The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

Marion Soch - Correspondent

Another grand week of summer has passed, even though the temperatures the last few days have felt more like early fall, but that's okay. At least there is no snow on the ground!

The raspberries are still ripening and those in shaded areas are very nice. I didn't think the berries would be so good this year with the drought, but they are probably as good as it gets. I have been picking almost every day in one patch or another, so the winter supply will be quite good. I have been saying for years that I wanted to get enough berries to try making raspberry syrup. Won't that be delicious on the pancakes, french toast and waffles? Perhaps this is the year.

We had a third size bear come into our backyard, so there surely are enough of them around the area and the entire Northwoods. They all seem to be interested in my hanging flower basket I have in a tree, getting up on the hind legs to investigate, probably to see if there are any sunflower seeds in it. They don't even come to the area of the bird feeders anymore, since we have them so high in the air, they can't reach them or climb the metal pole. The seeds that fell to the ground don't interest them either. Seeing them during the day makes me wonder how many times they come around at night when we can't see them!

The deer have stopped invading the garden for awhile. I don't know if they have gone on to other feeding habits, or if our deterring method is working. I read some time ago in "Mother Earth News" magazine about using cured horse manure placed around the plants to deter deer. Well, we hauled in a load and placed it up and down the rows of plantings. At first, I noticed a few plants nipped, but I also figured it hadn't rained for awhile, so I watered the garden, and of course, the manure also got watered. This enhanced the odor of the manure just a bit, which might have been enough to deter the deer, as they have not bothered the garden anymore. So now we have to find a source to gather more for next year's supply. I will also have to try it on the flowers next spring.

Paul and Vergil Schultz were here and had a visitor with them to enjoy the Northwoods.

Larry Van Boxel and Lynn came also for a week to enjoy the birds at the cabin. Son, Tom, also came to his cabin for the weekend.

Dan and Peggy Gerlikovski have been coming back and forth from Green Bay all summer, staying for a week at a time.

Pat Fitzpatrick was at his cabin again and could hear the machines humming during the day as he worked outdoors.

Al Reinhard enjoyed the weekend at his cabin. When I saw Michael Phelps (Olympics) on TV, it reminded me very much of Al, especially his smile.

The Konitzers were here again for a long weekend.

Agnes Miller and daughter, Tracey, and her daughter, Sophie, enjoyed two days during the week at the cabin away from Appleton. We had a nice visit at the garden and they received a bundle of carrots from our garden. Agnes got her raspberries picked to make her batch of jam to donate for the auction at her church. This is a yearly ritual with her, as the auction raises a good sum of money. And to think that some of it originated from our Northwoods!

The Motiff gang was at the cabin over the weekend. They enjoyed the ATVs on the trails and partying at the cabin. We know they were having fun, as we could hear them through the woods.

Dennis came to visit with Mom and Dad, Lois and Russ Kemps, arriving on Saturday from Oklahoma on break between teaching summer school and the fall classes at the college at Stillwater. I am sure he enjoyed his relaxation here in the Northwoods and helping Mom with a few chores.

Enjoy your week.

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