Ice is thick enough, let the party on the lakes begin, homeshow

Good news, the Celebration of the Lakes has been cleared to take place on the ice this year. Last year, the celebration was moved to Ki Chi Saga Park because of thin ice. While we still had fun, the turnout was a fraction of the celebrations that have taken place on the ice. This is great news for everyone.

The event will take place the last weekend in January on the ice of North Center Lake in Center City. Balloons are scheduled for three launches weather permitting. We are hoping and praying for calm weather, the event is so much better when the balloons are flying. The event is always a great winter break and people seem to really have a good time. along with the balloons, there will be hayrides, a 5K & kids run, a medallion hunt and if weather permits, sled dog rides, snowmobile racing and a ice rink for family ice skating. Once again, there will be a huge warming tent where you can purchase food and refreshments including hot cocoa. The second annual “Smoosh Race” will take place, and more teams are needed this year. Last year Meredees took the championship. Another new edition to the celebration this year is a dance. The Chmielewski Funtime Band will play at the Lindstrom Community Center on January 26. Chmielewski Funtime Band is a polka band that has been around for generations and has a huge following. You don’t have to love polka to enjoy these folks. They put on an amazing show and best of all, it’s free. Make sure to get your world famous chili recipe perfected for the pilot’s reception that Friday night. Cash prizes will be awarded for Best Overall Chili, Best Tasting Hot Chili, and Most Unique Chili.

You must bring a crock pot full of your chili along with a 25 foot extension cord. You are asked to pre-register by noon on January 24 by calling Laura at 257-5113 or Shari at 257-9380. The public is invited to the contest and asked to please bring a side dish or snacks to go with chili to share. Oh, and another reason to enter the contest? Last year’s champion, our own Denise Martin, has graciously agreed to not enter this year’s contest so others would have a chance. Her words, not mine. The Chisago Lakes Home, Garden and Business Show is fast approaching. If you own a business or if the business you work at would like an inexpensive way to showcase its product or services, this is the show for you. I know what you are thinking, ugg another stuffy home show where people are just there for the free handouts. This show is different. First of all, it’s free.

Second, the show is one of the most unintrusive, most relaxed and enjoyable shows you will ever be part of. Everyone there is so friendly and not pushy. If you just want to shoot the breeze with a vendor, they will be more than happy to talk. I urge you and your business to call 651-257-1177 for more information. Now that the new year has begun, I guess I should join the resolution bandwagon. Although most people give up on their resolutions after a short while (like my losing 80 pounds), I am going hard to try and stick with this one. I am going to try to be less sarcastic. Be less sarcastic?  Less? How is that a resolution? Well if you know me, less would mean a world of difference everyday. On New Years Eve, my family was asking about each other’s resolutions. When it came to me, I told them about cutting back on the sarcasm. For about a minute, they just looked at each other without saying a word. Then, simultaneousely, they all broke out laughing.

I then proceeded to “shred” them about their clothes, their haircuts, their time spent playing video games, their texting, their boyfriends and girlfriends and basically everything else they are involved in. It was a beautiful two minute diatribe that threw barbs at every member. When I finished they just sat there, quiet again, stunned at what just came out of my mouth. And once again, after the silence, they burst out laughing. No wonder no one ever takes me seriously. Too much sarcasm. I thought it was because I am so darn funny..again too much sarcasm. Have you ever had one of those days when everything just seems off? Nothing you do seems to hold your attention. Maybe your emotions seem to be more prevalent and things might set you off a little too easy? Well I had one of those days on Tuesday. Beginning with a restless night of sleep or lack of sleep, my day began kind of wonky. I let my kids have it in the car on the way to school for talking “smart-alecky” to each other. At work, I couldn’t focus. I chalked it up to my sleepless night.

Then I got the call. It was my wife, she reminded me that this was the day her mother passed away one year ago. Wow. Somewhere in there, my body and mind must have known that. This kind of thing has happened before, like on my Dad’s birthday. Funny how a body and soul remembers things without looking at a calendar. I can not beleive it has been one year since my mother-in-law Linda has passed away. She was one of the greatest people I have ever known or could hope to know. She was the salt of the earth and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. I know some people harbor ill feelings that a loved one was taken from them way too soon, but I also know that she is in Heaven making people smile this very moment.