Fun in Madison!

The snowstorm has created the perfect winter wonderland. Today we plan to get Belle and Charlotte out in it, complete with new snow boots :)  Work was surprisingly easy yesterday with everyone home and activities cancelled, so we made dozens of cookies and enjoyed hot chocolate.

Almost ready for Miss Belle's 3rd. birthday!

Just a few newer shots of Miss Belle and Charlotte today.  We are enjoying their extended visit. I'm helping out with a new group home opening in Oshkosh today, so we took a long walk early and after lunch plan to nap :) Looking forward to a quieter week and making plans for Miss Belle's 3rd. birthday and a Thanksgiving feast with my sister NeeNee.

Trick or Treat!

Today we had to break out the real winter jackets...27 degrees this morning. Brr. Off for a long walk with the Littles, and then a costume party. Gotta love this time of year!

Thanks to Eva tonight for the help in make-up and costume for Aliyah. Such a pretty peacock! Woodworth Wildcats Halloween dance tonight.  It seems like just yesterday when Ellie was attending :)

Fall hiking at Rienzi

Wow, autumn is flying by! Just including a quick update and some new photos from our walk at Rienzi today. Ellie is having a great time in Madison and is super busy with her bands and choirs and new friends. Eva and Mike are busy working and planning their wedding for next August.  They both graduated this spring. Paul is busy with a variety of house and rental projects, and I'm continuing to work and volunteer. Magnus is 1 now, so he can officially come with me to volunteer, as Henry does every other Saturday :)  Mom continues to recover from her 2 surgeries in June, and is once again living on her own and thriving. Wishing a happy birthday to my brother Jeff today, vacationing in Boston this week.

Fun in Madison

We are planning a nice weekend in Madison, to include the farmer's market and the game. Ellie is settling in nicely, and has made new friends. She got into the jazz group she wanted, and really loves her sax instructor :) 

birthday boys

Happy Birthday today to Magnus (1) and visiting Jacques Pierre (4)...our canine companions. We celebrated with 2 long walks and some mammoth cupcakes :)

Ahh September...

Wonderful Saturday! The day started with a 6.5 mile walk for Habitat, between Manitowoc and Two Rivers, then a long visit with my wonderful BIL and nephew.  Finished the afternoon with a visit to Crafty Apple fest in Chilton. Now to relax with the whole family and enjoy grilled salmon, (thanks to Brian at Fondy Seafood) and baked eggplant with marinara, basil quinoa and fresh garden lettuce. Doesn't get much better than that!

Good-bye to Father Vic

Today we said our final good-bye to Father Vic after his tragic accident. We are still in disbelief. His funeral mass was beautiful and he had a wonderful send off :)  Thanks also to everyone for the well wishes offered to my Mom during her surgery and recovery. I've been staying with her in Manitowoc for a month, and will stay until we feel she is well enough to 'go it alone.'  Also sending condolences out to a long time friend Cindy following the unexpected death of her brother Vince. So much unhappiness, but great happiness too.  Ellie is living now in Madison and is tapping into the energy of the capital city. She's adjusting well. To my local walking buddies, I'm looking forward to a more relaxed fall and getting together again soon.

Just finished a long weekend at Kohler Andrae State Park. It was very relaxing, and the Lake was very warm for July! Thanks to Mary, Margot, Devin, Mike and the girls for making it a great trip.  Now we'll relax at home for a few days and then head up to Manty to help Grandma after her recent surgery.