February 2018

February 2018 was a fun month with lots of first time occasions for both Mark and Hilde.  The weather varied wildly from frigid to frosty to fine enough for long walks, but overall, it averaged out.  A major snow storm plus illness postponed the visit to John and Evie’s (yes, that had been planned for the weekend Chicago got about a foot of snow), and an ice storm made the February county board meeting challenging, but Wisconsin natives manage somehow.

One main focus for Senior Masters Mark and Hilde was taekwondo in various aspects.  They spent several days finishing arrangements on separate bank account, charge card and other details, like printing the testing certificates, and then successfully ran their first promotion testing at the YMCA.  They also attended a special recognition of Dr. Dwight Stevens for his life time achievement in his 36 + years of teaching taekwondo at the YMCA.  They have been in contact with several high ranking black belts, too, all of whom have generously shared time and valuable comments and advice.

Hilde continued to finish out all the county board stuff, including speaking at the annual leadership class and dealing with ornery supervisors with both civility (on her side) and sweet baked goods.  On the fifth, Mark braved -11 degrees to go out for flowers first thing in the morning. The anniversary celebration was a quiet dinner and enjoying each other’s company and 46 happy years together. 

Tree tops all ice coated

When a visit from relatives was pared down to just Alana and Kayme, it was fun to have a little girl time and relax together over lunch.  Then they headed out on a winter trip to north central Iowa for Mark’s business, starting off in terribly icy conditions but then making good time after ‘getting south’ a little.  Mark’s cases seem to take the couple to remote places, but they found that New Hampton has one really good restaurant and lots of friendly people.  Mark’s efficiency in depositions meant they were able to return in time to run taekwondo class and for Hilde to participate in the UW-Extension interviews in the morning, and finish out the month. 

The Winter Olympics meant lots of time cozied down in front of the television, which is not common in the Henkel household, but was fun and resulted in Hilde completing three cross stitch projects and other projects.  Watching those premiere athletes is a treat, but it was sometimes better with the sound off!

Despite the up and down weather, there were many moments of quiet beauty with squirrel and birds getting more active.  The super moons began and ended the month with super silvery light. With a mild ending to the month, here’s hoping for a lovely and early spring.

Ice coated burning bush