Category Archives: Year 6

A Tradition of Bears!

Background, Year 6

When each of my three children were born, I immediately upon leaving the hospital purchased a Teddy Bear for my new child! Even though I am 63 years old, my own “Tommy Bear” has followed me through life.

Announcing the arrival of Crosby Carroll Hoeg … and his bear! Bear and boy arrived safely in this world two nights ago, and are now home. The photograph includes “big sister” with her bear, baby boy Hoeg and his bear, and finally my son … the new Dad with his bear! One change, the latest bear arrived via Amazon one day delivery … it’s a Gund (the best).  What family traditions do you have? Our bear tradition is 3 generations old!

Finally, I was surprised and deeply moved (okay, I cried), my new grandson’s middle name was my own Dad’s middle name. This is my sixth grandchild, but the first to carry on the Hoeg family last name. Tradition! Cue Fiddler on the Roof.

Aurora Borealis and Meteor Shower Possible Tonight!

Year 6

Normally I do not post in advance about possible celestial displays, but tonight could be a once in a lifetime event (Thursday, November 21st). Around 10:30 pm Central Time there is a fair chance of a combined Northern Lights display and intense meteor shower. Both events are rare; a combination of the two is a unheard of possibility.

Here is an article from the Washington Post speaking to the likelihood of a meteor shower. There could be over 100 meteors in a fifteen minute period … or nothing!

In terms of predicting the Aurora Borealis, use this service from NASA & NOAA named Ovation Aurora. I have annotated a screenshot I took this morning as an example.

  • Learn more about camera settings, good locations, etc via my Northern Lights page.
  • Boulder Lake is an excellent viewing location near Duluth. A map and other instructions may be found upon my Northern Lights page.
  • I would be in place at your preferred location by 10:15 pm Central Time, or earlier depending upon the Aurora numbers. Skies are forecast to clear in NE Minnesota this evening, and the moon will not be above the horizon … thus dark, clear skies should be the name of the game!

Good Reading | Great Photographs!

Background, Year 6

Today the latest issues of two magazines hit the streets today, and yours truly is featured in a big way! The two magazines are: (great holiday reading and ideas found within)

First, for Lake Country Journal, I took all the photographs for an article Molly wrote about the Arrowhead 135 … the craziest ultra-marathon that is really all about winter survival! 135 as in miles … during last year’s race which we covered temperatures dropped to -25F. Many competitors compete unsupported … no help allowed, carry all your own supplies, can not even go in a building to use a bathroom.

Second, for Lake Country Journal, I wrote an article and took all the photographs which explains how to find Snowy Owls this winter in the Duluth / Superior region.

Like owls? Remember to download a free PDF copy of my new children’s picture book, Snowy’s Search for Color.

Finally, for Lake Superior Magazine, I took photographs for an article Molly wrote about the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. Photos taken last Christmas season along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Ontario. This train visits a nice chunk of the USA including the Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago areas. Great family fun … free concert at the railroad siding … national acts! (see Molly’s blog … my wife)