What I see when I open my front door!

Every year this tree is more brilliant. Hurray for such a beautiful fall! Got caught in the rain today, so had to cut my hike to 2 miles. I decided instead to make an apple crisp, thanks to a lovely gift of winesaps from a friend. That combined with a slow cooking beef stew is making the house smell delicious. I want to remind the locals again to join us at the Memory Walk this Saturday. There is still time to sign up. It is such a wonderful cause, and every year the number of walkers/runners grows. If someone doesn't want to walk alone, give me a call and we can join up:)

time out to hike

Wishing my son-in-law James a happy 32nd birthday! Best wishes for a great day:)
Hiked 5 miles today around the Camelot pond trail with a good friend! It felt good to have a break from 2 weeks of training for the new position. Many thanks to Stephanie and Tim for keeping everyone motivated to work out and exercise. My sister Jo and I are actually beginning to jog, with the goal of joining Tim in the Fox Cities Marathon next year. Also, I'd like to invite anyone interested to join us for the Alzheimer Memory walk this Saturday. There is still time to log in and sign up on their website. Details are there also. http://www.alz.org. There will be plenty of time to do the walk, and then enjoy the big Badger/Nebraska game. Rumor has it that over 20,000 Nebraska fans are coming to Madison without tickets, just to soak up all the excitement. Some tickets are going for 600 a piece! My lucky nephew Jason will be at the game. (Very jealous:) This one we will have to watch on ESPN. Should be a good one folks!

Go Brewers and Badgers!

Such a great time to live in Wisconsin! Our Brewers clinched it, the Badgers are undefeated, and the Pack plays Chicago tomorrow. Thanks again, many times, to our friend Linda for the Badger tickets today! We've had a busy week, and expect a busier weekend. I hiked 10 miles yesterday, some with the help of co-worker Nellie, and then walked like a crazy person in Madison today. Tomorrow we head off to Theresa's bridal shower, and later, Gretchen's DR. party in Manty! Woohoo. A great weekend!

Fondy football!

Just a reminder to the locals, Fondy plays Steven's Point at 7 at Fruth field. There is a 'cardinal rally' from 4-7 also to hype the game. Elle's had a busy week of play practice and marching band. This afternoon she's doing choreography at Wempners for the show, followed by the game. Aliyah and I are planning to go to the game, but we're squeezing in a walk on the Peebles Trail first. Tomorrow at the Spirit of Life Church on National, they will hold a craft and bake sale. Thanks to our friend Rachel for the information on that fund raiser. Also planning a visit with friends Mary and Brian for a 'last of the summer' camping trip this weekend at Calumet County Park. Next weekend we're off to another Badger game, thanks to Linda from Holy Family! A busy fall:)

Fondue Fest and Lighthouse Big Band

I'd like to invite everyone to come out to Fondue Fest this weekend, and in particular to listen to the Lighthouse Big Band starting at noon. Our friend Steven is returning from Madison to play, as well as our Ellie who will be 'playing with the big boys.' You also have a chance to enjoy the Moraine Park culinary treats, and last year their booth was very popular. Hope to see you there!

A busy morning!

Peyton finds a friend in momma cat Esmerelda.

Sleeping beauty...

This morning we are enjoying little Peyton while her Mom works. When she wakes, we plan a long walk and a little shopping. Elle's back to the school grindstone, with some challenging classes this year in preparation for college. Paul is busy at Holy Family having missed yesterday due to the holiday. Eva and Mike stopped over last night for a late dinner. Thanks to Mike and his Mom and Dad for the beautiful gift of painted bird glasses from their recent vacation. They were a wonderful surprise, and much appreciated! We can't wait to use them. Sending birthday wishes today to our church friend Karen, and we wish her all the best. Paul said he's expecting some birthday donuts this morning for the office staff. For any interested locals, the Lighthouse Big Band plays tonight from 7:30 to 9:30 at the Windhover. There is no charge, and it's a wonderful evening of great music.

Silly Ellie and friends:)

Elle's just finishing up a little packing for a weekend away with friends in Madison. Paul and I plan a quiet weekend with just the usual masses, and a cook out tomorrow night with friends. Monday is actually a partial work day for me, as I do an orientation. We are really loving this time of year, especially in the garden, and have made several quarts of fresh salsa already. The last batch was a little hot, but everyone really enjoyed it. A shout out today to Cassie, who I'll be visiting with and helping to get ready for the new baby boy:) Lots of babies born this year! And can't wait for Tuesday and a whole day of babysitting for 1 month old Peyton. Some of you inquired about Theresa's rummage sale. It's still on for today until 4:30 and TBA for Sunday. I bought a new bike there! Lots of good stuff left. 98 14th. Street.

Love the Grandgirls...

Badger madness!

Thanks to Jason and Jamie for offering Elle and I two tickets to the Badger opener. It was a great game with the final score 51-17 over UNLV. Elle got the opportunity to sit in the student section with all of her friends. The only downside was the 95 degree temps at kick off. Thanks also to Bonnie and Jake for the pizza and snacks before the game. It was a terrific end to an eventful summer! Looking forward now to the Nebraska game in October. Any interested locals can join us for the Cpt. Dobogai annual walk/run coming up on Saturday, the 3rd. We couldn't take part in this before, so we are looking forward to it! Finished 9 miles on Wednesday, getting ready for the event, and then took off on Thursday, knowing we'd be walking several miles to and from the Badger game. For all the locals, tonight Fondy football team plays Wisconsin Rapids at 7PM. Should be a good game, and this year the 'Marching Cardinals' are doing music from Superman! Nice way to begin the holiday weekend.