Location, Dorchester, WI
We had a busy day. We did grocery shopping and then drove east of Medford to the Gad Cheese company for cheese to take with us next week and then to the Mennonite store for some Jake and Amos pickled beets. They are made in Pennsylvania and not found anywhere else locally. They are really good.
Clyda made chicken noodle soup for dinner which was excellent. After dinner we did some cleaning and vacuuming and I mowed the lawn. The wind the other day had knocked down a lot of apples, enough to fill a 5 gallon bucket which I picked up before I mowed.
Kenny and Sharon, friends from the old days here came by this evening and said the ice cream stand in Dorchester was open this evening so we walked over. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 PM they sell soft serve in a cone or a sundae for $1.00. Lots of people from town stop by and I guess that is the purpose.
We are going to be with out internet service after today until we find a connection down the road on Tuesday. Everything locally will be closed for the Labor Day weekend. There is some news on the internet front however. A company is trying to get permission from 4 local towns here to put up Wi-fi antennas on the town water towers. Maybe, just maybe, we will have internet service when we come to Wisconsin next time.
Tonight is the Dorchester High School All School Reunion. There should be about 285 people at it. On Saturday night I have my 50th Class reunion. There won’t be many of us but it will be good to see everyone who comes.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lawn mower repair
Location, Dorchester, WI
Our month in Medford is coming to a close. We still have some things to do before we leave. Yesterday we took down all the bedroom and kitchen curtains and washed them. Today we took down the living room drapes for dry cleaning but found out the cleaners in Medford is quitting business so they will be sent out for cleaning. It will be a week before they come back. We will be gone by then so someone else will need to re-hang them.
My brother Dennie called this morning and we are going to tackle the lawn mower problem. We purchased a new starter solenoid as the dealer thought that was the most likely problem. Of course, the solenoid is in a barely accessible place and used metric sized bolts. Before we removed the solenoid we tried the new one without mounting it. It didn’t work, so we reinstalled the wiring to the old solenoid. Next, we tried jumping the battery and had partial success in getting power to the solenoid. We removed the connections to the battery and cleaned and filed the terminals and “wallah”, it started. I guess we should have checked that first. So, tomorrow, I will pick up all the downed branches and dropped apples and mow.
We had a wind and rain storm yesterday afternoon. Winds were predicted for up to 70 MPH but didn’t really materialize here. We had brief winds and rain. North of here they did have violent winds with downed trees and damaged billboards in a narrow swath. We received about 1 ¼ inch of rain for the storm. The weather is supposed to be nice for the next week.
Our month in Medford is coming to a close. We still have some things to do before we leave. Yesterday we took down all the bedroom and kitchen curtains and washed them. Today we took down the living room drapes for dry cleaning but found out the cleaners in Medford is quitting business so they will be sent out for cleaning. It will be a week before they come back. We will be gone by then so someone else will need to re-hang them.
My brother Dennie called this morning and we are going to tackle the lawn mower problem. We purchased a new starter solenoid as the dealer thought that was the most likely problem. Of course, the solenoid is in a barely accessible place and used metric sized bolts. Before we removed the solenoid we tried the new one without mounting it. It didn’t work, so we reinstalled the wiring to the old solenoid. Next, we tried jumping the battery and had partial success in getting power to the solenoid. We removed the connections to the battery and cleaned and filed the terminals and “wallah”, it started. I guess we should have checked that first. So, tomorrow, I will pick up all the downed branches and dropped apples and mow.
We had a wind and rain storm yesterday afternoon. Winds were predicted for up to 70 MPH but didn’t really materialize here. We had brief winds and rain. North of here they did have violent winds with downed trees and damaged billboards in a narrow swath. We received about 1 ¼ inch of rain for the storm. The weather is supposed to be nice for the next week.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Antique tractor show
Location, Dorchester, WI
This was a “tractor” weekend. On Saturday morning we went to the First Annual Tractor Drive organized in Medford. Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures. There were about 30 older tractors all shined up for the occasion. The procession left from a farm west of Medford for a planned 30 mile drive. A stop was planned at a local tavern for “refreshments” along the way with an eventual return to the farm for a BBQ.
On Sunday we drove to Edgar, WI to the 34th Annual North Central Wisconsin Antique Steam and Gas Engine Show. This is a 3 day event and is held on a working farm which has been updated to hold such a large show. There is room for dry camping and many participants do camp. Tractors pulling trailers shuttle people from the parking areas to the main show area. It is hard to describe the rows and rows of old tractors both large and small at the show. I hope some of the pictures do it justice.
Of course there is food and lots of it, both in a main area and scattered around the grounds. There was a very large craft and swap area associated with the event and an antique “hit and miss” area for stationary engines. The high light was a parade of tractors at 1 PM. It was lead by steam engines and followed by tractors of all kinds. The parade lasted more than 1 ½ hours. There were demonstrations of wood sawing, shingle making, wood planning, silo filling, threshing, and plowing. The hits of the show were of course the large steam engines. It takes 2 people to run a large steam engine, one to run the engine and one to steer.
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Partial view of tractor display.
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The large steam engine which led the parade of tractors.
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My brother-in-law Art's restored tractor now owned by someone else.
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An alcohol fueled tractor.
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Brother-in-law Art driving in the parade.
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An SC Case tractor like we owned when I was a kid on the farm.
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Thrashing with a steam engine.
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Way too much fuel!
The weather was perfect and the crowd was large.
This was a “tractor” weekend. On Saturday morning we went to the First Annual Tractor Drive organized in Medford. Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures. There were about 30 older tractors all shined up for the occasion. The procession left from a farm west of Medford for a planned 30 mile drive. A stop was planned at a local tavern for “refreshments” along the way with an eventual return to the farm for a BBQ.
On Sunday we drove to Edgar, WI to the 34th Annual North Central Wisconsin Antique Steam and Gas Engine Show. This is a 3 day event and is held on a working farm which has been updated to hold such a large show. There is room for dry camping and many participants do camp. Tractors pulling trailers shuttle people from the parking areas to the main show area. It is hard to describe the rows and rows of old tractors both large and small at the show. I hope some of the pictures do it justice.
Of course there is food and lots of it, both in a main area and scattered around the grounds. There was a very large craft and swap area associated with the event and an antique “hit and miss” area for stationary engines. The high light was a parade of tractors at 1 PM. It was lead by steam engines and followed by tractors of all kinds. The parade lasted more than 1 ½ hours. There were demonstrations of wood sawing, shingle making, wood planning, silo filling, threshing, and plowing. The hits of the show were of course the large steam engines. It takes 2 people to run a large steam engine, one to run the engine and one to steer.
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Partial view of tractor display.
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The large steam engine which led the parade of tractors.
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My brother-in-law Art's restored tractor now owned by someone else.
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An alcohol fueled tractor.
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Brother-in-law Art driving in the parade.
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An SC Case tractor like we owned when I was a kid on the farm.
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Thrashing with a steam engine.
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Way too much fuel!
The weather was perfect and the crowd was large.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Books and reading
Location, Dorchester, WI
I read a lot. At times I have 2 books going at once. I read both fiction and non-fiction. The fiction for pleasure and the non-fiction to learn something. Presently, I am reading a rather heavy tome called “Post War” about the aftermath of WWII in Europe. I got interested in this subject after reading Cornelius Ryan’s book “The Last Battle”, about the capture of Berlin by the Russians. I wondered how people coped with the destruction and total breakdown of the economy. How did they get food? How did they find work?
For years the US provided food and work through the Marshall Plan. Some countries were reduced to less than 1000 calories per day per person. The US Army administered food distribution in the immediate aftermath of the war but was barely able to feed its own men at times.
It is remarkable how fast Europe rebounded from total defeat. Some countries took longer the others to accomplish this but by 1953 most countries were on the way to full recovery thanks in large part to America.
Enough of a history lesson for today. For pleasure I am reading “Donovan” a book about “Wild Bill Donovan” the founder of the modern CIA. Bill Donovan was a most unique man who gathered knowledge where ever he went. He used this knowledge to defeat Hitler and bind England and the USA together for the common good in WWII.
I like certain authors, especially if they write a series of books that are related. I keep a book list which is double column and several pages long now. I mark each book in the list as in my possession but unread or I have read it. I use this list when I am looking for books to purchase.
I buy books at garage sales, used bookstores or on-line. I trade books at bookstores that have a trade policy. I order books on-line at paperbackswap.com. After registering and listing 13 books I wish to trade, I can order 3 books I want. The only cost occurs when someone requests a book from you and you pay the shipping cost which is at the media rate of about $1.43 per book. After you mail the book, the recipient registers that they have received it and you receive 1 credit good for another book. This really is a great way to get books not available in your home area.
I read a lot. At times I have 2 books going at once. I read both fiction and non-fiction. The fiction for pleasure and the non-fiction to learn something. Presently, I am reading a rather heavy tome called “Post War” about the aftermath of WWII in Europe. I got interested in this subject after reading Cornelius Ryan’s book “The Last Battle”, about the capture of Berlin by the Russians. I wondered how people coped with the destruction and total breakdown of the economy. How did they get food? How did they find work?
For years the US provided food and work through the Marshall Plan. Some countries were reduced to less than 1000 calories per day per person. The US Army administered food distribution in the immediate aftermath of the war but was barely able to feed its own men at times.
It is remarkable how fast Europe rebounded from total defeat. Some countries took longer the others to accomplish this but by 1953 most countries were on the way to full recovery thanks in large part to America.
Enough of a history lesson for today. For pleasure I am reading “Donovan” a book about “Wild Bill Donovan” the founder of the modern CIA. Bill Donovan was a most unique man who gathered knowledge where ever he went. He used this knowledge to defeat Hitler and bind England and the USA together for the common good in WWII.
I like certain authors, especially if they write a series of books that are related. I keep a book list which is double column and several pages long now. I mark each book in the list as in my possession but unread or I have read it. I use this list when I am looking for books to purchase.
I buy books at garage sales, used bookstores or on-line. I trade books at bookstores that have a trade policy. I order books on-line at paperbackswap.com. After registering and listing 13 books I wish to trade, I can order 3 books I want. The only cost occurs when someone requests a book from you and you pay the shipping cost which is at the media rate of about $1.43 per book. After you mail the book, the recipient registers that they have received it and you receive 1 credit good for another book. This really is a great way to get books not available in your home area.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Internet woes!!!
Location
Dorchester, WI
I wanted to update the blog but not much is happening here. We have had more rain but it should end by this weekend, I hope. We had a brief look at the sun this afternoon but no hope for more than that.
I am still frustrated by the amount of time and effort it requires to check and send emails and post this blog. The library here in Dorchester only has one computer that will accept a thumb drive and it is usually occupied. The same happens in Medford as the only computer with a readable USB port is one the kids use to play games on so it is occupied most of the time also.
We are still doing meals for my folks each day at noon. Over the weekend we ordered a lift chair for my dad. It was delivered yesterday and much to my surprise, he uses the lift control most of the time. It will greatly help his bad knees. We also cleaned all of the tile in the bathroom, washed the walls , and regrouted the tile where necessary. It looks like a new bathroom.
Dorchester, WI
I wanted to update the blog but not much is happening here. We have had more rain but it should end by this weekend, I hope. We had a brief look at the sun this afternoon but no hope for more than that.
I am still frustrated by the amount of time and effort it requires to check and send emails and post this blog. The library here in Dorchester only has one computer that will accept a thumb drive and it is usually occupied. The same happens in Medford as the only computer with a readable USB port is one the kids use to play games on so it is occupied most of the time also.
We are still doing meals for my folks each day at noon. Over the weekend we ordered a lift chair for my dad. It was delivered yesterday and much to my surprise, he uses the lift control most of the time. It will greatly help his bad knees. We also cleaned all of the tile in the bathroom, washed the walls , and regrouted the tile where necessary. It looks like a new bathroom.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Rain finally!!!
Location, Dorchester, WI
It has rained for the past 2 days which should help the crops locally. It was a slow soft rain which is the best kind. I don’t know if the corn will be helped but the soybeans should benefit from the rain. More rain is predicted for the remainder of the week.
Yesterday was my Brother Ray’s 62nd birthday. His daughter Melissa wanted a surprise party so all the family met at the local school yard and descended on Ray’s house enmass. Boy, was he surprised. It was the largest gathering of family in quite some time. My niece Jane and her 2 children were visiting and we hadn’t seen her in years. It really made it special.
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Happy Birthday Ray!
We BBQ’ed chicken in the garage because of the rain. After an initial slow start because of a baulky BBQ, and with the help of the neighbors gas BBQ, we got the job done. Lots of good food and plenty of leftovers to take home. After taking lots of photos we drove home in the rain.
We had picked up my parents and drove them to Wausau so my dad could try out a new lift chair to replace his old worn out one. His doctor recommended he get one to help relieve the pressure on his knees when he gets up from his chair. The new chair will be delivered Tuesday.
Last night I noticed water dripping from the skylight over the bath tub. This morning I removed the interior trim piece from the skylight and found lots of water trapped above the ceiling. Investigation on the roof showed a cracked vent pipe fitting near the skylight. A little electrical tape wrapped around the pipe and some elastomer goop and that should do the job for now. The second vent on the roof is showing signs of cracking so more goop was applied. It looks like both of these vent caps need replacing but that will need to wait until we get to Houston where parts are available. Besides, it will not be an easy job as all the caulk needs to be removed before the vents can be replaced. In the meantime, I have a portable heater in the bathroom to help dry the ceiling before I replace the trim.
It has rained for the past 2 days which should help the crops locally. It was a slow soft rain which is the best kind. I don’t know if the corn will be helped but the soybeans should benefit from the rain. More rain is predicted for the remainder of the week.
Yesterday was my Brother Ray’s 62nd birthday. His daughter Melissa wanted a surprise party so all the family met at the local school yard and descended on Ray’s house enmass. Boy, was he surprised. It was the largest gathering of family in quite some time. My niece Jane and her 2 children were visiting and we hadn’t seen her in years. It really made it special.
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Happy Birthday Ray!
We BBQ’ed chicken in the garage because of the rain. After an initial slow start because of a baulky BBQ, and with the help of the neighbors gas BBQ, we got the job done. Lots of good food and plenty of leftovers to take home. After taking lots of photos we drove home in the rain.
We had picked up my parents and drove them to Wausau so my dad could try out a new lift chair to replace his old worn out one. His doctor recommended he get one to help relieve the pressure on his knees when he gets up from his chair. The new chair will be delivered Tuesday.
Last night I noticed water dripping from the skylight over the bath tub. This morning I removed the interior trim piece from the skylight and found lots of water trapped above the ceiling. Investigation on the roof showed a cracked vent pipe fitting near the skylight. A little electrical tape wrapped around the pipe and some elastomer goop and that should do the job for now. The second vent on the roof is showing signs of cracking so more goop was applied. It looks like both of these vent caps need replacing but that will need to wait until we get to Houston where parts are available. Besides, it will not be an easy job as all the caulk needs to be removed before the vents can be replaced. In the meantime, I have a portable heater in the bathroom to help dry the ceiling before I replace the trim.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Mowing lawns
Location, Dorchester, WI
We are back in the Park at Dorchester after spending the last week at my sister’s farm. We really enjoyed our time there and they have such a nice place to park
the trailer.
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I mowed the lawns at my parents this afternoon. Not that they needed it, because of the lack of rain, but the weeds still grow. The Indian paintbrush was about to take over the yard. I have never run a riding lawn mower before so there was an obvious learning curve. This mower has so many safety features that I am surprised it even moves. I stopped it while I picked up the dropped apples under the trees and never did get it started again. Eventually I pushed it into the garage while Clyda steered. I finished the lawn with the hand mower. Manpower over engineering!!!!
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We are back in the Park at Dorchester after spending the last week at my sister’s farm. We really enjoyed our time there and they have such a nice place to park
the trailer.
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I mowed the lawns at my parents this afternoon. Not that they needed it, because of the lack of rain, but the weeds still grow. The Indian paintbrush was about to take over the yard. I have never run a riding lawn mower before so there was an obvious learning curve. This mower has so many safety features that I am surprised it even moves. I stopped it while I picked up the dropped apples under the trees and never did get it started again. Eventually I pushed it into the garage while Clyda steered. I finished the lawn with the hand mower. Manpower over engineering!!!!
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Monday, August 13, 2007
"Jurustic Park"
Location, Wausau, WI
Judy and Art took us for a drive today to Mosinee then west to Stratford and south toward Marshfield to Foxfire, a Hosta Garden. It is private property open to the public each day for viewing. Hosta’s are shade loving plants with variegated leaves
and come in unlimited varieties with unusual names.
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The garden has pathways which meander throughout the seven acres and around 2 ponds. Plants are propagated for replanting and for sale. It really is a very nice place.
We then drove to Culvers in Marshfield for lunch followed by “turtles and concrete mixers” made with custard. Yummy!!!!!
We drove back to the area of Foxfire and stopped at “Jurustic Park,” a unique private residence where anything made of steel, especially old farm implements, are transformed into plants and animals. Each creation has a story of its own as told by its creator, a very colorful individual. There are also signs to explain what each item is.
All creations are for sale but for a price. Judy thought the prices had doubled since last year.
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The "artist" explaining one of his creations to Judy and Art. He has a story for each one.
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Spare parts waiting to be used. Notice the frog on the left playing the piano. The artist has a "thing" for frogs and they are featured throughout the property.
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Sprocket chain waiting to be used.
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My "Iron Maiden" girl friend.
This is really a fun place to visit and we were allowed to wander all around the property. There are piles of parts waiting to be used which include link chains, cow drinking cups, propane and welding bottles, shovels, tanks, etc. The large bell shaped “pots” came from a rock crushing mill and have a nice ring when hit with a wooden maul.
This is “must visit” place if you are in the area.
Judy and Art took us for a drive today to Mosinee then west to Stratford and south toward Marshfield to Foxfire, a Hosta Garden. It is private property open to the public each day for viewing. Hosta’s are shade loving plants with variegated leaves
and come in unlimited varieties with unusual names.
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The garden has pathways which meander throughout the seven acres and around 2 ponds. Plants are propagated for replanting and for sale. It really is a very nice place.
We then drove to Culvers in Marshfield for lunch followed by “turtles and concrete mixers” made with custard. Yummy!!!!!
We drove back to the area of Foxfire and stopped at “Jurustic Park,” a unique private residence where anything made of steel, especially old farm implements, are transformed into plants and animals. Each creation has a story of its own as told by its creator, a very colorful individual. There are also signs to explain what each item is.
All creations are for sale but for a price. Judy thought the prices had doubled since last year.
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The "artist" explaining one of his creations to Judy and Art. He has a story for each one.
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Spare parts waiting to be used. Notice the frog on the left playing the piano. The artist has a "thing" for frogs and they are featured throughout the property.
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Sprocket chain waiting to be used.
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My "Iron Maiden" girl friend.
This is really a fun place to visit and we were allowed to wander all around the property. There are piles of parts waiting to be used which include link chains, cow drinking cups, propane and welding bottles, shovels, tanks, etc. The large bell shaped “pots” came from a rock crushing mill and have a nice ring when hit with a wooden maul.
This is “must visit” place if you are in the area.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Wausau
Location, Wausau, WI
We have had a busy weekend here in Wausau. On Friday we went to the library to use their wi-fi to update the blog and download emails. I also tried to upload a bunch of photos so we could have prints made but I think I overloaded the server as the photo upload quit after sending a couple dozen pictures. I may have exceeded their file size limit. Anyway, we decided to burn the photos to a CD and print them at Wal-Mart.
Later in the afternoon we drove to Birnamwood for a fish dinner but stopped on the way to see my nephew’s new collision repair shop. He and 2 partners have a really nice setup. I hope the business takes off.
On Saturday my niece invited some of her friends out for the day and fixed dinner for 10 people. My brother Ray came in time for dinner then stayed until dark. It was a nice day with really good food.
We had a short violent thunder storm during the night. Lots of thunder and lightning but little rain. They really need the rain here.
This morning we went to church and then breakfast with Ray. In the afternoon we drove over to Ray’s and sat out under the trees where it was nice and cool and visited. As we were about to leave, Ray’s daughter Missy and her 5 year old daughter Madison stopped by. It was really good to see them as we had not met Madison before.
It was a very nice weekend.
We have had a busy weekend here in Wausau. On Friday we went to the library to use their wi-fi to update the blog and download emails. I also tried to upload a bunch of photos so we could have prints made but I think I overloaded the server as the photo upload quit after sending a couple dozen pictures. I may have exceeded their file size limit. Anyway, we decided to burn the photos to a CD and print them at Wal-Mart.
Later in the afternoon we drove to Birnamwood for a fish dinner but stopped on the way to see my nephew’s new collision repair shop. He and 2 partners have a really nice setup. I hope the business takes off.
On Saturday my niece invited some of her friends out for the day and fixed dinner for 10 people. My brother Ray came in time for dinner then stayed until dark. It was a nice day with really good food.
We had a short violent thunder storm during the night. Lots of thunder and lightning but little rain. They really need the rain here.
This morning we went to church and then breakfast with Ray. In the afternoon we drove over to Ray’s and sat out under the trees where it was nice and cool and visited. As we were about to leave, Ray’s daughter Missy and her 5 year old daughter Madison stopped by. It was really good to see them as we had not met Madison before.
It was a very nice weekend.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Lazy days
Location, Wausau, WI
The last few days have been fairly routine. We drive to Medford each day at mid morning and fix a main meal at noon for my folks. By mid afternoon we drive back to the RV for the rest of the day.
The weather has been hot and humid so we have run the air conditioner quit a bit. It has cooled off at night which is good for sleeping. We have also had a small amount of rain but not enough to help with the drought.
I have been using the local library to post the blog and check email. However, I can only check or send email from my web mail account which is primitive at best. No one in this local including the local PC guru has Wi-fi. What a bummer. I have hopes of rectifying this tomorrow.
We drove to my sister’s farm near Wausau this afternoon after waiting for the small rain shower to pass by this morning. I didn’t want to hook up in the rain. On the way out of Dorchester, Clyda took this picture of a gonfalon.
How is this for a very nice camping place?
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The last few days have been fairly routine. We drive to Medford each day at mid morning and fix a main meal at noon for my folks. By mid afternoon we drive back to the RV for the rest of the day.
The weather has been hot and humid so we have run the air conditioner quit a bit. It has cooled off at night which is good for sleeping. We have also had a small amount of rain but not enough to help with the drought.
I have been using the local library to post the blog and check email. However, I can only check or send email from my web mail account which is primitive at best. No one in this local including the local PC guru has Wi-fi. What a bummer. I have hopes of rectifying this tomorrow.
We drove to my sister’s farm near Wausau this afternoon after waiting for the small rain shower to pass by this morning. I didn’t want to hook up in the rain. On the way out of Dorchester, Clyda took this picture of a gonfalon.
How is this for a very nice camping place?
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Monday, August 6, 2007
Just doing routine things!
Location, Dorchester, WI
Sorry for the interruption to the blog but there has been little to post. We spend part of the day at my folks in Medford which is 11 miles from here. On Friday we went out for a fish dinner which is a Wisconsin tradition of course. Later we took my mother to the Taylor County Fair for an hour and looked at all the animals. It is not a big fair by any means but Friday was senior citizen day so we got in free.
On Saturday we attended the big family reunion at the park in Medford. This was for my mother’s side of the family. It was a nice day with overcast sky which was good as many people spent the afternoon outside. I connected with lots of my cousins who I rarely see and several of my aunts (mom’s sisters- all the uncles are deceased). Clyda and I traveled the farthest and my dad is the oldest at 94. The finale was of course the big meal at 5 PM. Lots of good food and deserts including yummy blueberry pie and ice cream. The main meat was brats and hotdogs. Plenty of home made pickles and salads and chips and dips. By the end we were all stuffed.
On Sunday I took my parents to church then came back to the RV and crashed. I think all of the long travel days caught up with me.
Today I hoed the garden and picked cucumbers and the first kohlrabi. We drove down town to shop for birthday cards and pick up some needed items at the Dollar Store.
That’s about it for now. We had planned to move to my sister’s farm on Thursday but found out my mothers cousin had passed away on Sunday so will wait to see when the funeral is before we move.
Sorry for the interruption to the blog but there has been little to post. We spend part of the day at my folks in Medford which is 11 miles from here. On Friday we went out for a fish dinner which is a Wisconsin tradition of course. Later we took my mother to the Taylor County Fair for an hour and looked at all the animals. It is not a big fair by any means but Friday was senior citizen day so we got in free.
On Saturday we attended the big family reunion at the park in Medford. This was for my mother’s side of the family. It was a nice day with overcast sky which was good as many people spent the afternoon outside. I connected with lots of my cousins who I rarely see and several of my aunts (mom’s sisters- all the uncles are deceased). Clyda and I traveled the farthest and my dad is the oldest at 94. The finale was of course the big meal at 5 PM. Lots of good food and deserts including yummy blueberry pie and ice cream. The main meat was brats and hotdogs. Plenty of home made pickles and salads and chips and dips. By the end we were all stuffed.
On Sunday I took my parents to church then came back to the RV and crashed. I think all of the long travel days caught up with me.
Today I hoed the garden and picked cucumbers and the first kohlrabi. We drove down town to shop for birthday cards and pick up some needed items at the Dollar Store.
That’s about it for now. We had planned to move to my sister’s farm on Thursday but found out my mothers cousin had passed away on Sunday so will wait to see when the funeral is before we move.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Dorchester, WI
Location, Dorchester, WI
It was really hot and muggy yesterday but did cool off overnight and was pleasant this morning. We drove south out of Superior on Hwy 53 to Rice Lake, the east on Hwy 8 to Prentice before turning south to Dorchester.
We arrived about 1 PM at the Dorchester Camping Park and wonder of wonders, parked in the same campsite as we did last year. While we were setting up we were visited by my cousin’s wife Carol who I have been corresponding with for a few years. She had driven from Ohio for the family reunion on Saturday and was passing by so stopped to visit. It was really good to catch up on family.
We drove up to see my folks in Medford and to do a load of laundry. We will take them out for fish tomorrow evening.
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Medford courthouse.
It is really dry here and the lawns are in need of rain. Lack of rain was evident as we traveled east from Minnesota. It is supposed to be nice until late Saturday when rain is expected.
I don’t know how often I will post this blog while here as I need to go to the Dorchester library to use their internet. Time will tell. I need to look around Dorchester to see if anyone has Wi-fi available. It would sure help. For now I am writting the blog in Microsoft Word and storing it and any pictures on a thumb drive which I take to the library and upload. We will see how this works.
For the next week we will be in Dorchester but then may spend the following week at my sisters farm east of Wausau. Time will tell.
It was really hot and muggy yesterday but did cool off overnight and was pleasant this morning. We drove south out of Superior on Hwy 53 to Rice Lake, the east on Hwy 8 to Prentice before turning south to Dorchester.
We arrived about 1 PM at the Dorchester Camping Park and wonder of wonders, parked in the same campsite as we did last year. While we were setting up we were visited by my cousin’s wife Carol who I have been corresponding with for a few years. She had driven from Ohio for the family reunion on Saturday and was passing by so stopped to visit. It was really good to catch up on family.
We drove up to see my folks in Medford and to do a load of laundry. We will take them out for fish tomorrow evening.
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Medford courthouse.
It is really dry here and the lawns are in need of rain. Lack of rain was evident as we traveled east from Minnesota. It is supposed to be nice until late Saturday when rain is expected.
I don’t know how often I will post this blog while here as I need to go to the Dorchester library to use their internet. Time will tell. I need to look around Dorchester to see if anyone has Wi-fi available. It would sure help. For now I am writting the blog in Microsoft Word and storing it and any pictures on a thumb drive which I take to the library and upload. We will see how this works.
For the next week we will be in Dorchester but then may spend the following week at my sisters farm east of Wausau. Time will tell.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Location, Superior, WI
I posted some pictures with yesterday’s blog.
We had a leisurely drive to Superior, WI this morning. We were at the Nemadji Trailer Park by noon. I thought we would be near the lake but actually we are about a block south. It should be cooler here but is not. The warm weather and humidity continues to follow us east.
I hope the library has Wi-fi so I can post this today. Wi-fi in Wisconsin is a foreign word. Last year when I asked about it at the library I got a blank look. I hope things have changed this year.
Clyda spotted a Culver’s on the way to the campground so we need to check it out as part of our “leave no Dairy Queen or Culver’s untasted”. I should explain that I guess. Last year while in Michigan with Budd and Brenda, we started a tradition of stopping at Dairy Queen when we had a chance. The goal also was to find real soft custard which Culver’s serves. We didn’t find custard in Wisconsin but happened to find one in Minnesota on our way west. Budd and Brenda also found some in southern Minnesota on their way west. I now judge every town we pass through as a good place if it has a Dairy Queen. Most towns on Trans Canada 1 have Dairy Queens. We did frequent a few on our trip and I love Blizzard’s but in my defense, I order a small.
Yes, Superior has a Culver’s and it is good!!!!!! Actually, way too good. Next time I will stick to a small instead of a medium. It is a good thing Medford doesn’t have a Dairy Queen.
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We drove out to Superior Head which is a sea shore area where the deep water ships come into the port of Duluth. Clyda got a nice picture of the old light house.
I posted some pictures with yesterday’s blog.
We had a leisurely drive to Superior, WI this morning. We were at the Nemadji Trailer Park by noon. I thought we would be near the lake but actually we are about a block south. It should be cooler here but is not. The warm weather and humidity continues to follow us east.
I hope the library has Wi-fi so I can post this today. Wi-fi in Wisconsin is a foreign word. Last year when I asked about it at the library I got a blank look. I hope things have changed this year.
Clyda spotted a Culver’s on the way to the campground so we need to check it out as part of our “leave no Dairy Queen or Culver’s untasted”. I should explain that I guess. Last year while in Michigan with Budd and Brenda, we started a tradition of stopping at Dairy Queen when we had a chance. The goal also was to find real soft custard which Culver’s serves. We didn’t find custard in Wisconsin but happened to find one in Minnesota on our way west. Budd and Brenda also found some in southern Minnesota on their way west. I now judge every town we pass through as a good place if it has a Dairy Queen. Most towns on Trans Canada 1 have Dairy Queens. We did frequent a few on our trip and I love Blizzard’s but in my defense, I order a small.
Yes, Superior has a Culver’s and it is good!!!!!! Actually, way too good. Next time I will stick to a small instead of a medium. It is a good thing Medford doesn’t have a Dairy Queen.
.JPG)
.JPG)
We drove out to Superior Head which is a sea shore area where the deep water ships come into the port of Duluth. Clyda got a nice picture of the old light house.
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