We have moved into the cabin at Beaver Lake as of Thursday, April 19th. It was windy, raining, and 39 degrees with a few snow flurries. I guess temperature-wise March and April did a flip-flop this year.
Swallows, martins, geese, ducks, blue birds, osprey, loons — all the spring birds — are here except orioles and hummingbirds. We have two female wood ducks nesting in the same wood duck house. They each have a different mate, but I think there is a little hanky panky going on.
We have a willow tree that blew down and is partially in the water. I haven’t seen them, but there is at least one beaver slowly trimming off the live green smaller branches (probably for youngsters). How about that, a family of beavers living at Beaver Lake!
Our car insurance lady calls me and tells me we must take the senior defensive driving course if we want the lesser premium. She gave me the telephone number at Senior Place in Owatonna as there is a course being taught there next week. I called and enrolled Genie and myself.
The young lady, Kim, was very efficient in making the arrangements. She let me know that she specializes in taking care of seniors. She also informed me that if we have any trouble with our lake neighbors (Jim and Jen Worrell) to let her know. Kim restates her specialty of taking care of seniors especially if a cousin is causing the problem.
The Beaver Lake water level is the lowest I’ve seen for this time of the year. The ice fishing was limited this winter because of the ice not being safe. In fact, the winter fishing contest was cancelled due to unsafe ice.
The water is very clear. You can actually see the bottom in about six feet of water. My analysis: Not too many fish caught this winter, less water for the fish to hide. They can easily see your bait. Conclusion: Excellent walleye fishing opening day Saturday, May 12. Ladies, this means your fisherman can be at your beck and call Mother’s Day.
When Pastor Matt Griggs is absent his replacement is named either Nelson, Jensen or Anderson. When this happens, every last name listed in the church bulletin is usually Scandinavian, (sen or son.) Both East and Central Freeborn Lutheran Churches welcome you no matter what your last name is.
Whether you’re a Twins fan or not, take a close look at the Twins display in the window at Lerberg’s in Ellendale, “fan”-tastic!
Ice out with wind can be very powerful. For example, park at the Beaver Lake parking lot, walk through the tunnel under the road and out onto the DNR fishing pier. Take a look at the shoreline just to the north. Yep, the ice out moved a lot of sand, gravel and rocks into rolls on the shore. (A great outdoor biffy for kitties!)
Thought for the day — You don’t have to be a Minnesotan to get confused, but it sure does help!
How dry is the ground around Beaver Lake? It is so dry… that even after 1.5 inches of rain, now water is flowing out of any field tile into the lake.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. This is the Hanson’s 37th summer at Beaver Lake. They leave the lake in mid-October to go south — to Albert Lea — and return in April. Bob says if you enjoy his article, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of Wisdom: There is always room for God.