I'm so glad you could stop by. This is my personal blog of daily life and my journey through life. You will find a strong emphasis on family and friends as well as finding my ancestors through genealogy. Unlike my other blogs this blog is more of a catch-all so any topic is fair game.

Search This Blog:

Sunday, August 31, 2008

the kitchen is finished!


The biggest blessing this week is that our kitchen renovation is finally complete! The renovation actually began shortly after moving here late June of 2007 then life got in the way. The tile supplies sat in a convenient place perfect for stubbing toes each morning just inside the kitchen since March 3. May 26 saw the start of refinishing the cabinets. Tiling began on the 4th of August. Now I should point out that my husband and I are DIYers but that does not mean we work well together even though we have fairly well defined roles during remodeling and the end result is always worth it. The problem is I have the idea and will research how to do something but sometimes he doesn't listen. As this continues I find myself repeating the same thing several times leading to frustration and failing to listen to him so really we are not effectively communicating. Compounding this problem is my temper is always the first to flare. Allergies and sinus headaches tend to make me irritable. Both of these are affected by the dust and chemicals involved with renovating. Even though we try to use eco-friendly products some things simply cannot be avoided during renovations. The worst part is the chaos involved that really makes me feel disoriented! Anywho despite the delays, frustrations, bad advice, chaos and occasional temper flares the kitchen is finished (huge blessing) and I think it looks wonderful. I've been posting our progress here where pictures of the finish will also be posted. In the process we both discovered the ineffective communication was hindering our progress. After all these years and all the renovations we have done together this discovery was like a weight was lifted off of both our shoulders. Learning more about each other as we journey through life together is always a true blessing! We will be working on improving our listening skills in preparation for our next renovation project.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Saturday, August 30, 2008

great news


If you have been following this blog you will have noticed a new baby ticker under the header. I put it up then with all the distractions from finishing the kitchen forgot to share the good news. Oldest grandbaby who is now 20 months old will soon be joined by a little brother or sister! Everyone is thrilled by the news. The little one has already had his or her first photoshoot aka ultra sound confirming our suspicions that this grandbaby will be another little cutie :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


Straw Bales
Aug. 7, 2008

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Sunday, August 24, 2008

small miracles



I really should have blogged about this earlier but it makes for a very good bybs post. Youngest grandbaby who is 4 months and a real sweetheart visited us mid August. Everything was fine and she was smiling and interacting. Then all of a sudden she vomited from not only her mouth but nose. She stopped breathing! Mom of course was frantic. Breath, baby breath! I went into autotpilot and seriously I can't remember a lot because my mind was focused on grandbaby. The only thing I could think of was flip her over, head down and tap her back sharply until whatever it was blocking the air way passed. Get her to cry! Crying means the airways are clear so that a good sign. I knew I had to do this but I was still on autopilot, semi-detatched. At the same time I'm taking in the colour of her fingernails and her faciditiy. It was an automatic really not thinking thing, just doing. Silently I counted the seconds thinking I would have to do CPR on grandbaby. She started weakly crying but was still struggling. Mom picked her up to comfort. All of a sudden she spewed forth (not a nice term but that was what it was) a huge amount of vomit heavily laden with mucus. Her breathing was still laboured so her parents took her to the nearest ER to be on the safe side. I called ahead when the kids left so the hospital would know they were coming and I will tell you they were none to pleased that the kids were driving her in instead of an ambulance. The thing is we live in the boonies so driving into emerge is a lot faster than waiting for an ambulance. Well, she came back with a clean bill of health, no worse for the wear and tear She's still spitting up a lot of mucous but her lungs are clear. So that really has to count for a huge, and many thanks to the angels above that guide and protect us, blessing there! [And GGV, GGR, GGL, GGGD I know you had a hand in this one along with a few other angels.]

I'm sitting here writing this wondering what would have happened if I over reacted, or didn't know first aid or CPR. If the angels above weren't protecting this little one and guiding my hands. If they hadn't allowed me to detach and be able to respond. Blessings come in all kind of forms large and small. This one just happened to be a huge blessing! Each one should be cherished as it comes whether larger or small.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Friday, August 22, 2008


The Trail
July 19, 2008

Just off of where we were standing to take pictures of Holy Hill at Glacier Hill County Park, there was a beautiful trail. I love wooded tails! We have as a family hiked many trails over the years, some more rugged than others. It started out years and years ago when we camped with the kids every chance we got and it continued for many years. We now boat and still we will set anchor and walk the trail to the lake where we swim. Never far from our mind is buying a motorhome so we can do some serious camping again. Still we drive to trails where we enjoy a good walk in nature, enjoying her beauty and serenity.

Trails are wonderful! It is a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours any time of the day. Their shady canopy ward off the heat of the day. The sights and smells, and I do have to stress smells because there is just a certain woodsy smell with trails, are a true delight. Woodland critters dart about but you have to be quiet so you don't startle them. Life doesn't get much better that walking under the cool canopy of a woodland!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Thursday, August 21, 2008

Children See, Children Do

A must see video! And you thought what you did didn't have any influence.



Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


Field of Sunflowers
Aug. 7, 2008

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Tuesday, August 19, 2008


Basilica of Holy Hill
July 19, 2008

On the way back to the kids' house we made a detour up a long and winding road to Glacier Hills County Park. From the top of the road there is a good view of the Basilica of Holy Hill in the distance. Holy Hill is located on 435 acres of scenic land in southeastern Wisconsin on the highest elevation in the area. The Basilica is undergoing repairs as seen by the scaffolding in the picture. The view of southeastern Wisconsin is said to be spectacular from the scenic observation tower making the climb of 178 stairs well worth it! The tower is closed until the repairs are finished in September so we should be able to go up the tower our next trip to Wisconsin.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Monday, August 18, 2008

play ball


Miller Park
July 19, 2008


Pa and I are getting so good at playing tourist that we can even get some pretty good shots out the car window at 80 miles (US measurements) with one of our arms holding the camera out as far as it will reach. Thanks to the wonders of digital cameras we can take as many photos and video clips as we want. Thanks to the powers of PhotoShop those crooked shots can be straightened, colours enhanced and things like pesky power lines can be eliminated. Hmm, life as Ma and Pa go to the city is good!

Pa snapped this great picture of Miller Park give or take a few little wires. I thought the picture wasn't all that bad so played with it a bit. Miller Park located in Milwaukee is home to the Milwaukee Brewers. Now I'm not a huge sports fan but my husband is. Still I love going to both hockey and baseball games, more so for the people watching and stadium food but also because I just enjoy them. It's always a great day spending time with my husband and/or family watching them get excited over their respective teams. Oh I should mention we go to football games too and they are pretty exciting especially when you have to wear several layers of clothes, battle snow and pry frozen fingers off of cold beer which is why they also serve hot chocolate. Anyway, the Brewers were away from home that weekend or we would have taken in a game. Maybe the next trip...

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Sunday, August 17, 2008

through the eyes of a child


We all get cutesy chain letters in our email with the instructions to pass it along. I seldom do this but the following sent to be by a friend is worth passing along through this blog instead of email format. Thanks so much (to a friend)! The following reminds us to be thankful for the true blessings in our lives and that our actions say a lot more about us than our words. I do not know the author of the following but I'm sure I would really like him or her. The focus is on the important things in life, the true blessings, not the material things. The story is a good reminder of the Golden Rule and quite reminds me of my beloved Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year - old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the
floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. 'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.' So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.

There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood
scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I
grow up.' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back
to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for
some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped,
milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..' I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.

But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually
make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about ...I just did.

Angels have walked beside me all my life

This is to all of you who mean something to me,

I pray for your happiness.

May God richly bless you!

~*~*~*~*~*~

May you have a blessings filled week - a week filled of the true blessings of family and friends, of love and laughter, of faith and hope, of well being and peace!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Saturday, August 16, 2008

Watertown Plank Road

Historical Plaque
July 20, 2008

We were on the historical Watertown Plank Road! Plank roads were made from basically clearing a road 24 feet wide between the ditches. The road was sloaped in the centre towards the ditches to help with drainage. Stringers provided the support upon which wooden planks made from white pine were laid to form a road (more information here). There's little left of this historical road aside of the marking plaque although it does follow the same route.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Friday, August 15, 2008

Miller Brewing Company Tour


Miller Brewing Company
July 20, 2008

Our next stop for sight seeing was the Miller Brewing Company that first began brewing beer in 1855 where we took in the tour. Now I have to say with being very much into genealogy and family history, I love old architecture. I also love spending time in museums, cemeteries and other archival repositories. The tour itself was nice even though we didn't get to see much in action but in fairness it was getting late on a Saturday so the lines were likely shut down for the weekend. Oh we saw the mixing tanks and fermenting tanks, where the beer was bottled or canned and where it was stored but other than a couple of fork lifts, nothing was moving. There was that nice aroma of fermenting beer about the premises. After the tour they took us to a lovely indoor room where we enjoyed free samples. These rooms are not licensed to the general public which is a pit because the are absolutely gorgeous! They are used mainly for the tour groups but can be rented for special occasions like weddings.

The Miller Brewing Company is located in Miller Valley in Milwaukee at 4000 West Street. Tours start at 4251 West Street and conclude at the historic Miller Inn. Tours last an hour but figure a good hour and a half if not more if sampling. You must be 21 years of age or older to sample but children are welcomed. Even if the factory is not operational this really is a must stop at tour. The architecture of the buildings is very impressive. There is the original cobble stone in one portion of the road that goes through the factory. The Miller house near the Miller Inn is simply a replicate facade, unfortunately. It would have been nice to be able to go through the Miller house just to see what it was like back then. I was a bit disappointed in that aside of the 10 minute introductory video there was little more on the actual history. Still it was a very enjoyable tour.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Thursday, August 14, 2008


Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion
July 19, 2008

The day after the wedding, the kids took us sight seeing. Pa and I sure love playing tourist! The area of Wisconsin where they will residing is beautiful with its rolling hills and lots of trees. One of our first stops was the Cedar Valley Cheese Store (more here) where Pa and I made out like bandits with our cheese score. Leaving the countryside we headed into Milwaukee. As we passed the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion one of the kids mentioned they had always wanted to go through so we stopped. By then it was drizzling rain. We joined the guided tour through the mansion. Oh my!

The Pabst mansion was built in 1892. The rooms that have been restored are simply breathtaking by any stretch of the imagination. The rooms on the first floor have 16 foot ceilings all beautifully painted and gilded! The furniture is elegantly impressive. The mansion must have been even more impressive in its hey day, a blatant symbol of wealth in every detail and activity like the popular beer gardens they hosted. Even so many years later the presence of wealth permeates throughout the mansion. There is a beautiful atrium to the right side of the house with a domed ceiling and ceramic tile flooring. It must have been quite lovely when it was filled with plants!

We found out some interesting things like the pies were kept in a locked pie safe! The silverware was also under lock and key to be counted each day. The beds were shorter not because the Victorians were shorter but because the slept sleeping up to prevent spirits from entering their lungs. Tour prices for adults are $8 and the guided tour is well worth it. This is a must see tour when in Milwaukee!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Tuesday, August 12, 2008

back to the land


Wisconsin Dairy Farm
July 19, 2008

We were in an area of Wisconsin with beautiful rolling hills and a lot of farmland. Wisconsin is the dairy state so not surprisingly we saw a lot of dairy farms. I couldn't help taking a lot of pictures including this one of Holstein cattle. As I was taking pictures of this farm with cattle in the barn the farmer drove by on his tractor. He waved and chuckled as I took his picture too but likely muttered under his breath "dang tourists"! It not like we don't have dairy farms here and unlike a lot of folks we get quite close to cows. Still I can't help wondering about those who have only seen cows in pictures or on television.

A large fraction of our society have a lack of connection of where their food comes from. One of my kids teaches grades 2/3 in an urban setting. As a science lesson each student planted a tomato plant. They were totally amazed that from that seed grew a plant that produced tomatoes. Apparently they thought tomatoes grew in boxes in the store! This really presents a problem. If you don't connect to your food source then it is difficult to realize that what you do in your daily life ultimately affects your food source directly.

It can be something as perceivably benign as leaving a light on or tossing the last of an expired medication down the toilet. One affects our carbon footprint and the other our water source. It can be something a little more blatant like ignoring smog day warnings or tossing litter out of the car. Or it can be worse, much worse and it all comes from not being connected with the food source.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Monday, August 11, 2008

the wood fired oven


Wood Fired Oven
July 18, 2008

The wedding meal was at Louise's Italian Cafe in Broodfield, Wisconsin (photos here). The food and service was excellent! The decor was lovely with copper accents. Copper has to be my favourite metal because it has a warm, comforting glow to it. The focal point was the copper clad wood fired oven. I would love to have an oven like this! Hmm, I should have put in my request for this kitchen renovation. Unfortunately the best I can hope for is an outdoor wood fired oven due to indoor space limitations. Why on earth would I want a wood fired oven? Wood adds a flavour to breads, pizzas and other baked dishes that can't be duplicated on a gas or charcoal grill. Bread baked in a wood fired oven is wonderful! Now I've done it. I will have to bake a loaf of bread on the grill today just to satisfy the craving :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Saturday, August 09, 2008

The Wedding Day


Babbling Brook
July 18, 2008

After the marriage ceremony we went to a small park for pictures. This small stream provided an ideal backdrop for the happy bride and groom. We took several pictures and short video clips. Then they climbed up the side of a hill to stand on a railway bridge for more pictures. Upon completion of the photo shoot, we all headed back to their house to change into dress casual for the restaurants and to take more pictures. The wedding cheesecake was staying at the house to be enjoyed after the restaurant meal. Pictures of this wonderful cheesecake and some of the dishes enjoyed at the restaurant can be seen here. I'm so glade everything went well for the kids. After such a long and frustrating wait to be married, it was nice to see them so happy. It was really a lovely, peaceful day filled a lot of love, laughter and many photo opportunities.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Friday, August 08, 2008

the woods


The Woods
July 18, 2008

For almost a year one of our kids patiently awaited the coveted K1 visa. During that time spent here, there was a calming force to help ease the anxiety and stress - water. Our view is incredible! It's calming, relaxing and refreshing to the spirit. Of all of our kids I knew city living would not go hand in hand with this one so I really worried after the K1 arrived. I worried constantly hoping the surrounding environment would be as soothing and as close to nature as this kid needs.

We arrived in Wisconsin after dark so I really didn't get to see much other than the huge or voracious mosquitoes. The next morning I wandered onto the back deck to be greeted with this amazing view. The woods unfolded before my eyes with all the sights and sounds. Finally I could relax knowing this would be a good, soothing place! The neighbours much like ours are close enough to be friendly and offer help if needed yet far enough away to give privacy. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and while not the sights and sounds of the water it has it's own unique sights and sound. At night various wildlife visit while coyotes howl in the distance. Absolutely stunning!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Chicago


Chicago Skyline
July 17, 2008

Note: The last few entries have been about our recent Wisconsin trip and not a current road trip. I will continue highlighting interesting details from this trip mingled with whatever else I find interesting at the time so I do hope you enjoy this trip's highlights.

I have to admit to loving cityscapes but only because they are such a vivid reminder that humans are the only animals that can change their environment in the way they do. We don't like the cold so we invented indoor heating. We don't like the hot, muggy weather so we invented air conditioning. We have modified our environment to such a degree it really is mind boggling. Nowhere is that more apparent than in cities. What is even more thought provoking as I take pictures of cityscapes is you really are seeing a facade. Out of range of the camera's eye there are so many activities, sights and sounds happening, some good and some not so good. Some are just plain evil and yet the city's facade glosses that over with the towering buildings. It's only when you drive through the city you get a better feel for it and better still is walking yet there are places in any city that you would not want to walk.

Chicago's skyline is marked with the Sears Tower the tallest highrise as pictured above is impressive! . It is hard to take pictures of skylines from the inside of a moving vehicle yet I think this one came out not too bad. It was getting close to 8:30 pm so the light was really getting pour and my camera does not take good landscape pictures with the flash. So I settled back to enjoy the rest of the ride to Wisconsin. We arrived there almost two hours ahead of our estimated time of arrival, not bad for getting a late start to the trip.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008



The Circle
July 17, 2007

As we neared the downtown area of Chicago on the Kennedy Expressway there were lit signs as to how many minutes it was from that point to certain exits and something called the circle. We had no idea what the circle was so had to google it when we arrived at the kids. The Circle Interchange is where four [Kennedy Expressway - northbound, Dan Ryan Expressway - southbound, Eisenhower Expressway - westbound and Congress Parkway - eastbound] highways converge on the downtown area forming a a huge mess of spaghetti with the many entrance and exit ramps. It is the centre of the Chicago's downtown area and let me tell you it is impressive!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Tuesday, August 05, 2008

approaching Chicago


Approaching Chicago
July 17, 2008

As we approached Chicago around 8:20 pm the traffic increased and there were a lot more signs to get pictures of as well as traffic, construction and buildings. We stayed on I-94 instead of going the Skyway because my husband wanted to make up time instead of sight see. Our primary concern was to get to the kids as early in the evening as possible and we already knew it would be after 10 pm, closer to 11 pm if not a bit later.

Our road trips tend to fall into three categories: mosey and get there when we do with a lot of sight seeing; flexible but want or need to be there within an hour or two of the ETA; and have to be there by that time no ifs, ands or buts. I much prefer the first type of travel and don't mind the second but the third always causes anxiety. These are trips that include "getting to the airport on time" or "catching the last ferry*" or with the boat "when the bridge is open**" trips.

* The worst of the catching the last ferry trips was back when I was expecting one of our kids. Two of the kids were safely tucked in their car seats. Back then seat belts were just a suggestion but I was a stickler in the car didn't move if everyone wasn't strapped in. We were heading home for a visit and had to catch the Chi-Cheemaun from South Baymouth to Tobermory and we had a reservation for the 10 pm ferry. We hit Baldwin the point to turn down to South Baymouth hitting Espanola then realizing we were cutting our timing very short. Missing that ferry would have meant we would be sleeping in the car that night and the ferry reservation would have been lost something we could not afford at that time. Well to make a long story short, we were flying down an unfamiliar road full of curves, in the dark. We pulled up as they were loading!

** A lot of times when traversing smaller waterways you have to wait for the bridge to go up so your boat can pass through. This can be a problem is the bridge only opens on a schedule like hourly. If you miss the opening then you have to sit and wait until the next opening. Consider the consequences of not only storms but hot and humid conditions that can be stiffling at best. Ideally you want to be in line to go through about 15 minutes before the bridge opens because other boaters also know about this problem.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Monday, August 04, 2008

entering Illinois


Entering Illinois
July 17, 2008

We entered Illinois at 7:42 pm, only four hours and twenty minutes after leaving the tire place. Up to that point we had been making good time and the trip had been uneventful. Traffic was indeed heavier with more than a few less than considerate drivers. Honestly, the chances some drivers take is beyond imagination! Then we hit the wonderful construction with lane closures and reduced speeds mingled with a few "I'm more important than you so I'll jam in between you and the car ahead then slam on my breaks just because I can.", a few "What the heck am I thinking?" and the ever precious "I knew I wanted that exit a half hour ago so let me through while I jump across 4 lanes of traffic!" types. It's a good thing my husband was driving because my nerves were raw and my startle reflex was on heightened alert. That was before we hit Chicago!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008


Saturday, August 02, 2008

entering Indiana


Entering Indiana
July 17, 2008

We entered Indiana on I-94 a little over three and a half hours (6:56 pm) from leaving the tire store (3:30 pm). At that point we were 30 miles from the Illinois state line. My husband was pleased as that meant we would avoid a lot of the heavier traffic going through Chicago. It also meant we were making better time than we thought we would so would arrive in Wisconsin a couple of hours before our estimated time of arrival after taking the delays into consideration. So far the trip was going remarkably smooth!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008