Another weekend flew by.  This was one of those weekends we plan on all year, Irishfest in Milwaukee.  For many years we have loved the music and just the friendliness of the fest.   Relaxing and fun.  Chris and I headed down Friday night and spent some hours, then most of the day Saturday and part of Sunday.  Always made more special by running into old friends and meeting new ones.   Special thanks to the Enders for sharing their house this weekend, that was home base for us.  We heard some new bands, and enjoyed revisiting some we have heard in the past.  And certainly had more calories than we burned off walking the grounds (both food and liquid).  It was a perfect weekend,  sunny, warm, and yet we could cool off by the lake.  Milwaukee Summerfest grounds are a beautiful venue along the lake Michigan shore.   Sunday was special as we start it at Irish fest mass.   The amphitheater is full and an inspiring way to start the day.   We heard lots of ballads, bagpipes, and drinking songs.   And even ran into a number of Oshkosh friends.

Marie left Oshkosh last Wednesday and made it home safely on some good flights.   So she can settle back into life in Albuquerque.   Chris and I next trip will likely be to visit her and friends in New Mexico.   Now time for me to keep cleaning and start to think about what needs to be prepared for winter if we are still in this house.  Yes that time already, the next couple of months will go quickly!  So this will be a low key week, at least that is the plan!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cloudy , rainy Sunday.   Temperature around 70, so not bad.   We cut the grass this morning, just as the rain started.  We had an open house planned for today so we wanted the yard to look clean.   The weather has been dry, so the grass hardly needed cutting, but it looks better evened out!   We could use the rain, and the crops could, but too bad it is on Sunday.   We have had a good weekend.   We made a trip to Milwaukee on Friday night.  We had promised to get together at Kegel’s in Milwaukee for boneless duck and German beer, and it did not disappoint.  As good as I remembered.   And we had great company with Noel, JoAnn, Tiff, Steve, Andrew and Allison.  And we took the Enders hospitality and stayed at their house and then JoAnn made a great breakfast: like I had not just stuffed my self on duck and spoetzel a few hours earlier.

And then to eat again with Dick and Carol for lunch.   We are making Marie’s farewell tour.   So we had a great afternoon with D & C.    Then back home again.  And a little work to prepare for the open house.  And tonight invited by good friends, again for Marie’s farewell tour, until she is back again in Wisconsin next year!

And still cleaning.   Remember 8-tracks?   This was probably in my 1962 Ford Galaxy 500, 1969 Ford Torino, and 1972 Buick Century.  And probably in my brother’s Gremlin!  I had it in the boathouse and used to hook it up to an old battery when I was doing things down there.    If you need anything let us know!

 

We are having a great summer.    It seems like it took a long time to get here and now time is flying by.  I realize when I get up for work in the morning that the sunrise is getting later already!  The weather here in Wisconsin has now been unseasonably cool.   But comfortable.   We just returned from our yearly Door County trip last weekend.   It started out in the 90 degree temperature range and ended in the 50’s and 60’s!  That time went quickly.  I worked parts of both weeks and did not get time to talk with many of our friends.   But time enough to say HI and get some golfing in.   Chris and Marie spent the full 2 weeks and Mary Jane was there  for over a week.  Always a good time.  We came home last Saturday and on Sunday went down to Milwaukee to see Mom and we went to Germanfest for the first time.   We are usually in Door County until the following weekend, for the past 30 years!   This year we took a week earlier so Chris could be home to concentrate on her end of the month duties.  We spent some time at Germanfest with Skip and Claire and had a very enjoyable afternoon.

This week was back to work and lot’s of challenges.  And unfortunately news this week of a plant closing in our division.   450 people in Jefferson City MO will lose their jobs.  But being back home was a chance to catch up with some yard duties and of course time to catch up with good friends.  Friday night we made it to our favorite stopping place Oblio’s and had a great time, along with beer and ice cream,  and then out for a fish fry.   And this morning we went to the Oshkosh Farmers Market and stocked up with some fresh vegetables.   The market is full this time of year.   We brought home our first sweet corn of the summer and had it on the grill and shared with Noel and JoAnn.  So one more day of the weekend to enjoy!   We are also deciding to take the next step in our house clean up.   So if you know anyone that needs a pontoon boat and trailer, 16′ Bayliner, 2003 Ford Superduty or 26′ 5th wheel, or a utility trailer,  just let us know!  Oh and a boat lift!