Lonely Outpost in the Northern WildernessI sent my camera along with Nick yesterday as he was cruising some timber along the Canadian border.Expecting him to get some nice vista shots across the Rainy River into Canada, instead he returned with a couple dozen pics of trees, trails and other interesting sights.This one caught my eye as I wondered what a Border Patrol or RCMP Officer would have to do to get assigned to this lonely outpost with temps nearly 30 below and windchills compounding this. 02/10/2017

 Highways of the North It is nice the way that God carves out these networks of highways through the forests reaching so many of the remote locations that we need to go in order to do our jobs. And even more, He even freezes them down well so that we will have a good solid surface for speedy travel. I know that many are anxiously waiting for spring, and there are nights when I too get weary of 30 below temps. But when the light of day arrives, I am just happy as can be that we have plenty of frozen roads, rivers and trails to rush on down toward our Forest Inventory locations. 03/05/2015

No Wimps Allowed As we cruise through and camp out in the rugged Northern Minnesota forests and swamps this sign on the coffee machine struck my eye. I have told this to a few job applicants in the past, and some ran right away and others waited until they actually heard one of my assignments, and others jumped at the chance to challenge themselves. My son was raised on the experience of challenging himself so this rugged kind of life suits him well and he is always anxious to get out there for an adventure, as well as save a lot of bucks in extra fuel and hotel bills.       Please know everyone, I am not thinking that any of you are wimps, this post was largely in jest.  I  spoke of the harsh conditions that we live with, but I would not expect anyone who does not work in the woods on ... 03/02/2015

Last weekend when we were in Duluth, we took a bike ride. This side by side tandum bike makes for a fun trip along the boardwalk. About a mile up the walk is Fitgers brewery. A good place to stop for a break, especially when you are a bit out of shape. Duluth has a lot to offer along the south shore of Lake Superior.  If you are visiting Northern Minnesota, Duluth is a Must see stop. 07/13/2014

Sadly, my camera got dropped and the only lens I had with was broken.  But, if you visit the northern part of Minnesota to see the largest Great Lake, Lake superior...Stop in at the zoo. It isn't large, but they have a great set up to see the animals in a natural surrounding. This Zoo is a great size to take small kids to.  Not to big so they don't get tired out before the enjoyment is done. 07/05/2014

Fall Colors on the North Shore of Lake Superior Yet another reason to love Minnesota. The north shore of Lake Superior is always a great place to visit but especially so in the fall. The leaves are changing to red and yellow and orange. The lake is a beautiful blue and the rugged shore line provides for a scenic drive with hundreds of places to stop. This picture was taken on the Silver Creek Cliff. From Duluth to the Canadien border, you won't want to miss any of the state parks or scenic overlooks.   Lake shore homes in St Louis county MN Nicest Lake shore homes in St Louis county MN by Joel Friday of Keller Williams Classic Realty Below are some St Louis county lake shore homes in your price range. Click below to start your search. Lakeshore homes for sale by Keller Williams Classic ... 10/18/2013

I can't swim.  I can't float. I am told that it has to do with body mas. Well, it is all bunk to me.  Look at this 1014 foot ship.  It is made of metal. I am made of water, about 75% depending on how may libations I have had. So common sense saying my density, other than my brain per my wife, is almost the same as the lake water. A steal boat's density is far greater.  It should sink!  The they add nearly 100 tons of payload and it still floats. I just can't fathom it.    This ship is going out of the ship yards under the Duluth Lift Bridge.     09/07/2013

Apparently, you can get a DWI while operating ANYTHING with a motor.  A Minnesota man was arrested after plowing his motorized La-Z-Boy into a parked car.  His blood alcohol level was 0.29, more than three times the legal limit.  This motorized bad boy was tricked out with a stereo and cup holders.  Who says Minnesota doesn't know how to party! Heather Chavez, Real Estate Virtual Assistant - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!       10/22/2009

The first weekend of deer hunting at Comstock Lake. My husband can't wait to get to the cabin outside of Cotton to begin. He takes a half a day off on Friday & the whole day off on Monday to enjoy his time in the woods. I don't believe he's REALLY a deer hunter....he's a book reader. He has a deer hunting stand with a heater & comfy chair, so I'm sure he misses MANY deer that walk by. He & the deer aren't aware of each others presents!! At home we are having a good weekend at home, me & the boys. We went to the movie, Madagascar 2, hockey pratice & stayed up late watching TV. I'm a referee for the brothers who REALLY do love each other, but it's hard to tell sometimes. I look forward to the weekend when Dad takes the boys to the cabin....my weekend alone!! Nothing better than hanging out!! 11/09/2008

We still have pumpkins if you want to come & get one at J.S. Realty!! My youngest has decided that Halloween is his favorite holiday!! We've been shopping 4 different times to look for costumes, ususally ending with, "Where else can we go, Mom??" I think he just likes looking at them.....he decided to be a "mad scientist", but he looks more like a nerd, pretty funny!! J.S. Realty will be handing out candy for the trick & treaters.....please stop by 5112 Midway Rd. 10/31/2008

The annual COPA (Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association) Migration is the most-attended event of the year for those who own and operate Cirrus aircraft. This year's Migration "Fly-in" will be held in Duluth, Minnesota at the Duluth airport.  And best of all, you don't have to be a Cirrus owner to attend! The event will feature factory tours, seminars with featured speakers and trade show exhibits.  For pilots who register early, there will be free "rust removal" flights (space available on a first come, first served basis).  This program pairs Cirrus instructors with pilots and provides the opportunity to practice takeoffs, landings, stalls, IFR techniques and just about anything else a pilot may wish to brush up on!  And for non-fliers, there will be seminars on video presentations on exot... 05/19/2008

Duluth, Minnesota is the home of Cirrus Design, a corporation that manufactures the popular Cirrus SR Series of private aviation aircraft. The Cirrus aircraft is best known for its CAPS (Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System), which is a ballistic parachute system that is capable of returning the aircraft safely to the ground in an emergency situation.  Cirrus pioneered the system in the mid-1980s. In addition to its unique parachute system, Cirrus aircraft offer other innovative features not found elsewhere.  The Cirrus uses no retractable landing gear system, unlike other similar aircraft.  Retractable landing gear failures are common and the Cirrus has eliminated that problem.  Cirrus aircraft are all electric and no vacuum systems are employed. Cirrus has recently released its new privat... 05/19/2008

I've been showing homes in certain price ranges and areas in our Duluth, MN market and am finding it difficult to give the buyer options!!!  The market is picking up and we could use some nice, marketable homes on the market!  Some homes that have been in certain price brackets are moving very quickly - especially those that are priced competitively and staged well. 04/23/2008

I recently had a BIG bump in my real estate road. I fell down a flight of stairs (about 12-13) cement stairs in an old school building.  I feel like I have been run over by a semi! Thankfully I came away without any broken bones, but I am still stuggling with pain over most of my body. Some medical teste need to be done yet to determine if I have any damiage done to my spine.My question to all of you:How would handle working with customers during times of illness or accidents?Who do you rely on?Do you ever ask help from your good customers?Any type of advertising that you would rely more on during these times?I would love to hear some ideas of do's and don'ts....It would be great to hear from you. Janet WalterMinnesota 03/21/2008

The weather is starting to feel more like spring - buyers are starting to come out!  Jamie has put 7 closing on the board, we have listed several homes, we closed on a sale today and our showing count is up!  Julie and Jackie both have out - of - town buyers coming in to look at homes over the holiday weekend.  Who says things are slow!!!  Julie Sathers 03/19/2008

Recent press releases have drawn attention to the discovery of significant ore deposits in Minnesota's iron mining region.  The commercial development and exploitation of these deposits could conceivably revitalize and "jump-start" the economy in northern Minnesota for decades to come. The interest seems to be centered around the area near Ely and Babbitt, Minnesota.  PolyMet Corporation is contemplating an open pit mine in the Hoyt Lakes area.  That mine could possibly be underway by mid-2008. Other metals, including gold and palladium, are also part of the major mineral search underway in the area.  While there's no gold rush on the Iron Range just yet, the stakes are high and several major mining companies, including Kennecott, have expressed an interest in these deposits. On the fli... 12/13/2007

Sometime in November, one of my favorite Duluth restaurants, Bennett's on The Lake, disappeared!  In its place is Midi, in the same wonderful location (on Fitger's lower level), with a panoramic view of Lake Superior plus a brighter decor and open floor plan. The menu is a bit different, but didn't disappoint.  There are the usual steak, fish and seafood offerings, plus some innovative Mediterranean dishes.  Judging from the name Midi, I was expecting French cuisine, and was surprised to see a menu insert featuring German dishes, including Wurst and Rouladen. The lunch menu was impressive and the food equally so.  Service was prompt and excellent.  I've always loved Bennett's and was frankly afraid I'd be let down by the change.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that Midi is every bit... 12/10/2007

There is one thing about me that I really don't understand, and can't seem to figure out.  I have this horrible addiction to Duluth.  Now that snow is gone, I seem to be going through withdrawls.  It's like this every year.  Every year since I first went up there on my own.  I just want to get in my car and drive up there.  Worse yet, I want to STAY up there for a while.  Just like a mini-break.  I find myself wishing I had a place up there.  Then I pull up the Duluth MLS, and just make myself more miserable.  I have all these priorities for the next year or two financially... I'd like to do many things, and focus on things like getting the house paid off, getting the house fixed so I can sell it even.  Perhaps move altogether, probably staying in the area.  But when I get like this, al... 05/01/2007