Over the Christmas Holidays the Northstar Nerd ventured deep into the northwoods of Minnesota near the Canadian border. I took this video of Poplar Creek, which I share as my New Year’s Greetings. Take two minutes and enjoy a peaceful view of the deep forest … miles from civilization. Expand either thumbnail for a full sized view (see all my content on BlipTV)
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Given the temperature is -16 F with a wind chill between -25 F and -35F, guess what the answer is to that question? Cross-country skiing will have to wait till this evening when the thermometer reading approaches -1F.

In the meantime, here is a great site for getting online open source eBooks, Techotopia. If LINUX is your cup of tea (good idea on such a cold morning), then I would link to this great post from the Daily Artisan. The number of LINUX eBooks linked is amazing.

The image below was taken last night out on the open waters of Lake Superior! I also have included the weather forecast from the weather station where I work. It helps explain the penguins! Click upon any image to view full sized.

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The Christmas tree went up this weekend. I forgot last year. Cyrus the cat did not!

• Cat: 5
• Christmas Tree: 0
• Photographic Evidence

Here is a photo from yesterday. Cyrus is resting before heading into battle! Click to expand.

Yippee!!!!

Our offer was accepted for a building lot in Duluth, Minnesota (my wife's and my home town). How do you define sweet?

• 25 yards from a foot bridge over a waterfall and swimming hole
• 25 yards from miles of hiking trails
• 50 yards from from 30k of cross-country ski trails
• 500 yards from Lake Superior (bicycle up the shore)
• On the edge of Duluth city limits and a HUGE park
• High speed internet at edge of lot

It doesn't get much better than this! Our plan is to build a Scandinavian modern home in the woods. There is a small rise … thus walk out on two levels. We will have lots of wood … huge windows and flood lights to reflect off the snow as it falls in the Winter. I also intend to have a big bird feeder back in the trees which I can watch from the warmth of my new home!  Happy Thanksgiving.

Expand the image to view full sized.

Ever wondered how the pain progresses in a marathon? Here are four photos from my recent efforts during the OBX Marathon (Outer Banks of North Carolina) … milepost 10 (happy), milepost 17 (pain evident), milepost 24 (world of hurt), post marathon (happy). Click to expand any image.