SKN started out abit on the 'cool' side up in northern Minnesota!  With a temperature of minus 25°F, it would seem to be the perfect night to make some contacts close to the fireplace.  But this year, I thought I would try something different.  I set up my portable station outside on my deck.  I used my trusty old Icom 746, a 12-volt deep cycle Interstate marine battery, a TransWorld 2010 Backpacker antenna and my favorite straight key.  I also had an 80 meter Cobra dipole strung at about 15 feet high.  I started out on 20 meters and  made some QSOs before I went to 40.  I quickly learned that it was difficult to send cw with a glove on so I kept switching hands to keep my 'sending fists' warm.  All-in-all, I managed 5 QSOs before it was just too cold to continue.   I had a blast but will probably QSY back to the fireplace next year. :)