A GARTER SNAKE AND WILD GRAPES

The welcome site of a garter snake. This one was just seen several days ago. It's probably the same one I saw eat a toad about a month ago. It was amazing to watch the toad get swallowed little by little, even though it was much bigger and wider than the mouth of the snake. When you see the snake in the following video, you will notice the bulge in it's body about six or so inches back from the head. That's the toad.

 CLICK HERE to watch the garter snake return to it's place of hiding.

It's quite a mouthful for a snake to eat a toad, but it CAN be done.

The last remnants of the toad are about to enter the snake's mouth. His body became noticeably thicker as the toad was forced through his body. I was amazed to see such a sight.

Fall is the time of harvest - of even those many things over which I have no control. These wild grapes were growing in the field at Andrew and Suzanne's cabin on Lake Jacqueline. They were welcoming someone to come and harvest them. So I did (at least some of them).

And the harvest was great because the grapes were abundant.

I ended up making two batches of wild grape jelly. There is enough juice left over so that Andrew can make a batch of juice with the help of his children.

Our root cellar is ready for winter, and READY FOR VISITORS TO COME AND ENJOY THE BLESSINGS. The many kinds of jam/jelly are in the center.

Come by, we'd love to share.

And Karol's dill pickles continue to be a prize-winning hit.

GOD IS MARVELOUSLY GOOD TO US!!

And we still have lots to share with our local food pantry, OPERATION BOOTSTRAP.

SELLE "CUZZIN" REUNION

Lest you think that I was not present at the great reunion, I post this picture from David front and center to show that it was a wonderful experience for me also!

Saturday, August 31, was a banner day for the Selle cousins who were able to gather at a quiet friendship house near West Bend. We've been there before! But we missed some of the cousins who were unable to attend.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PART OF MARK'S MEAL PRAYER

I'm sharing some pictures of the beautiful afternoon so that ALL the cousins and especially our matriarch, Mildred Seefeld, can view those who attended.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BEST EVENT OF THE DAY,

AUNT MILLY AND CINDY SING "RINGLEIN, RINGLEIN," A FAVORITE FROM THE REUNIONS OF THE 1940'S AND 1950'S.

I do hope that most of those present got in one of the following pictures. The event was mostly a time of reunion, sharing, and the enjoyment of good food.

Candid shots, ALL. You may notice that my camera tends to pull toward the love of my life, Karol. But she's naturally photogenic anyhow!!!

We're planning a like-event for next year, 2014:  same place, same times, same weekend, same format....all with more cousins types present. See you then!

 

TAKE A WALK WITH NATHAN

Nathan spent a great deal of time making a hiking path through a part of our 20 acres near Iola. Before he came to visit us, he made a video of the path as he walked along.

CLICK HERE to take a walk with Nathan


CLICK HERE TO RIDE A SPELL THROUGH THE WOODS IN THE YELLOW CHEVY S-10

THE STEVENS POINT WATERFRONT

I thought I'd give you a little glimpse of the Wisconsin River in Stevens Point, and a few shots from Bukholt Park that hugs the riverbank. It's a pretty little spot with a band shelter, eating areas, and a bike/walk path running along the river (part of the 26+ mile Green Circle Trail that runs 'around' Stevens Point).

Sometimes the shoreline gives beautiful views (like this one).

The peaceful river offers a quiet place to reflect or read a book.

Come, sit for a while, relax, and enjoy the 80 degree, low humidity weather in Point.

Along our stretch of the Wisconsin River, you will find a dam and hydroelectric plant every 10 to 15 miles. The lumber and paper industries used the river for providing a good employment base for central Wisconsin.

Even the mallard ducks feel safe here.

The Herring gulls stand sentinal at water's edge.

Every Wednesday at 7:30 during the summer months, you'll hear a home-grown music group please a relaxed audience.

The ever-present Canada goose grazes all over the park, leaving evidence residue so common that it sometimes is hard to find a "clean" spot in the grass.

ADDENDUM

UNEXPECTED VISITORS FROM JAPAN:

Yoshinori, Emma, and Masako visit from Japan (at the request of their "host mother," Carol Barton of Wausau, WI

Joining us for a few hours were former UWSP students, Marcus and Laura (Reindl) Isaacson.

LEADING AN AFTERNOON SESSION ON RETIREMENT FOR DOKKYO UNIVERSITY STUDENTS  HERE ON A THREE WEEK ENGLISH/CULTURE VISIT.

Some of the students became Wisconsin fans.

Listening intently to my sharing on retirement/transitioning (at least most of the students).

Can you tell that I love this teaching?

About 36 of the students were Japanese; two were from Taiwan.

And I get very animated and excited when I talk about my bowls.

FAMILY LIFE

We've had lots of family visit recently - everyone except the Pittsburgh Kolodziej family who just last month moved from Madison. Ross has a new job as a strength coach for the University of Pittsburgh.

For Matthew and Angie (Pittsburgh), it was their annual week-long event in Rosholt. It was great to have them with us for a spell. Matthew was most helpful in assisting me with LOTS of projects.

Matthew took this picture on one of our MANY rocks:  Isaac (3) and Caleb (1).

Lunchtime is always a great time!

Ornamental thistles

The upper garden has grown.

CLICK HERE to see a living room scene with Matthew, Rob, Nathan, Holly, and Ann

 (along with Matthew and Angie's dog, Sarge).

NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY

Whether you remembered it or not, yesterday was National Mustard Day, celecbrated annually at the National Mustard Museum, Middleton, Wisconsin. I found out about this unique celebration when I first visited the Mustard Museum about two months ago. At that time, I shared the information with Karol, and we decided to join Jean and Paul Penshorn to celebrate at the Mustard Festival.

The day was perfect with temperatures in the mid 70's and with a bright warm sun along with a light breeze. We joined the group for about an hour.

CLICK HERE to get some of the flavor of the festival. Near the end of the video, you will see Karol, Jean and Paul, and their oldest son, Jason. Note also that the Poupon U. banner is aptly positioned on the two portable outhouses.

We haven't done many outings recently, but this one, we enjoyed.

You have to know that this is what really attracted me: free Oscar Mayer hotdogs.

The event wouldn't be complete without "mustard painting."

They did offer ketchup for your hot dog, but the sign said that it would cost an additional $10.

How about that for the tiara of a queen?

And these days, no event is complete unless accompanied by some kind of a "walk-run."

 WE HAD AN ENJOYABLE COUPLE OF HOURS - ALTHOUGH I DOUBT THAT WE WILL RETURN FOR THE NEXT "MUSTARD DAY FESTIVAL."