Saturday, December 26, 2009

From my perch on high



There is a community that is planning an expedition based upon a goal I have created.

Almost three years ago, Michaela, Jamie and I took a very long hike on a Saturday in February. We stopped for cappuccinos in Three Lakes and headed out to the source of the Eagle River near Hiles. It was quite a challenge, but a supremely peaceful location, we found upon arrival.

A few weeks ago, I was made privy to the knowledge that a group of established geocachers from around Wisconsin was planning a journey to this geocache of ours. It seems that one of them had tried and failed to reach this destination last winter, and it gnawed at him. So after a few weeks of planning, tomorrow morning, they're meeting by a forest service gate in rural Forest County for cookies and cocoa. Then after conquering the elements, they'll return for BBQ in the woods.

All because I studied maps, wondered what that place would be like, and we went to see.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Beautiful life

We had Christmas Eve dinner last night, the kids and I. I felt a little bad because they didn't physically open gifts from me - they are now privy to the knowledge that I'm taking them on a ski-trip, which I've saved and planned for, to da UP, with our friends, the VonOepens at the end of January. I've some presents for them to open at the Ronyak Christmas next weekend, and Shelly will have a pile under the tree for them this morning and at the Baxter Christmas in January.

We watched a couple of movies, Short Circuit (while we cooked the venison roast and reset Michaela's crystal project) and Paul Blart: Mall Cop (thanks for the movies, Danny and Cori). Also, after dinner we tried a few of these Christmas Party science tricks .

Then after I brought J&K back to Shelly's, I had a Manhattan and watched Julie & Julia (thanks for letting me borrow it, Mary). Interesting film, to which I have connections: blogging, cooking, writing, learning.

And now a peaceful, three-day weekend. A Christmas miracle.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Herald

What is the physiologic purpose of the the emotional buzz of profound joy one feels when he knows he is well, good, and lucky, in a good place and time.

It wasn't much, but I gave the Salvation Army bell-ringers a buck as I left Woodman's tonight. The ten-year-old boy with his trumpet mentioned to his Mom how people weren't staying to hear his songs, so I told him I had heard him from the parking lot as I arrived. He had a proud smile then, and said that, yes, he was doing his job right if people can hear him all the way out there. Then I smiled and pushed my cart out into the longest night of the year, choking up a little, eyes welling. Though I'm not rich, I gave something. Though I'm not outgoing, I shared happy thoughts with my neighbors. And though some things in life are difficult, I'm doin' alright.

Maybe it's a healing harmonic. A peaceful wave that reboots and resets what's off-kilter in us, telling us:

This...
..........Is...
................Right.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Shopping

First snowstorm of the the year comin' in tonight. Busy at work, but I thought I'd take the chance to shop tonight. Bad weather keeps 'em away from the store. A little more peaceful to do one of my least favorite things - shop for gifts. Overall, shopping isn't something I like; but there's always a little more angst in my cart when I'm looking for gifts.