While still unpacking from the move, I began hearing radio reports of the upcoming blizzard. After stocking up on supplies, Shadow and I hunkered down as the winds picked up. Sap began running in the warm days before, freezing up as snow weighed down the limbs, and the violent winds snapped them off.

Limbs fell from the 100' pines, shaking the roof when they hit the house, and a big one hit the propane tank, missing the line to the house by less than a foot. Losing power twice for a total of about 20 hours during the blizzard, the temperature inside dropped as low as 51 degrees. Cold weather camping as a Boy Scout had prepared me for this, but not for what was outside.

When a tree snaps in half midway up, but the top doesn't fall, you get a widow maker. Mine was 30' up and aimed straight at the power line. My new neighbor, Michael, checked in with his pal Dave, an arborist, and they identified three more trees that had damage and/or had grown into threats to the house or outbuildings.

Once the power company took care of the widow maker, Michael and his brother Nate rented a lift and eliminated the remaining threats. The oak had split. but. thankfully. had not fallen. The house breathed a sigh of relief as the dangerous, overhanging limbs were removed. The Michigan Chainsaw Massacre raged on for three days.

The stump from the giant white pine right in front of a shed was left at bar height. The other two trunks will drop once we clean up what's already down. If you need tree service or firewood, call Michael at (231) 871-8293. Recommended without reservation.

My motto has long been "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade and then find the guy with the rum." This served me well in the Midwest, in the high desert, and on a sub-tropical island you can drive to. Shenanigans continue, including a diabolical plan: Become the guy with the rum!

OOMM 5.0 has reopened on the shore of Lake Elinor, ready to help you take your shot at the American Dream.

Sample the Smörgasbörd of Grizzled Brands. Visit Grizzled Clients. Listen to hits from the Lombardi Era until today at titletown.rocks.

Leverage 50+ years of business experience in your quest for success. Motor heads, misfits, broadcasters, business owners, big thinkers, fun lovers and you are invited to join the crew. There's no cost, just bring your ideas, your passions, and your perhaps your favorite mug. There's more fun to be had, and I plan to have it. Who's with me?

Hey! Ho! Let's Go!