Is there another northern American city that can pull off a spring break like Chicago? In August? Without a beach? Well played, Chicago, well played. Last week, Kathy and I went to Chicago for a couple of days. It’s my favorite city in the US., perhaps because of my loyalty to the Midwest. It’s an easy four-hour train ride, there is always much to do, and beautiful Lake Michigan views aren’t too far away. This visit was planned some time ago and since much of what we were going to do Continue Reading
My Trip Home to Wisconsin’s Driftless Area
If Wisconsin is a pot roast, Vernon County and Viroqua, it’s government center, are the tasty little nuggets stuck to the bottom of the pan. If you’re willing to get off the freeway and adventure a bit, you’ll realize the richness and flavor it adds to the state. I know that's a reference not everyone will know, but if you grew up in Wisconsin, you ate pot roast! Bucolic views of rolling farmland. The clippity-clop of a horse pulling an Amish buggy. Fresh, white, au naturel cheese, not Continue Reading
The Dakotas
Finally - the last post from our trip. The word “Dakota” comes from the Sioux language and means friends or allies, and our experience visiting both South and North Dakota would confirm this. We found very friendly people all along the way from Hot Springs in the far southwestern corner of South Dakota until we left the states at Fargo, North Dakota. But that’s not what drives people to these states – that’s just the cherry on the top. It’s the parks, the scenery, and a chance to be up close Continue Reading
Wandering Thoughts
The geese are back, and man, are they eating well. I like to start my mornings with a robust walk, and it’s turned into an exercise in agility, dodging all the goose poop along the route. But it’s always a time to clear my head, center my thoughts for the day and have a good conversation with myself. Guess what conclusion I came to today? I am back! The amazing part – you probably never knew I was gone. It’s been two weeks since we returned from our three month venture to Arizona which Continue Reading