Table Bluff-Ice Age Trail

Isn't it funny how you can live so close to something and never know? This great trail is one example...

A Chorus Line!

About 20 years ago, I saw A Chorus Line on Broadway with my mom...last night I took Kristin to see the show in Milwaukee. We met my longtime friend Sue and her friends and had a great time. We also had to stop at Gillie's on the way home for custard...of course!

My new friend!

Goldie and I were walking along Lake Michigan today, and look what we found! We were happy to meet it, but it was pretty mad about meeting us...

Here are some facts about the Eastern Plains Garter Snake is diurnal but remains hidden beneath rocks, logs, boards and other debris much of the time. Its active season generally is from April to November. It hibernates during the winter in rock outcroppings, animal burrows, anthills and sometimes in man-made structures.
Some authors describe this snake as being less aggressive and less willing to bite than the Eastern Garter Snake. However, as with most Garter Snakes, this snake will eject feces and musk from its cloaca when grabbed by a human or a predator.

I'm glad it didn't decide to do that to us!

A little yard work at 3024

A last minute babysitting job cancellation for Kristin led us to head for the benefits of Sheboygan's "cooler near the lake" temps. We spent a few hours tidying up at the house and lots more hours playing at the beach!

Lake Michigan

Frank turns 50!

To celebrate Frank's birthday, we compiled a few of the best moments from his first 50 years...may he have 50 more!

Kristin travels alone!

Well, my daughter is officially an adult...she navigated O'Hare airport alone...it is a really weird feeling to pull up to the curb at one of the nation's largest airports and find your daughter confidently waiting for her ride. I suppose now she'll want to jet all over the world on her own...I feel like a giant can of worms has been opened!

On the way home we saw these beautiful cloud formations...don't we live in the coolest place?

Tae Graduates!

Tae graduated! Here's proof!



Debbie, Tae, Kerry, Ryan



Tae, Kerry, Ryan



Brett, Debbie, Tae, Leslie Ann, Ryan, Kerry



Debbie, Tae, Grandma, Ryan



Kristin, Joannie, Ryan



Tae, Joannie, Ryan



Tae, Kristin, Ryan

Solstice 2009

Twenty years ago, Frank and his friend Jim Kinder began the annual tradition of celebrating the longest day of the year. The event coincides nicely with Frank's birthday (50 this year), so this time of year is a natural time to celebrate. We feel especially blessed by the wonderful family, friends and neighbors in our lives...some featured below...the rest of you know who you are...we love you!

A real pig pickin!

It is a special weekend for Tae as he graduates with an MBA tomorrow. Some very proud friends and family are in North Carolina to share in his accomplishments. Today's event was a "pig pickin"...a pig roast put on by the graduates. Looks like fun!

Lapham Peak

On the way home from taking Kristin to the airport today, I stopped at Lapham Peak, a park I have driven by numerous times. I hiked some of the numerous trails there, and found a butterfly garden, a tower, and some beautiful examples of the geology of Wisconsin. It was a pleasant reminder of the beauty of our state...