August Assortment

Garden harvest, chicken coop coopering, and project wraps-ups filled August to the brim for Mark and Hilde this August. The month started with a business trip to Marshall MN where the farm visit was postponed at the last moment, irritating those gathered from various states, and really complicating the case preparation. Mark and Hilde went ‘straight’ from there to Wisconsin Dells for the annual civil trial conference, then back to Stevens Point in time for taekwondo. The best part was knowing that was the last of travel for several weeks, so things could get done at home.

The sagging chicken coop roof had been a concern for a while, and this year, with only young chickens, no layers, was the perfect time to replace it. Not just replaced, but raised, sloped and even a new window so starlings cannot nest in the chicken coop! While there was mention early on of this taking only ‘three dry days’, reality meant 2 ½ truckloads of junk to be pulled off and removed to the dump, building wall extension sections and then building the roof joists. Mark did a great job, but it was a much bigger job, and took much longer, than he expected. Those pullets better be grateful (and productive) when they move into the airier, lighter and less drafty coop next month!

Hilde worked mostly on garden produce: sweet pickles, dill pickles, pickle relish, and an amazingly abundant yield of muskmelons. Mark helped her freeze corn and begin on the fall raspberries. Those efforts were slowed by many extra meetings and her nasty case of bronchitis mid-month. Hilde's energy levels have finally returned to normal…none-to-soon in this busy season.

Mark and Hilde had one special family event mid-month also: a memorial service for his Aunt Sylvia in Winchester. That was preceded by a great lunch and gathering of Henkel relatives, including his Aunt Veiga, her sons’ families, Sylvia’s daughter Kathy and two of her children, plus Richard’s daughter and son-in-law Sandy and Dick. It was very good to get together.

Hilde’s many meetings included two on the county redistricting plan, which was complicated by some state-generated changes. The committee and advisors worked well together, so that major project is done. Hilde also went on a conservation tour which included the production line oat Del Monte. It was totally fascinating to see the commercial methods for green beans compared to home freezing and canning.

The last weekend in August is time for the Edgar Steam Engine show. The weather was perfect and Mark and Hilde had a lovely morning there after church. The only disappointment was the absence of “the buckwheat lady” who would grind the buckwheats for your pancakes. But wandering around the show grounds and enjoying great ice cream is wonderful.

Our Rhiannon just keeps growing and is eating lots of great food now. We enjoy hearing her babbling and seeing her wearing her food. Here she is enjoying blueberry pancakes at 8-months old.