The Wisconsin Martins

A week ago, we dedicated Esther at Blackhawk’s baby dedication ceremony.

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Welcome to the family. We can’t wait to meet you. Whoever you are.

We’re driving through the woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We haven’t seen another car — or any other sign of civilization — in several miles. You can almost imagine Pa Ingalls stepping out of the trees, tracking winter game.

Anyway, we’re driving from Madison (80 inches of snow this year) to Houghton (140 inches of snow this year) for a career fair at Michigan Tech. Along with two other co-workers, I’ll be representing Epic to Tech’s finest. (At least, we hope they’re Tech’s finest.)

We stopped for dinner at the Applebee’s in Wausau, Wisconsin. (Epic motto: Wasau is wausum! From what I could see, it’s certainly true.)

There is, of course, snow on the road and the ground. The roads are reasonably clear after the ice and snow that blew in over the weekend.

(We continue to have some truly impressive icicles hanging off of our roof. They’ll probably disappear when warmer weather crawls in this weekend. No matter. The warm weather will only last long enough to tease us with thoughts of spring before winter once again tightens its grip. The icicles will return when the cold returns.)

As we drive, I’m reminded once again of the sheer wealth of our world. We’re driving through the deserted wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The overnight wind chill is -5 to -10 Fahrenheit. The nearest house or gas station is miles away. If not for the warmth of our car, it would be quite easy to freeze to death tonight. Yet, here we set. Listening to music. Reading eBooks on a laptop. Playing World of Warcraft on a laptop. What sheer unmitigated wealth. Truly amazing.

Me, I’ll spend the next two days enjoying the sights of Houghton, Michigan. It’s my first trip to Michigan. Mike tells me that the Michigan Tech Winter Fair recently concluded. I’m looking forward to seeing the traditional ice sculptures. Each time I step outside, I’ll be reminded of how rich I am and how thoroughly we’ve mastered nature. Thanks be to God for the world he’s created and the ability he’s given us to master it and care for it.

Oh — you want to know how I’m writing this? I’m using my trusty MacBook. In full power saving mode, I have another 5 hours of battery life. That’s more than enough to last me to Houghton (three hours from now). I’m sure you’ll be reading this shortly after we arrive.

This video is very, very late. But better late than never!

After we came home from North Carolina, Esther got to open her presents from Grandma and Grandpa (in Buffalo). She had a bit of fun. Bonus footage: Esther reading a book.

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Dear Great Mom,

I got the present you sent in the mail yesterday, but Mom and Dad are making me wait until Friday to see what it is. I will let you know how much I like it when i get to open it.

Love, Esther