Yesterday was one of those days where the rain just came down in buckets. And just when it looked like it was never going to stop, THIS happened! Blue Lake came through with a perfect ending to the day! Thanks, for the amazing photos, Jane Nortman!

…and we surely will, because I’m pretty certain that when we get to heaven, Al will be there with a wink, a smile and a joke to tell. 😉  Yet, it is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of Al’s passing on April 27th in Minocqua, Wi.  The patriarch of the Blue Lake Colianni family, Al leaves a legacy of love and family.  He will be missed by many.

The loons will soon return to Blue Lake.   Their mournful, early morning calls will remind me of man who loved God, the lake, his friends, family and most of all his beloved wife, Marilyn.  We will hold you in our hearts forever.

Sympathy by Emily Bronte

There should be no despair for you
While nightly stars are burning;
While evening pours its silent dew,
And sunshine gilds the morning.

There should be no despair-though tears
May flow down like a river:
Are not the best beloved of years
Around your heart for ever?

They weep, you weep, it must be so;
Winds sigh as you are sighing,
And winter sheds its grief in snow
Where Autumn’s leaves are lying:

Yet, these revive, and from their fate
Your fate cannot be parted:
Then, journey on, if not elate,
Still, NEVER broken-hearted!

You can find Al’s obituary including funeral service details here:

Albert Colianni Obituary

Well, don’t get too excited, folks; it’s just the Blue Lake outlet. I took a walk down Hacker the other day and it sure was nice to hear the water flowing. Never mind that there is still a foot and a half of snow and who knows how many inches of ice on the lake! I’m pretty sure it will be June before the mountain of snow at the end of my driveway melts away.

Oh, and if you’re planning on doing any fishing in a couple of weeks, you better dig out the augers and tip ups…another blizzard is coming our way!

I’m afraid Spring is officially cancelled!

Sadly, I need to let you know about the death of another Blue Lake friend. Many of you may remember Ruth Reinders, long time Blue Lake resident and sister of Marilyn Colianni. Ruth passed away on September 11th.  She loved watching the loons, wildlife, and beavers while pontooning with her husband, Pete and family.  Ruth served as Secretary/Treasurer of Blue Lake Preservation Association for many years. She enjoyed playing games, visiting with friends, and having a 7-7 in her favorite loon glasses. Ruth was particularly known for her delicious pies and sharing her musical talents at church.

More information and obituary can be found here: http://m.burketubbs.com/obituaries/events?obituaryId=2544127

It was one of those weekends you dream of all winter long…clear skies, warm temps, refreshing water! With the thermometer climbing into the high 80’s, it felt more like July than almost October. There were kaykers, sunbathers, swimmers, waterskiers and pontooners! Those of us who were lucky enough to enjoy this amazing weekend surely feel like we got a bonus round! Here are a few sights (and sounds!) of what it was like on Blue!

The leaves aren’t changing too much yet, but I did manage to find a little color!

The outlet is a raging river! My kayak kept trying to escape!

I’m saddened to let you know that Blue Lake has lost two more residents.  William “Hutch” Hutchinson passed away on August 6, 2017 and Heidi Morris lost her battle with cancer on August 11, 2017 at the Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff.

You can find Heidi’s obituary here:  Heidi Morris Obituary