Franciscan on Sister Water

It seems that we have taken a different turn in our adventures on Sister Water.  Rick and I had to leave England for a while because of visa restrictions, so we had a few options.  Either we would go and travel in Panama and Costa Rica, where it is warm, or we had an option of helping a friend with his company in Minnesota.  We realized this was a real contrast, but it also sounded like an interesting challenge and opportunity to live and work in Minnesota and do something different.  What I didn’t realize is that Sister Water is present here in large quantities and in different forms.

We had to ready the boat in Ipswich before we left so nothing would be damaged by freezing weather.  Then when  we were ready we said our farewells to Orca and left just when the first snows of winter were starting in England.  We left at a good time.

Leaving Orca

We traveled by train and plane to Minneapolis and then by shuttle on to Rochester.    Our host and hostess prepared a place for us with all the trimmings, even a Christmas Tree.  Their hospitality and grace has been astounding and I am so grateful to them.  We are now working with them and enjoying our time together.

We had a few snow storms since we arrived.  The first one was proclaimed as the largest one that this area has had in December since anyone can remember, dropping about 28 inches in 24 hours.   They tell me that that usually happens when they have visitors.  They try to convince people that their snow levels are not that great but I’m not sure many visitors are convinced.  I took a few pictures of the snow.   I was so impressed.  I have never lived in an area that had so much of it.  We had an opportunity to travel around the area and then it hit me that this is all a lot of water.  The snow seems to stay around for a good while.  I thought I would record a little through pictures.

Blanketed Countryside

I’ve never shoveled snow and the complex where we are does that chore for us.  Also, the roads are plowed after every snowfall.  However, there is no place to put the snow unless it is carted away.  So, it has piled up a bit in front of the house.  Also, icicles have formed.  I’ve been watching the development of a particular nasty looking icicle forming from the top roof, like a dragon’s tooth, to the roof over the doorway.  Sister Water is so beautiful in it’s forms and impressive.

Snow and Ice in front of our Townhouse

Ice Flows

They tell me I should knock the icicles down, but I’m curious if they will flow as far as the ground.  We’ll see what happens.

Wishing you all a Wonderful Winter full of surprises and always wonder.