your eyes follow your ears you see the movement of orange coming down the trail. Watching you can see and hear another hunter and then a second one off to his right. They move past you as you watch. Now you are stuck, do they see you sitting at the base of the tree? Should you wave or clear your throat.. You decide to stay still and watch. They move on by and in a few minutes they are gone from sight. You strain to listen to them and then their sounds are gone also. A moment later and the mouse reappears at your feet. The squirrel makes clucking sounds and you hear the peep of a grouse. Yes sometimes a stand does not have to be in the air a stand can be just about anywhere... From Lake Iwanttobethere [85126]

There is this apple that I can see from my window here at the cabin. I have been watching it since spring. Well I have been watching the same spot since Spring. The apple started off as a bud and then became an apple. I know it is the same apple because when I lean back in my chair here the apple is right behind the handle on the window. Just a little green round hard apple it started off as. Most of the time it was hid by leaves around it. As the summer went on the apple grew and after a time it got heavy and made the branch that it was on hang a little lower. The leaves reached skyward but the apple hung lower. We had a wind storm and a lot of the apples around it fell to the ground, but my apple, that apple, hung in there. Squirrels raided the tree late in the summer. Apples fell to the ground but still my apple hung in there.

Fall came and blue jays ran the squirrels off the tree. Using their long beaks they slashed at the apples, not eating anything just acting like a gang of bullies throwing their weight around. Guess what? My apple is still there. Grand kids came and picked apples, they missed my apple. Halloween came and trick or treaters raided the tree but they missed my apple. Every morning I sit in my chair and I check my e-mail, sometimes I have to wait to log in. I lean back in my chair and my eyes look out the window for my apple, still there, hanging from the tree.

Winter is here now, cold temps and more winds have stripped the tree of most of it's leaves. The apple, a bright ripe red hangs by itself. Almost like a Christmas decoration or a bright bobber. I suppose with the leaves all gone I could go out and pick it, be easy enough to see it standing under the tree. But I think I would rather keep leaning back in my chair every morning and check on it. It has already gotten me through Spring and Summer and deep into Fall. Maybe just maybe it will take me through Winter to another Spring and another fishing season.

I had this sitting in my writings folder, waiting for a good time to share it. Tonight as I sat in my darken den looking out the window with a cup of hot cocoa in hand I watched as a doe slowly worked her way around the bottom of the apple trees. Walking slowly she noses through the grass looking for apples. The ground has been picked bare but she came up to my tree and standing on her rear legs she reached up and plucked my apple! I got out of my chair and stood at the window, she must have seen my movement and looked back at me. I toasted her with my cup and gave her a short wave. She dropped down and looking at me chewed the apple and dipped her head, she looked like she needed it more then me. Tomorrow I'll start looking at that spot, just below the handle. In a few months perhaps, there will be a bud there. The start to another Spring and another Summer from Lake Iwanttobethere [85146]

Saw a funny thing this morning, the sun! Been almost two weeks of the same cloudy dreary overcast days. Matter of fact almost all of deer season has been spent with out a sunny day. Just as I was looking forward to getting out in it I stepped out on the deck and the wind took my hat away.. Bud soon ran it down and brought it back to me. I pulled it down a little tighter on my head and walked around the cabin to get out of the wind. Last weekend of deer season coming up and I have some things that just have to be done around the cabin before I head to the hotel for the last three days. For some reason the deck still has furniture on it and there are an assortment of plastic toys that the grand kids sit and ride on scattered about the lot. With my back up against the wall of the cabin I notice a lot of leaves in the yard also. Seems the wind is bring everything from Elmers yard to mine.

The lake does not look to inviting this morning, no ice but it looks cold. The reeds on the point are all brown and hanging over, their tops in the water. Not a duck or a goose to be seen just them flocks of small birds that fly like the blue angels, all making dips and turns as one. With the leaves down I can make out the squirrel nests in the Maple. Looks pretty big this year, hope that is not a sign of a colder then normal winter.

Was down at the General store yesterday, checking to see if Big Earl and his son Junior will be at deer camp. They have already filled their tags but it is kind of a thing for everyone to still show up on last day to eat, drink and tell stories of their hunt. No sooner had I came in the door and Earl took me to the side and told me I was just in time for some fun. A older gent who I recognized from a lake association meeting was just coming in the door. He was wearing a jogging suit like they do in the big city and had on one of them step counter things that you wear on your belt. He nodded at Big Earl and set off down the main isle. Earl unclipping the metal chain that blocks off the old wood stairs that lead up to his office waved me by. I went up the stairs and Earl re clipped the chain and followed me up.

At the top of the stairs behind a private do not enter sign Is the office door that leads to the command post of the General Store. Waiting for Earl to pull out his key ring attached to the chain on his belt I could see down from our vantage point the floor of the General Store. Following Earl in I was greeted by the tight confines of Earls office. Stacks of paper flyers and price stampers clutter his old oak desk. The phone with a couple of lights blinking and the microphone for making general announcements sat on the edge. Earl picking up a small two way radio clicked it on and said "Ready?" A double click could be heard in response.

Earl making his way around a few cases of Lake Iwanttobethere syrup and some sparkling spring water looked out the large window at the sales floor. Pointing out the guy in the jogging suit he explained to me what was about to happen. " See Bobby, that guy has been coming in here everyday rain or shine since he moved in, Lake Iwanttobethere does not have a Shopping Mall and since we are the biggest store in town he things this is his private walking gym. He never buys anything, just walks my isles with his nose in the air." I moved around the boxes of turkey platters and looked down through the glass at the sales floor, there moving briskly down the hardware isle was the guy in the suit. Earl picking up his radio said "Now" I could see Junior moving a pallet of windshield wash on a cart block the end of the hardware isle. Next he ran down the house wares isle to roll a cart of coffee makers blocking the end. The walker reaching the end of the hardware isle turn to find himself blocked by the windshield wash. He turned towards sporting but had to back track to house wares. Earl chuckling to himself continued to send directions to Junior who either removed or added pallets and boxes blocking the walkers path. Looking from our vantage point it was taking the shape of a maze! I joined in with Earl and now we were wrapped up in our own little game of blocking the walker. Taking turns we quickly made a side bet of five dollars on who could get the walker to go down the ladies hygiene isle. I lost and shortly thereafter the walker made his way to the main entrance and was out the door.

I offered the five bucks to Earl who turn it down. " Not a fair bet" he says " I have been doing this for weeks, it has only been your first time." Coming down the old wood stairs Junior is at the bottom waiting for us, a bottle of sparkling water in hand and dabbing his forehead with the end of his apron. " Coming to deer camp I ask" he nods yes and his dad gives him a pat on the back and the two of them start planning tomorrow's maze.

Well I guess I better get to work on that Honey Do List and then pick up my order at Ma and Pa's only a few more days of deer season and we will be back in the woods chasing grouse. From Lake Iwanttobethere [85219]

It's always something, I was getting ready to head out to the deer camp and I had the Dodge all loaded. I pulled out the drive and I noticed my blinker was not working either left or right. Knew right away what it was, a bad flasher. The Dodge likes to eat them for some reason. So I took a right and drove into town, a quick stop at the parts store and I would be back on my way. A few years ago Dan took over the local parts store from his uncle, a life long resident of Lake Iwanttobethere. From time to time we talk of Dan but mostly people around these parts know his big Saint Bernard Grace. Come to think of it has anyone ever heard of a small Saint Bernard?

I pulled up in front of the store and parked next to a big shinny pick up truck. Going in the store I got a nod from Dan as he was waiting on a guy at the parts counter. I chuckled to myself a little as the guy was the walker from the General Store. Not being in a real big hurry I did a little browsing. Coffee pot was on sitting over on the edge of the counter and I poured a splash into a foam cup. With a swizzle stick I stirred and wandered down the aisle. I saw a display of Turkey deep fryers and jugs of peanut oil. Turning back to the counter Dan was busy flipping through one of the many oil smeared parts books hanging in plastic binders on the counter. The Walker was tapping his finger on the counter saying something about getting the part cheaper in the big city and how Dan should price match the parts store there. Dan was saying he understood completely but you got to show him the price not just pick a number out of the air. About then Grace came wandering from the service area and walking up to the walker stepped on his white tennies with a grease covered paw. The Walker threw up his hands and stormed out of the shop. I slid up on to the wood stool at the counter and Dan closing the book poured himself a cup of coffee.

Grace found a spot on the floor, near the door and flopped down. The door open and J.D. walked in. Some what in a hurry he blurted out a quick HIYA and asked if he could cut in. I waved my hand and said go right ahead. J.D. Needed a thermostat for his Ford and Dan reached under the counter and pulled up the keyboard. With a few quick keystrokes he had a part number and turn behind him and place the box on the counter. J.D. paid and was out the door before Dan could close the register. " Say Dan, does the walker guy know you have a computer?" "Na, he thinks we are a hick town so when ever I see him drive up I just put the keyboard under the counter and make a deal going through the books, guy never buys anything anyway" With that Dan walked over to a shelf and tossed a flasher on the counter, You looking for that" he asked. " Yup, how did ya know?" "Saw the lack of turn signal when ya pulled in" Dan replied. I pulled out my wallet and paid for the flasher, Dan followed me out and yanked the old one out and replaced it with the new one. Lights blinked as I tested them.. Thanks Dan, no problem Bobby, from Lake Iwanttobethere [85275]

Lake Iwanttobethere has been on the Internet now for just over three years. Hard to believe that this little town on a huge lake in a county that no one can pronounce is still being followed. I thought while things are a little slow with deer hunting done and the ice not yet thick enough to walk on I would have a little quiz. Lets see how well you have been following the residents of the Lake and if you qualify to say HIYA

I am going to list some questions and all you need to do is fill in the blank, On Thanksgiving I'll supply the answers and you can check your score. Some will be easy and some may be hard and some you will not have a clue? Good luck!

(1) Bobby Bass manages the Lodge but also has a part time job, what is it?

(2) Bobby's dog Bud is known for what?

(3) Bobby dogs Barney is known for what?

(4) Bobby has another dog who is always in trouble, her name is?

(5) Name Bobby's two neighbors?

(6) Hammering Hank is the towns what?

(7) Hammering Hank married a year ago, to who?

(8) Name Hammering Hanks father-in-law.

(9) Hammering Hanks sidekick is?

(10) In the winter the Town of Lake Iwanttobethere is known for a big event, it is?

(11) Who lives on Root Beer Island?

(12) Del's Pizza and Sub shop is known for the one and only ?

(13) Name the windmill behind the Lodge?

(14) If you want to buy property on Lake Iwanttobethere you have to talk to?

(15) One beer you can always get at the Lodge is?

(16) If you need a shot at the Lodge there is always a bottle of _____ ______ open.

(17) Two brothers own the brewery, there names are __________ and_________

(18) Name the Towns doctor.

(19) How is the mail delivered in the summer?

(20) The paper boys name is__________and how does he get the paper to you?

(21) Who owns the sauna and hot house?

(22) The call letters of the local radio station are?

(23) Sunshine Ray is the weatherman but who is his new sidekick?

(24) Bobby's dream bass is known as?

(25) Name the towns bait shop?

(26) Amy's Bakery and Deli has a famous sandwich, name it.

(27) Name the owner of the General Store_____

(28) His sons name is?

(29) What does Chuck make in his garage?

(30) What is Elmer building in his basement?

(31) There is an ice thief in town, can you name her?

(32) What kind of bird comes every Spring to Bobby's shoreline?

(33) Can you name the law about mowers and chain saws?

(34) Name Bobby Bass fishing boat?

(35) Where would you find Alert 1

(36) What is the name of the Deer Camp Shack?

(37) The Sheriffs first name is?

(38) The Lodge always has _________ and ________ for lunch.

(39) Bobby drives a ________ (color)_______ (type)

(40) What happens when you say HIYA to a shop owner at Lake Iwanttobethere?

If you got them all right (40) you are the next mayor!

35 to 39 right A founding Father
29 to 34 right A Lodge Member
24 to 28 right A year round resident
19 to 23 right A summer resident
13 to 18 right A tourist
And less then 12 You need to read a little more about Lake Iwanttobethere! [86121]

Well another deer season is in the books, I came home on Sunday night and was greeted with the edge of the chair in my knee as I came in the door. The wife had taken the time to rearrange the furniture while I was gone. I stumbled out into the kitchen to get a glass for some juice and that had been moved to. The glasses had been switched to where the bowls are or were. So I drank from a bowl.

I did manage to get the yard picked up and everything is in storage or at least under cover. Pretty late getting to it this year but the weather has held and no snow has yet fallen. I even took the lawn tractor for a spin around the lot and mulched up leaves, cleans the deck to and another thing I can check off the Honey Do List. Yard and deck looks pretty empty now, nothing out, all the grand kids stuff tucked away. Just the chairs on the swing set swaying in the wind. Apple trees have finally given up their leaves, my apple is gone but there are a few at the very top of the trees along with my metal apple picker that came off the pole when I was picking apples last. Sooner or later the wind will bring the rest of the apples down and hopefully my apple picking basket will fall to.

Ice forming up on the bay out front of the cabin, I would not walk on it but it is looking kind of cold out there. I see even Elmer got his stuff put away. He was entertaining Marvin, Hammering Hank father in law for most of deer season and I hear they were at the Lodge just about every night. Took a few dollars from people playing team cribbage I have been told. The pink flamingoes have all gathered on the point I see. Will have to have Skinny take a head count and see if they are all out there for the winter. County has finally brought the orange barrels to the park for storage. I see they are all neatly stacked over by the picnic tables. I am sure Hammering Hank will have them moved by Thanksgiving just in case we do get some snow. Sunshine Ray forecast is calling for snow showers through out the week but no real snow as of yet. Might even see the sun a few days this week also. Would be nice as the new solar collector is pretty much all done and just needs some sunlight to work. Have some fine tuning to do with fans and such and setting timers but can't do that till the clouds clear.

Ice house has been pulled to the front of the garage and snow thrower is sitting alongside. Mowers and tiller are tucked back in the garage under the stairs and the ice auger has replaced the weed wacker in the hanger by the door. This week I'll go through the wood shop and pull all the small pieces of wood that can be used for fire starting and of course will haul some wood down from the big pile. Will dig out some apple firewood that I have back there to for Thanksgiving day. Everyone will be here at the cabin for dinner and of course Elmer will be invited Chuck already told me he can't be here as he is going into the big city for dinner with a lady friend of his. Met here haggling over the price of plastic jugs for his Maple syrup this past fall and they have taken a shinning to each other. Kids, grand kids, dogs and neighbors will all be here for dinner. Wife is on vacation so she will be running around the cabin baking and rearranging. My job Is to stay out of the way and peel apples for pies. Me and the three dogs will spend time in the garage working on the ice house and drawing up plans for this years ice house fling which is not all that far away.

Is it me or did this summer really go by quickly? I was laid up there for awhile and that took some of summer away but it seems like I just took the cover off the Puddle Humper and I had to put it back on again. I do know it sure does get dark quick and Christmas is just a month away. Snow, I think that might be the answer, we just need a foot of snow to brighten things up! Well I see I have to run into town, list here on my desk and if I don't get going here the list will get even more things added to it. Better go in to Amy's and order up some rolls and have a piece of apple pie. Pie is good for breakfast you know.. From Lake Iwanttobethere [86192]

Happy Turkey day!

Here are the answers for the Lake trivia, some of you have even sent your answers to me at lakeiwanttobethere@yahoo.com so far no one has scored a forty so the job of mayor is still open!

(1) Bobby Bass manages the Lodge but also has a part time job, what is it? BUILDING INSPECTOR

(2) Bobby's dog Bud is known for what? HUNTING

(3) Bobby dogs Barney is known for what? FISHING

(4) Bobby has another dog who is always in trouble, her name is? PEPPER

(5) Name Bobby's two neighbors? ELMER AND CHUCK

(6) Hammering Hank is the towns what? HANDYMAN

(7) Hammering Hank married a year ago, to who? THE WIDOW TESS

(8) Name Hammering Hanks father-in-law. MARVIN

(9) Hammering Hanks sidekick is? SKINNY

(10) In the winter the Town of Lake Iwanttobethere is known for a big event, it is? ICE HOUSE FLING

(11) Who lives on Root Beer Island? MINDY AND MANDY

(12) Del's Pizza and Sub shop is known for the one and only ? PIZZA CANNON

(13) Name the windmill behind the Lodge? WINDY

(14) If you want to buy property on Lake Iwanttobethere you have to talk to? REED THE REALTOR

(15) One beer you can always get at the Lodge is? HAMMS

(16) If you need a shot at the Lodge there is always a bottle of WILD TURKEY open.

(17) Two brothers own the brewery, there names are HOPPS AND BARLEY, The Johnson brothers

(18) Name the Towns doctor. DOC BURRIEM

(19) How is the mail delivered in the summer? BY BOAT

(20) The paper boys name is JESS and how does he get the paper to you? BY BOAT

(21) Who owns the sauna and hot house? MABEL

(22) The call letters of the local radio station are? KCUM

(23) Sunshine Ray is the weatherman but who is his new sidekick? STORMY CLEARWEATHER

(24) Bobby's dream bass is known as? MR. BIG

(25) Name the towns bait shop? MASTERBAITERS

(26) Amy's Bakery and Deli has a famous sandwich, name it. LOOSE MEAT

(27) Name the owner of the General Store BIG EARL

(28) His sons name is? JUNIOR

(29) What does Chuck make in his garage? LAKE IWANTTOBETHERE MAPLE SYRUP

(30) What is Elmer building in his basement? A WOOD BOAT/sail boat

( 31) There is an ice thief in town, can you name her? GRACE

(32) What kind of bird comes every Spring to Bobby's shoreline? THE OLD GOOSE

(33) Can you name the law about mowers and chain saws? CAN'T RUN THEM ON WEEKENDS

(34) Name Bobby Bass fishing boat? THE PUDDLE HUMPER

(35) Where would you find Alert 1 AT THE ICE HOUSE FLING

(36) What is the name of the Deer Camp Shack? THE HOTEL

(37) The Sheriffs first name is? TIM

(38) The Lodge always has CONEY'S AND CHILI for lunch.

(39) Bobby drives a RED DODGE

(40) What happens when you say HIYA to a shop owner at Lake Iwanttobethere? YOU GET THE DISCOUNT

If you got them all right (40) you are the next mayor!

35 to 39 right A founding Father
29 to 34 right A Lodge Member
24 to 28 right A year round resident
19 to 23 right A summer resident
13 to 18 right A tourist
And less then 12 You need to read a little more about Lake Iwanttobethere!

Thanks for taking the time to read about the lake. I enjoy writing it and enjoy comments about how it reminds people of their lake. You can always e-mail me with an idea or of course add your own story to the lake. From Lake Iwanttobethere.. [87,000]

Hiya can be heard through out the town this morning as shoppers head to the general store and all the others places of business. In the Big City they call it Black Friday, here it is just the day after Thanksgiving. At Lake Iwanttobethere saying the word HIYA gets ya the local discount everyday. The cabin was quiet this morning as the my wife and daughters did go into the big city to shop. Armed with sale flyers they left before the sun came up and I don't expect to see them till latter this afternoon. They took the daughters van so they have room to store their purchases. Like many they are not going to spend as much as in years past but they are also more experienced as each year they work on their battle plan of shopping. All three are armed with cell phones and their fingers have callouses from practice texting.

Grand kids are out with their dads doing some pan fishing through the ice straight out from the cabin. About 6 inches of ice there and safe enough for them to be out. Barney has been walking the ice looking through the clear ice and following fish. No snow on the ice so to speak of and it has been making good ice at night here all week. After a breakfast of flapjacks they all dressed up and headed out on the ice. Fire pit has a fire going and from time to time they will make their way back off the ice, up the hill and get warm by the fire. Kids will be here all weekend and I expect I will find some chores for them to do. Elmer pulled his sled out of the garage and dragged it out on the ice. He has taken over one of the holes and it must be a good one as Barney is sitting close looking down into the water. The sun is starting to come out and I see from my vantage point a few more people are out on the ice.

Later this afternoon they will go over to the golf course and do some sliding. Golf course has been closed for a while and a few days ago with no snow yet on the ground. Ronnie got out his snow making machine. The home made snow machine consists of a air compressor, a garden hose and a twenty inch used box fan and an old hot water heater shell. With the help of Dug and some duct tape the thing actually makes snow. Nothing like them big snow cannons on the mountains but enough if you let it run for awhile it will make enough snow to slide a plastic sled on. Kids will go and ride later.

Nothing to do around the cabin, a lot of the Honey Do List was completed over the last week. Well I mean there is always something to do but just nothing that HAD to be done. When the grand kids come back from sliding I'll take the oldest grandson out back and with Bud we will take a walk down the trail. See if we can scare up a grouse or two. More likely we will take a slow stroll and examen rocks and sticks, Stop and watch wood peckers pound on trees and try to find out what Buddy thinks is so interesting by the pine top that came down last year. If we make it far enough down the trail we will start looking for a Christmas tree. By the time we return the ladies should be back and supper should be ready. It will be leftovers from yesterday but there will be pie! From Lake Iwanttobethere [87072]

The Lake has quietly found it's way to December. But just a few blaze orange coats to be seen around town. A few orange hats to can be seen perched on top of heads walking down main street. A quiet time at the lake, no tourists. A few fishermen out on the new ice, not to far from shore. You can see them sitting on five gallon buckets. Vicki at the Masterbaiters shop has gone on vacation and a sign on the front door says she will be gone for a few weeks. Those in the know will walk around to the back door where just inside a tank with a few gallons of crappie minnows bubbles away. It's on the honor system, you scoop what ya need and drop the money in the mail slot. I stop by once a day or so and check on the minnows and add to the tank if needed. A light dusting of snow fell over night and you can see the dragged marks of boots on the path leading to the back of the shop. The old notebook on the table has Elmer handwriting in it saying he bought a dozen minnows and is heading off to Root Beer Island if anyone wants to join him. I check the minnow tank and sharpen the pencil for the notebook.

Taking the trail back up to the lodge I spot some rabbit tracks in the new snow. Bud is with me and he is busy walking and sniffing the trail as we make our way to the Lodge. Sun is trying to get through the clouds but all you can see is a bright spot overhead. Snowing, but not here. Other side of the lake is getting some and I even heard a few guys down at the Sunshine Cafe saying they may try and get their sleds out soon. Taking my time I stop and rest on the path. Must be getting old or I find more reason to stop and look at things. Bud pauses and looks back at me. Sees that I have not found something he might have missed and continues on up the trail with out me. A little higher up the hill and now I can see out over the ice of Lake Iwanttobethere. A lone fishermen is moving out off Root Beer island, I figure it must be Elmer.

Gray clouds move slowly across the sky, wind has died down to nothing. Just a few patches of snow on the lake ice otherwise it is gray like the sky. A a matter of fact as I look around there is really not much color at all. Trees around me are all with out leaves. Just a mixture of different size branches all gray or black. Some snow on the ground and just the brown of Bud and his bright red collar moving up the trail.. Even the smoke rising from the Lodge is gray and disappears quickly against the sky.

A few pickup are parked in the Lodges parking lot and a snow mobile trailer. No sled rests in the trailer instead there are several pine trees. As I get closer I see it is Juniors truck and now I know the trees are headed for the General Store. I follow Bud inside the front door of the Lodge and stomp my feet to knock off the dirty snow. Inside the fire is burning brightly and finally there is some color as yellow and red flames dance in the fireplace. Hammering Hank turns to greet me, his outstretched arms covered in garland and tinsel. The table next to him is buried under cardboard boxes marked Christmas decorations. Tess, his wife appears from behind the boxes and drapes another strand of silver garland on his arm. Junior and Skinny are busy with a saw trying to shape the bottom of a tree to fit the stand. Gus behind the bar is stringing up color lights. A pile of tangled light strands lay on the bar. Bud heads to the tree and begins to lift his leg before Hank calls his name. Bud looks at the tree and at Hank and walks away.

I hear the chug chug of the eight track player as it changes tracks and then the voice of Bing Crosby floats across the room ." I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...... Yes, a quiet time here at the lake. From Lake Iwanttobethere [87223]

Well time to announce this years ice house fling here on Lake Iwanttobethere. Posters went up today and the sign up sheet is here at the Lodge at the end of the bar. We are looking for ten brave souls. Er I mean we are looking for ten out going adventures individuals with good health insurance that will sign the waver form. This years fling will be held on Dec 13th a Saturday and we are hoping that we get some snow by then. If not we will have to water down the hill in front of the Lodge where the bungee cords are. Here is a listing of the rules.
1) Houses may be any size and shape up to a 12' by 16' there is no mim size for launching.

2) You may dial in the length of pull from the bungee cord. You will be asked to fill out a "launch sheet" a guess at your weight and the pull of the bungee, ¼, half, ¾ or a full pull!

3) You must sign the release form and have a next to kin present, this makes things easier for the launch committee.

4) You must have a way to launch flares. A white flare for all OK and a red flare for if you need assistance at the end of your run.

5) All houses must have at least two runners at launch

6) You may have passengers but must have a fishing hole in the house for each passenger and you can not charge a fee to your passengers.

7) Drinking is not allowed, however once you have entered your house and are in the launch area what you do is up to you.

8) Your house must be painted, white is not a color, we need to be able to follow the flight of your house from the launch area.

9) Once your house has been launched and it comes to a complete stop you will not be allowed to relocate your house for 30 days. You may rotate it up to 360 degrees. You will be a marker for the rest of the town to follow.

10) The house tossed the farthest from the launch site will be declared the winner and will be awarded all prizes from the merchants award list. The merchants do require that the house be intact and they will be allowed to place logos on up to two of the intact walls.

11) The farest tossed house will also be awarded a plowed road directly to the said house, this will be at no charge to the winner.

12) All houses must be at Dug's garage the morning of the launch. They will be fitted with a sling connector, we strongly encourage that a wall be reinforced for this. Also the house owner must provide a tarp or covering for there house. House will not be revealed to the general public ( tourists) till one hour before schedule launch.

13) This years launch date is December 13th at noon.

If you have questions or would like to sign up please contact the committee at lakeiwanttobethere@yahoo.com
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