THANK GOD FOR MACDONALDS!

DAWN IN ASHLAND

XCEL ENERGY'S WOOD BURNING ASHLAND POWER PLANT AT DAWN

BUDDY PLAYING ON THE BEACH IN ASHLAND

Friday, 8:00 AM.  27 degrees F, wind SW with light to moderate gusts.The sky is overcast, the humidity 76% and the barometer is rising, currently at 30.19".  I finally got the bird feeders up and filled yesterday afternoon, which was delayed by the early winter and the deer season, but the bears are asleep now and we hope the birds start showing up to give us some winter entertainment.
   We were in Ashland yesterday morning before sunup for Joan's cataract operation, and the dawn was clear, quiet, and very cold; which didn't stop Buddy from having a good time playing on the beach, tossing and chasing a plastic bottle endlessly.
   I went to the MacDonald's for coffee and an Egg McMuffin while Joan was in surgery, and had an opportunity to eavesdrop on the locals who were drinking 59 cent Senior coffees.  Some of what I heard: the DNR says the local deer harvest was down 18% from last year, which drew derisive laughter from those assembled, who said it was more like 50%;  The DNR also took it on the chin for publishing new lake trout size and possession limits of one fish per day, and legal length of less than 20" or more than 40".  Evidently trout have been overfished, and there are new restrictions on commercial fishing as well.  Some comments:  "I'm going to sell my boat."  "I'm glad I never bought a boat."  "Maybe the DNR will buy my boat."
   Also overheard: there is no longer a middle class, only rich and poor, and the retired guys are grateful for a place to have a good cup of coffee, a place to sit and talk,  and refills at a price they can afford, instead of $2.50 coffee at some boutique cafe'.
   Thank God for MacDonalds!