Life in a Northern Town: Change in View

The view is changing around here. Literally. The building actually came down this weekend to the deck of the first floor. That means you can see the lake as you drive by. It has been so crazy to drive home everyday from school and see the changes in the deconstruction. Toby has continued to work with Mark, and that makes things go much faster!

We also had a visit from Cindy and Lee Theorin this past weekend. We ate so much good food, some prepared here, and some that Cindy made at home to bring. They brought produce from Spring Hill Farm!! It was a wonderful thing to have them arrive with arms full of the bounty of Wisconsin. Lee helped Mark on the building on Sat., and Cindy helped us cheer on runners in the 1st Ely Marathon. It was exciting, and Fiona enjoyed cheering, "Nice running!" as she clapped her hands and ran around on the sidelines. Our neighbors Sharee, Ann, and Nicki were sitting out there with us. Raif worked a station at a different location. About 400 runners participated in either the half-marathon or the full marathon. So cool!

Mark sold the sawmill last week, and this week will be driving to Missouri to buy a new one. The work on the shop will start soon, and the sawmill will be needed to continue to make the timbers needed to form the walls and roof of the shop. It will be nice to see the energy go into building new instead of demo.

There are numerous piles of wood and metal around the property now from all of the salvaging. Sadly, some of the posts and beams are not in great shape, but there is so much that is in useable condition. We did find a few treasures in the walls. A metal canoe part from 1926, a poster against littering, and an air BB pistol. We are keeping these items to display in the future along with the large Border Lakes Outfitters sign.

We will travel this weekend to Viroqua, WI to celebrate with my mom and Tom as they mark their journey into retirement. It will be wonderful to see family and friends!

The anti-littering sign and the BBgun found in the walls of the building.