Fall Family Festival
Yesterday we hosted our third annual Fall Family Festival, the first held here
in Whitehall. Our attendance was low due to continuous drizzle all day but
the families who did come out enjoyed the activities, food, and fellowship.
Green tomato launch.
Wrist rocket (sling shot) range.
Pumpkin painting.
Apple press.
Face painting.
Fry bread.
“Queen Anne” (caramel) apples.
We ended the evening with a FANTASTIC concert in the barn loft by
Crossroads Harmony. They closed with a menaingful benediction
from Ephesians 3:20, 21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work
within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout
all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival
Our family packed up and headed down to Jefferson, WI, September 5-7,
to attend the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival and compete in the Crook
and Whistle Stock Dog Trial. This was our 5th year attending the annual
event. Each time we learn more about shepherding our sheep and build
relationships in the sheep and fiber communities.
I was nervous anticipating running my dog, Pedro, in our first trial, especially
after my wife’s success last weekend. Becky and I both improved on our 2nd
run. She placed 4th and I took 2nd.
David can shear a sheep in less than a minute. He shears professionally
all over the world. He did demonstrations throughout the weekend.
The girls took a class on wet felting. We hope to practice enough to teach it
as a class in the future.
Our camping neighbor, Jenny the potter, generously spent some time teaching
the girls how to use a drop spindle.
Taste of Summer
After being away for the weekend, we came home to find some of the best
vegetables that we have ever grown.
It is a matter of perspective. Some may see produce, but we see the
makings for ...FRESH SALSA!
It is one of our favorite summertime snacks. The hotter, the better!
Stock Dog Trial
On Thursday we loaded up the camnper and headed to the 23rd annual
WWSDA stock dog trial in Portage, WI. Our family provided consessions
on both Friday and Saturday and Becky and Megan competed in the Novice
trial with their dogs. Megan handled her dog extremely well but he is getting
older and just loosing his enthusiaism in competing. Becky and her Sam dog
placed 8th out of 20 dogs in her first run and then won the second run.
Megan at the post.
Becky with our good friends Jim and Lola Chaffin, the breeders of all of our Border Collies.
Farm Wedding
On August 23, Kevin Misner and Anna Kleven were married at Harvest
Home Farm. The mission of this ministry is to strengthen families.
What a privilege to be able to use this facility to host the wedding of a
young couple who loves God and each other, witnessing the start of a
brand new family. The wedding was held under the pavilion followed by
a reception in the barn loft.
We constructed a stage for the pavilion so everyone could see the bride
and groom as they said their vows.
The barn loft was transformed by their beautiful decorations and a lot
of floor scrubbing.
He danced with Cinderella.
The newlyweds.
