Changing of Seasons

I can't believe we're rapidly approaching February. It just doesn't seem real to me. Probably because it's 75 and sunny and this is not normal February weather in my head. But the worst is that without the changing of seasons it still feels like early fall and not the dead of winter.
I'm starting 2nd semester next week and then our vacation will come rapidly and then spring break- which I'll be damned if I don't have D'ag's pizza and a pitcher of miller light :o) and all teachers know once spring break is over the rest of the school year flies into summer.
I'm not ready to have been here a year, to have been here a year and still not know many people or have any friends. For Adam to still not be happy with his job.
I realize I'm really only at 6 months, but this half has flown and the second half will probably do the same.
Sometimes growing up sucks and sometimes it's fun. Sorry this is a little depressing, but it's just my mood right now.

It's . . . done.

Hello BEACHCOMBER, here we come!











THE BASEMENT/REC ROOM:












MIKI'S ROOM:

VACATION 2006

(1/9/06) I think there's been responses from almost all the properties. I'm thinking we should check them out and make a decision this week. (for our own peace of mind, and also some of the owners require a certain amount of notice--then we can look into booking lift tickets and whether we want to rent a car) -B

Hey guys. Here is a list of vacation properties. I’m organizing them by ski-destination, and they’ve got estimated prices, as I haven’t’ had responses from any of them. But here goes. Some are good, some are just so-so. Check ‘em out.

To ski at Devils Head ($62) in Merrimac, Wisconsin, (or Cascade Mountain $70 in portage), we could stay at the following places:
http://www.pinechalet.com/ this one is about 3:40 from Midway, 1hr from ski, $115 each BOOKED
www.sandcounty.com/ "Seasons Crossing" this one is about 3:30 from Midway, :45 from ski, $100 each response: coupon for one night free $72 each.
www.sandcounty.com/ "Willow Beach" this one is about 3:30 from Midway, :45 from ski, $115 ea response: coupon for one night free $91 each.
Corrected link www.vrbo.com/11761 this one is about 3:30 from midway, :15 from ski, $85 each. It also doesn’t have an e-mail inquiry option, we’ll have to call (608)393-2323. I can do that tomorrow provided I have a voice I have not called yet. I'm still very very horse. --it's a condo though, so I think we'd be better off with a house.

To ski at Bittersweet ($50) in Otsego, Michigan, we could stay at these places:
www.greatrentals.com/MI/17050 this one is about 3:40 from Midway, 20 min from ski, $85 each response: $457.95 plus $100 refundable deposit = $92 each (add'l response: there is a fenced yard 60'x70')
www.vrbo.com/13262 this one is about 3:45 from Midway, :25 from ski, and only says “from $75 a night”
www.vrbo.com/41625 this one is about 3:15 from Midway, :15 from ski, and $60 each This response was really nice. they ask three hundred plus a fifty dollar refundable deposit ($60 each plus the deposit). She also says this: "If you would like any special arrangements or are celebrating any special occasion, let us know and we would be happy to set up bar, have food in for you or any other arrangements. " I thought that was worth passing on.
www.vrbo.com/21868 this one is about 3:15 from midway, :15 from ski, and $75 each response: $300 plus $100 refundable deposit = $60 each (plus i like the lady:)

To ski at Chesnut mountain ($65) in Galena, Illinois, we could stay at this place:
www.galenarentals.com/pet 95 Heatherdowns ln, 3:45 from midway, :20 min from ski, $120 each response: $120 each. available.

Or we could ski Swiss Valley ($46) in Jones, Mi and stay here:
www.vrbo.com/15592 which is 2:20 from Midway, :35 from ski, and “off season negotiable” (their summer week long stay is only $800...I think we could probably pay $350 or $400--75-80 ea) this woman replied via e-mail and left a message at my house. Cathy says, "Normally, it would be $450. Is that within your budget, or were you thinking of a different figure? If that is not in your budget, let me know what is, and I will consider your personal situation. The house is very condusive to get togethers, and I hope you will enjoy your time there if everything works out." and I stopped listening to the voicemail after she said "I e-mailed you too..." but I'll check to see if she lowered the price to fifty dollars or soemthing :)
Or here: www.vrbo.com/40450 which is the same city as the previous one and at the very most $105 ea (also not specified) got an e-mail over the weekend. This one would be $80 each, paid by check or money order.

Finally, there’s Sunburst (48-51 to ski, 12-15 to tube) in Kewaskum, WI where we could stay:
www.vrbo.com/54917 for a 2:50 min drive from midway, 30 min to ski, and $85 each response: $395 plus $75 cleaning fee = $94 each. another inquiry is also in for this weekend.

Whatta you think? I’ll keep you guys updated on any responses I receive. (molly too)