The word that I have heard from more than one ice fishing guru is that there are nice sunnies and some descent crappies being caught on Fountain Lake. By the looks of things, the area by the beach must be the place to set up your portable. I believe Pickerel Lake should also be good for perch and pike and with that new access it should be much more accessible once the ice thickens. Geneva Lake has been good in past years, and although I haven’t heard any reports, I don’t see why it shouldn’t be again this year.

I have a feeling that Beaver Lake could be pretty good this year, and don’t forget about St. Olaf. I don’t usually do a lot of ice fishing, but this year I am going to ask Trevor, my oldest grandson, to take me to one of his “hot spots” and I will have to promise not to give away all of his secrets.

In the back of my mind, I always have this urge to head to the cabin in the winter and try a little ice fishing on some of the nearby lakes. Our little lake should be a perfect one to start with. Maybe I can even talk Trevor into heading up there for a few days. I guess I am feeling a little more on the spry side now that I am sporting my new knee.

Life jacket on ice? YES! Wearing a life jacket while on foot, ATV or snowmobile (not in a vehicle) is your best chance of surviving an unexpected fall through the ice and into frigid waters.

New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly‑formed ice may support one person on foot, while one foot or more of old, partially‑thawed ice may not.

Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be one foot thick in one location and only one inch or two just a few feet away.

Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.

The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be weaker than ice that is farther out.

Booming and cracking ice isn’t necessarily dangerous. It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes. The main thing to keep in mind is that no ice is totally safe, so be aware of the ice conditions before venturing out.

We have been having this little dusting of snow which should give us just enough for the white Christmas that a lot of folks, myself included, wish for. Now, I am not a greedy person, so a dusting of snow that just covers everything is all that I need. This is the time of year for sharing, so if other areas want more, then I am all for it and will be gracious enough to let them have all that they can handle.

I am always a little nostalgic at Christmas time and I believe most folks are probably that same way to some extent. This time of year brings out the kid in me. Although I have not waited up to get a glimpse of Santa for quite some time, I do believe that there is something that brings out the good in folks during this season.

Whenever I hear Christmas carols being sung or played during this time, I get a certain good feeling. The other night I attended the high school winter band and orchestra concert. I was there to see my grandson, Grant, play violin in the Symphony Orchestra, but I was so smitten by the talents of all of these young musicians. We are lucky to have such fine instructors as orchestra director Rebekah Crissinger and band director Suzanne Mauer. They really seem to bring a lot of energy to the teaching of their students.

Until next time: The small game season is still open and bow hunting for deer runs until the end of December. It’s a good time to do some “hard water” fishing, and always remember to be careful when venturing out on new ice. I wish all a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years!

Please take some time during the holiday season to honor those who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms that we enjoy today. Also take a little extra time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have served and those troops who are serving today.