On the Road Again (For the Last Time)

We arise at some ridiculous hour in order to be on the road before 4:15am (thanks to CW who reminded us that only idiots (hint hint) attempt to drive through Chicago just before, during or just after morning rush hour).
It worked, by 6:00, we had made it to the first rest stop in Indiana.
7:00 - Driving
8:00 - More driving
9:00 - Yet more driving (Welcome to Ohio)
10:00 - Still yet more driving
11:00 - Yes dammit we're still driving
12:00 - What else, we're driving (welcome to Pennsylvania)
1:00 - Hooray it is afternoon - no, no nap today - keep driving (welcome to New York)
2:00 - God, I hate Buffalo
3:00 - I also hate Rochester (and it has started to rain)
4:00 - Syracuse sucks, but at least it isn't snowing
5:00 - Don't know where we are - between rain and fog - who cares anyway
6:00 - Amsterdam - when did we cross the ocean?
6:35 - Home - it only took 13 1/2 hours (I know somewhere we lost an hour, but who's counting) A mere 888.7 miles approximately.

All in all - one really great trip (even if we didn't get to 3000 miles).

Deja Vu All Over Again (Lake Geneva Revisited)

If it is Thursday it must be Lake Geneva. Once again in deference to the long driving day scheduled for tomorrow, we opted to spend a quiet day at the resort. Of course we first had to reurn to the shops in town, on the off chance that somehow we might have missed something the first 2 times through. Dad found another bread to try and Mom must have bought something (it is impossible for her to walk through that many shops and not buy something.
One (or two) last view(s) of the lake:


Back home for lunch (we're on the third floor to the right of center:

One final walk around the golf course, complete with final fountain (and rainbow).

A quiet evening on the deck completes the trip. Ah, but tomorrow is another day (or day and half).

Again, On the Road Again

So it is Wednesday. Up early and back on the road as we return to Lake Geneva. We retraced our steps from Monday. The only difference being that this time we managed some shots of the Mississippi River.
First Glance:

Getting closer:

On the bridge:


In keeping with our usual inability to stop in the right place the first time, we drove past a lovely rest area right on the river on the Minnesota side. When we got to the rest area on the Wisconsin side, it was so far from the river that we might have been anywhere; so, we returned to Minnesota for the this shot:

Basically a boring day in the car.

Family

We continue with 'endless Tuesday'. After floating with the butterflies, we returned to our room and got ready for dinner. Dinner was on the other side of town so once again Dad drove as neither Ardice nor Ralph are comfortable doing night driving, especially on the Interstate. We went to Ralph's daughter's(Beth)house. In attendance other than the obvious four, were Beth, her husband Toby, their son Lars (grandson of Ralph), his wife Liz, their son Gabe (about 2 years old) and Ralph's other daughter, Ruth, her daughter Rebecca (who was babysitting and couldn't stay too long), Ruth's other daughter Sarah and Sarah's fiance Jeremy.

Toby, Beth, Us, Ralph and Ardice, Sarah, Jeremy and Ruth
Rebecca had to leave with her charge and so was not part of the portrait.
However: we did get Lars, Gabe, Liz and Toby

Finally - there is nothing better than the joining of the youngest and the eldest:

Whether it is because Toby is Lutheran or because Beth is not as strong a Bapist, there was wine with dinner (well White Zinfindal) and all enjoyed the family time. Dad's contribution of a batch of Rugelach was well received and disappeared in short order (he received several orders for Christmas).
Another early night, followed by another early morning and we were ready to leave on Wednesday. Before we left we got a special treat as Ralph played a short hymn on his trumpet. A final picture and we hit the road.

Museum and Butterflies

Okay, so we finished lunch and off we went the Pettigrew house/museum. The illustrious Mr. Pettigrew was one of the first Senators from the state of S.D. His home from the 1880's has been totally refurbished and offers an insight into life back then. Sorry, no photos from inside - not allowed.

We then took Ralph and Ardice back home so they could rest up for the evening. We went on to the Butterfly House. In the middle of a public park in Sioux Falls is a tropical butterfly house. There are hundreds (possibly thousands) of butterflies in the air, on the leaves and even on the ground. Something like 50 different varieties are represented.
At the feeding tray:

On the leaf and on the wing:


On the ground:

Is this a fight or a love dance?

And finally, guess some butterflies think a bald spot is a good place to land:


There are many more pics, but space dictates that they be added to our shutterfly album (at some point in the future).
It was a marvelous experience to walk among them.
Was going to describe the evening with the family, but am too tired at this point. Will have to wait for tomorrow.

Statues and Falls

Welcome to Tuesday, a day like all days except it wasn't. Ardice and Ralph wanted to show us everything in Sioux Falls (they are very proud of their city - Yes city - it is 160,000 strong and growing). Although there is some question about my driving skills (especially in strange cities), it was decided that I should drive as they had just gotten a new car and only driven it home from the dealer and were not comfortable with it. So off we went to downtown Sioux Falls to see the annual fall exhibit of sculpture/statues that line the main street (more than 50 of them).
The main street:


We could not (make that should not) walk too much as Ralph had hip replacement done many years ago and it is now degenerating so he walks somewhat bent over with a cane. However, he refused to admit to any discomfit so off we went.
Below is a sample of the statues - you saw the acrobat in yesterday's missive - quite clever how they got it to stay upright - there are almost invisible wires attaching it to nearby light poles.
Ralph admiring a young teacher with his class of animals:

A reminder that we were in middle America: An angel taking a soldier to heaven:

A cute pair: Enjoying the rain and the puddles:

A touching one - 2 abandoned bear cubs:

Of course we couldn't only look at statues, we had to stop in one or two or three.... shops on the off chance Mom could find something. She did in Murphy's Fine Irish shop - she got a 17% discount because she once was a Murphy.
Then on to the Falls! Yes there really are falls, and the city has created a lovely park setting that makes it quite attractive. Also, has a short tower to make viewing more enjoyable:


Then had lunch in what was originally a power generating plant. Quite unique and a good lunch. On the walk to the restaurant, passed another statue - it was last year's winner. Each year, the city buys the winner and moves it to the park.

Remember, we're in South Dakota. The Farmer as a Thinker is a winner.
I'll save the afternoon and evening for another entry.

On the Road Again

It is now Monday. Up at the crack of dawn to get on the road by 7:15. A mere 505 miles to Sioux Falls. By in large a long day of minimal scenery. Southern Wisconsin and Minnesota are FLAT. However, it never ceases to amaze me that there are literally thousands of square miles of farms without which we 'hardy' northeasterners would starve. We did cross the Mississippi River which is not too terribly wide at that point, and an interesting topograhical anamoly (the land on the Wisconsin side is dead flat, but on the Minnesota side there are a seies of bluffs that rise a couple of hundred feet before leveling out.
We arrived at about 3:30 and were greeted by Aunt Ardice and Uncle Ralph.
The independent living facility is quite nice and we had a decent room (better than many motels we have stayed at). Dinner was at 5:30 - suffice to say, no drinks on the deck (or anywhere else) today (we're in Baptist country).
Also, early to bed (after watching Monday Night Football), breakfast is promptly at 7:45 (actually they usually eat at 7:15, but took pity on us). No pictures today, but stay tuned - tomorrow we went picture crazy.
Here is a "teaser"

Lake Geneva II

It is now Sunday and we opted for a quiet day in and around Lake Geneva rather than attempting a 300+ mile round trip to Door County. We went in to town in the morning and walked on the main street, stopping in a shop or two (or 20) for various and sundry items to eat (for Dad) and wear/display (for Mom).
In the afternoon we took a walk to the main building of the resort, just to check out what was available - took a picture of yet another fountain, enhanced by some visiting beauty (if we can't find rocks, beauty and fountains is good).


After lunch another walk - this time to the "Ski Lodge". Yes indeed there is a 'downhill' ski area attached to the property. Of course this being in somewhat flat Wisconsin it is not exactly on a par with some of the more well known ski areas in the country.


You are looking at the 'black diamond' run. We estimate it is about 75 meters high and maybe 100 meters long. We opted not to climb to the top as that area of the resort was closed and supposedly 'off limits'.
Day ends as always. Drinks on the deck and dinner. Lots of rest required as tomorrow will be a long day.

Lake Geneva I

We arrived at Lake Geneva on Saturday after what seemed a never ending drive through Northwest Illinois. Lots of towns, lots of lights, lots of aggravation. As always the final directions to the resort were a bit obtuse (or maybe we're a wee bit obtuse). Regardless, we drove past it twice before finally realizing where we had to turn in. The unit was fine and overlooked one of the fairways of the "Highlands" golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus to resemble a Scottish style course (not links). However, the first afternoon we opted to walk around the other course which borders a lake and is called "The Beast" - 7500 yards with lots of water. On our way around we took a couple of pictures of fountains in the lake.




After the walk there was a debate as whether a short trip into town (about three miles) or a nap was in order. Mom won the debate and off we went to town. It was surprisingly crowded for an October weekend. We were able to walk a little way around the lake.


The remainder of the day was given over to drinking on the deck and dinner.

A Little Catch Up

Okay, we old folks don't scramble over boulders or swim in sink holes or explore wadis or have pictures and stories of a really cute kid, BUT we did manage to drive about 2920 miles (that's 4,699 kilometers for the conversion challenged) throughout the midwest.

By now you have all heard all the stories, but in an effort to prove that we are not totally computer illiterate, have decided to do a brief synopsis - with pictures - of the adventure.

Days 1 and 2 consisted mostly of drinking and driving - or for those of you concerned abour our well being - driving then drinking. (All driving was done while sober, as we remember). However we were too busy to take any pictures. Suffice to say the Lagasses are fine and the wedding was lovely.

Tomorrow, we will get to Lake Geneva. Try not to get too excited waiting. To whet your whistle(s) here is a picture of what our balcony overlooked.

WHAT? MORE NAGS HEAD

Time Out: My senior editor has perused the prior days and informs me that I don't know squat. Actually, the problem is Day 3. The real day 3 was so uneventful that I totally forgot it, so..... On the real day 3 we walked and went into the ocean ( the brave one) and watched TV and ate (as an aside, we overate and some of us gained significant pounds, tempered only because of the excessive walking).
Therefore, what I called Day 3 was really Day 4, and Day 4 was really Day 5. so now we are actually up to Day 6. Also because of my confusion I forgot the excitement of the ladies going shopping on Tuesday (it was senior discount day). They hiy every store at Tangier Outlets, but didn't have time for the other places - stay tuned).

DAY 6

For those of you who have difficulty keeping track of days - Day 6 is Thursday (try to pay attention - better than the author).
Mom is still having difficulty with her back. Got her some Icy Hot patches (if Shaq uses then they should be okay for Mom - maybe she'll become a basketball star). Also Dr. Anderson prescribed Aleve and after some persuasion Mom started taking them. She was still uncomfortable sitting, but was able to walk on the beach as usual (although even slower than before).
Beryl had passed by, but the waves were now really high (6-8 feet) and quite strong, but I still managed my morning dip (with great care) and only got pounded a little bit (waves 3, Mike 0 - slight scrape on my right knee). Water warm and NO JELLYFISH (since Cora wasn't there - no reason to hang around). After lunch, we had a bit of rain and it got rather cloudy so decided to take a chance and head off shopping (for shopping, Mom's back showed great improvement). We opted to take a chance and leave Shelby in charge of Grandma. We now got to all the 'special stores' that had been previosly missed. We also found a new Christmas store (The Christmas Mouse which is huge and is located right on Route 158 - unfortunately it has only Christmas stuff - no food).


DAY 7

Mom continues to improve, albeit slowly. Standing and walking good. Sitting better. (I think the whole thing was a cop out to avoid having to take Shelby for walks). Regardless today the weather was delightful (if you like sunny, hot, humid weather). Today was a day for the ocean - it was too breezy to sit on the beach - umbrella blowing away. The waves were perfect, fairly large and well shaped for riding. They were a bit strong, but great fun (I missed you guys - not as much fun without you). We continued the tradition with a family portrait on the deck (I did the best I could), and a final sunset. See above.






















DAY 8

Once more we get up in the middle of the night - yup we tried to leave early (about 5:30) to avoid some traffic. It worked perfectly until about Exit 6 on the NJ Turnpike when the Jersey shore traffic arrived and slowed us to a crawl. The Thruway was also very crowded and slowed by rain, but still managed the entire trip in 11 hours (only 3 stops - miracle of miracles) with Dad doing all the driving in an effort to take it easy on Mom's back.

It was a good week all things considered. Grandma really wasn't any worse than she is here (except for the one evening when her mouth started to bleed because she brushed too hard). It was nice to have Aunt Nina for company and to use as an occasional 'baby sitter'. It was lonely with no younger people on premises, but there will be other years that we hope we can again all share this fun week.

EVEN MORE NAGS HEAD 2006

DAY 3 REVISITED

I forgot the most important happening of Day 3: Mom pulled her back out trying to hit me with a frying pan. Actually she pulled it out just 'turning funny'. This created some interesting problems - she couldn't sit down, but was fairly comfortable standing up and so spent most of the evening on her feet. Luckily she was able to lie down on her side and therefore managed some sleep.
Also an ocean update: on day 2 it was rather warm and calm and only a few jellyfish. On day 3 it remained warm, but the waves were better for riding, there was also a significant increase in the number of jellyfish (Cora they were looking for you - a couple had signs: "WHERE'S CORA?).

DAY 4

Awoke to a most interesting sky and sea. Beryl had decided to remain about 150 miles off shore, and so we did not get any wind and only one light shower in the morning. However, the sky and sea were quite interesting. See pictures above -( Help, can someone please tell me how to get the pictures I want in the middle of the text rather than always at the top). However, we were right at the edge of the cloud bank - see picture of the sky to the west.
Because we were largely unaffected, we continued with our usual daily routine. The ocean was still warm and even though the waves were rather wild, they were not too strong and they cleared the jellyfish. However, by late afternoon at higher tide, most of the beach was under water - were still able to walk and go into the water.

MORE NAGS HEAD 2006

Obviously I managed to not download the pictures I tried for on Day 2 so I'll try again now. SUCCESS, so on to:

DAY 3

Same as Day 2, except after the morning walks, Mom and I set out on our annual shopping expedition and found that the Christmas Shop was "Closed Forever". However intrepid shoppers that we are, off we went to the Tangier Outlets - me to try to find some 'kitchen stuff' and Mom to try for eveything else. A failure - neither of us found what we wanted, although Mom did not have enough time to get to "all the stotres" - more on another day. We then went to The Farmers Daughter and The Cotton Gin and made some purchases - might be related to the holidays - wait for it. The rest of the day was a repeat of Day 2, except while watching the Weather Channel we found out that a small tropical storm was only a few hundred miles away and potentially could impact us on Wednesday. Stay tuned!!!!

NAGS HEAD 2006

DAY 1
Okay Kiddies, now it is Dads turn to try his hand at 'blogging'. Thought you might get a kick out of our week at Nags Head - actually want to make you jealous that you weren't there.
As always the first day is about 27 hours long. Getting up at 2:00 am to begin the great southern excursion is not as much fun as it was when we were younger (or when Grandma was better able to understand why we were waking her up at that hour). Anyway, we were on the road by about 3:15 - Mom driving, Dad napping (see Dad is getting smarter in his old age).
Trip was actually pretty easy - having the handicapped sticker made stops a bit easier and we arrived a bit early. Miracle of miracles were able to get into the unit before 4:00.
The unloading, shopping and getting set up went as usual. It was during this time that Aunt Nina arrived so all was ready for the usual Chinese dinner take out (you know us - if it works, don't change it).
We were so zonked that we didn't even get to the beach. Shelby barely made it down the steps to use the facilities before going right back upstairs and back to sleep.

DAY 2

Up early - about 7:00 - we decided that not sleeping the day away would be a good thing and so attempted to get up early every day - and we succeeded. Dad exercised, Mom and Aunt Nina ate and then went for a walk on the beach. The sluggards only managed a couple of miles. Upon their return, Dad went off on a three mile walk/jog on the sidewalk (you'll notice that we did not leave Grandma alone at all). After the walk, a ten minute dip in the ocean and a five minute dip in the pool were needed for a cool down. Meanwhile, Shelby has not yet stirred from her bed in the walk-in closet in our room (in fact had to wake her for lunch and other things). After lunch Mom and Aunt Nina went down to the beach to read while Dad watched sports. Upon the return of the ladies (sounds like a movie title to me), Dad went off on another three mile hike along the beach - initially wanted to walk to the other pier but was unable to do so because the two houses with sandbags were now literally in the ocean and at high tide was impossible to get around them (see pictures- hope I downloaded them properly???).
Pictures were actually taken later in the week at low tide - suffice to say at high tide the wave action was considerably more interesting. Anyway, enjoyed walking the other direction and again a cooling dip in the ocean at walks end (note Dad got into the ocean twice a day to compensate for the ladies barely getting their feet wet - including Shelby).
It was then time for our daily 'wine and cheese' snack (Grandma had both wine and cheese to be "one of the family").
After dinner Shelby condescended to go for a walk on beach, making friends along the way. Unfortunately once it was time to return, she wasn't real interested and it was a struggle to get her back home. Suffice to say there were no further beach excursions with her. She went to the beach for bathroom use and immediately turned around and went back to the house, after which we went for a walk (Nina kindly (foolishly) stayed with Grandma).