The week ends with a celebration of life in my mother's memory. This event was the reason for my road trip. All the other fun was just icing on the cake. Mom loved to entertain and did it very well. Planning her celebration of life was not hard ~ she taught us how to have fun and enjoy life!
There are certain things that are a "given" when you are Wisconsin born and raised. Cheese is a main staple and is enjoyed during meals and while snacking. The Packers seem to takeover especially during the season. I do believe there is an amendment that all residents are fans! Good-byes when departing a social gathering or an impromptu visit with the neighbors have been known to last an hour.
The Lambeau Experience; it is referred to as an experience for a reason! Tailgating, bands roaming the parking lot, yards in neighborhood homes turn into party destinations and this is all before fans enter the stadium. Three friends and I were fortunate to have a connection and were able to get tickets for the Monday night game on September 28th. My oldest brother graciously offered to be our chauffeur. We arrived early and tailgated in the rain. Nothing stops Packer fans! Remember they also tailgate in the dead of winter when temps are well below freezing.
During the week preceding the celebration of life for my mother I had a chance to visit with friends, enjoy a Wisconsin fish fry, try a local brewery and just enjoy the beautiful fall days.
My Godchild and her youngest child!
Our celebration of life for mom was the last event during this road trip. My brothers and I planned it in fulfillment of her wishes. Both my parents wanted family and friends to celebrate and share memories as a way of saying good-bye. It was easy to plan and everyone enjoyed themselves. If I needed a title for the day it would be "She Buttered My Toast". Continue reading to find out why. 
It has been said that cousins are our first friends. In our family they remain our friends! The first photo below is a group of cousins from my mother's side of the family. The second photo is a cousin shot from dad's side of our family.
We were fortunate that so many people (185) attended the brunch and shared memories they treasured. I enjoyed hearing each and every memory. A childhood friend of my oldest brother really depicted my mom's nature. The Buttered Toast story; "I want to share a memory with you." Of course I was ready to listen. This friend told me that when he spent the night at our house my mom would always butter his toast for him! He said it made him feel so special even though he realized she did it for everyone. He had many siblings and I am sure his mom was way too busy to butter toast. I love this story and it really summed up the memories that were shared with me during our celebration of life honoring my mom.
And one last photo.....our family......
Thanks for joining me as I traveled 6,000 miles, connected with family and friends and shared uncountable fun times!
I have decided not to pack my backpack or atlas too far out of reach! Stay tuned.....
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.
~ Anonymous
