Rays Retreat Ramblings

Pictures from Sunday Nov. 30 2008 Ride

Dave    We had a great ride today, putting on another 60 plus miles on my sled, and still loving it. Dave and Kris rode with us today. Dave is on the department with me, and Kris works at the home with me.

We stopped at the hills for some hill climbing fun. Dave is also a racer in the summer time (drags) so he loves catching some air and speed.

80% of the trails we were on, were in great shape! A few ruts, and trail 7 along Old 27 was rough. 

 

Mike's boat, and my new sled. Although I led alot of the time today, and Mike kept up most of the time too! ... I couldn't seem to loose him.

The trail in front of the motel.

It was a nice Thanksgiving Day

Hope you all enjoyed a great Thanksgiving. We made the trip over to see Bourbon's family. Bourbon lives with Mike and Ann's oldest son Bryan. She's an old girl, but she can still keep up with me.

No one had told me they have a new critter living with them. A fluffy furry brown bunny. I got in trouble because I just couldn't stay away from 'Flowers'... I just wanted a taste. No, No! I didn't mean a taste... just a lick of the little critter.

We helped with picking out just the right Christmas tree (a real tree!) for their home, and started with the decorating.

Its one of the best Thanksgiving I've ever had, and there is lots of snow!

 

Leave it to Mike and Gizzy to find the pie.

--------------Sparky T. Ray

Winter Storm Warning

Watches and Warnings

Gaylord Forecast

/O.CON.KAPX.WS.W.0009.081201T0000Z-081201T2100Z/
PRESQUE ISLE-OTSEGO-MONTMORENCY-ALPENA-CRAWFORD-OSCODA-ALCONA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ROGERS CITY...GAYLORD...ATLANTA...
ALPENA...GRAYLING...MIO...HARRISVILLE
356 PM EST SUN NOV 30 2008

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING
TO 4 PM EST MONDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING
TO 4 PM EST MONDAY. 

SNOW WILL BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES TONIGHT THROUGH MONDAY MIDDAY...BEFORE
GRADUALLY DIMINISHING MONDAY AFTERNOON. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS RANGING
FROM 6 TO 10 INCHES ARE EXPECTED BY LATE MONDAY.

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW WILL MAKE
TRAVEL DANGEROUS. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...USE EXTREME CAUTION

Happy Thanksgiving Day

Not unusual for me, this week is flying by very quickly. I'm working everyday, except today.. time off for the thanksgiving feast. We enjoyed a non traditional steak dinner with our oldest son and family.

We still have snow! Last Saturday was a winter blast of fun when we got out and rode 50 miles with 'the good Bob' putting the first miles on his sled. When I pulled my sled into the garage I was just 2 miles shy of my first 200 miles.

As we were driving home from Traverse tonight, the last 25 miles were slow going as the snow was coming down hard enough that it was blinding. However, its let up now. ... on a positive note, couple inches of new snow expected nearly every day.

The phone lines have started to ring with people planning their snowmobile trips. Keep them ringing!

I work again tomorrow. I hope we can get out this weekend again and ride. As we were driving home tonight, we  saw several sleds out playing around. Tis the season.......

yawn, even though we didn't have turkey, it still tired us out.

Thanksgiving Blessings to you and yours.

Thanksgiving wish

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Red Neck Beliefs

There's some positives about being a redneck! Here are a few:

You might be a redneck if: 

 

You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places. 

 

 

 

 

You might be a redneck if: 

 

You still say ' Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.' 

 

 

 

 

You might be a redneck if: 

 

You bow your head when someone prays. 

 

 

 

 

You might be a redneck if: 

 

You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem. 

 

 

 

 

You might be a redneck if: 

 

You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have. 

 

 

 

You might be a redneck if: 

 

You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

 

 

 

 

You might be a redneck if: 

 

You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same. 

 

 

 

 

You might be a redneck if: 

 

You'd give your last dollar to a friend. 

 

 

 

 

If you got this email from me, it is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this email. 

 

 

 

 

God Bless the   USA  !

 

Friday Night

It was a beautiful snowy day, all day. Looked the driving was a little slow going, but I never left the Retreat. Just Ann and Gizzy went into work early this morning, and Gizzy came home all pretty and short haired.

Hey, Tasha.... yes Ann did knit my scarf that I had on for 2 whole minutes and then had a ball dragging her around the back yard with it! ... She's been knitting every night a new sweater for Gizzy... Mike and I think it might be summer when its done.

Life has been good. Last week-end Dan the Mennonite Man was here for the weekend, and we enjoyed some great walks.

Last night, what a surprise (to me) when Good Bob walked in the door. I've been giving When Ann got home from work the three of them went out on their sleds, leaving me and Gizzy home alone. I don't like that.... but they came home so happy I guess it was good....................Sparky

Playing in the Snow

I love the snow!

I could stay out and play for hours. I try,

but no one will stay out to play with me that long. 

Ann and Mike were out playing this morning with their sleds. We all want MORE snow.

-------------------------------Sparky T. Ray

Correction

I want to thank Julie to letting me know that Walter Reed hospital will not accept cards to Any Soldier. I have copied her message with the address where she obtained the info, which also lists where you can send cards. Sorry folks for misinformation.

BWalter Reed Hospital is no longer accepting mail addressed to "Any Wounded Soldier". I attached a link to the Snopes article that contains all of the information. However, The American Red Cross is sponsoring a program called "Holiday Mail For Heroes" this year. All of the details are available at the Snopes web site posted below! I really hope that people will take advantage of helping lift the spirits of those who have fought for our freedom! I just didn't want people to waste their time and money on cards that wouldn't be delivered. Here's the link: http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/soldiercards.asp

But, please do remember our troops every day in prayer.

Thanks Julie !

8 Days