Transitions

We had a few beautifully sunny days and somewhat warmer days, very inviting to go out for walks. 

Michael also took advantage of clear days to continue felling trees, cutting up huge logs, splitting wood, adding to the winter supply.

Most other days he was at Stephan's hanging light fixtures.

Son Sam worked there also installing kitchen cabinets.

Karen continues to blog about the house-progress.

I spent a few days on my various blogs. This weekly one is the least time-consuming. The two versions of my life stories, English and Spanish required more time to edit, review the translation and schedule to publish chapter 19 - Life in the Big House - for the December 1st deadline. 

Wednesday was the last Basics program for the year. Rebecca and I got to hang out together. When I dropped her off at home after, I realized I hadn't taken a picture in her holiday outfit, so she posed for me in front of their lovely Christmas tree. (Oops, her head is falling off ;-)

The robotics team is gearing up for the new season to begin in early January so they transitioned to two meetings per week. I stopped by on my way home from Muncie and enjoyed seeing how much fun the students were having putting the robot back together.

As I walked out, I looked through old photos and found this one of Sam from the time Elijah had been on the team. 

I had just spent time with Sam. He joined me at a meeting in Muncie. I was greatly relieved to hear from him the doctor's assessment of the recent MRIs. Comparing the recent ones with the previous ones taken in 2016, he did not see a significant enough change in the cyst to warrant any action. This is a great relief.

Friday evening we welcomed Bethany who is on home assignment from her work in Tanzania with Mavuno Village, a family-style orphanage.

We found out she loves to play games too. So we had a fun time playing Splendor first. Then she introduced us to a new game she had with her--AZUL.

Saturday she began her long drive to Philadelphia after more good conversation at breakfast and a quick selfie. We are truly grateful for the friends who find their way to our home, the blessing of living in the Crossroads of America.

Saturday evening we attended a Christmas performance at The Commons Theatre in Alexandria. Our friend Tamara was one of the directors (and I borrowed this photo from her FB page).

As if Michael had not done enough, at the end of a busy Sunday, he decided to make bread!

"What kind shall I make? What shall I listen to in the process?"

We slowly transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I envy those who are able to decorate the day after Thanksgiving. Somehow it has never worked for me. What about you?

Wisconsin travels

 A small detail of nature that caught my eye as we strolled through a park during our travels. The pine and colors reminded me of Christmas. The thought comes often now that we are only nine weeks away. It's time to think of the traditional year-end later, greeting cards, and the family calendar I put together each year. Or is it time to give up some traditions?

Meanwhile, preparing for our trip to Wisconsin filled the early part of the week and meant rearranging some routines, but most definitely worth the getaway and the good times we had visiting family and even less known relatives.                                                                                                                                                                                

The main purpose of the trip was to visit Mike's older brother and a sister. However, I put out a message on Facebook offering to meet with relatives in the area. Two first-cousins-once-removed responded eagerly. Both were mere acquaintances and felt like we'd never met, but we realized in conversation that we'd attended a couple family funerals ages ago. We truly enjoyed getting acquainted, sharing family stories and common interests.

Wednesday night we spent at the Ohlingers. Jenn is the granddaughter of my 103-year-old Uncle Dan. 

Pete, Jenn, and Eliana

They have an adopted daughter. She and I enjoyed drawing together and later watching her favorite show. I also watched a Zoom math class in progress. They have nine fun pets too.

Thursday morning we proceeded on to Steven's Point to the older of the Koch brothers. Their cute little Riley gave us a very energetic exuberant welcome. It took him quite a while to settle down. Family fellowship was wonderful. The older we grow, the more precious these times become.

Terry, Sandy, and Riley

Friday's family visit was also very special. We were sad to find Nan in a lot of pain, but glad to bring her some hours of cheer and distraction. She seemed to thoroughly enjoy sharing family stories. We pray for relief from the pain and wisdom on how to proceed. 

Nan and Don Rumlow

If it weren't for the back and knee pain, Nan would be up and about caring for her unusual array of plants, shrubs, and blooms, and her beautiful home.

Purple Essence grasses                             

Saturday morning we strolled along the shores of Lake Winnebago, the water was clear and calm. We could see the other side which reminded Michael of his mother and aunt walking along that ridge and other memories. 

The weather was perfect for the installation of many light displays and wooden figures, the early seasonal decoration of the lakeside park.

As we walked along we came to a statue of Chief Oshkosh. Was that who Mike's late sister Carol had painted? Nan made sure we noticed the treasured painting before we left their house. We miss Carol. Many of the shared stories were about her. 

As we left the park I had to get a picture of the former hospital across the street where both Michael and Sam were born. It is now an apartment complex.

Speaking of son Sam, I liked this action pic that showed up this week on Facebook,  and also a paragraph about his skateboard business.

Life skateboards is the culmination of years & years of hard work, trial & error, jig building, tool design and build, testing, low tech engineering, skating, creating. Years and years in limbo between trying to make Life full time or keep relying on my woodworking, cabinetry, construction background. Life skateboards is literally two dudes in a workshop trying to make the best possible skateboard for every rider, every age, ever . . .

We had some time before the meeting with another little known cousin. Michael wanted to look for the house he had lived in for a time when a young boy, 190 Boyd St. The problem is that so much has changed, including the numbers of the houses. We stopped to ask a gentleman working outside. He'd lived there fifty years and was not aware of different numbers. They talked about Oshkosh places and people they might know in common. As a boy, he remembered going to Koch Sales (the family discount store) in Omro where he got his first maple candies! When Michael mentioned being involved in FIRST robotics as a mentor and his acquaintance with Oshkosh's winningest team, Wave Robotics, the conversation really took off. It happens this man is a mentor on that team! 

Finally it was time for our last visit. Heidi's grandfather, my mother's older brother Harlan lived in Neenah. He was the first of the Hirschy to leave us in his early 70s of a heart attack as he was mowing. Her father, Harlan II, my cousin, also passed away at a similar age and circumstances while shoveling snow. 

Needless to say we had much to learn about each other's lives and families. Surprisingly, we could relate to one another in many areas, and the visit proved delightful, hopefully  only a first. 

Heidi Wyn and Dan Milner

 We headed home and arrived after midnight enjoying a good read, No Compromise, the life story of Keith Green. The entire trip I read aloud, even so we are only 70% through the book. It is captivating and convicting. Now we've begun to listen to his music. We were probably out of the country when he became a sought after Christian musician. 

What are your memories of the Keith Green era and his music?

Week 42

Somehow cousin Karin faithfully puts together a lovely bouquet every week even when she says there are few flowers left. Thanks, again!

And, somehow, Michael musters up enough strength to keep tackling the many tasks that present themselves. 

One job is almost done - the heating system at Steph and Karen's new house! He has repaired all the more obvious leak spots, but it will need to be checked with water when that is possible. Notice the well organized and labeled binder documenting the entire system. 

Photo on right shows dry wall in-progress. 

We got to see son Sam Monday night as well. He came to talk about the cabinetry he will be installing.

For further details check out Karen's weekly blog report on house progress.

Leah's place had some fun pumpkin decor. Next, some will be painted and/or eaten.

Michael and a few backpacking buddies went to Low Gap Trail in Morgan Monroe State Forrest and spent Wednesday and into Thursday enjoying the beautiful outdoors and perfect weather.

 

Friday the 15th, was another of my self-imposed writing deadlines. Again, somehow throughout the two weeks, we managed to crank out another capítulo - in English Chapter 16 "Tents and Temples", and in Spanish La Carpa. 

Saturday, Our Town Upland sponsored the second annual Fall Festival. By the time I arrived, the family members I had gone to see were already leaving. Perfect timing to admire the pumpkins Rebecca and Kalani painted, get hugs and kisses, and abuela's mandatory photo.

A couple days later this great action photo showed up on Facebook. 

Thank you Ashley Tibery and Our Town Upland!

That was all I'd come for, so I just went home, took a short nap and waited for the arrival of two grandsons coming to spend the night.

We had a fun time with Zion and Jude. I introduced Zion to a Let's Make Art watercolor tutorial. He picked the Piggy Pig out of many, many options because it had seemingly fewer lines and looked easier. It was probably more challenging than we expected but we had fun! I had missed doing watercolor, so thank you, Zion!

Jude preferred to explore the new video game he got for his birthday. We also played a couple games together.

Sunday morning Zion made us eggs for breakfast while Jude, showered and ready for church, continued to conquer some of the objectives of his game!

After church we needed to help Diane with a couple of malfunctions, so we drove to her apartment in Marion and then took her out to eat. Can you tell where?

Next week we're looking forward to a bit of travel to visit relatives in Wisconsin. It will be nice to get away. 

50th Anniversary Celebration

 An appropriate sign hung in the hall of the big house as we walked in.

Because God brought us together many years ago and kept us by His grace these 50 years, and because our children worked so hard to honor their parents, we had a spectacular celebration.
We had left the planning up to them, suggesting a festive finale to our family vacation on Sunday, our last day together.
However, when you have a professional ice carver, an event planner, a decorator, a technology guru, (and many hard working minions) in the family, the event becomes extraordinary.

Saturday some of us were downstairs working on a puzzle, playing games, watching shows.

Interesting round puzzle

We learned a couple new games during our time together. Splendor was for four players.

Playing Splendor

Another one called Shifty Eyed Spies, for eight players, kept us hilariously entertained trying to send secret signals and clues (winking) without getting caught.

Meanwhile, a crew upstairs, was busily staging the grand fiesta. Every so often someone would be summoned upstairs to contribute to the preparations.

At 5:30 or so, we were called upstairs for the evening meal. This was the surprise that awaited us.

Including a Stephan-special--an ice-sculpture that sat in a protective carrier in his car for two days [ah, that's why Saturday not Sunday!], and that Jimmy spent time decorating with a million gold stars!

Several cameras were out busy documenting our reaction. Before having our photo taken in the frame, I ran to our room to get the bridal veil I had brought for the occasion. (Interestingly, after the house fire the restoration company returned it alone, even gray and discolored, but the dress never came back.)

Others made use of the photo op.

However, we did not get as many photos of the entire celebration as we could have. Even if we had, there is no way photos or a blog post could ever do justice to the wonderful way we were blessed.

The best was yet to come. After dinner, we went downstairs again for the family talent show, now a two-year tradition. 

The very first act was a technically-perfect 24-minute video that Matt put together--select photos of our life and family, and many tributes that people sent in (hounded by Kayla). Every member of the family honored us with beautiful words, and friends thanked us for things we could not possibly remember (and even wondered whether they were true!). 

A few of the acts that followed were part of the celebration. There may be more photos and videos still out there. But for now, and for this post, these are enough.

The ice melted considerably overnight, and several large buckets watered the lawn. But the love we were shown will ever be remembered. We came home with a couple visual reminders--a portrait (rendered by a fellow ice carver and artist) and sweet written words.

Next episode: Two Crises/ Grace upon Grace.

Family Christmas

It was very different this year. We did not host the whole family in our home We spent Christmas morning with Diane, just the three of us.

She enjoyed reading the Scripture, even when she did not understand everything.

If you missed the clue on the make-shift Christmas tree in the previous post, here it is. 

Ornament purchased at the Christkindlmarkt

Focus on the journey of the Magi led to the theme of our family gift-giving--the reflection, reenactment, and three gifts per person. 

However, the best gift was presence--time together to relax, share, laugh and get to know one another more deeply. A variety of leisure activities contributed to this family-bonding.

Interestingly, a huge set of markers, found in the building that has become the robotics shop, became a hanging-out centerpiece.

Surprisingly, some of the most unlikely members to choose coloring, sat for hours enjoying the passtime.

 Not surprisingly, this is the page I chose to work on.

The big house's four levels provided a variety of hanging-out spaces.

Loft, upstairs, main floor, basement

 The lovely setting and mild weather allowed for outdoor exercise options.

The young cousins loved spending time together.

So that was our Christmas.
What stood out from the story of the Magi, was how God spoke to them in their language, what they knew best--the stars. Similarly, to communicate with our family members we need to understand how they think, and speak their language.

Come back for the next installment--one more celebration and two more crises.