By MYRNA FAUSKA
The monsoons have abated, the floodwaters have receded, and the communities along the Kickapoo and Baraboo rivers are still cleaning up the mess left by the deluge. Life goes on, and now we are having more normal weather. The farmers have been busy taking advantage of it, making hay while the sun shines. Here in our neighborhood, we survived any devastating results of the past few weeks’ weather crises.
At the top of Zirk Hill, I was unable to connect with Evelyn or Jerry this week, so we hope all is well up there, as she is getting ready to celebrate her 97th birthday Sunday. A shower of cards would be appreciated if you have an extra one laying around, looking for a recipient.
In the valley, we enjoy seeing Deb Wood’s alpacas along side the road as we travel hither and yon. On Friday, Steve Schumann, Deb and Bryana drove to Badger Camp near Prairie du Chien, Wis., to pick up Scott, who had spent a fun-filled week there.
On Tuesday evening, I was at the Kendall Public Library book club meeting for a lively discussion of “Time and Again” by Jack Finney. On Wednesday evening, my husband Dave and I were at the Kendall Community Hall for the TRISIS concert, which had been scheduled for the gazebo in Central Park, but changed due to uncertain weather conditions. On Saturday cousin, Louise Kaus arrived from Barron, Wis., to spend a few days with us and to attend the Kaus family reunion at the park in Hillsboro on Sunday. It was especially good to see cousins Roger and Gladys Kaus, who came all of the way from Raleigh, N.C. They were able to do double duty, as the Gladys Eckelberg reunion was at the Glendale Park in Kendall on Saturday.
Ron and Arlene Garvens helped with serving at the Elroy Methodist Church monthly community supper Wednesday afternoon, and then went to Kendall for the TRISIS concert. On Sunday they were in the Wonewoc park for the Elroy Methodist Church picnic, and then drove to Reedsburg to see Pastor Wesley’s daughter perform the role of Alice in “Dorothy In Wonderland.”
On Saturday, Lowell Zellmer hosted the Wilton classes of ‘62 and ‘63 at The Ranch in Johnnycake Hollow. Chip and Marty Marty were put to work helping to serve her dad’s classmates. On Sunday, Chip, Mary, Layla, Brett and Mya enjoyed a trip to the Dells with his parents Bob and Karen Marty, along with other family members, for a ride on the Ducks, having lunch at Pizza Ranch. From there, they went to Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo to top off the day.
As librarian, Lynette Vlasak can always be found in attendance at the Kendall Public Library book club meeting, along with her sidekick, Sally Dana. On Wednesday evening, they were among the throng attending the TRISIS concert at the Kendall Community Hall. On Saturday they joined other family members who were helping out at brother-in-law Lowell’s class reunion party down in the hollow.
On my old Johnny Appleseed record album, Dennis Day sings, “The Lord is good to me/I thank and praise the Lord/For giving me the things I need/the sun, the rain and the apple seed/Oh, the Lord is good to me.”
Soon we will enjoy the harvest of the legendary Johnny, who crossed the continent, planting apple trees wherever he went. The Lord is good tous, despite floods and droughts and all other natural disasters. He didn’t promise us blue skies and sunshine all of the time, but He did promise us that He would help us through the tough times if we put our faith and trust in Him. Amen?
