Ely Baby!

My home away from home!
Seriously, I don't even know who I have become?!
I went to get my youngest son new snow pants cause this guy won't stop growing!  I mean 14 and he's already 6'2 and size 15 shoes!  Come on now!
Anyhow, I was at Dick's, Dick's Sporting Goods you pervs.....
And I realized I was taking pictures of new life jackets and kayaks, because I don't seem to think that we have enough.  Who am I??
Right now we have 2 vacations booked in Ely, and we are thinking of a third.  Call me crazy but I crave it.
If you are new to reading my blog, Ely is in our 4 year plan.
Pack it up, sell the house & get out of dodge!
I have a game plan all set for our future there and I'm just sayin' it's gonna be EPIC!
We rented an Air B and B in Ely, from school teachers from Mankato who too want to set anchor in Ely when they retire.  Great people, awesome communication.  And the place! ? ! Awesome!
It even comes with snow shows!  If you come in the summer, kayaks at your disposal!
While we are in Ely this winter, there is a snowmobile run and a dogsled race.
How cool is that!? (literally, it's freezing!)
And our next vacation is planned later this summer and I'm already counting the days!

*Bummer dogsled race was canceled due to extreme wind, boy was it chilly!  I could insert a chilly dog joke here but.....
The drive up HWY 1 is seriously breath taking, the snow on the boughs of the trees. They just glissen.
I love how "up north" people are generally so friendly, they wave to you as you drive by!  Hey in the city, you get the finger.
We drove straight there, stopped into the Gator's Grilled Cheese Emporium, grabbed a quick sandwich & soup.  Kiddo had mac n' cheese.
Yummy as always.
Headed over to get some groceries at Zup's, pronounced Zoop's.
Now onto the cabin!
It's So nice!  This is a new home, so beautiful!
Fun artwork throughout the home.

Light wood work, vaulted ceilings, amazing windows with stunning views!

An Alexia came equipped with the cabin, I was a fan until the 14 year old over used her towards the end of the visit.  She had some good jokes and new some fun songs.

The kitchen was beautiful and well equipped, I enjoyed cooking meals there.
Afterwards we would play a game or turn on the fire place (gas, hubbie loves a good wood fire place) & pick out a good flick to watch.
Some days were just spend reading.

One day we adventured out onto the frozen lake.  Took lots of beautiful photos.  Saw all sorts of animal tracks.

(can you see the boys way out on the lake?!)

One evening we went to town for dinner, had great food and beer at The Boathouse, local brewery.  They had the blueberry beer back, OMG SO GOOD!!!!

Our first and last night 7 deer came strolling through the yard, with not a care in the world.  So beautiful.

And the sun sets! So beautiful!  Brings a tear to your eye. 😭😭

So hard to leave, I'm already counting the days till we go back.

Spinach Artichoke Wonton

What - What!?
Spin dip in a wonton?! Yes the best of both worlds here, the creamy-cheesiness with the crunchy crust of a wonton!
Ok wipe that drool up and read on.
Hum I might have a problem, side note I'm watching a cooking video as I write this.
I was just telling someone when I wake up I'm thinking about what to make for dinner.
That reminds me, I need to workout today.  YUGH....... I'd rather eat cheese.
I'm rambling aren't I???

Alrighty here is what you're going to need:
Package of wonton wrappers (found in the produce section)
8oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano, shredded
1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
8oz artichoke, drained & chopped
10oz spinach, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
dash of salt & pepper
1/4 tsp tabasco
1 egg, just the whites
oil for frying

How to make them:
Get your oil warming up for frying these crunchy babies.
You can put the tip of a wooden spoon handle in the oil (very carefully!) if it forms bubbles around it.  The oil is ready.
Mix together, cream cheese, sour cream, chopped artichokes, spinach,parmesan,mozzarella, garlic salt, onion powder, salt, pepper, dash of hot sauce.
Lay out your won ton wrapper.
Spoon up about a tablespoon of the mixture, place in the center of the wrap.
Fold over, so sides are matching up.
Seal edges with egg whites.
Carefully drop into oil, frying until won tons are golden brown.
Lay onto a paper towel so the oil drains off.

Let them cool a little - then ENJOY!