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