Road Trip-Fall 2017 Wisconsin Part Two

Wisconsin in the fall is almost indescribable but I will attempt to help you imagine the images. For a week I was fortunate to be able to stay at a cottage on Wilkie Lake. It is located between the two areas where my parents were born and raised. Each morning I walked in this picturesque setting. 

My lake visit lasted only a week but was packed with fun. Visiting with family and friends, brewery stops, pizza on the farm, rides in convertibles, pontoons, paddle boats...whew! Ready for a whirlwind week of photos? 

My cousin owns the cottage and lake property....knew I was in the right area! 

Early morning on the paddle boat. 

A visit from my Goddaughter, her mother and daughter! 

Wisconsinites seem to excude compassion. My fall trip reminded me of the traits most Wisconsinites posses. One example that resonates with me is a casual conversation during one of my morning walks. While visiting a relative in an assisted living home she asked what was missed the most. Without hesitation the resident remarked that she longed for eclairs. Homemade eclairs were delivered for all the residents....and extras for her relative! Everyone looks out for each other. Not just their family but also their friends, neighbors and strangers. Community is celebrated with gusto.

A fun feature at this brewery....pay it forward....add a name (or profession/firefighter) to the chalkboard....pay for a beer. When they visit the brewery they have a beer waiting for them!

They also have a world map and USA map. You can bet I pinned Prescott Valley....first one! 

My aunt made me a very early birthday cake! 

Cousins and a lesson in making Old Fasions from scratch! 

Pizza on the Farm...wood fired pizza and the beer taps were in the corn crib. Band playing in the barn. So fun! 

Corrina was working at the farm. She is from Holland....I kept bringing her thirsty customers to the corn crib! 

Lake Michigan 

The little cottage from the lake.

Last sunset at the lake. 

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." 

~Dalai Lama 

Road Trip-Fall 2017 Wisconsin Part One + a bit of Minnesota

Wisconsin, my home state and it always feels like home when I visit. Green fields, red barns, small communities and warm smiles. What could be better? I am fortunate to be visiting for the month of September. The start of the fall season but yet the days are warm and beautiful. 

My first stop is Sheboygan and Sheboygan Falls on the shore of Lake Michigan. My cousin is a gracious hostess with a lovely home on a pond. 

Such a beautiful, relaxing spot on my cousin's deck! 

My first day in Wisconsin was filled with perfect weather, fun family and a vineyard visit. 

After the vineyard my cousin, Mark, invited us to his home for dinner. Oh, and a motorcycle ride! 

Surprises and adventures seem to be around each corner in rural Wisconsin. The following photos are from an auction in my hometown. Curious how the treasures kept in a home, shed and barn can be dispersed throughout a crowd of willing bidders. Hopefully the items found good homes and will be useful to the new owners. The 50 acre property was also sold at the auction. 

Sherwood is my hometown. This was the railroad depot and was included in the auction property. 

Enjoying the auction with my two brothers! 

Weekend Road Trip

Three of my nieces live in western Wisconsin and St. Paul, Minnesota. My youngest niece just bought a home in western Wisconsin. Our road trip took us to her new home and St. Paul where her two sisters live. A fourth niece visited from Chicago for the weekend. Isn't family time the best? 

Two stops along the way...Petticoat Junction and of course a cheese factory. Must have cheese curds for the weekend! 

Photos from my niece's new place near River Falls, Wisconsin. The stone part of the house was built in 1870. The windowsills show the thickness of the walls. 

My cousin, Ann, lives near my niece and met us there. Ann, my brothers and me. 

Time to say good-bye to Sarah's rural oasis and drive to St. Paul, Minnesota where Megan and Hannah live. 

A visit to the Minneapolis - St. Paul area is always enjoyable. During this trip I met my youngest grand-nephew, Emmet. We celebrated his first birthday! Visiting with family, a river walk, energy show and a brewery visit made for a busy weekend! 

Always fun times with my beautiful nieces! 

Ride home from brewery-Sarah had to sit in a car seat! The youngest in car seat and way in back! 

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY SWEET EMMET! 

Lots of Pokemon discussion going on here! 

Somehow during this bust weekend my niece, Megan, found time to create beautiful necklaces! Some of the beads are from Africa. My niece, Hannah, just returned from volunteering with Project Peanut Butter. Learn more; http://www.projectpeanutbutter.org

A few photos from the Energy Show. 

Thanks to Bob and Peggy for the warm hospitality. Headed to a cottage on a lake for the week. My next post will catch you up on......Wisconsin.....part 2! 

"A happy family is but an earlier heaven." 

~George Bernard Shaw