Lifted up by Eagle's Wings

An eagle has taken a liking to our farm. (We just hope he is not simply scoping out our geese!). The Bible tells us "those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

And in the Psalms we are told this about God: "He forgives all your sins and heals all your infirmities; He redeems your life from the grave and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness; He satisfies you with good things, and your youth is renewed like an eagle's" (103:3-5).

So, this eagle must be a good sign! His presence reminds me of God's promise of strength and renewal.

This has been a rest-week for Sabine. A week without chemotherapy. Her echo cardiogram got mis-scheduled this week so we will have another go at it on Monday.

This coming Wednesday is the day we meet with our oncologist/hematologist, Dr Sheehan and see how the last round of chemotherapy went.

We are slowly, but surely, getting into a routine of appointments, scheduling, insurance, and rest. Last week, our 3-day "raising" of the cottage produced wonderful results. Thanks to all of you who were part of the finishing team.

This week, Sue and Dale finished up the electrical work. And on Saturday, John, a fellow martial artist and energy consultant will check out the cottage for drafts before the St Peter's travelling insulation team blows into town (and into the attic) on Tuesday morning laying down a good 18" of fuel-saving insulation.

This leaves only a little bit of touch-up work around the cottage and then, later in the week, the folks from Don's Electric in Dodgeville come and setup the appliances.

As of now, we don't know how the chemotherapy (Velcade and dexamethasone) has worked on this round. They drew blood from Sabine on Monday and because some of the tests must be done out-of-state, we won't know the results until we consult with Dr Sheehan on Wednesday.

This has been a hard and cold winter in more ways than one! But we both feel comforted and unplifted by your love and prayers. The women of St Peter's each recently sent Sabine a package of crazy socks -- from "Tweety Bird" to "Betty Boop!" Then "Sexy Sox," "Martini Sox" and mis-matched, colorful and zany socks! I can attest to the fact that each package brought both a smile to her face and warmth to her feet. She even got a hand-made hat from Nepal thanks to our friends Joji and Lori from California. Thanks again to all of you.

Stay tuned as we come to the end of this week...

God's blessings to you all!

Cottage Raising -- Final Day!

Just so everyone knows, there were coffee breaks and this is the evidence. Our "final day" was primarily devoted to painting and cleanup -- and did we have another great crew. By the end of the day, the cottage had another coat of paint and all kinds of loving "touch-ups." We just have one more 1/2 to blow insulation into the attic. If some of you feel greatly left out -- remember we need a crew of about 3 or four (hopefully, someone with experience) who can do this "final" inside job.

At the end of the day, there was a bit of levity as local friends of Charlotte's put together an "all-chick" painting team. They were joined by Steph Naze and Kathy Marks (and her consort, Andy). "Spark-plug" Kurt organized the effort and at the end of the day, put the hinges on the basement trap door and got that working.

There seemed to be a break out of song (see the "can-can" picture [above]) as the day ended. And look at those floors!

Steph patrols the elusive paint spots with her trusty can of "Goof-Off." SIMPLY A GREAT DAY AND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HELPED US OUT. I will give Sabine a tour of the cottage today -- won't she be surprised!!

Cottage Raising -- Part II

Barb is busy painting and yesterday she brought great brats and other treats for lunch.
"Sparky" Kurt is recruiting younger and younger workers. What a slave driver!







AND THEN THERE IS TOMORROW -- OUR FINAL DAY! BE THERE OR BE SQUARED!

See if we equal the diversity of folks from St John's in Portage, St Peter's in North Lake and the Katori Japanese Sword Club!!

Day Two -- Cottage Raising

The temperature is below zero.
The snow is up to their ears.
But the "Cottage-Raising" crew presses on!
The all-chick paint team is a virtual rainbow of colors -- mostly on their faces!
But watch them go!
Paul tackles the accordion door. Hear him play.
See Ted watch.
Another master woodworker ponders the essence of the day.

A Note From Sabine!

Dear Family and Friends,

I know it has been a long time since we've heard each other's voices. As I get stronger in adjusting to my new situation it will, I'm sure, become easier. For now, however, talking often results in tears (as does writing) and drains me every more than you can imagine.

Keep me steady in those thoughts and prayers of yours so that I will continue to get stronger and able to share more of myself with you again.

Although I often see the negative in what is happening I had a wonderful experience I would like to share with you. I woke up at 2 a.m. (not usual these days) in my warm and cozy bed, rolled over to see David sleeping next to me. I could hear his breathing and I began to cry tears not of sadness, frustration or anger, but happy tears and tears of thankfulness.

At that moment, I realized there was absolutely nowhere else in the would I would rather be or anything else I would rather be doing. I know this was a very valuable lesson for me.

It is important for me to remember that now is all we really ever have. How many times have I told people that "a slower day to do the things you think are important" will never come? If we put off improving our relationships for a later day it will never happen -- it is both a myth and a delusion! I guess that's why it is important for me to say "I love you" now -- today!

Well, that's all for now folks...

I am thankful and I love you,

Sabine

Cottage Directions

It's -18 below zero this morning! Yesterday we went to our first meeting of the Madison Area Myeloma Support Group. It was a wonderful and comforting experience. These folks have all successfully battled myeloma far beyond the statistics! A great bunch of helpful and strong people.

And I forgot to give all you "home improvement types" and address and directions to the cottage, The address is:

222 West Exchange Street
Mazomanie, WI

The directions are: To take Hwy 14 into Mazomanie and then turn north at the People's Bank (that's Wall Street).

Go two blocks north on Wall Street to the end of the block where Exchange Street intersects and the cottage is right there on the corner. You can't miss it!

Kurt says, "Be there and make it square!" or something like that....

Blessings and have a safe drive. And yes, Lord, we do have enough snow!

Cottage Finishing in Mazomanie

Here's a Message I got from Kurt who is our project "Spark":

Hi David,

I just want to confirm the work days schedule with you so you can post it to your Blog and forward to your list.

Thursday (February 21)
This day will be mostly for trimmers, or people with some basic carpentry skills.
All materials will be on hand, bring your favorite tools.

I will set up acompressor with brad and finish nailer, and a chop saw.

Friday (February 22)
This day will be for trimmers again, but painters can join in. Painters should bring work clothes and your favorite brush or two.

Saturday (February 23)
This day should be mostly painting and clean up.

There is a group of painters already planning to come Saturday.
A few more painters would be great.

There are a bunch of folks who already have been plugging away at the list of things to do and I am not sure what has been accomplished so far. [Ed. note: venting and vents have been installed for the bathroom fan, kitchen stove fan, and gas dryer.]

We have decided NOT to have a work day on Sunday, but instead to re-group, workup a "punch list" and attack it at a later date.

[Ed. note: such things as a three or four-person crew to blow insulation into the attic spaces. And things that we might have missed.]

I hope my lack of organization hasn't gotten in the way of anyone. I am trying to be a "spark" to help get you through the final slog of this project.

[Ed. Note: Let's plan on getting started at 9 a.m. each day.]

Kurt

[You can contact Kurt at his email address: country1@mhtc.net or call him at (608) 341-8137.]