So we arrived home to Oshkosh with little fanfare May 17! Everything was fine at the apartment, but we knew that because Mark had kept an eye on it for us. When the battery was connected to the Oshkosh car it started right up. So all was good, and then into a couple of days of unpacking and reacquainting ourselves with the apartment. We have caught up with some old friends and I have gotten some golf time in. Good to be back. Still more catching up to do but we were going to Denver for a wedding. We went to see our good friend’s, Bev and Wally’s son Travis, tie the knot in Colorado. So off we were. We booked a direct flight from Appleton to Denver and arrived to spend some time with Bev and Wally in Denver. Travis and his fiance invited us to their house that night for a grill out and some drinks. After a wonderful evening the next morning we were off for Bailey, Colorado. Chris and I booked an Airbnb near the wedding venue, our first Airbnb. There were not many options in the area and we did not want to commute the 50 minutes in from Denver. It worked out great. A very nice mountain get-away, tastefully remodeled and comfortable. We found some good food along the way (have you ever been to a place where you can get a flight of Mac n cheese?) and a winery started by a Swiss immigrant. But those were the side notes. The big event was at a beautiful site. A few drops of rain fell before the ceremony and then stopped, and the sky cleared. The wedding in the gazebo was heartfelt and we believe the couple will be together for a lifetime. A good time was had by all. Then the next morning we were back on the road. From Bailey we headed south to Albuquerque. We have driven from Denver to ABQ before but this time we were already West, so Hwy 285 goes south most of the way to Sante Fe. It was an interesting and picturesque route on a nice day in the mountains. 9180 feet and higher, so much higher than Denver or Albuquerque. We arrived at Marie’s about 7 hours later and ready for a beer. We spent a few days catching up with Marie and taking care of a few items with her. On Thursday it was time to fly again. Albuquerque is not an easy place to fly in and out of, there are not many options. So we took what we could get. An early afternoon flight to Chicago and then on to Appleton. I have avoided Chicago for over 30 years and I like to get an earlier start; but none available. Even with some gusty winds and storms near by we were off on time and into O’Hare on time. I had booked with lot’s of time to the next takeoff, knowing what things are in todays airport world and never sure we would be off on time. So we landed, but I had started receiving texts about changes to another Appleton flight, not sure why. So when we landed we made our way to our next gate and asked the question of a gate attendent who had no idea, but our seats on our original flight were still good. We went for a bite to eat and a note popped up on my American Airlines app offering bonus points for us to book the other flight. So I hit the buttom to apply for that (we were there and could leave early). While eating our snack texts keep coming changing from 6:40, to 7:12, to 7:30. Our booked flight was 8:12. When done with the snack we walked to the alternate gate, no one around so we thought we could sit there for awhile. Eventually someone showed up and when I asked if we were on the list for the earlier flight the answer was “we don’t know because right now we don’t know when either flight will leave or which one first”. So I did some research and it looked like the earlier flight plane should land around 8 and the one we were booked on around 8:40. We hung around (with no updates from the customer service desk) and a plane did show up around 8. They deboarded and cleaned and started boarding , the messages from American said they would make an announcement on the stand-bys, so I waited patiently. When it was pretty full Chris said there were two people who she thought just got added to the plane, so I listened to her and we went up and asked, again. The attendent seemed clueless, but did check the plane when I asked if it was full, and then gave us boarding passes. The hell with the luggage, it was time to take any flight out of Chicago when we could. So happily we were off the tarmac and on the way. A very short flight to Appleton and pleasant landing in small airport. Now home and having a bourbon. A long story for a short part of a great trip!

Our mountain getaway

We did figure out the controls!

We chose Mac N Cheese flights

Getting ready for the ceremony

Ready for a Wedding

clouds clearing from the ceremony

Getting Close to Sunset

On the road from Bailey

Up and Down Through the Mountains

Be Ready for Anything

New Mexico has a different look

We left Champaign Urbana on a beautiful morning after heavy rains the evening before.  We had a 5 hour drive and took our usual breaks on the way.  We came out of fields in the south that the corn and other crops were up and growing.   Now going north they were just tilling and planting.  As you go north you notice the changes in the growing season.   Even though the weather seems to have been above normal back in Wisconsin this winter the difference is still there.  It was good to see the plowed fields and trees green.  And lilacs are blooming!  We remember our lilac bushes and how my grandfather taught me to trim off the old blooms once they were done.  We do miss the smell of fresh lilacs in the house.   As we got closer we felt more anxious to see home.  An uneventful last leg, which was welcome.   The whole country is in full construction mode.  We had a number of delays on the way but nothing terrible.  Just life. Luckily nothing on the last day.  It was another great road trip.  So we are settling back into Oshkosh.  Mark and Terry took us out for a local meal and we tasted some of the great beer Mark left me from our fall brew.   And now to settle back in.  Cleaning bugs off the car and starting to stock some food.  Still saying prayers for our friends that travel and those back in Snug.   And looking forward to catching up with friends we have not seen for 7 months. 

After a wonderful night at the Beaumont Inn, we  had a tasty breakfast and were ready to hit the road again.    Heading northwest towards Louisville  and West on I-64.   We had a plan for a stop along the way.  Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana.   While doing some research for cousin Charles I ran across this Abbey.   In 1852 a priest serving the wilds of Indiana was searching for German speaking priests to serve the area, and reached out to the Maria Einsiedeln Switzerland Benedictine Monks for help.  They sent Fathers Ulrich Christen and Bede O’Conner to Southern Indiana.  Later they added Martin Marty from Canton Schwyz; a promising young monk.      Einsiedeln by the way is where Chris’s Grandmother was born and we have been back to visit cousins Charles and Walter and their families.  And we have been to the Mother abbey in Einsiedeln Switzerland.   A nice connection.  Father Marty went on to become a leader in the Catholic Church in the United States and his prowess in dealing with people and his business prowess led the Saint Meinrad’s Abbey to become one of two archabbeys in the nation and one of 11 in the world.  It is a beautiful campus, certainly being there in spring must help the impression.  The only thing that could have been better was if they had decided to brew beer to support the Abbey.  (Like the Monks of Nursia in Italy, another Benedictine Monastery).  So I find the history interesting and have more reading to do.  And will look for more links to the Einsiedeln links in the Cincinnati to Louisville area.   So after some relaxing time at the abbey we were back on the road.   We had not pre booked a hotel for this leg since we were not sure of the timing and how long we wanted to be in the car.   We decided we were up for a longer ride than usual and headed for Champaign Urbana Illinois.  We took the GPS quickest route which included asphalted cow paths such as crooked snake road.   But the timing was as promised and luckily we did not meet oncoming traffic on some of those roads.  It was scenic and as we made our way into Illinois and the Central time zone it became flatter and more agricultural.  Huge farm fields.   They have had too much rain here, but some corn fields are doing well.   So now we have had a meal and some cocktails at the hotel, and are preparing for tomorrow. 

Entrance to the Grounds

The Church Steeples

Inside the church and the organ

Front of the Church, built at the start of the 1900’s by the monks and local townspeople

2024
After a fun Night in Winter Garden we shared in a nice breakfast at the B&B. Certainly not premade eggs in a warming tray! Some coffee and conversation and we were on our way. It was warm and sunny in Florida, a little over 2 hours later the rain started and the temperatures started dropping. True to forecast there were no storms just steady rain for the next couple of hours. When we landed in Forsyth Georgia there were only a few drops, but it was in the mid 60’s and breezy. It did not feel good! But check in was easy and we took a short breather. Then 5 minutes into town we went to Fox City Brewery for a little something to eat. Located in a building that was once a yarn factory they have made it inviting with multiple drink and dining areas flanking the brew area. Nice food and drink. That set us for the night, and the next day a short ride into Atlanta. That was the plan, I wanted to visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum in Atlanta and this left us less than a 2 hour drive into Atlanta. Even mid morning the Atlanta traffic is terrible. But we made it in as planned. We would say that the LBJ museum in Austin was more impactful for us, but this was still well done. Lot’s of memories for us. Then on to the World of Coca Cola Atlanta. Another fun couple of hours, lot’s of memorabilia and fun facts. And you can taste more cola products than you can ever taste. From there on to our hotel close by. A number of years ago we had a great experience at Ted’s Montana Grill in Tallahassee. So we did Ted’s in Atlanta, On Ted Turner Drive. It did not disappoint. My Bison NY Strip was wonderful. And at the hotel I had tasty smoked Old Fashioned’s. More than I probably should have!! The next morning on to one of our ‘longer’ drives, over 6 hours. We left Atlanta and headed to Harrodsburg KY. We stayed here before and it is a favorite. So we checked in after our ‘long’ day of driving. Time to switch out some clothes between our carry in bags and what was stored in the car. And then into the restaurant to start some relaxing. https://www.beaumontinn.com
They have a great bourbon collection and friendly food. A relaxing night, Now to decide on our next days ahead.

Fox Cities in Georgia

Carter Presidential Museum

Oval Office replication

The vault holding the Coke recipe

Beaumont Inn main building

the Building we stayed in

A few whiskeys and bourbons to choose from, this is 1/2

Well we decided it was time. Our Spring trip home. We had a great winter, with lot’s of social time with good friends. Golf and grill outs and pool time. Most of our neighbors have headed home already and for us to get home before Memorial Day it is time to get started. So the last week was organizing and preparing. We made it to our favorite Brewery to say good by and shared some beers with friends. Also had our last cocktails and cigars in the courtyard. So today we took our time and packed the car and prepared the condo to be empty for many months. We planned on a short ride knowing we had a number of tasks to complete. So leaving around noon we traveled to Winter Garden just outside Orlando. We are staying in the Edgewater Hotel, a historic hotel. It is full of character. Built in 1926 it has the original charm but has been tastefully updated. Winter Garden has a wonderful cobblestone street downtown full of shops and restaurants. A laid back vibe. We were lucky enough to have some Enders spend time with us to make it a beautiful evening. So breakfast in the dining area in the morning and then off for day 2.

Copperpoint Brewery

Courtyard fun

Winter Garden

Edgewater breakfast area

Our Edgewater room

Crooked Can Brewery, a full warehouse of beer and food

Can you say ICE CREAM ?

Just a quick update to send a wish that everyone had a wonderful Easter. Chris and I had a relaxing day, getting up for sunrise service and spending the day at home. March has brought us some enjoyable weather. Lots of sunny days and warmth, and overall comfortable. We continue our weekly grill out or breakfast with neighbors. We have great neighbors that make it fun to spend time together (and overeat great food). We have had some ficus bushes on our property perimeter that are defoliated each year by a white fly bug. The condo board decided to try a new bush that a lot of properties have been using that has not had anything that attacks it but fills in quickly. But the front fence on the street in front of our building was built with a number of openings (no one knows why) that made it too easy for anyone to wander into our property. I had volunteered to manufacture some fence modules to fill these and had a few neighbors help to mount them all, Kept me busy for awhile. Chris and Marie’s cousin Jackie made it down from northern Florida to spend a few days with us. We thoroughly enjoyed having her here and wish it could have been for longer. I have not been golfing enough, which reflects in my scores. But I was lucky enough to be there when my neighbor Larry made his first hole in one. We were having a fun day but to see his tee shot roll in the hole on the 18th hole made it a perfect day. Leading up to Easter MJ had the week off of school. So she headed here to spend some time in the sun. Marie is used to going back to New Mexico at this time and MJ said she would help Marie navigate the airports on her way home. So they left on Thursday (actually up before the sun) and flew to Atlanta and Albuquerque. MJ spent a few days with Marie and seems to have found some breweries to keep her aunt hydrated. MJ flew home Sunday and then Monday went in for some meniscus repair. The doctor was happy with the results and now will need some healing time.

Cocktail anyone?

the Middle Group

It takes 3 pictures

Installing the fence structures behind the new bushes

The Kaelin Girls at a German Restaurant

Cool that the course gave Larry a flag

On the plane, before beers even

Time has been flying by so I am overdue to post an update! Life is still good. December and January have been cooler and more clouds than we can ever remember. We have still been able to enjoy being out and about. Saturday farmers markets, visits to breweries, walks and visiting friends. Most every week we have a grill out with neighbors and enjoy their company. In December Jeff Van Wie drove down to Port St Lucie where we met to visit with Dave and Stacey. MJ was here at Christmas. I try to get my golf days in and I fit some days in to do some projects around the condo grounds. Recently we were in Sebring for a couple of days to visit with Jim and Nancy and Judy and Press, and we managed to get some golf in. We also made a stop in Fort Meyers to visit with Noel and Jo Ann. We were also thrilled Pres and Judy stopped to see us for a couple of days. It appears that all of our friends back north have had a mild winter overall. It would still be too much for us, but we are glad it is good for you, other than those wanting to ice fish! We wish the best to all, it is looking like our winter is getting back to normal and we were at the pool today. Looking forward to more grill outs and meals with friends.

Port St Lucie

my tee shot is next to the hole

Must be Cocktail Hour

Super Bowl Party

Enjoying the sunshine

Out with friends!

Girls golfing

Pro Golfer

They were out of the cart and teeed up without noticing the gator

It was a big boy

Judy and Pres

So we had some fun gaming at the Golden Nugget and then head back to the East. We were on our way to driving 3700 miles. I found how to bypass the maintenance required light on the Lexus, wheel rotation can wait until we are home. We were hit that morning with some rain and cooling temperatures. The broad nationwide cold front kept trying to catch us, but within a couple of hours we were in warmer weather and some sun breaking through. Landing in Pensacola was warm and we took a walk to a local pub for some dinner. The next morning was cool but we were off again to catch up to some sunshine, which we did. The goal that day was Gainsville, 5 hours away and leaving us less than 5 hours to head home on Wednesday. The local Swamp Head Brewery was a good stop to shake off the days ride. A Jerk food truck provided a tasty dinner. By the way, some of us, of a certain age, remember when lawyers were not allowed to advertise. Today I beleive they keep the billboard industry alive. It must be every town over 5000 can support some lawyer who will save you from tickets, DUI, or 18 wheelers. Of course in Louisiana they are no match for Casino billboards. Since our last trip through Terry Bradshaw is no longer featured hawking some casino, but additional casino’s have added billboard space! Luckily there are large spaces outside of cities mostly spared from the billboards. From long expanses over the bayou’s and tunnel under Mobile Bay there is lots of scenery worth looking at. Northern Florida is a pretty ride with plenty of hills and tall pine forests mixed with cattle grazing. A bit of dejà vu from the early ride of Wisconsin and Iowa coutry side. So much beautiful scenery across the country. It has been fun and inspiring, there are positives to take from all the views the country has to offer. We made it home on time as planned and have been settling in. Unpack the car, then work on putting things away, while trying to remember where they belong. And for things like the drink glasses I wanted to bring down, then there was a set of glasses that were here get given away. Luckily our neighbors have a friend in a thrift shop so we added on to one of their trips. After a number of days everything has found a home. I have done a little trimming in the garden that I thought was needed (my problem it bothers me!). So we had our first grill out with neighbors that are here, so officially settled in. And the golf clubs are in the bag and I have taken a few swings, surprisingly they felt pretty good after a month off. MJ and Marie flew in on Thanksgiving Eve. So Thanksgiving will be a Packer game, chicken breasts, and cranberry. We give thanks for our many blessings, we had a great trip and now get to settle in for a warm winter. Happy Thanksgiving to All!

The Links at Boynton golf

Boynton Beach

Thanksgiving Eve

So we had a great time in Albuquerque, lots of good food and good beer. We met some of Marie’s freinds and reacquainted with older ones. We had a room at Marie’s complex which worked out wonderfully. The room was a full apartment and had it’s own washer dryer to clean up our weeks worth of laundry. Being there made it easy to come and go with her. So it was time to leave ABQ and start heading East. I 40 out of Albuquerque through the mountain pass and on to Santa Rosa. Then start heading south southeast through New Mexico grass land and eventually into Texas. West Texas is more agricultural and huge dairy farms. Mostly 2 lane roads through small towns and large grazing fields. As we passed the Texas border was when there was more of the agricultural lands versus the grazing lands. We made our way that day to Lubbock after 5 hours on the road. Home to Texas Tech and Buddy Holly, as well as Mac Davis. We had a great hotel with a nice college pub across the parking lot. So a relaxing night before we hit the road again. We had a nice breakfast in the morning and then continued heading southeast in Texas. On to San Antonio from Lubbock. It is a drive on State highways that are mostly 4 lane with various slowdowns through Texas towns. A big variety of landscape, from flat grazing land to hill top views. Eventually getting south to I 10 Many of us in the midwest and north east are used to seeing mile markers in the interstate that denote where we are. But in Texas the I-10 mile markers go for 880 miles to the Louisiana border. We didn’t do all of that today, but made our way to San Antonio because it was on our list! We landed in San Antonio in late afternoon and checked into our Canopy by Hilton hotel on the riverwalk. They upgraded us to a beautiful room and we cleaned up and it was time for a cocktail! There was a good option next store at the Esquire, advertised as the longest bar in Texas. The meals were good and the drinks quenching. After getting relaxed we took a walk down the riverwalk, taking in the sights and stopping for some music and cocktails. A great start to a couple of nights in San Antonio. A good nights sleep and we took a walk into downtown, finding a restaurant that has been there for a century. Originally a German delicatessen, they now bridge the German and southwest. Our Nephew and family came down from Austin so after breakfast we walked the riverwalk towards the hemifair park to meet up with them. The riverwalk is full of restaurants and bars and also art and flora. We enjoyed it a lot. It happened to be Día de Muertos festival weekend, the hispanic day of the dead celebration. Unknown to all of us the park expected 130,000 for the weekend celebration. But the park is huge and was manageable; finding parking for them and finding each other not as easy. But we had a fun time together and Chris and I are thankful they made the 90 minute drive down from Austin. The costumes and alters in memorium at the festival were impressive. We had fun together and they headed home late afternoon. We made our way back to the hotel to take a break. A little rest and then back out on the riverwalk for a cocktail and bite to eat. A full day put in and a good nights rest. In the morning we opted to sleep in and then head right back to the road. Heading East on I-10 for awhile now. Of course we found road construction across the country, so some detours and slow downs along the way. Looking for about a 5 hour ride we planned our way through Houston and on to Lake Charles Louisiana. Louisiana seems to be cordial to Casino’s so we took a stop at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles. Lot’s of restaurant choices after parking the car and some gaming available. A good choice. So next a good nights rest and then continue heading East!

Sandia Mountains Albuquerque

Great first meal at the Esquire

European history in San Antonio

Flower scultpures river walk

River walk San Antonio

Craig Andria and Evelyn

Andria, Evelyn, and…….

dios de los muertos festival, lots of costumes many elaborate

climbing the bridge into Lake St Charles

Golden Nugget and the bridge into St Charles

After a great night in Des Moines we had an easy ride down to Kansas City to visit old friends Steve and Nancee. They welcomed us in even though we were battling colds! It was a nice night to stay in and catch up, and share a few beers. They treated us to a perfect dinner and more conversation. After a super rest we were treated a a wonderful breakfast, how good is that! So then on the road from Kearny MO and head into Kansas. A long road across Kansas seeing lot’s of fields being harvested as we had in Wisconsin and Iowa. When we plan a trip we check on where the Love’s travel stops are on our way. Restrooms cleaned every hour and well taken care of is even better than the 10 cents off a gallon with the app. So west on I 70 for some hours then start heading south to Dodge City Kansas. Well, we are heading southwest so why not? For some of us of a certain age we saw plenty of Western movies and TV shows and Dodge City often played a part. Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson and his brothers, Miss Kitty? We had planned on two nights so we could arrive after the drive and spend some time touring the next day. We arrived in town and decided on Dodge City Brewing for supper, good decision. Well done beers and good selection, and a very tasty thin crust pizza with personable bartenders. Welcome to town. I took a growler back to the room and we gave our colds a rest. Have to drink your fluids you know. We slept in the next morning and skipped the hotel free breakfast to walk to a local coffee shop that was another nice find. A good start to the day. A little rest and then walked to visitor center and to the boot hill museum. The museum is very well done and full of information. Did you know there were probably 30 million bison across the US before the Europeans started to slaughter them for the hides? The bison population was taken down to less than 1000. In the 1860’s and 1870’s bison hunters brought their many hides to Dodge City, as the cattle drives from the south came in to the rail lines. Most of the famous history came in a decade. The early 1870’s were crazy in Dodge City, by the end of the decade Texas cattle drives weren’t allowed in Kansas and Kansas was on the verge of declaring prohibition. Buffalo hunters were running out of targets and were picking up bones to send back East as uses were found for the skeletons covering the prairie. So many facts and things to learn about Dodge City and the people that formed it. It was an informative afternoon after which we took another break. By then the Boot Hill Distillery was open and time for a tasting! They need some more aging but are doing some nice things and cocktails that were worth the stop. Started by someone owning a large wheat farm 50 miles out of Dodge City who found a fun use for his home grown products. Straight down the hill (really straight down) was back to Dodge City Brewing for a taste and dinner for the night. The next morning we actually warmed up some pizza from the night before for breakfast. Then we were headed south on our way to Raton, New Mexico. A long way through Kansas agriculture, then praire land, and into Oklahoma then into New Mexico. A quiet but interesting drive. We landed in Raton before our room was ready and took in the Raton Museum. Then checked in and relaxed. A good Best Western with a bar and restaurant included. So a good night of rest before Sunday morning came. We took an easy ride south and stopped in the old plaza of Sante Fe. Very busy but we had a nice walk through the plaza and talked with some of the Native American artisans. Around the old plaza in Sante Fe and Albuquerque are areas set of for the local artisans to sell their crafts and jewelry. A nice coffee on a nice cool morning around the square and then back on the road again. An hour further south to Albuquerque and to see Marie. So we are here now. Good to be back in New Mexico. The colorful mountains after the plains of Kansas. We have been to a couple of local breweries and walked Old Town plaza in Albuquerque. So a few more nights and then start heading East.

Doc Holiday welcomes you in

Matt Dillon

James Arness was a big guy!

Those wagons were big!

And this wagon was not the big one to cross the prairie

Thanks to the Longhorns, seven million who came to town

Museum street

Had a beer at the Longbranch Saloon

A well done distillery and locally grown

Old Town in Albuquerque

Story of the church on the plaza

Sisters shopping

Sunset and rain on the Mesa