Tuesday, September 17, 2019, WI

I’ve been winding down my visits these last few days here at Pat’s. After walking with Dawn yesterday morning, I saw Fran and we had a nice chat. I had told Rita that I would check in on her friend Sharon at Skaalen Home but it was lunch time when I left Fran and that would not be a good time to see Sharon either. 

Dawn and I saw this great spider web on our walk.

I drove to Walmart in Monona to see if I could get an oil change but they were short staffed and it would be a 3-hour wait before I could get in. So I headed back to Stoughton and got an oil change at Valvoline. With the $15 coupon I found, it only cost $10 more than Walmart.

I then stopped to visit Sharon for a little while and texted Rita to let her know that I was remembered and she looked good. Rita sometimes has difficulty reaching her so I’m glad that I could help her out.

This morning, Dawn, Jonnie, and I had breakfast together at Coffee Cup, then we headed out to check on the progress of her little house (16x28’ plus the 8x28’) porch. Her sons call it the Chicken Coop because an old hen is going to be living there. They are moving right along - the roof is on and a door and windows are installed. 

I just couldn’t resist taking this photo of Kowroo, he’s such a good looking guy with a sweet personality.

Saturday, September 14, 2019, WI

This morning on my walk, I noticed this lone goose who must have been a sentry, as he was squeaking at what appeared to be nothing. He wasn’t both by Frisco and I at all.  At that same place by the Mill Pond, I looked ahead toward the cemetery and this was my view. I love this walk.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019, WI

Today has been a day of remembering the tragic events of 2001 when the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Flight 43 were struck by terrorists and so many people lost their lives. Also on that day, Ben was returning to the US on a flight from a vacation to Japan. His flight left Tokyo that morning and then after the towers were hit, the US closed airports and were redirecting flights to Canada and other countries. Mike spent hours on the phone with the FCC and the airline for reassurance that he was on the plane and ok. His flight was diverted from Los Angeles to San Francisco (where he lived) and was escorted by US Air Force F-16 planes - the only international flight that was allowed to land after airports were closed. It was such a relief to us when we heard that he was safe.

I’ve been walking with Dawn through the streets of Stoughton in the mornings, something I truly enjoy. It just gives me a feeling of connection and familiarity.

I just love the Weeping Willow trees along the Yahara River.

I took a drive to see the building progress at Jonnie’s small home (550 sf) outside of town. The walls and roof are up and a few windows are installed. I can’t wait to see how cute it will be when it’s finished.  Dang, I forgot to take any photos - next time.

I went to West Allis today to visit with Leslie (a friendship that goes back to about 1972 when she married Mike’s friend Tom Reinhart), haven’t seen her in 3 years and it was nice to see her home again (we have met in between in the past) and we had a nice lunch and glass of wine while catching up.

Sunday, September 8, 2019, WI

Sharon and I did some shopping this afternoon and I walked with Frisco while she mowed the lawn. We both took naps and then met Pat and Rog at the Hitching Post for a tasty fish fry and an Old Fashioned.  After dinner, we went to the fairgrounds and met up with her friend, Kathy. 

The traveling Vietnam wall was there, so I paid my respects to classmates Mike Mulcahy and Larry Bender and to Mike’s friend Paul Gerlach. It breaks my heart to see the names of so many young guys who lost their lives in that useless war.

Chris Kroeze, a singer songwriter from Barron, WI who had been on ‘The Voice’ was doing a benefit show so we got tickets and went. It was pretty good and I enjoyed a night of entertainment, even got a dance in with Kathy.

We got up a bit early on Saturday morning and headed to the Flea Market in Princeton. We covered all of the vendors and were both walking out of there empty handed but spotted the Pampered Chef booth and we both bought a trinket there.  Back at Sharon’s house, I packed up the car and headed back to Stoughton.

Thursday, September 5, 2019, WI

After a good walk around Veteran’s Park and the cemetery this morning, I got ready to head north to Portage to spend the next couple of days with my sister-in-law Sharon. It has been 3 years since we took a road trip together and only a few short visits since then, so it’s time to reconnect.  We sat outside catching up on the family news and making plans for the next 2 days.

Our first decision was to go to Cimaroli’s for dinner. So after two of their delicious $3.25 Old Fashioneds, we both chose their specialty flat iron steak and it definitely met up to its claim to fame. We stopped for a bottle of Kahlua and had Kahlua and Cream as an after dinner drink when we got back home.

The Packers are on the TV and I am on my iPad, feeling quite mellow and stuffed.

Here’s the view of the countryside sunset from Portage this evening.

My gracious hostess and great long-time friend, Sharon.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019, WI

Happy 8th Birthday to my sweet Granddaughter, Charlotte on Monday. Her request for her birthday party was to have a surprise birthday party, so her parents made that happen. She called me on FaceTime to thank me for the roller blades that I got her and also to tell me that her party was a big success. 

Pat and I were headed to Sun Prairie to Costco that morning when we learned that it was closed for the holiday, so we went to Pick N Save and got some salmon, broccoli and cauliflower for dinner. We spent the day hanging around and enjoying the beautiful weather.

I walked with Dawn yesterday morning and this morning, we walked to Sugar and Spice to meet Jonnie for breakfast.  We had plenty to talk about, sitting in the booth for 2 hours until the lunch crowd started showing up.  

I went to visit with my cousin Fran this afternoon and she was surprised and happy to see me and we had a nice visit. Her granddaughter, Erin joined us for a while. It’s always good to see Fran, she was a huge part of my childhood and is now the eldest of our family members.

Sunday, September 1, 2019, MI, WI

After getting up and having breakfast this morning, I said goodbye and headed south to Stoughton. I noticed quite a bit of leaf color along the roadsides reminding me that fall is on the way.  I had stopped at Culver’s in Wausau for a short break when Pat Hooverson called. Since I was going right by their place and they were going to be home, I stopped by for a hug and a short chat. 

I made it to Stoughton by about 4:00 and it sure is good to see Pat and Tracey again and to settle in at the Shady Rest for a couple of weeks visit.