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Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year to you all.

Chippewa Flowage Vacation 2008

This seen is more or less an experiment to see if I am able to upload my own video to the internet. If this works - perhaps you'll see more if you come back.

Pictured here, Mona is crafting the perfect "Bloody Mary" for lunch while we're taking a short lunch break from fishing. The resort we stayed at is the Chippewa Pines Resort where we've been going for almost 10 years already. You can hear the TV in the background... you can also hear that she likes to swear a lot.

Visit to Lower Cato Falls near Clark Mills

On Sunday, October 26th Mona and I went out to eat at Nibby's in Branch with my Mother and her friend. (They've got great "Family Style Chicken" on Sunday's.) On the way back to my Mother's house we took a detour and stopped at the Lower Cato Falls in Manitowoc County. It's located on County Highway JJ about 8 miles from Manitowoc and a mile or two from Clark Mills.

Pictured here is a view of one of the four sets of wooden steps that lead down to the Manitowoc River. We decided to try to displace some of the chicken we had just eaten so we hiked our way down to the river. Years ago when we were kids and before the County invested the money into renovating the park to what it is today, we would occasionally go fishing there.

Shawano Lake Weed Cutter

I was leaving for work on Wednesday morning October 22, when I noticed a commotion down by the boat landing so I decided to check it out.

Pictured here is a crew that was loading up the weedcutter that had been parked in the Swan Acre landing on Shawano Lake for several months now. With the weed problem as bad as it is on the Lake the Lake Association has resorted to having them cut and removed. Some areas of the Lake have such a weed problem that its near impossible to get a motorized boat through it.

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One More Cast... Then We'll Go

The sun is setting on another fishing season for us soft water anglers. Pictured here is John still trying to catch a fish after Mona caught and released the nice Largemouth below. With some luck - we might be able to get out one more time?

I'll Have a Gallon of Gas... To Go!

Mona returns from her walk to the gas station to buy a second gallon of gas.

(See - Last Fishing Trip 2008)

Huckleberry Boat Landing

Photo of Huckleberry Boat Landing downtown Shawano. Note the weed cutter used for cutting the weeds in the Lake in the center of the Photo. This is the landing we managed to get to when we ran the boat motor out of gas. We were able to tie up the boat on a tree next to the cutter.

Last Fishing Trip of 2008... Maybe?

Saturday, October 11th with the weather near 70 degrees and mostly sunny, we decided to try to get the boat out just one more time for the year before we have to get it winterized.

We went out on Shawano Lake at about 1:00 pm and fished for a few hours with no luck except for a couple of bites that we missed. We were throwing spinner baits and crankbaits for Bass and Northern Pike. (If we get lucky we could get a Musky.) We put the boat in at Swan Acres landing and fished on the Cecil end as well as by the Historical Marker on Highway 22. We decided to go across the lake over by the Shawano County Park to hit the restrooms before taking a ride down the outlet on the outskirts of town to the Wolf River. Then we would go past the Shawano Medical Center down to the Shawano Dam. We fished the river near the Dam for a little while and decided to give up there too.

That's when we turned around and went under the railroad trestle that goes across the river and went up that way for a mile or so. When we turned around - we had already logged 26 miles on the boat. We returned to the outlet and started back to Shawano Lake snapping pictures all the way when the motor on the boat died. The gas gauge on the boat doesn't work and we ran out of gas. Fortunately, we were only 100 yards or so from Huckleberry Landing - Downtown. (It was getting to be about 4:30 by now.) John walked about a block and a half to a gas station to see if he could borrow a gas can and buy some gas to get us back on our way.

The women behind the counter said they didn't have and gas cans to lend out (and even checked) but she said we do have some to sell. He ended up buying a one gallon gas can for over $4.00 and then another $3-something for gas.

He also used their phone book to get phone numbers for S & S Marine and The Lighthouse Bar who sell gas right on the outlet near the Lake. John put the gas in the boat as Mona called the numbers to see if they were open and if they would still sell gas. S & S Marine said they closed at 5:00 pm but her husband would be working in the back until about 6:00 - we could hunt him down and get gas.

We wanted to make sure we had enough gas to get there so Mona walked back with our newly purchased 1-gallon can to get another gallon of gas. She returned at about 13 minutes to 5:00. John put the second gallon of gas in the tank and we were off flying down the outlet as fast as the boat would go until we reached the no wake area. When we arrived at S & S Marine it was about 4 minutes before 5:00 and a young guy came out to assist (and collect) while we put in another 5 gallons to make sure we'd get back to Cecil.

Once we got back to Cecil Bay we decided to try fishing for a while before quiting and that's when Mona caught and released this nice Largemouth Bass on a spinnerbait. When 6:00 rolled around we decided it was getting dark enough for us to give up and head for home.

As usual: Click on the photo to make it grow!

Dave's Falls - Photo #2

On Saturday, October 4th we took a ride up to the Abrams, Wausaukee, and Amberg area. We stopped in at Dave's Falls after checking out were Mona's parents used to have a cottage in the Abrams area. We also ran into an old car show there which was interesting. Ate at Hoover's in Crivitz. (An old friend I haven't seen for about 20-25 years however he wasn't in. I heard that happens a lot.)

Photos below are taken at Dave's Falls. As usual, you can click on them to enlarge them.

Dave's Falls

Dave's Falls - Photo #1

Yes... We do get political

Here are some of the signs we have displayed at our house. There is no way anyone is going to say that we are undecided (As seen from Highway 22).

Brewster the Watch Dog

On Sunday, September 28 was Mona's birthday but in stead of being to go out and do something to enjoy ourselves we were doomed to stay home to can tomatoes from the garden.

While we were busy in the kitchen I happened to look over into the living room and notice ole Brewster with his head propped on the window watching the birds in the bird feeder as well as the neighbors across the street.

This is one of his favorite places to lay down and relax. His stuffed toy is the octopus next to him. Mona's stuff Moose are on the rocking chair.

Obama Comes to Green Bay

Barack Obama came to Green Bay today and I had a chance to get priority seating tickets but was unable to get off of work to attend. I was really disappointed since I had two cameras ready with the batteries charged in the Van (with extra memory chips) at work for when I attended to get some pictures of history being made.

I heard from friends that were able to attend that he had spoken for about an hour and of course the message that was presented was directed at blue collar workers such as myself.

Wisconsin is considered as one of the battleground states in this election so I guess that our public media will reap the benefits of all the printed as well as broadcasted propaganda over the airwaves. The funds that they collect can only help the Wisconsin economy.

Sign from the Waupun Assembly of God Church

2008 Cancer Survivor Celebration - Aurora BayCare Medical Center

The 2008 Cancer Survivor Celebration sponsored by Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay was held on Tuesday, August 5th. Mona and I have been attending these for a few years now and are amazed how the event seems to be growing every year. We were told that there were approximately 1,400 people in attendance. I would guess about half of the attendees were actual cancer survivors.

When we arrived at about 4:30 we were just in time for Music and Dinner. The menu included BBQ Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, relish trays, chips, fruit and water or lemonade. I think we picked the slowest food line because it took forever.

Once we were done eating they gave away 20 (mostly handmade) quilts that appeared to be donated to the event by local quilters.

Three of Mona's doctors came front and center on the stage to give presentations. (It's nice to associate with your doctors when you're not getting prodded and poked.)

The next item on the agenda was the symbolic release of a good size flock of white doves. They are trained to circle the area three times before they head back to their home in DePere. I can't describe the feeling I get when I watch the birds enjoy there short-lived glimpse of freedom.

I would guess the photo above is one of the main reasons that Mona likes to attend these celebrations. It's a chance to show that she is a member of a group of people who had an opportunity to cheat death at least one time.

Click on the photo to enlarge it. Mona is the one in the center of the sign in the front row with her left arm raised. (Note: This is only a portion of the people that were in the photo. Since I was unable to get on the scaffold I couldn't get everyone in the photo.)

Flyin' Over Shawano Lake

This guy flys over Shawano Lake every once in a while with his small aircraft. We were told by Doug Joas at the 2007 Durben Reunion that this guy is related to us although I forgot who the individual is. If anyone out there knows who he is - Let us know. Note the little guy following him up there. This photo was taken on 7.31.08 when I was letting Brew outside one more time before I left for work. As most of the photos here - you can click on them to make them larger.

2008 Durben Reunion 4

PLEASE CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE...

2008 Durben Family Reunion 3

2008 Durben Reunion 2

2008 Durben Reunion 1

Paul and Nora Durben Annual Family Reunion 2008

The 2008 Paul and Nora Durben Family Reunion has come and gone. You couldn't have asked for better weather for July 19th in Chilton, Wisconsin. The reunion was held at Hobart Park which is "not" by the Hospital as some of us were told but actually by the Fairgrounds. (This is an inside Joke for some of us.) My Mother went to two other parks first and she accidentally found a Biedenbender reunion while searching for us. She said if she wouldn't have found us, she'd have gone back there.

The grills were hot (just like the stuffed jalapenos that my Uncle Mike made) as Dexter and Don fried up the various types of meat (including meatloaf) to perfection. The serving line of dishes-to-pass which were offered were great but far too much for a group our size to devour. It was very tough for someone like me who should lose about 5 pounds to control myself.

The Diedrich Girls (Lynn, Jeanette and Lori and their families) did a great job planning the event. There was a memorial for members of our relation that were in the Military. In today's world, we should all stop and take a few moments once in a while to reflect on the issues at hand as well as in the past. They had a game to guess the number of M and M's there were in a pint jar. This may sound simple but they threw in a bunch of W's to throw me off. (Very crafty them Diedrich girls.) There was a poster with pictures of old people on it and we were supposed to guess who they were. (Actually I used the term loosely to get a smile but these are our ancestors and the reason for our annual reunions and why us younger ones are here. Many of the relatives attending put me up there with the old people. Believe it or not... I think there were more young people than old people this year.)

The cameras were flashing and I wish I had a dollar for every pixel that was burnt that day. I think between Mona and I we took about 250 or so photos. I promised photos to a few individuals and if anyone else wants to exchange photos please contact me via email at chilihead@frontiernet.net. We are going to be out of state for a few days and hopefully it won't take us long to get back into the groove once we return.

All in all it was a good time. If I had to guess how many attended I would guess around 50. Out of state attendees that I know of came from Minnesota, Texas, Alabama and Ohio. We appreciate seeing you.

You can click on the photo above to make us grow. Pictured there is Mona, Dorothy my Mother and myself. Thanks to my Aunt Carol Durben for taking the picture. Again, once we get back home next week and back in the groove I hope to post more photos here. Ya'll come back now... you here?

Rainy Lake Sunrise

This is a photo John took of the Rainy Lake sunrise he and the rest of the guys in the trip woke up to on Sunday Morning June 8th. Pictured here they are attempting to get the houseboat turned around and out of a small channel that they spent the night at. Once that was completed they attached the two small boats behind so that they could tow them back.

Rainy Lake Walleye

John caught and released this walleye the first week in June at Rainy Lake in Northern Minnesota. It was about 23 inches long. Rainy Lake has a slot limit where fish between 17 and 28 inches have to be released back to the lake. You can keep one fish over 28 inches and eat the fish under 17. Needless to say we did not eat much walleye - the Northern Pike was good though.

If you click on the picture to enlarge it you will also see his glasses and his jacket are all wet. That's from running with the boat. The lake was rough and the waves were coming over the side of the boat as they moved from spot to spot. It was worse than when it was raining out, at least they were dressed for it.

Durben 2008 Family Reunion Update

The Diedrich girls have circulated a few updates regarding the 2008 Durben Family Reunion.

They've announced that they plan on honoring family members that were in the Military. Please bring pictures or memorabilia with you when you attend.

The event will begin at 12:00 noon on Saturday, July 19th at Hobart Park in Chilton, WI. Attendees are asked to bring a "Dish to Pass" as well as their own meat, buns, etc. A grill will be provided for all the cooks.

Click on photo to enlarge

Blue Huron at Chippewa Flowage

John caught this picture while we were fishing in one of the small bays at the Chippewa Flowage. We watched this Blue Huron for over a half an hour as it circled around the shoreline in the bay hunting all the while as it moved along. Here sneaking under a couple of fallen tree logs as it moves with caution as not to make a sound.

With patients come the rewards. It's hard to tell, but it looks as though it is a small perch or bluegill for lunch today.
Click on photos to enlarge.

Brew and Mona Go Fishing

Brew is not a good fisherman when it comes to keeping still in the boat. As Mona throws and retrieves the bobber, Brew has to be right there. He fell in once and got his first swimming lesson as Mona was pulling him closer to the boat with the leash he still had connected to his collar. Then she had to get him in the boat so he could shake himself off and get everything wet. He still didn't settle down. At least the smaller poodle we had before this one would have been good Musky bait... I think this guy's too big!

Brew and John Wrestling

Mona got this photo of John and Brew wrestling on the floor. (Not sure who won?)

Mona at Hippo Rock

Mona is looking out for Hippo Rock here at the Chippewa Flowage. We've been told that this "Rock" has done some serious damage to boats.

Heading Back to the Cabin at Chippewa Pines Resort

After a day of slow fishing it's time to go back to the cabin at Chippewa Pines Resort. You can see by the outer wear it wasn't the warmest. We had one warm day the Sunday before Memorial Day (that's when the crappies bit very well) and then the cold front came in. The fish reacted with lock-jaw for the most part.

Mona with Small Mouth

Pictured here is Mona with a Small Mouth (Bass that is.) This fish was also caught and released on the Chippewa Flowage in Northern Wisconsin.

Northern Pike

John recently caught and released this Northern while fishing on the Chippewa Flowage in the Hayward, WI area.


We stayed at the Chippewa Pines Resort. This is the 11th year we've spent Memorial Day weekend up there. One year we went back in September for extened weekend.

Click on fish to make it bigger.

Family Reunion 2008

Arrangements have been finalized. Saturday, July 19th at Hobart park in Chilton. Details to follow and will be posted here as soon as I receive them.

N0! This is NOT Jaws...

These photos were taken on Saturday, April 26th. This is not a scene from JAWS, but was taken by the Dam in Shawano. These Sturgeon are making their annual migration to their spawning sites. Under normal circumstances these fish complete the annual ritual in a matter of a few days compared to this year where the weather is not cooperating. DNR Bioligist estimate that the prehistoric looking fish may spawn for a few more days yet.

Thunder - The Red-tailed Hawk

One of the attractions at the Earth Day event held at the Navarino Wildlife Center recently was the appearance of a Red-tailed Hawk. The pictured bird who goes by the name of "Thunder" spent several hours entertaining the onlookers who came to get closer to nature.

Thunder was hit by a car and lost part of it's wing making it impossible for him to ever fly again. Pictured above with the Hawk is Tricia from the Wind River Wildlife Rehabilitation Center who is his caretaker and trainer. Thunder actually lives with her and her family at their home.

The states that the bird has a diet of lab mice and the life expectancy could be from 25 to 30 years. (John took the photos)

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Earth Day Celebration

On Saturday, April 19th we went to the Navarino Nature Center again to check what they were doing for their Earth Day event.

Aside from the face painting (Mona and I didn't get in to that), solar power demo, critter catching in the ponds, bird house making, 7 mile wagon ride through part of the reserve itself, and numerous displays inside the center itself there were two individuals who brought some birds that they are taking care of.

Pictured above is a photo John took of a Peregrine falcon and it's care taker. The bird had been injured and unable to take care of itself in the wild so it is staying at this woman's house.

Not only did Mona get to try some ice cream with fresh maple syrup, we brought home a few pine tree seedlings.