Short Visit

Visited with my mom and dad Saturday night into Sunday.

Was so good to see the folks.

Mom continues to gain strength after her open-heart surgery....it's been 4 months now. Aren't Jack and Shirley a cute couple?

My Dear Friend

My childhood friend Margo and I were able to get together this afternoon while Bike man attended the second day of the stream monitoring symposium. Since we don't travel to the Milwaukee area very often, it was a treat to visit with my girlfriend. When I say childhood friend, I mean since age three! Margo, Lynnie (my twin) & me. Oh my, I have many stories throughout our childhood I could share.....well, probably embarrassing stories, so I will leave that to another day!

Later today we traveled west (150+ miles). Over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go! We are here visiting Mom Moo and dad in southwest Wisconsin. Heard the spring peepers tonight, so that means spring for sure.

Where Are We?

So we have obviously traveled to a large body of water. We drove east, then dropped southeast. Where are we? We arrived at Lake Michigan......

Bike man and I have traveled to Meqoun, Wisconsin to attend a stream monitoring symposium at Concordia University, north of Milwaukee. Just recently, the college completed a restoration project of their lakefront. The cost of this project was $4 million dollar. I snapped a photo of the walkway down to the lake. This was my exercise program for the morning!

This beautiful environmental building is new to the college.....another $2 million project! Our symposium is based out of this building for today and tomorrow. It was hard to believe we spent most of the day in dense fog and only a high of 58 degrees, when back home it was 75 + degrees and sunshine!

Just got back tonight from the awards dinner at a local restaurant. Brrrrrr, it's cold here in the greater Milwaukee area. Somehow I underestimated the coolness of Lake Michigan, so will dress a little warmer tomorrow. After our symposium tomorrow, we'll be moving on to our next destination.

No Snow and No Lake Ice

Worked half a day today and then we hopped in the car and drove and drove and drove. We drove east and then southeast until we reached a large body of water.....couldn't drive any further. Well actually, we reached our destination for now.....will move on however. I'll reveal our location tomorrow!

A Comfortable Niche

How is a woman suppose to pack? Come on Manny! Guess he wants to come along too!!!

Rivers Are Rising

Red Cedar River

I know it's really spring when the Red Cedar river quickly becomes swollen from melting snow. I cross this bridge five-day a week when I head to work and always watch the water level. Since the snow is melting fast, I don't think the river will rise much further. Spring certainly has arrived sooner than later.

Yesterday was a eleven-hour day at work, but today I was able to leave work at my normal time and head out on a run. Enjoyed the 59 degree temperature and the time change. I'm looking forward to a longer day, which means more time to run or bike after work. Hey Bike man, if you are reading this, I need you to change out my studs for my regular knobby tires.....thank you dear!

End of a Good Season

Maxed around 63 degrees today. I couldn't resist spending one more afternoon out on the lake....probably the last time since next week's warm temperatures will make the lake ice punky (unsafe). It was bitter sweet......winter was tolerable this season, but I'm ready to move on to spring.