Chris Loehmer Kincaid's Blog, page 51
November 14, 2021
Being Together
Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer. (Hebrews 10:24-25, Good News Translation)
Here’s another one of those things. Before church last night, I was talking to another woman about how sad it is that people don’t think they need to come to church. Believers who weren’t able to attend church during COVID, and now that they could, they are continuing to watch church services on TV or the internet.
And then these verses above were part of the day’s Bible readings. Huh? As usual, God has got this. And He clearly wants us to be with other believers.
This pandemic did so much to all of us. We thought we would all be just fine – no matter where we are, however isolated we are, we can still communicate with others. We have video chat and Zoom and a whole bunch of other options. (When I was a kid, it was science fiction to be able to see the other person you were talking to on the phone!)
But I just don’t think it’s enough. And I don’t think God thinks so either. He made us to be social creatures, creatures who need physical contact with others who are like us.
Yes, here I am, having just recovered from COVID. Yes, people still need to be careful out there. Yes, it’s no fun getting sick. But we still need to see one another in person, even if it’s at an arm’s length away, even if hugging might not be safe, yet.
God wants us to be together. He knows we need to be with other believers. The path we are on is not one to be walked alone. Even with Jesus Christ at our side, we need our friends and families as well.
Lord, let this pandemic become a thing of the past. Help us to move on, together, closer to You. Amen.
November 12, 2021
What's in Willard?
During one of my many travels this summer, I ran across the utterly adorable village of Willard. Okay, maybe the town itself wasn’t so cute . . .
But they had a very nice little community park. Settlers Park. Built with mostly historic materials from local abandoned houses, barns and schools. Signs near every structure telling where it had come from. So, I spent probably too much time and took too many pictures.
Perhaps the most prominent structure in Settlers Park is the kozolec, which is Slovakian for hayrack. A freestanding vertical drying rack with a roof, it was usually made of wood and would be used to dry fodder for animals, mostly hay and other food stuffs such as field corn.
The barn boards used for this kozolec, which was built solely for entertainment purposes, are from the Frank and Mary Volk’s homestead. They moved to the Willard area in 1909, two years after the community was founded.
In the late 1990s, residents of the community began talking about what they wanted to do for the one hundredth anniversary of Willard in 2007. With an amazing amount of work from the handful of citizens, a historical society was formed, followed by the creation of Settler’s Park.
There wasn’t much else in this unincorporated town – a community center, catholic church, post office, two bars and an auto repair shop. I couldn’t find its population anywhere. But the Hendren township, where Willard resides, along with an even smaller berg named Tioga, boasts 500 residents in its 36 square miles of land.
Websites with the sparse information I found online on Willard and Settlers Park:
https://www.wiclarkcountyhistory.org/hendren/community/Centennial.htm
https://www.wiclarkcountyhistory.org/hendren/history/2Willard.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hendren,_Wisconsin
https://www.wiclarkcountyhistory.org/hendren/index.htm
https://www.wiclarkcountyhistory.org/hendren/history/index.htm
This bovine was the only sign of life in the park that day. Can you make out the inscription on her leg?
November 10, 2021
Finally Getting to Camp at Chippewa Falls
But back to August and a couple of hot, sunny days in the western part of our state.
Four years ago, Hubby and I had planned a week’s worth of camping at Lake Wissota State Park in Chippewa Falls, but those plans were thwarted by kidney stones. (I’ve told that story several times.)
This year, I thought we’d go for just two nights. We had been on the go enough all summer. Plus I had spent that weekend in Chippewa in May with my friend. I wanted to show some of those spots to Hubby, but there were many that I hadn’t touched on during that first trip.
We arrived mid-afternoon on Wednesday. Didn’t do much except set up camp. The next morning, after a drive around the campground, we drove over to Erickson Park.
And the Glen Loch Dam.
This bridge takes you across to the far end of the Irvine Park Zoo, but I didn’t realize that until Hubby and the dog had already headed back to the truck.
No worries, we drove over to the other side. I wanted to get a picture of Dino posing with the bears, but he would have nothing to do with it.
These big boys had no problems posing for me.
Yikes! Hate to meet them in the woods at night.
We drove around town for a while, then finally came to a stop at the Cook-Rutledge Mansion.
Hubby said I should take the tour while he and the dog sat in the truck in the shade.
But you know me, instead, I took way too many pictures on the outside and then walked around four other city blocks looking at other old houses.
Why spend all my time on just one?
Then there is always a church or two.
Notre Dame Catholic Church.
Which I have also visited and blogged about in the past. 
But, like I said, it was a short trip and even though I took over 300 pictures, I don’t need to share them all with you.
I’ll continue to keep you posted on my health. Have a good week.
November 7, 2021
Covered in His Peace
I waited patiently for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the sticky mud. He stood me on a rock and made my feet steady. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship him. Then they will trust the Lord.
My COVID symptoms have gotten much, much better over the last 36 hours. My daughter is finally starting to do better as well.
Happy is the person who trusts the Lord, who doesn’t turn to those who are proud or to those who worship false gods. Lord my God, you have done many miracles. Your plans for us are many. If I tried to tell them all, there would be too many to count. (Psalm 40: 4-5, New Century Version)
But our lives have been far from trouble-free. As already mentioned, the health of me and my immediate family members is okay. Even my son’s dog is doing okay. But there is so much else out there that is not okay. Not even close.
Lord, do not hold back your mercy from me; let your love and truth always protect me. Troubles have surrounded me; there are too many to count. My sins have caught me so that I cannot see a way to escape. I have more sins than hairs on my head, and I have lost my courage. Please, Lord, save me. Hurry, Lord, to help me. (Psalm 40: 11-13, New Century Version)
Friday night, with so much on my mind, I laid in bed for hours, praying and finally reached for my Bible, where I’ve been reading Psalms. Chapter 40 was the one that came up next.
But let those who follow you be happy and glad. They love you for saving them. May they always say, “Praise the Lord!” Lord, because I am poor and helpless, please remember me. You are my helper and savior. My God, do not wait. (Psalm 40: 16-17, New Century Version)
I turned out the light and God blanketed me in His peace. And to be honest, He didn’t blanket me in sleep, as I laid there another hour. But at least I had His peace.
November 5, 2021
Thorns and Wrinkles
You know the saying: I can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.
You know what else they say, something like don’t even think it or it will come true.
Here I am four days into a COVID19 infection, kicking myself that for starters I thought I was invincible, that I’d gone this long with a fair number of minor exposures and I’ve even had the vaccine. Also kicking myself because I’d been thinking I should get the booster and here I am. Also thinking, oh, so I’m positive – I have an awesome immune system and I’ve had the initial two vaccines, how bad could this be?
It’s bad. I know I’ll get through it; I hate being dramatic, but, yeah, I feel awful, like those thorns have shot me through all over my body. And oh, if I could only smell those roses. I thought I had lost my sense of taste, but when I threw up earlier this week, I sure tasted that.
The only rose in the picture is that Hubby hasn’t gotten sick. Good thing he went ahead and got his booster two weeks ago.
So, here’s the thing. As much as every last one of us has been wishing for months now that this pandemic would go away, or that it will at least slink into nothing more than the common cold, it’s still out there, folks.
And for you anti-vaxers, who want to say to me, “see the vaccine is nothing but a hoax, it’s worse for your body than getting COVID,” I say phooey to youey.
Get the vaccine, people, continue to wear your masks in public, social distance when you can.
I’ve got a whole theory about how I caught it. It’s all about numbers, and frankly, I’m too tired for that right now. Maybe next time.
Thanks for all your prayers and support. This is just another wrinkle in the road called life. I’d rather have wrinkles on my face though.
November 3, 2021
A Day to visit old Haunts
I’m still trying to wrap my mind around how many road trips I’ve taken since May. What is wrong with me that I just keep jumping in the car (or the truck with the camper in tow) and taking off some place.
Well, I think I’m done for a while. Our warm, beautiful Autumn has turned into cold, dreary winter-fall. And there are so many things to do around the house. But you’ve not heard the last of me; not by a long shot.
The middle of August, we jumped in the truck (no camper) for a ride up to the UP to a few of our frequently visited places.
Lake of the Falls County Park near Mercer, Wisconsin, captured my heart many years ago, so any time we drive north along Highway 51, I have to swing in for a visit.
The water wasn’t nearly as high this August as it had been in June of 2020, when Hubby and I camped there.
The cofferdam in August 2021
The same cofferdam in June of 2020 
Looking over the dam this year. 
And last year. 
The runoff was the most remarkably different. This year. 
Last year. And no ride through Mercer is complete without a visit to the world’s largest talking loon. "Claire d'Loon" weighs 2,000 pounds, stands 16 feet tall and was unveiled in May, 1981. Two loons in Minnesota, a floating bird on Silver Lake and a concrete loon overlooking Long Lake, surpass her in size, but they don’t “talk”. Neither does Claire. She makes loon noises. You know – those haunting calls you can hear at dusk over lakes in the Northwoods. But I haven’t heard Claire calling any other loons when I’ve visited her.
Our next quirky stop was in Ironwood, Michigan, at the world’s largest Indian. Erected in 1964, Hiawatha’s height is 52 feet and his weight is nine tons. He was designed to withstand 140 mph winds, which is a good thing because he sits on top of a tall hill on the south side of Ironwood.
But here’s a fun fact I found online after searching out more information on the statue. In 2019, he was repainted and had a complete structural repair to the tune of $25,000. The company which did it is only one of very few places nationally that makes and repairs these fiberglass structures. And that company is the F.A.S.T. Corporation of Sparta, Wisconsin, which we visited in June. Who knew?
Now, remember Hiawatha can handle winds of 140 mph? But our next stop was built to withstand winds of over 190 miles per hour and was even designed to sway up to 18 inches in a brisk wind. Built just five years after Hiawatha, it rises 1,782 feet above sea level.
Copper Peak is the largest artificial ski jump in the world. It hosted the first international ski flying competition in the winter of 1970. Unfortunately, it has not been used for that purpose since 1994.
You can however take the Copper Peak Adventure Ride. An 800-foot chair lift ride takes you to the crest of the hill, after which you take an 18-story elevator ride to the main observation deck. From there, you can climb an additional eight stories to the top starting gate. For $25. We opted out.
We rather hike through the woods at Black River Harbor to visit Rainbow Waterfall.
Or soak up the power of Lake Superior.
Who knows where I'll take you next time.
October 29, 2021
Finally, the last post – Blog Post #18 Camping in Michigan
Yes, here it finally is – my last post from our camping trip in July, only three and a half months later. It seems like so much longer ago than that.
Our last full day in Michigan’s UP, we drove around and then walked around the city of Crystal Falls.
The Paint River Walkway on the east side of town.
The Paint River at Lincoln Park, where the Riverwalk begins.
Clark's Landing
As much as I love the fall colors we've been enjoying the last few months, you can't beat the beauty of clear blue water.
Fairbanks Road Bridge just south of the Dam.
The Iron County Courthouse in Crystal Falls can only be described as iconic.
And nearly the same as when I was camping there exactly forty years ago. Except I see they have a new water tower.
Above is July of 2021, below July of 1981. Crazy, huh? Maybe I should travel to new places.
Speaking of seeing new things though,
I get to see and photograph lots of old houses from the outside, but I finally got to tour inside this one.
Harbour House
And even though we have many more modern conveniences than they did, it stills seems as if the work is never done.
We all feel like we are spinning our wheels getting everything finished.
Like blogging about this week-long trip. But here I am, finally finished. For more information, click on these links:
The Harbour House Museum – https://www.crystalfallsmuseum-harbourhouse.org/
The River Walkway along the Paint River – https://www.crystalfalls.org/parks-recreation-river-walk.htm
The Iron County Courthouse Story – https://crystalfalls.org/courthouse.htm
Last year’s tour of Crystal Falls, in the rain – https://chrisloehmer.blogspot.com/2020/08/2020-camping-post-3-tour-of-single-city.html
October 27, 2021
Critters – Blog Post #17 Camping in Michigan
The usual array of chipmunks and squirrels. 
A few whitetail deer. 
A couple different fawns. 
This random rodent crossing the street. 
And one of his relatives . . .
Who I took way too many pictures of. 
Have a great day and stay on the look out for our friends in the wild. 
October 24, 2021
Where are we headed?
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:37-39, New International Version
For a very long time, I’ve wanted to write about our current state of affairs here in the USA. The chaos caused by COVID-19 has affected our lives, from how we do business and attend school and work, to how we stockpile toilet paper and raise a ruckus about our rights. It sure feels like Satan has his hand in all of this, turning a bad situation into an impossible one.
But that’s not all. As I mentioned in my September 12 blog, there are race riots, police violence, anger, hatred, and impatience.
Last night, I watched an episode of Pastor David Jeremiah’s TV show, Turning Point, which had originally been broadcast just over a month. He gave a list of some of the other things going on in our country.
The destruction of our national monuments, which means the destruction of history, which means we will no longer remember our past.The concept of cancel culture, where there is no room for debate, it’s “my way or no way”.The tearing down of our family unit, where parents no longer have any say in their children’s education; our children in public schools are being taught things they shouldn’t be. What third grader needs to learn about homosexuality or any kind of sexuality at all?Defunding of our local police. Once we take away our local police, the national government will take care of law enforcement. What does Washington know about crime in your small, rural village?All of these tenets point our country closer and closer to a socialist system of government.
An additional bullet point on David Jeremiah’s list was the redistribution of wealth. This is the one I remember from high school civics class.
What makes socialism sound so appealing on the surface is that it is based on the theory that everyone shares everything, owns everything, and controls everything. Education is free; health care is free; day care is free. You name it – everything is free. Sounds utopian – and total nonsense.
What ends up happening is that government turns around and says, “it’s obvious that everyone can’t take of everything, so we – the government representing the people – will take over everything for you.”
Which means we the people own nothing, run nothing, have nothing. The chasm between the classes grows huge, and we become a country controlled by the few “haves”. And the vast majority of the population are the “have nots”, living far below the poverty level.
So, for all you young people out there who have not studied history, who have not learned about what happens to countries who spiral into total socialism, who think it is possible to get everything for free – please wake up, search for the facts instead of believing what the media is telling you, get a work ethic, read your Bibles (buy one first before you are not able to!), go to church, turn your life over to Jesus. It looks like we are getting closer and closer to the second coming of Christ. I don’t want any of you to be left behind.
I wasn’t able to post the sermon by David Jeremiah, which I referred to here, so please click on this link: https://www.davidjeremiah.org/television/weekend?date=2021-09-19.
And lastly, I have to give God total and complete credit for the picture at the top of this post. I had no clue what photo I wanted to use today. So, with a totally blank mind, I opened the most recent file of pictures I’d taken, and this was one of the first ones to pop up. Hubby and I were at our state’s capital just last weekend, and even though I had been there many times before, I snapped another half dozen pictures. You know why? Because God is good, all the time.
A few other articles on socialism:
https://www.compellingtruth.org/socialism-Christian.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/05/opinion/socialism-capitalism.html
https://economics21.org/how-socialism-destroyed-venezuela
But you can do your own internet search for more.
October 22, 2021
Hanka Finnish Homestead – Blog Post #16 Camping in Michigan
According to my family tree, I am 100% German. Which my husband would confirm based on my 100% bullheadedness. But I still have a full appreciation of any ancestral group in America.
Since we travel around Michigan’s UP often, Hubby and I are aware of the large Finnish population there. In fact, the UP has the largest concentration of Finnish Americans, and Finlandia University in Hancock was founded by Finns in 1896.
On our camping trip in July, I led us to the Hanka Homestead, eighteen miles north of Baraga.
It was an interesting old Finnish homestead.
Two very friendly and knowledgeable Finlanders gave us the tour.
They let Dino walk along with us, even allowing him into the buildings.
I wish I had taken a picture of him lying on the kitchen rug, but I only got a few clips of his head.
One of our tour guides showed us this contraption.
They weren’t quite sure what it was. And I told them I would research it. Oops, I totally forgot until now. Anyone have any thoughts? 
For more information:
On Hanka Homestead – https://www.hankahomesteadmuseum.org/about-us/
On Finnish in Michigan’s UP – https://www.thoughtco.com/finnish-culture-of-michigans-upper-peninsula-1434523
On Finlandia University – https://www.finlandia.edu/about/our-finnish-heritage/
