MATTHEW AND ISAAC VISIT

It was enjoyable to have Matthew and Isaac visit us for the past four days. Matthew did lots of work around the homestead, the most major of which was a picket fence around the lower garden.

Isaac enjoyed playing with toys that were new to him, riding with me on the John Deere lawn tractor, riding hot wheels and little battery powered jeeps, and feeding the fish in our pond. They left on several Delta flights to return to Pittsburgh this afternoon.

The prelude to the story. My semi-dwarf honey crisp apple produced ONE fruit this year. We saved it for Isaac to pick believing that by this time it would be crunchy and sweet (we were right on the crunchy, but woefully wrong on the sweet).

Karol held Isaac as he tried to pick the apple, but alas it was too tightly attached to the tree, and the water on the leaves began to shower Karol.

So grandpa gave it a shot holding Isaac while he finally, with two hands, pulled the apple from the tree. Sweet success. Now we made the trip to the house to hear Karol share the story.

KAROL TELLS THE STORY

Catching fish for our supper (down in our pond).

There's always got to be some time set aside for a magic show.

IMMATURE GREAT BLUE HERON

Two days ago, I walked into my office to see right outside of my window a young great blue heron just lolling about. We watched it for a while as I tried to get a couple of pictures. Who knows, it may have been raised at our neighbors pond.

Then, a day later, a huge flock of grackles moved through, traveling from tree to tree, and finally a large number of them settling on a grassy spot.

Pictures also of the newly picketed garden and Karol and Isaac (Matthew and Angie) feeding the fish.

Grackles galore.

Under the apple tree.

Matthew had lots of energy as we began. We are both tired out now that the job is complete.

The old fence on this garden has many posts that had rotted off and the side poles were losing it quickly. We thought a picket fence would be unique. So Matthew and I set to work yesterday.

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Matthew hard at work drilling screws to hold it together. In the background is the auger that we FORTUNATELY rented.

Matthew making the final inspection. Proved to be a great job!

I don't know if Isaac was more interested in feeding the fish or in sneaking bites of the bread.

He ended up loving the feeding of the bread to the fish.

FALL MUSHROOMS

Before you take the time to look at the many varieties of mushrooms I shot today, I'd like to share with you a bit about my recent viral meningitis.

The meningitis was set into motion by the bite of a deer tick that was carrying the Powassan virus (similar to the West Nile virus but transmitted by a little pin head size tick). The Powassan virus was named from a city on Ontario, Canada. In recent years there have been more reports of this virus; although it still is extremely rare. Only 50 cases have been reported since 2003, with 11 of those being from Wisconsin. The Powassan virus originated in Canada and has migrated south to the upper mid-west and the northeastern parts of the U.S.

Everyone is susceptible to Powassan virus, but people who spend time outdoors in tick-infested environments are at an increased risk of exposure. I had a good number of ticks this spring (mostly wood ticks), and I indeed missed this little deer tick.

There is no medication available for the treatment of the  Powassan virus. Care to manage and alleviate the symptoms is all one can do (except to take precautions against further tick bites).

Now on to the mushrooms. It seems the cool, damp weather has caused them to flourish. Let me be the first to say that I know nothing about mushrooms. I do not eat them because I cannot identify them.

 

 

This is my favorite today!!

This is the seed head from a jack in the pulpit. You can never miss the seeds in the fall.

Asher and I spent time reading and talking.

Abram's favorite fruit.

 

Elizabeth (left) and Taylor (right) enjoy spending time with Grandma.

COUSINS...and more

Our annual cousin reunion took place on August 31 at a beautiful spot near West Bend, WI. We've been doing this for about four years now, and it becomes more special each year as we acquire age.

Grace, baby, you DA QUEEN!

TOPS at 95!

Aunt Milly said, "Not while I'm eating!"

Julie Zersen and Cynthia Seefeld

Our elder and wiser woman, and loving cousin, Barb Halter

The Selle cousins always "do it up" with food.

Jack Brockel and David Zersen tend the Wisconsin brats.

Sisters, Cynthia (Cindy) and Ellen (Seefeld).

Following the cousin reunion, Karol and sister Jean sort through a tea box full of old clothes, etc. We had to do it outdoors since the things were so musty. Donating much to UWSP fine arts department, tossing lots, and keeping a few things.

We're now at the Kolodziej's in Pittsburgh - doing some grand kid sitting. While at the Giant Eagle store, we spied this preying mantis on a pot of mums. Impressive.

BIRTHDAY # 73

I am so very thankful for today! Andrew and family gathered here for breakfast, worship and then lunch to celebrate my birthday. At 4 pm, Karol and I headed to the Corn Roast at Peace Campus Center - a reminder of many celebrations past with international students and community people. Today was the final roast for Rollie, Ron and Laurie who have been working with the corn roast for many years....a  true commitment to campus ministry and a service to hundreds of students over the years.

A white zucchini cake with cream cheese frosting. I'm not sure about the candles!

The "big blow" could not extinguish all of the candles. Three trick ones remained.

I can't say enough about my lovely and loving wife, Karol. Here she brought a cup of water so that I could extinguish the trick candles that would not go out.

Even Andrew (who doesn't do dessert) waited to scoop ice cream and then have his own piece of cake. Kaitlyn eagerly waits.

Again, I am so thankful for a return of health - thankful for celebrating this natal day. I am now 100% healthy after six plus weeks of recovering from viral meningitis.

Rollie "The Eagle" Schroeder has always had a good time coordinating the corn roasting and burger grilling team. This year he is wrapping up his career as "corn boss."

Sherrilee Wallerman was one who enjoyed the SWEET corn.

We spent some good time visiting with the North Wisconsin District president, Dwayne Lueck, and his wife, Cheryl.

FEMALE EASTERN BLACK TIGER SWALLOWTAIL

Here is a butterfly that I have never before seen. I hope that you enjoy looking at the swallowtail as much as I enjoyed taking the pictures.