Brainerd Lakes Real Estate News

In part 1, we covered the verse I Peter 3:15 and learned about being prepared to

talk about our faith and to have answers ready for other's questions.  I often ask

others about their beliefs and some will reply that they are "private - just between

them and God".  Clearly, Peter did not advocate such a response!

    Questions may come from a stranger on a long airplane flight or a relative at a

funeral. A student of God's word will always be ready to explain the hope that others

see in their life.  Think about it and  perhaps write it out - so you will be prepared. 

We should enjoy talking about our Lord and Savior.  After all, he suffered and died,

so that we could live. 

What love!

I Peter 3:15

    "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

    What do you say to someone who asks you about your Christian Faith?  Can you explain clearly and completely, who Jesus is and why your relationship with him gives you eternal hope and freedom?

    Peter encouraged believers to live in such a way that others would be drawn to them and ask questions.  He stressed that they should have an answer ready for everyone who asked. 

     According to a recent Minnesota DNR survey, the typical ATV rider is a Caucasian male in his mid-40's with some college or technical training.  This man is most often employed full time, with an income of more that $50,000 and an average family size of 2.8.  In most cases he has not completed a DNR ATV safety course.

    The DNR Enforcement Education Program Coordinator, Capt. Mike Hammer, said "Recent DNR  statistics show a decline in youth-involved incidents, largely due to safety training requirements for those age 16 and under. It's the adults who have not completed training who are most at risk." 

     Most adults think that because they can drive a car, they are in possession of the skills necessary to handle a powerful 600-pound ATV.  But ATVs handle much differently than other vehicles and rollovers occur quickly.

    Adults also shun the use of helmets (mess up their hair).

    Hammer "ATVs are dangerous if you don't respect them.  You have to be trained and know what you are doing."

                                                     Ride safe, Minnesota!! 

                                                                                                              photo by daveynin
 

    We often order Sweet Potato Fries when we are out, but haven't tried them at home. So I immediately jumped on this recipe when it was posted in our local newspaper.

SWEET POTATO FRIES 

2 tablespoons coriander

1 tablespoon oregano

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoon salt

6 sweet potatoes

    Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Peel and cut sweet potatoes into fries about the size of Burger King fries.  Place into a large bowl and sprinkle with a vegetable oil (could try olive). Next sprinkle seasoning over fries - you can alway add more later.  Next, lay out on a pan.  Make sure that they are spread out and not touching or they will not become crispy.  Bake for 30-40 minutes and turn halfway through.  These are good hot from the oven or cold. 

    Now I have to find a recipe for the sauce like the one our local restaurant serves with them for dipping. 

P.S.~ There is another version of the recipe if you click on the photo. 

    April 25th, Friday, from 7-10 P.M. at the Aitkin, Minnesota V.F.W. will be a night of classic rock music.  This is a free event sponsored by the Kinship of Aitkin County youth leaders.

    These young people are taking a stand against drugs and are bringing community awareness to the dangerous effects of drugs and alcohol.

    The feature band for this community event will be Halvorson McNabb, a local band from the Crosby area.  Root beer and snacks will be served.

    Please show your support for these youth leaders and their program; encourage attendance at this event. 

                                                                                                      photo by Dan Zen
 

    Now if you are baking a ham or just ready to try something different for a side complement or even as a breakfast brunch dish - this is the one.  Of course, you have to be a pineapple lover and we  at the Lordbock house are. Our favorite pizza is sausage and pineapple. It is delicious and I found the recipe in our local newspaper.

1 large can crushed pineapple, drained, save the juice

1 cup milk

1 stick butter

2 cups sugar

8 to 10 slices  fresh bread, cubed 

2 eggs

Cube bread;put in a 9x13 inch pan.  Slice one stick of butter into small pieces and layer over bread.  Combine the milk. sugar and eggs.  Pour over bread.  Cover with drained pineapple.  Drizzle 2 tablespoons juice over the top. Refrigerate overnight and baked the next day at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes, or until the eggs are set.

    Actor Richard Widmark,93, born in Sunrise, MN has died at his home in Roxbury. Connecticut after

a fall which fractured vertebrae last year lead to other complications. Widmark had a film career of more that 70

movies, starting in the 40's and continuing on into the 90's in True Colors.  His characters ranged

from heroes to bad guys and he played them all equally well.

    Probably he is remembered best as Tommy Udo, the New York City gangster from "Kiss of

Death", a Henry Hathaway 1947 crime classic.  Other film highlights were: "No Way Out" 1950,

"Judgment at Nuremberg" 1961, The "Bedford Incident" 1965 and "Madigan" 1968. 

     In a totally different sort of film - The Western - in which Widmark rode horses ( very

important to me)- he starred in "Yellow Sky", "Cheyenne Autumn", "Two Rode Together" "The

Alamo" and the big western epic "How the West Was Won", with John Wayne. We are going to rent that for the

evening and just remember some of the greats.

                         Watch for the goofs in the filming.

When I wrote Go Away - Snow, I was thinking that this was my ode to winter weather.  However, we are experiencing a storm of blizzard proportions. The high winds, combined with the snow, are causing the  problems.  Trees and limbs (trees again, not human) are coming down and anything not tightly fastened (this could be human) is tumbling.

It was quite a challenge getting winter blankets on the horses in the wind.  By the time I had one end secured, the other end was coming  up to meet me.  I brought most of them into the stalls for the night as it simplified my life and made them very happy.  I am a pet pleaser, after all.

Area schools are closed and the trails are being groomed for what might be one last cross country ski jaunt.

Easter was early this year, so I suppose we should have been expecting more snow - plus it is Minnesota - the weather can change in an instant.

We did some design work on one of the homes in this weekend's Builder's Home tour.  It doesn't have a lawn or landscaping in - this will be perfect, no one will even notice!

Just when I think that I will be able to soon see green blades of green peeking out of the white fluffy stuff - it snows. Not just a dusting, or a mere frosty blanket, no!  I am talking about two feet of the  white stuff. Now being a born and bred in Minnesota gal, I know that it will eventually disappear and Spring will come.  It just is not going to happen any time in the near future.

We usually try to make the most of our lovely and yet unpredictable

Minnesota weather and so here is a snowman for you.  He portrays

the best of  our talented Minnesota Niceness.

     Lisa Paxton, Brainerd Lakes Chamber CEO thinks that  hosting the Governor’s Fishing Opener will give the Brainerd Lakes Area a long term pay off. "The governor's fishing opener will be a real boost," Paxton said "It's really an opportunity to capture a couple hundred media for an entire Brainerd lakes experience."

     Carol Altepeter, governor fishing opener event coordinator and regional manager at the Minnesota Office of Tourism in Brainerd, said from past experiences the opener brings in $600,000 conservatively from immediate media exposure. The boost to the area's economy through a strong tourism season is expected as media representatives - typically between 150 and 175 people - attend the three-day event.

     Paxton said the media exposure, which will be part of the Twin Cities for the extended weekend, is something the lakes area couldn't afford to buy. A dozen radio stations are expected to broadcast live from the opener and Gov. Tim Pawlenty's hour-long radio show will take place in the Breezy Point area with the public invited. While the majority of media personnel will be from Minnesota many will be traveling from Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Canada and Texas. Media tours will include the Paul Bunyan Scenic By-Way, area sporting businesses, and golf facilities.  They will be eating in area restaurants, shopping in our stores and sleeping in our motels. I am sure they will not enjoy our high gas prices, though!

     About 110 fishing hosts each take two or three people out in their boats, to experience our wonderful Minnesota lakes. Hopefully, the loons will be calling to them, as well. About 325 people are expected to attend the event between media and sponsors, not counting the general public. The free, public community picnic and program at the Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes on May 9^th, has been planned for 2500 to 3000.

Stop on in , drop in a line and visit – we are Minnesota Nice.