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

September was mostly a good weather month in Wisconsin. We had some cold mornings to let us know it was fall, but overall we still had warm days. Golf continued to be fun although I decided the 40’s was too cold to get started. We were able to attend the revival of the Enders Octoberfest and see old friends. Happy Birthday Noel. I was able to attend the Packer-Saints game and see a comeback win in the 4th quarter. I have missed a few years, because our only options were in cold weather! Good to be back with the boys again. We also made it to Chicago for Jeff and Donna’s daughters wedding. Then we had our trip to Washington Island to take over the Sunset Resort and celebrate Janet and Steve’s anniversary.
After unpacking from the Island we were back into packing for our next trip. 40 degree temperatures on the Island so it must be time to head south. We left Oshkosh on a Monday. A lot to do to prep the apartment for 7 months gone so no hurry in the morning. Take batteries out of everything we can think of, take cable equipment to UPS, pack the car and clean toilets. So an easy plan for the first day to head to New Glarus Wisconsin. A favorite place Chris has gone to since her Swiss grandmother would take her there. Now still Swiss and we love stopping at New Glarus brewery. Only sold in Wisconsin, we watched the video from Deb Carey telling how she ushered the Anheuser Busch reps out because that was not in her and Dan’s plans. They wanted to be profitable be able to treat employees well, which by all accounts they have been able to stick to. So had a couple of beers and the tour, and then headed into town to check in and head to a favorite local bar. Had a nice Weinerschintzel meal and good nights rest. Then across southwest Wisconsin and into Iowa, ending in Des Moines Iowa. A great hotel at Staybridge Suites East town, we walked to the capitol house and took a tour. Beautiful. All the craftsmanship that went into these older buildings and Iowa doing a great job of keeping things maintained. Also found the Iowa Taproom which features 99 Iowa beers, a great selection. A relaxing and enjoyable start to our trip.

fog on the golf course

that far from hole in one

Tailgate in Style

Lambeau Field

Pindel Wedding

Door County sunset with rain showers

Statehouse under refurbishment

Iowa statehouse library, note the stairs

Iowa taproom

August was a fun month. MJ came in early in the month and we visited some establishments in the Oshkosh area. Chris and I had found we liked the new and only distillery in Oshkosh, Sturgeon Spirits. Taking MJ there turned out to be a hit with her also. They have a large list of interesting cocktails, from fruity to alcohol. They are super interesting because their license does not allow them to serve any alcohol that is not made there. So they produce versions of everything from bitters to vermouth, and use fresh ingrediants to marinate and produce about 50 versions of vodka flavors! That was just drinks for appetizers, then we found good food. MJ came in to town to spend a few days before we went to Jason and Denise’s 1st anniversary party. Congratulations! We had a fun afternoon with good food and seeing relatives and friends.
The following weekend was Irishfest, which has been a staple for Chris and I for many years. It gives us a chance to be back in downtown Milwaukee and hear lots of Irish music that we love. Jeff and Donna did not join us this year, as they drove to California to participate in their daughter’s bridal shower. But Jeff VW drove in from Jacksonville to keep his streak alive. We spent time with many old friends while enjoying the music. On the 4th day in Milwaukee we headed back to Oshkosh to start packing for our next adventure. Somehow I managed to get some golf in during August and am enjoying my game.
The following Saturday we headed north to drive the UP of Michigan and cross into Canada at Sault Ste Marie. We endured some road delays due to accidents so were glad we had our hotel booked when we crossed the border. We only want to be in a car so long in a day remember, and that had been extended by the delays. Since we have stayed in the Sault before we had an idea where we wanted to stay in a hotel with a steak house included. It turned out to be a good choice and we had a nice evening meeting some new friends at the bar while watching some golf and having our dinner. The next morning breakfast and then out on the road. We had been invited to spend a night in Sudbury and jumped at the chance to see Homer and Judy again. Judy is looking and doing great. Ron and Verna drove down from their home and we all spent lots of time catching up, in addition to Homer making us a great meal. The next day was a treat to take a tour of a mining experience. Sudbury is a mining town and it was cool (literally) to go below ground and learn of the evolution of mining as we walked the caverns of the mine. It was fun. Then off to a late lunch and then we left to follow Ron and Verna up to Temagami. When we left Oshkosh we had been in the heat that most of the country was experiencing and our first full day in Temagami was 60’s with some rain, a bit cooler. But no matter, we had a lot more conversations to catch up with and the day went by quickly. For dinner we had another invitation and had a chance to to catch up with Bob and Sandi Durie. Not far from Ron and Verna they were the ultimate hosts and again we had lots of time to catch up on. It was a fun evening and we talked about the great meal for days! The next day brought sunshine, and as Homer says time for a chin wag. After a large breakfast we didn’t need to eat again, but that would not stop us. Fresh cut potato’s and the turkey fryer leads to fresh fries. Ron had the steaks on the grill and Verna added the veggies in the kitchen. Add some cheese on the fries and then gravy and you have poutine. Of course I ate all of the steak, too much poutine and veggies and fresh tomatoes and finished it off with homemade blueberry pie. Yes I overdid it, again. The next morning Verna made us too big a breakfast, which we ate, then we were headed back south. Last year we stayed in Paris Ontario and enjoyed it so it was our planned stop again. The ride down was well other than my full stomach and some heavy traffic as were getting close to Paris and rush hour. The Arlington in Paris is a historic hotel with unique rooms. We had an enjoyable evening and the next morning visited a few shops in historic downtown. Then on to Sterling Heights to visit MJ and John for Labor Day weekend. Note to self, avoid crossing the border on a Friday before a long weekend. But just a minor issue in the big picture. We had a fun time in Sterling Heights which included good beer and food, hot tub, and hours of darts. It was back to 90 degree temps but that did not hold us back. Tuesday we sent MJ off to school, said good bye to the dogs and once again headed north. We had an easy ride to Manistique Michigan, Chris had a little win at the casino, and we had a good nights rest.
So now it is September, along the way we saw the trees and the soybean fields changing color, and the weather has taken on the feel of fall. Now we will be home for awhile to get some time with friends, time at the farmers market, time on the golf course and time at the Omro coffee shop.

stop for an explanation

In the mine with Ron and Verna

Judy and Homer ready to go

Judy and Homer deep down

John with turkeys

MJ first day of school

Time has flown by since we have arrived home, I suppose that means we have kept busy. June was all about settling back into our Oshkosh apartment and trying to catch up with friends we had not seen since last fall. It is always a good time to spend with friends. I settled back into weekday morning golf with old friend John and his brother. A couple of times we made it a foursome with others that were good to see also. Since we play the same course each week I get to know where I want to hit the ball and some mornings I actually do it! I have had some rounds that have made me happy.
2 months in and we have stil have not made it to all of our favorite restaurants and bars, but we did most of them in June. That gives us chances to catch up with bartenders and owners and people we recognize from past years. We caught up with dental and eye appointments. I have new glasses and Chris is recovering from an implant which will replace a tooth when we get back to Florida. Old friend Mark let me brew with him and we made a Belgian Dubble we are very happy with. From that yeast we have also brewed a Belgian Quad that has proven to be stubburn in its fermentation and we will shortly decide what our next steps are.
So the weeks of June went by quickly and before they were over we were on our way to Detroit for MJ’s birthday. We spent a week with MJ and John, enjoying some food and drink and their new hot tub. Then came through the Upper Penninsula of Michigan again on the way home, once home we were packing for our 2 weeks in Door County. We have loved Door County since we first went there in the 80’s , and most of the last 40 years our camping at Penninsula State Park with friends. We still love our 2 weeks in July, even though now it is at a motel! MJ of course is with us and neice Denise, and now her husband Jason. Pindels’ join us at the motel and Jeff still maintains his campsite. Friends Jeff and Becky camp outside the park but bless us by joining in for a number of meals and cocktails. And we are still in the park for Christmas in July and spaghetti night. We had a great time and covered ground in the Penninsula to visit old and new places. Already looking forward to next year.
So back in our Oshkosh base, this morning we walked the Oshkosh Farmers Market as we like to do any Saturday we are in town. We picked up a few items, had some coffee (and a bloody mary) talked to a few people, and this morning was the chalk walk competition on the square. We are blessed to see so many with so much talent, young and old. It was a beautiful day to be out, no rain or cold and not too hot. And now thinking ahead through the next month. MJ will be in town next week and we will help celebrate Denise and Jason’s first anniversary. After that Chris and I will be heading to Milwaukee to celebrate Irish Fest. Towards the end of the month we are planning a swing through Canada to get to MJ and John for Labor Day. Life is good.

That’s Canadian smoke in the morning

Sterling Heights hot tub

Lion’s Tail Wauwatosa

At Hill Street Fish Creek

Stonehedge golf in Door County

Ice Cream drinks!

Spaghetti night in the park

Around the square downtown

so much talent

On Friday morning we left the Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg.  We had a wonderful breakfast in a room full of history and then set out.  Only 20 minutes away is my favorite Kentucky Bourbon distillery, Wilderness Trail.  I have a soft spot in my heart for them since we went there in their early days, before bourbon was ready.   They have done a wonderful job, witnessed by selling 70% of their business last year for 420 million.  Good for them, the American dream.  They are still making great bourbon so we picked up some bottles to go!   From there it was an easy country ride to Four Roses distillery.   One of the well-known bourbon brands with history back to the 1880”s; we had been there some years before when there was a lot of construction going on.  They have added to their facilities and front and center was their visitor center which still has the large Kentucky front porch.  We browsed the gift shop and had a taste at the bar.  An enjoyable stop.  From there on to Louisville for the next night.  We have been there before and enjoyed it, so even though it was close it was a perfect stop, making our next rides after that perfect for our number of hours riding range (4-5).  We visited the Frazier museum which has an in depth history of Kentucky and includes a specialty area on bourbon.  I had hoped for more on the early 1900’s but we can search that out a little more on a future stop.  Of course leaving the museum we needed to have a seat and find something to eat.  Being Louisville a good restaurant offers flights of bourbons for tasting in addition to their food menu.  We found a perfect stop in the Bristol Bar and Grill.   They drew people in with their $5 old fashions and followed up with other selections and tasty food.  Then back to the hotel, we are usually in the room at a reasonable hour.  Watch some TV, catch up on some emails and news, and relax.  The next morning was breakfast at the hotel and then about 4 ½ hour drive to Bloomington Normal Illinois.  We had not been there before but it was the perfect distance and I found a good restaurant at that distance.  Destihl Brewery and Restaurant had great reviews online, and I was familiar with them having had their beers a number of times before.  They were one of the first breweries to widely distribute ‘sour’ beers and are doing a great job at it.  So arriving in Normal midafternoon we took a relax break and then headed out for Destihl.  We were there before the crowds so took some bar stools to relax and leisurely taste some brews and sample some food.  All were good.  Then back to the hotel to relax and prepare for our last night on the road.  No need to transfer clothes to the carry in for the next days.  We had hotel breakfast the next morning and looked forward to a 4 hour drive to be home in Oshkosh.  That went uneventfully and we were back at the apartment on GPS scheduled time.  Then uncovering furniture and bringing in our belongings, unpacking and getting reacquainted with the apartment.   Thanks for Mark and Terry for bringing over Chris’s keys and watching over the apartment the last 6 months.  It took a while to open up the cable boxes and get everything working (and needing more items) but we have worked through that (I think Chris is happy).   Weather here in Wisconsin is in the upper 70’s so feeling good.  Although later in the week it will be a struggle to make 60, heavy coats will be out for us.  Chris’s favorite Mexican restaurant has been on her mind for weeks so that was our first stop after we had everything unloaded.  There has been a lot more putting things away, finding missing things, loads of wash and a trip to the grocery store.  More to come.  Looking forward to seeing more old friends and catching up, while visiting favorite haunts of ours.  We live a blessed life to have so many good friends in different places and we try not to take that for granted.  Thanks to all of you.  I golfed this morning so summer has officially begun. 

On The Road

Love the Mountains

Chris at the Beaumont

Loading the grain at Wilderness Trail

Four Roses visitor center

Flights at the Bristol

We left Savannah and had a good ride up to Asheville.   It is construction season,   and as we made it north into North Carolina the construction increased.  But even with the delays we made it into our hotel in Asheville in good time.   We like the Aloft in Asheville because it is downtown and walks out onto the South Slope brewery district.   Our friends tell us there are over 50 breweries in Asheville.  So in addition to the long history, and beautiful scenery, and great food,   there is plenty to drink.  We had a wonderful afternoon with old friends Mike and Mary from Oshkosh who reside here now.  It was great to catch up on their lives and see them doing well.  Chris and I visited pleasant memories in Asheville, had plenty of beer, and put some steps on Chris’s Fitbit.   We ended with a great breakfast and walk to Tupelo Honey; the original of what is now a national franchise including Milwaukee. 

https://tupelohoneycafe.com/

Leaving Asheville is a beautiful ride through the Carolina mountains going into Tennessee. Not for the faint of heart and glad not to do it in bad weather.  We had good weather and on into Knoxville TN, then worked our way north into Kentucky and to Harrodsburg in central Kentucky.   We are staying at the Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg, a B&B.   Harrodsburg is the oldest permanent settlement west of Appalachians, 1774.  The building first built for a girls schools in the mid 1800’s, and now a B&B for 5 generations.  Full of history and guess what, they have a restaurant attached with a great bourbon collection.  We had super food and a fun evening with some locals.   Tomorrow an easy day kicking around Kentucky and ending in Louisville (the locals say drop the V).  Then an evening in Louisville and a night in Illinois,  and we should be in Oshkosh on Sunday. 

The end of cheesy fries and a flight at the Funkatorium

Hillman Brewery with Mike and Mary

Beaumont Inn Harrodsburg

Beaumont Inn

Inside the room Beaumont Inn

On the road again.   We have started our drive home.  We were the last of our seasonal neighbors to leave Snug Harbor but the time has come.  We had a great winter season.   The enjoyment of our friends and the almost daily sunshine makes winter pass by quickly.  But the summer weather is settling in and it looks like Wisconsin weather is good so off we go.   Condos are cleaned and covered and set for us being away.  We have a slow trip home planned starting in Savannah.   We have enjoyed each time we have been here and looked forward to returning again.   We returned to an Andaz hotel we have used before, a block from the riverfront and the historical district it makes a great home base.   We are visiting some of our favorite restaurants, lots of good food in Savannah.   Upon arrival it was time for dinner at the Little Duck Diner.   They have mouthwatering choices of grilled cheese!   In the evening we did our camping by making s’mores on the terrace.   Savannah has lots of parks that were laid out by the British pre revolution.  The old tree lined parks are beautiful.   The riverfront is full of shops and restaurants in what was once the warehouse district that bought cotton and readied it for shipping back to England.   The horse drawn wagons would pull in the back of the warehouse and be unloaded from above the wagon and moved into the warehouse.   The buildings and cobblestones remain mostly original.   A fun place to visit and nice to be back.   Tomorrow back on the road through the mountains and on to Asheville.

Little Duck Diner beer and Bellini

Back of riverfront shops where cotton wagons were unloaded from the top

Savannah is full of wonderful parks

Time does seem to fly by.    No big things happening here in Florida but we sure seem to be busy!   I have not golfed as much as I need to, my scores show it.   But I try to get out each week.  We have had our neighbor grill out each week, a nice night to share a meal and some comradery.  We have included breakfast and a super bowl party. We have had numerous Saturday morning trips to the Delray farmers market, and many happy hours and cigars.  Along with time at the pool and a little gardening.  We have not been at our local haunts as often as past years,  a concession to our check book and waistlines.  It has taken awhile to get our neighbors to full strength as a couple have had some physical delays.  But we are full strength now.  When the weather is warm we can interact with neighbors each day (and we have warmth each day) so we have a wonderful social network.  At the end of January Wally and Bev spent some time with us and we spent some time with them in Orlando area, including a night with Darren and Sheryl with German beer and polkas. Our birthdays; Randy, Chris and Marie, have come and gone and that means we have another year of adventure to look forward to.  

It looks like the northern weather has been a mild winter and we are thankful for that (for our good friends!).   But we still love our sunshine and warmth.  A time change has come, which means more hours for golf (well we could have gone out earlier, but we are retired).  And it means more hours to enjoy the sunshine and our good friends.  We hope the rest of winter and the spring is easy on our northern family and friends.  We will see you in a few months!

Super Bowl, I won the final!

green grass, blue skies

Beach Kites

Breakfast of Champions

Car show at the farmers’ market

160 yards down to green over the trees and bush

We made it around the water

Birthday Girls

over the gator

grilling out

So I have been remiss at updating the blog, and it is almost Christmas and the end of another year. A time to think about family, those we are blessed to have and those we were blessed to spend time with.  So we will have Christmas with Marie, and MJ is flying in Christmas Eve to see the New Year in.  MJ flew down with Marie at Thanksgiving and then went back to Detroit.   We have all had bouts with colds but all good now.   A cold front coming in for Christmas, 60’s and the jackets will be out!   But it doesn’t feel the same at Christmas here, even though there is lot’s of decorating and Christmas lights.  Seeing the weather at home and the temperatures,   we have learned to deal with being here in Florida.  A day of fresh snow would be pretty, but then back to the shorts.

We wish you all a blessed Christmas, and the making of new memories.  Enjoy and stay safe and healthy.

Samers Bay Christmas past

family at Skip and Claire’s

Christmas Meal 2000

Cousins

More Cousins

Family