A Blanket of Snow

What a great winter!
Its been cold enough to
make an ice cone around running water!

Plenty of snow, sunshine, and returning guests.

George & Kay were back for their second visit of 2011.






Debbie, Sue, and Janet were here for their annual x-c ski trip. Robin came with them for her first visit to Borchers.

Mark & I, along with another guest, Betty, crossed trails with the ladies at Hartwick Pines on the Lantern Lit skiing.






Heather & Eric, Borchers regulars, B&B sat.
They had spent a full day at Forbush Corners and didn't mind cocooning for the evening.








Sue shared some of her photographs. Not only do we appreciate her sharing, but her artful eye and willingness to tromp through the snow. Check out the whole album on our facebook page.

BRRRR

Baby, It's been cold outside!
This past Sunday morning the temperature was - 31 degrees, not counting windchill.

Gus & Eileen Carlson & Crew

It did not stop the Carlson family from having a good time. The Carlson's, along with their significant others and their parents, spent the week-end with us at Borchers.




While most of the gang hit the x-c trails,
"the grandmas", Pat & Ann, stayed behind.
Mark & I had a great time visiting with these two! Mark shared some of the local history and the history of Borchers. They conspired while the family was out regarding dinner plans and we throughly enjoyed keeping their secret.







The previous week-end wasn't nearly as cold. We appreciated the warmth of our return guests anyway. The Della Torre's family returned as well as Mike, Mike & Diane, and Matt & Shaun. With the exception of Mike & Diane, this houseful of guests has visited both summer & winter. We start talking and laughing and I forget to get my camera out! (Note to Shaun & Matt: Next time.... photo ops!)







I did get this picture of Alberto & Claudio next to the canoes.

We love having this family visit!

The Joy of January

The snow returned just in time for a three day week-end.

Mark, 'Cede, and I are getting our chores done
and enjoying the most beautiful powder.
She can only haul one log at a time,
but 'Cede fills the wood barrel.

For years I have"borrowed" Mark's outdoor bibs & coat. I don't know why he had a problem with my adjusting the suspenders and rolling up the legs of the bibs for my comfort and leaving them that way for future use. You would think after 36 years of marriage, he would understand what is mine is mine and what is his is mine. He surprised me at Christmas with a whole new outfit in dusty rose. I can get my chores done and make a fashion statement.




Besides many hands making light work, my life has gotten easier as a result of another Christmas gift. For the last few years, Mom & Dad Hunter have given us a tool or device to add to our shop. This year's addition holds eight yards, has two wheels, and will be very useful, but the look on Dad Hunter's face when he told me about his purchase was the best part of all.

He said, "There I was, in line at the check out with a wheelbarrow under my arm when across the store, I SAW IT!" To hear him tell it, a ray of sunshine was gleaming down and angels were singing. PRICELESS!!! I must say though, chore time is a lot more pleasant for me!

Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Mark & I had a wonderful holiday, a Merry Christmas downstate with the family,
a bonus day with our son & daughter-in-law here in Grayling
and wonderful guests to end 2010 and start 2011.

It was our pleasure to host locals, Bill & Barbara Greene, and their extended family for a holiday breakfast. Bill & Barb made sure their family from Texas had a warm welcome in AuSable Sweatshirts!

Barbara & Bill

Dave, Kirstin, Kathy, & Bill

We had a quiet day to celebrate
36 years as man and wife!

Nothing says "hot & steamy"
on your anniversary
like a cup of soup for lunch....

followed much later by date night!






Returning to celebrate New Years, Tom & Cheryl, Judy & Mike, took to the ski trails before the snow melted. We joined them for a game of "Apples to Apples" on Thursday night.

Regulars, George & Kay,
and their friends, Patty & Tom,
came back to Borchers
after celebrating with friends
on a foggy New Year's Eve.

Mark & I attended a party along with good friends, Jerry & Ginger. Mark was challenged to a Wii dance game and beat Erich, his challenger!
According to the screen, several of Mark's moves were "perfect".

New Year's Day started with breakfast with our guests, one of our favorite things to do.
We scanned some of the bowl games in the afternoon but it was a sad day for the Big Ten.
I have been rooting for TCU a little bit this past season, how often can you support a team that imploded their stadium and has a "Horned Frog" for a mascot?

We wish all of you great things for 2011! Happy New Year!