February 2015 Fast and Frosty

Fast and frosty-- February really flew past for the Henkels.  It was special to celebrate 43 years together and give thanks for the many blessings in those years and then fun to recognize Jim’s birthday with some old photos of him as a real cutie.  Mark and Hilde worked to drag the last of the elm out of the field with lots of challenges:  the truck got stuck in the snow, the tractor ran out of gas while pulling said truck and then the truck slid into the ditch while being towed, but eventually all was well and a nice pile of wood is awaiting cutting later in spring, since right after that the temperatures went sub zero..

When it is cold outside, that’s not unusual, but when awaking to cold inside, the problem is often the furnace.  When the control unit corroded (causing yet another chilly awakening), Mark and Hilde decided a new, efficient and reliable furnace was necessary.  There were a few bumps and complications, but all is toasty in Rudolph now—and this year the keep-fill folks have been showing up before the LP runs out, thank goodness.

Hilde had a some persistent back issues during the month, but things have improved quite a bit and she is planning on regular taekwondo in March.  She taught an introduction to self-defense toward the end of the month at UW-Stevens Point and had a great time…very enthusiastic gals attending.  She did a lot of baking, from goodies for Valentines day sent to Rhiannon and Rowan to desserts for church and some treats for meetings she anticipated (correctly) might be confrontational.  Mark and Hilde both got some time to work on hobbies this month, with Hilde converting lots of yarn remnants to pieces for an afghan and making some baskets;  Mark got some electrical work in, too.

The truly enjoyable part of the month came towards the end.  While John and Evie were up at the Birkebeiner, Mark and Hilde went to visit Jim and Kayme and had a great time playing with the girls (mostly Hilde) and helping Jim regularize some of the stuff in the basement (Mark).  Those girls move fast and light up the room---happiness and crawling around on the floor with them seemed therapeutic for Hilde’s lingering aches and pains, too.  The following weekend, the senior Henkels headed down to Palatine and had a great time with John and Evie.  Mark and John enjoy working together, even when it includes half dissembling a dryer to remove stray hardware!  Hilde has been enjoying the cooking talents of both couples on these visits—she appreciates their tasty meals and seeing the cooperative efforts!

Now Mark and Hilde are looking forward to the turning of seasons and despite a looming snow storm, are getting ready for starting seeds, tapping trees and thinking spring.  March started with two mild days but….this is Wisconsin and storms are inevitable in March.  Stay warm and safe, folks!