Wed. & Thurs, August 24,25, 2011 Final Days

It's another beautiful sunny day.  Some of the group decided to go rafting down the Wisconsin River and others opted for the pool.  I was one for the pool and glad I did as the rafting group fought strong winds and had to do some walking vs floating.  Of course, the river being low didn't help.  We all hooked up at the pool later and after such a busy day, we decided it was too much work to cook or grill out so we went to the resort restaurant and had pizza.  We were entertained by a camera crew filming an ad for Wisconsin.  One person working and the other 9 sitting around.  Anxious to see the ad.  Danny got the campfire going again; however, most of us weren't up to being eaten by sand fleas and went in.   It was a fun night but we knew we had another busy day coming up so we all called it a day. 

Danny, Cindy, Karen and Brian

 

Danny telling Karen "No Problem we did it"

This is the cabin that Danny and Chrissie rented.  A very nice cabin; however, lacked a shower and it certainly had room for one.  It came in handy especially when it was raining or buggy out.  Plenty of room for all of us.

FINAL DAY OF OUR 78 DAY TRIP:  It is Thursday and, once again, time to say "Good Bye"  We made sure after breakfast, that we took a quick dip in the pool.  Of course, the water was perfect as well as the sun is shining and not a cloud in the sky.  However, all good things must come to an end.

Everyone packed up and started the "Good Bye Hugs"  Also did a "group hug".  It was a fun four days w/the cousin's, as always.  We've been getting together for four years (I believe) so always nice to know there is next year as we don't get together often enough.  Karen lives in Nekoosa, Wisconsin; Cindy and Brian live in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Chrissie and Danny live in Elmwood Park, Illinois and we are in Rockford, Illinois so you can see, we aren't close enough to get together for coffee.  We finally got into our vehicles and hit the road.

There is a lot of farming in Wisconsin so we saw some huge farms and bountiful crops of corn.  It was a nice drive, but the thought of all we had to do when we got home, wasn't inviting. 

Corn Fields

Here we are back in our State of Illinois.  I could tell even w/my eyes closed as the roads are much rougher than in Wisconsin, but it is home and close to our families.

This Clock Tower is a landmark for anyone passing through Rockford.  As you can barely see, all the clocks have a different time, but for the first time, 2:25 was correct. Trust me, the other two clocks on the opposite side are wrong.  The tower doesn't lean - bad shot on my part.

Here we come - Home Sweet Home. Our little condo is waiting for us.  Looks nice w/the green lawn - normally by now the grass is brown but they've had a lot of rain this past summer.

Good job Bruce, parked it nice and close so we can easily unload and reload for another trip next week.  You heard me right - driving to Michigan w/friends to tour vineyards September lst. But for now, it is good to be home. 

I do want to take this time, for those reading my blog, to thank everyone that joined us on this "trip of a lifetime".  We've made such wonderful friends and look forward to getting together again one day.  We saw a lot of beautiful mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, animals, museums but it wouldn't have ever been as special w/o all of you.  Also want to thank all our friends and family that invited us to their homes on our trip home.  Now we have to go on diets, you are all too good in the kitchen.  Most of you spend the winter in Mesa so we are looking forward to seeing you then.  Now, we are anxious to see our families.  Want to thank them as well for keeping up w/us on our journey via my blog.  We missed you all.
                                  TAKE CARE, GOD BLESS AND HAPPY TRAVELING!!! 

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 Spring Green, Wisconsin

It was an overcast day - not a day for the pool - so we had to come up w/something to do.  After breakfast we all did things we had to get done and then decided to go to a winery; however, we thought we better have lunch first.  (We did a lot of eating).  Not a good thing - a diet will be in order once we get home.  Before we left, I thought I should get some pictures of the cousins.  It wasn't easy, but I did it.

These three are the original cousin's:  Brian, Chrissie and Bruce.  The rest of us are outlaws!

Like I said, the clouds were eerie and a storm was heading our way, so we closed everything up and took off  - all seven us in our Jeep - and drove to a winery.

The wine was very good.  I think we paid $3.50 for ten samples - not a bad deal at all.  Of course, we all made our purchases.

Bruce decided, after a couple samples, to sit outside and enjoy what little sun we had.  The little kitten decided she could get some pats from him so she decided to join him. 

After we returned, had another meal, we all sat out for another campfire.  The sand fleas, or whatever, were very nasty, so we called it a night.  The guys had some wet wood so it took quite a while to get the fire going so we felt bad when we decided to go inside as the fire was looking good at that time.  None the less, it just wasn't worth it.  Danny checked the weather and the predictions look good for tomorrow so we all went our separate way.  Nite now!!

Monday, August 22, 2011 Spring Green, Wi

The beginning of another day closer to home.  Mom had breakfast for us and we stopped and visited w/dear friends of hers, Janet and Jim.  Unfortunately, it was brief as we had to get on the road again.  Bruce called Jim and Marlene, a couple that he hikes w/in Arizona.  We had a little time to visit w/them.  Marlene put on a very nice brunch for us and gave us a tour of their summer home.  They have this huge building w/an RV port to park their RV and a screened in sun room.  Very nice.  They live full-time in their RV as they love to travel.  Thanks Jim and Marlene for taking time out to visit w/us especially on such short notice.



Roni, Jim and Marlene in front of their RV Port

 

We finally got to Spring Green where we are joining up w/cousins.  We parked our RV and Brians's 5th Wheel so we could get in and out more conveniently.

It was getting late so the sun was setting on the Wisconsin River shortly after we got there. 

This is an inlet right in front of our RV.

Of course, there was food, lasagna, and wine to be enjoyed.  Needless to say, we gabbed until late and shared a lot of laughs - nothing new.  Danny and Chrissie brought a screened in tent which was great - no bugs to be had.  Will have more pictures tomorrow as it is late.

Sunday, August 21, 2011 Crandon, Wi

We picked Mom up and went to church for 9 a.m. mass.  I must say, it wasn't the most pleasant mass any of us has been to.  I mean that is sad to say, but the Priest went on and on and on and we had no clue as to what he was talking about or where he was going w/his sermon.  Then, we must have had a dozen babies in the church - a couple right behind us - that fussed and cried the entire mass.  I know this isn't very Christian but Oh My enough was enough.  We then went out for breakfast where we really enjoyed the food and had a nice visit.

As many times as we've been in Crandon, we really have never taken pictures or taken the time to read things about the town.  It is a small town but as you see, the Court House is pretty neat. 

Flags are always flying in front of the Court House because of the Memorial Park.

It is Sunday so there isn't too much happening in town.  Most of the stores were closed.

This is a Memorial to the Veterans of Forest County where we have always lived.

Inside the building lists all the names that served in different wars.  Below you will see a list of The Wall brothers, my Uncles, that served in WWII.  My maiden name being "Wall".

Mom lives in this apartment building w/other seniors and seems to enjoy it very much.  They have a living area where they can join in w/others and do puzzles, etc.  Very convenient for her to drive to the stores, church, etc.  Yes, Mom is 93 and still drives - Go Mom!!

Aggrevation is a game we've played in our family for as long as I can remember so whenever we get together, of course,we get in a few games.  Mother doesn't like to lose - lol!!

We went for a drive on another beautiful sunny day.  Visited the family in the cemetary.  Unfortunately, there are many as well as so many of the friends and neighbors we had while growing up in Armstrong Creek.  We stopped in to see Cousin Jim, who owns a store and also Aunt Josie, but she wasn't home.  In passing through Laona, I noticed the Largest Soup Pot.  Not sure if they still use it or not but thought it was something worth noting.  We finally got home, rested for a while, and Mom had a taste for Pizza so we picked one up, and let me tell you, it was one of the best ones we've had in a long time.  We'll definitely be stopping there again.  Played more Aggrevation  and called it a night.

August 20, 2011 Minneapolis to Crandon, Wi.

What a great day.  Sun is shining and Sheila and Mark came over to see our "home away from home".  A match box compared to their beautiful home, which you will see later.  We didn't have too much time so we went and ate breakfast at the Casino and they took us to see their beautiful house.  Hopefully, we can get together again and spend more time together.

These are just a few pictures we took of their home.  Just lovely and beautifully decorated.  Sheila did a great job.  As big as it is, still very homey and comfortable.  They say they bought it for the backyard view and we could see why.  Close to the city yet nature, at its finest, in their backyard.

Hated to leave, but off to our next destination, which is Crandon, Wisconsin to see my Mom. It was a beautiful day so the drive was easy.  Saw many beautiful lakes, crops of corn everywhere and pastures of cows and horses.

Mom was anxiously waiting.  Sitting in front of her apartment complex.  We picked her up and gave her a ride in the RV to the Mole Lake Casino.  We hurriedly setup as she had dinner ready - steak potroast!!  We visited for a while and called it a night - much to do tomorrow.

Friday, August l9, 2011 Minneapolis, MN

It's a beautiful day and we are off to play tennis.  How exciting for me as I've only played once with Susie in Estevan since April.  I was a bit nervous playing w/Tom (#1 Men's Tennis at Mesa Regal) and his friend, George, who is equally as good.  But, what the heck - all in fun - right????

Kristie and I had fun playing w/the guys.  Had some good shots and, of course, missed some.  With their powerful serves, I just held my racquet for dear life.  We played three sets and Tom and I won in a tiebreaker.  Always fun to win.  This was the first time I played on a clay court.  Took me a while to get use to a slower court but according to Tom, better on the knees.

After tennis, Lynn and Tom invited us over to their house for brunch.  Lynn, as always, set a beautiful table and served a wonderful meal.  Thanks Lynn.



Tom, Lynn and Bruce

When we returned back to our campground, we had to close up our RV and move it over a couple sites as our site was rented out to someone else.  We thought we would have to move it to a site w/o power and water, but there was a cancellation so we were happy about that.  Lynn called later and asked if we wanted to do something together in the evening.  They came over about 5 p.m.  We sat out, had drinks and munchies and decided to go to the Casino for dinner.  On our walk, we noticed all these beautiful flowers outlining the road.  

A close up shot of the flowers.  Had to be quite a job planting all these flower beds.  Lovely aren't they?

Being a Casino owned by the Indian's, there was a statue of an Indian and his horse.



Inside the Casino - lot of red.

After dinner and dropping a couple dollars on the slots, we returned to the RV and played Black Queen, a card came.  We started playing this game in Mesa. A lot of fun.  Unfortunately, the guys beat Lynn and I three straight games.  We were definitely the "Loser's".

 

After they went home, Bruce went outside and noticed the light show.  The Casino has these lights showing up toward the sky - looks like a Tee Pee; however, tonight with the clouds being low, the ends of the light were very noticeable in a circle. See pictures below.  Really cool!!




Lights in the shape of a Tee Pee

 

It is now raining, but we had a beautiful sunny day and had a lot of fun w/our friends.  Bruce isn't happy because he washed the RV this afternoon - never fails.  Have to get to bed as we are getting up early to have breakfast with cousin's Sheila and Mark.  Good Night!!