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."

 

OBSERVE THE LILIES.....

Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?  Matthew 6:29, 30

I DON'T THINK THAT I NEED TO SAY A THING!

Although the climatis doesn't hold a candle to the lilies, it nonetheless is spectacular!

HAPPENINGS

July is moving along quickly. Vacations for many, garden for me, fishing for others. I'm glad that I can dabble in each area.

Nathan just completed a 122 mile bike ride from Sturgeon Bay to our home in Rosholt. He did it with ease and only said that the last hour was tough because there was no shoulder on the road.

It hardly looks as if he expended ANY energy.

The actual mileage.

Notice all the red aphids.

Rachel helps Grandma bake some special coffee cake.

One of my bigger summer challenges is to keep the lawn looking good. Hearing protection and protection from the sun are both keys in keeping a healthy maintenance man.

NATIONAL MUSTARD MUSEUM

Located right here in Middleton, Wisconsin, the National Mustard Museum boasts of having more than 5,000 mustards from all 50 states and 70 countries in its collection. It is worth a visit especially if you are looking for something for free. And it is located right next door to the Hubbard Ave. Diner, a good place for some homemade food.

You are welcome to join the National Mustard Day festivities at the museum from 10 am to 4 pm on Sat., August 3, 2013. Games, mustard tasting, and Culver's Frozen Mustard Custard are part of the event.

Even though all mustard is not yellow, the decor of the museum is basically mustard yellow.

I went to Madison to meet the Chung family. Way back about 1980, I had the honor of baptizing Francis. We have not seen each other for 21 years. He and I are pictured with his wife, Peggy, and their daughter, Renee. Their 16 yr. old son, Bartholomew, took the picture.

You're sure to recognize this brand of mustard here in the States.

Black, yellow, and brown mustard seeds are grown in various parts of the world (mostly in Canada).

There are more kinds of containers that you'd ever guess.

Believe it or not, these are all mustards from Wisconsin.

I thought that you'd enjoy seeing me take the picture (check the reflection).

Francis, Peggy, Renee, and Bartholomew watch the informative video.

A whole section of the store area is devoted to objects from Poupon U. Wouldn't you like to be a graduate of Poupon U.?

And finally, a tribute to the reference to mustard in Holy Scripture. The second quote is a reference to the Book of II Condiment 7:12-13 (obviously a spoof).