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WINTERING AT TEN MILE LAKE
by Joyce McManus
(We asked Joyce McManus to tell us what it was like to give up Snowbird status and spend the winter at TML. Here is what she reported:)
AFTER TALKING ABOUT RETIRING "NORTH" for several years, we made the big move to full time, permanent residence in the summer of 2001. Earlier permanent residents like the Hoovers, Sandelins, and Griggses were probably relieved when we stopped talking about it and DID IT!
Since the last two winters have had less than normal snowfall, and since there are reliable snow plowers around, we have yet to be snowed in, although we had expected it. I do have a better understanding of the reason for spring load limits on the roads, and of the predominance of trucks and SUVs after having to have my car pulled out of the mud both early springs - in our own driveway! The cold weather also meant we had to replace our 70+ year-old garage with a new one that would actually house vehicles in the winter.
FOR US THE BIGGEST ADJUSTMENT has probably been from city to country, small town living. There are things we have always liked about smaller towns, such as knowing people in the stores, and things we have grown to like, such as the welcoming of new people by local groups and organizations. For instance, John was introduced this spring to the joys (and work) of maple syruping by a group of north shore men. There are enough organizations welcoming workers who are here when the snowbirds leave to keep you as busy as you wish.
TECHNOLOGY HAS PROVIDED us with a few things we might have missed a generation ago: via the internet, we can shop almost anywhere, and we have unlimited information access. A TV Dish with an NFL package allow us to continue to view all the Packer games.
A LONG TIME AGO a resident told me there were three groups of people who enjoy the area: tourists, summer people, and natives. Today there is a growing group who have opted to stretch summer through four seasons. After all, if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to be at Ten Mile, why would you want to be anywhere else?
