Chillin' in Colfax

Exactly one week ago today, Mark and I headed north to Colfax to visit the Hurlburt gang. We consider this a "spontaneous" trip because we decided only the day before to go. We actually tried to finaggle Lisa and Jon and the kids to come down to see us, and they were willing to, but because of their repsonsibilities with their animals and Jon having to work right away on Monday morning, they would have come down and visited for a few hours but then they would have had to make the drive back that very afternoon. Not very fun. So, Mark and I opted to drive up and spend the night in Colfax.

The chase is on! Rounding up the chickens.

Jon with Leila & Michael

When we arrived on Sunday afternoon, we brought terror with us: Mingo and Lily made their first trip to Lisa's...and I forgot to confirm that the dogs were indeed coming...and the kids' 3 chickens were in the backyard when we arrived...and we let Mingo and Lily out of the X-Terra...and they're bird dogs...and the chickens are birds...and there was a lot of screaming on my part...and the dogs received a lot of "juice" from their shock collars...and Michael, Emma, and Leila were all outside to witness anything that might happen...

Leila points at Mingo and Lily who were banished to the porch for bad behavior:(

Thankfully, the dogs were not able to catch or harm any of the fowl. They spent a good chunk of the visit inside a porch, looking out the windows at what must have looked like very delectable birds foraging for insects in the yard.

Emma struggles to get her balance. She showed me her fort in the woods.

I was very impressed with Michael and Emma's calm and understanding of the event that had transpired. While I was repeatedly apologizing, the kids reassured me that it was "okay." They matter-of-factly pointed out that Mingo and Lily are bird dogs, and they were doing what was natural for them. Adding to their reasoning, Emma also quipped, "Besides, if a chicken dies, then we'll just get another one." She didn't say this in a mean, uncaring way either. Emma certainly loves her animals, but I think she's learning a lot about the whole "circle of life" (see past blogs of my sister for more detail).

Cookie time! That's chocolate chip cookie smeared on her face.

Anyway, aside from this initial traumatizing event, Mark and I had a wonderfully relaxing time being with Lisa, Jon, and the kids. We hung out quite a bit on the deck, talking and watching the chickens peck the yard. Lots of laughing.

Mark sitting on the deck.

I marvelled at Leila's newfound mobility skills. The last time I saw her in June, she was standing up, but not secure with the whole letting-go and moving thing. She was definitely a-moving and a-shaking last weekend!

Look out!

Walking rocks!

Leila chases the chickens. Michael kept a watchful eye on his baby sister.

It was really neat to see all of the animals the family has now too. In addition to their cat and dog, they've added the 3 chickens, a horse for Emma, and five calves! The horse and the calves are kept on a neighbor lady's small farm. The farm is very close to their home, and I know that Emma rises early in the morning to help feed chickens and to perform other tasks about the place.

Emma & some of her farm friends.

Thanks so much, Lisa and Jon, for hosting us for an impromtu visit!!

Jon

They're so cute!

The Pole Building

Bob scales the roof of the shed

How quickly summer is ending! Only 2 more weeks left and then I'll be returning to school for our first in-service. Rats! However, I do feel that I've accomplished a lot over the course of this summer as far as household tasks and sewing projects are concerned. I have also done quite a bit of tutoring.

Birch trees in Rhinelander

A couple of weeks ago my mother-in-law, Judy, coordinated a successful food drive in Cross Plains for a charity that she volunteers with, M.O.M. (Middleton Outreach Ministries). M.O.M. helps people in need in the Middleton/West Madison area by providing food, clothing and medical assistance. The organization also helps seniors with chores, shopping and companionship. The "Stuff the Truck" event was held outside our local Piggly Wiggly and because of volunteers like Judy, Van, Greg, Renee, and our good friends Oscar and Karen (and their granddaughter Sophia), who stood outside the store and greeted people with a smile and a pamphlet about the pantry's needs, a whoppin' 800 lbs. of food and $104 in cash donations was collected! Way to go, guys!

Judy (in blue) with Karen and Oscar and their granddaughter Sophia (in pink).

That same weekend I went north to Rhinelander to see Mom and Dad and to help my friend Ingrid move to her new digs in Lac du Flambeau. If you recall, Ingrid and her husband Craig had been living in Anchorage, Alaska for the last five years. Both of them wanted to move closer to home for awhile, and this feeling was escalated last year when their baby boy, Soren, was born. Ingrid applied for numerous teaching jobs in the U.P. and throughout Wisconsin and was successful in securing a teaching position in Lac du Flambeau as a middle school English teacher! I'm thrilled to have my dear friend so much closer to home...I've sorely missed her goofiness and wisdom. Yes, wisdom:)

The pole building grows
Bobby takes a quick break.

Dad with saw

I unfortunately didn't take any pictures of the home Ingrid and Craig are renting...but soon enough there will be LOTS of pictures of the little clan gracing the pages of this blog! Right, Ingrid?

Mom and Lily observe the guys working
Dad using the saw

Romeo in his roost

I know I've said this before, but when the weather is nice up north it is so nice up there. Mom and Dad's cat, Romeo, enjoyed the beautiful days by snoozing in his cat condo and my traveling companions, Mingo and Lily, of course just reveled in the thrill of being at a place where they can constantly run. Here they "patiently" wait for me to let them out for more running time outside.

There is no such thing as rest when the hounds get to Rhinelander

My brother, Bob, and his friend, Charlie, made a suprise appearance that weekend too and used the time and the nice weather as an opportunity to work on the pole building which is located behind my parents' home. I have to say it was pretty fascinating watching Dad, Bob and Charlie work on the roof. They layed some black (tar?) paper on the new boards and lifted large sheets of plywood on top of that. Following Bob and Charlie's measurements, Dad would cut pieces of material with a handsaw and then hand the pieces up to Charlie and Bob who would, in turn, scale the scaffolding and rooftop with a lot more confidence than I could ever muster! Yikes! I'm amazed with Dad's and Bob's skill and craftsmanship. It was pretty neat to stand aside and watch father and son work together like that.

Dad lifts a large piece of plywood to Charlie

Charlie would then lift the plywood to Bobby

That same afternoon, Mom and I walked around the house, snapping some delightful summer images with my camera. It was fun strolling and chatting casually with Mom. She has much to be proud of, as her large vegetable garden looked lush and healthy and her small flower gardens that border the house were looking full and vibrant as well. The photos below are just for fun. Many of them are just "things" around the house that I thought looked interesting.

Look carefully. That's Mom "driving."

Mom waves hello from the other side of the garden

John, please note this lovely rose.

Clothespin on the line
A sandy ball of chains next to the garage.

A watering can hanging on a nail on the house.

An old truck in the back
Fun Fungi I

Fun Fungi II

Can you see? Signatures engraved in the cement of the bomb shelter.