A cut from the life of the Rosholt Selles; A slice of culture from central Wisconsin; A piece of overseas mission; all from the heart of one who is richly blessed by the Heavenly Father.
No, the snow is still not gone - and tomorrow that will almost be an April Fool joke. This HAS been a long winter, but now I'm beginning to see the spring come. Look at the following video to see how hard it is for Sarge (our terrier mix) to get through the snow. Often he's buried up to his belly.
This is my garden. I am hoping that when we return from Pittsburgh on April 7, all of the snow will have melted and I will be able to get some seeds into the ground.
Today the robins came back in full force (the scouts had arrived about a week ago). As I drove my Meals on Wheels route, I saw many, many along the roadways.
The robins loved my flowering crab apples. We have about eight trees, and the birds are enjoying every apple.
Karol loves working on newsletters, articles, and strategy. She does spend lots of valuable hours on her computers - all in the service of God's Kingdom.
But there is also time for relaxation. This spot in the southeast corner of our house is sheltered. The late afternoon sun makes it the ideal spot for a little patio, our bench, and the grill. Last summer, Karol and I worked together to make this comfortable spot for relaxation.
Another type of candle holder.
One of the cherry bowls (cherry is my favorite wood to work with).
WINTER, that is! I thought that it would have gone, but it seems it's going to hang around with more snow. We had snow this morning again, and in two days, we should be getting more. But some of it is really pretty......
How many deer do you count? In recent days, they've been in our yard looking for areas where the snow has melted and the dry grass is showing. In addition to the grass, they're eating the buds off of my flowering crabapple trees.
I do have to say that while outdoor sports have become "old hat," inside sports like watching the deer are now on the increase. It is still a thrill to see the deer so close to us.
...............AND OUR INDOOR FLOWERING PLANTS ARE TREATING US TO A
SPLASH OF COLOR!
This two stalk, four flower amaryllis spent last summer in aged horse manure in my garden. I think it was worth it. I have one other amaryllis yet to bloom.
The first of five orchids that will bloom.
I give my Christmas cactus orchid bloom after it flowers at Christmastime.
My geraniums are all starting to bloom again in anticipation of spring.
These I had to purchase at the store.
Rachel who stayed a couple of nights, enjoyed some of the challenges. Her brother, Joshua, looks on.
Earlier today, a hairy woodpecker (looks like a downy, but is noticeably larger) ran into one of our big windows. He hit the ground and didn't move much. I walked outside to where he was and picked him up and let him sit on my fingers for a long time.
While he was recuperating, Karol shot a bunch of pictures from inside of the house. They turned out really good - I'm proud to share them.
It almost looks like he is looking up at me, doesn't it? My assumption was that he was in appreciation of the one who rescued him (and it is a boy).
While Nathan and Holly spent some of their spring break in Pittsburgh, we cared for Isabel. Both of the dogs loved sleeping on Karol's side of the bed - and Isabel loved her pillow.
This four tiered lawyers bookcase was a gift from Louie and Audrey Luedtke. It has become the final resting place (museum) for a selection of my bowls. Admission is free.
I spotted these herring gulls yesterday on my way to Oshkosh. They had found just a little bit of open water and were "snarfing" up the dead fish that had winter-killed.
These three bowls are made from hickory that comes from Hickory Acres (where Rob and Penny now live). Hickory Acres used to be the home acreage of Mother and Dad Selle.
"Louie" gave me a whole lot of scrap wood that her father had stored up. Much I used for firewood in my shop stove. But I found one old piece of pine that I turned into this nice fruit platter.
Translated means, "It's melting." The snow seems to have covered our driveway since late November. Wisconsinites are ready for spring. Just last week, the robins gave us hope when they began appearing in the area. Today, the ides of March, may be a turning point. At least the snow is melting and the sun is shining.
The dogs are always willing to go out. At the moment we are boarding Nathan and Holly's dog while they are in Pittsburgh. BUT, paws get messy now. I do love the sight of the driveway.
I think that lots of Wisconsin folks would appreciate this picture.
I like the rounded top edge.
My first candle holder.
A second candle holder (cherry burl)
A new style that I'm experimenting with. I cut a cherry log in slices and then make the bowl (the center of the tree or branch is in the middle of the bottom of the bowl).
Still making bowls. I'm discovering that I am getting more particular about the quality.
OUR RECENT VISIT TO CALVARY CHAPEL, MADISON
At our arrival, students were enjoying an international potluck.
During the past year, Calvary had to downsize from three levels to one. Additional space was rented out to the University Bookstore. The upper level was renovated into three areas - eating and study area, worship area, and International Friendship Center. Calvary really looks good! The baptismal font has not changed.
Vicar Dan Anderson will soon become the next pastor.
