The weeks seem to go by quickly!  Another weekend here already,  thankfully.     After getting home from Albuquerque we have kept busy with meetings and projects.   Last weekend we used a hotel certificate we bought at last years Pius Auction to spend Saturday night in down town Milwaukee.   We made it down early afternoon and our first traditional stop is Real Chili.   So we added the works and built a base for the day!  As good as ever.   And we stopped at Zim’s before heading to the hotel for check in.  College football is back and the bar was crowded.

We checked in at the Hyatt and then headed out on the town.  We lucked out,  after rain in the morning the day kept getting nicer.  And we enjoy walking downtown.   We started with the sky walk though and headed to Grand Avenue.   Far too many empty stores there, that was depressing to see.  There were years there was a lot of activity there.  Hopefully going into the Christmas season more storefronts fill up.  And we came out on Wisconsin Avenue.   A stop at Uhle’s cigar shop to enjoy the ambiance,  and walked the river walk.  Milwaukee has done a wonderful job with the riverwalk.  There were lot’s of people and families walking the entire distance.

We made it into the third ward and the Milwaukee Ale House.  One of my ‘must’ stops.   We sat outside in the sun, had a cigar (one of us), some good drinks and people watched and river watched.    We were surprised to see the pontoon boats still running.  There must be 6-8 that can be rented for parties or you can sign on for a brewery cruise.   We have to get the details but it looks like when you get on they give you a mug the color of your pontoon cruise.  There are bars on the boats, and I am guessing the mug gets you specials at the stops they make on the river.  People get off and enjoy, walk some more, and can come back for a jump back on the boat I am guessing at designated time it comes back to that stop.  A lot of people were having a lot of fun.   I had heard they go from Lakefront Brewery to Milwaukee Ale House and not sure how many stops along the way.

We were walking though.   Made some more stops on the river and eventually back to the hotel for a break.  We went to Water Street Brewery for dinner that night, and ended up listening to some music at Rock Bottom Brewery.    Sunday morning we had brunch at the Hyatt which was part of the package, and was very good.  And we had a late checkout so took another walk.  It was a beautiful morning and downtown is fairly quiet on Sunday Morning.  we did end up late morning at the outside bar at Rock Bottom, watching the river and having a bloody mary.   And eventually check out at the hotel and home.

We live a good life.   tonight to the refurbished Grand Opera House in Oshkosh.  Grand re-opening weekend of the oldest operating opera house in Wisconsin.   A year ago while doing some changes they found major structural problems, not necessarily from the original 1888 but from fixes done in the 60’s.   But a couple of million later it is reopening.  A beautiful facility with great accustics.  So anxious to see that.  Jeff Daniels is opening it up,  last night for the high rollers and tonight for the rest of us.

And Saturday afternoon down to see Mom, then to Noel’s Octoberfest in the evening.  Happy 65 Noel!   Then sometime Sunday back home.  We do have some work to do, and we leave for 10 days of camping at High Cliff State Park on Wednesday.   Noel and Jo Ann and Chris and I have done this a number of years now.   I do make it to work each day,  I get to sleep in since it is closer to work from the park than from home.  But we have an enjoyable relaxing time.   A great time of the year for campfires.

So everyone enjoy!

We are past Labor day and moving to the end of the year.   It seems to go faster each year.   The Wisconsin summer coming to an end.   Already too cool,  you know I like the warm weather,   and days are drastically shorter already.  Time to start considering putting the boats away and taking the docks out.  It seems way too early but the weeks will go by quickly.

We are coming off a great long weekend.   We flew to Albuquerque with friends Dick and Carol to visit Chris’s sister and brother in law.   The flights went well and we had a very relaxing and enjoyable time.  Pictures in the album page (click on a picture and then use the ‘next’ or previous buttons) .  Marie had lots of visits planned.  We ate and visited each day.  And throw in a few beers!   The time went by too quickly.  The weather was warm and sunny each day, wonderful.   We had quality time with old friends Tom and Barb Madrid and got caught up on the family.   And had a wonderful meal at the Madrid’s,  thank you Barb!

I love the food in New Mexico, and the scenery.  There is lot’s of open countryside in Rio Rancho where John and Marie live.  Hilly and a very alive desert,   and the mountains always in sight.  Very pretty.   And the largest balloon fiesta in the country comes up at the end of the month in Albuquerque.  The combination of the elevation, cool nights and still mornings make New Mexico a great place for hot air balloons.  and we saw lots of them out enjoying the mornings.   Chris and I would wake up to the sound of the flames overhead lifting a balloon.  And Dick and I walked each morning and would see many balloons flying over.   They are beautiful against the clear blue skies.

We enjoyed each day celebrating John’s 80th birthday and John and Marie’s 41st anniversary.  Thanks for your hospitality!  Chris and I would enjoy more time in New Mexico.  God willing we will get that chance.

So we are blessed with more good times.   From the good company,  great food, and laughs as I tried to get the timer to work on my camera!  Life really is not about what has to be done at work each day,  but the memories we create with friends.

Having a great time in New Mexico.  Weather is warm with blue skies.  Great friends and relaxing.  Dick and I are walking in the morning, and there are lot’s of balloons flying.    A good time of year for them.   Marie and John are doing well and we have been celebrating their anniversary and John’s birthday each day!  Life is good.  Had a great Mexican breakfast again this morning.

About to head to Milwaukee and start the weekend.   We have been busy but things are good.   Saw the Timber Rattlers win big this week and had a stock club meeting.

Tonight to see Mom and stay there, and in the morning off to the airport to Albuquerque.   We are flying with Dick and Carol, good friends of ours and John and Marie.   To Minneapolis then down to New Mexico.   We come home on Tuesday so have a nice long weekend.   Can’t wait!

So everyone have a great Labor day.  Relax and enjoy.   I’ll try to do an update from New Mexico!