Backyard Man

My dad made this wood sculpture years ago and it now sits outside in my folks backyard. Kind of looks like an Australian Aboriginie doesn't it?

I know this will sound funny, but Bike man and I will be bringing home rocks.....Lake Superior rocks! My parents collected rocks they found around Lake Superior, but now they need to move them away from their house since they will be having some landscaping redone. Do you want the Lake Superior rocks my mom asked? Sure why not. We can always find room for rocks in our yard!!!

Heading back home tomorrow.

PS. Check out my Turtle Recipes menu for my Italian Toscana soup recipe.......delicious!

Bite Size

I couldn't resist these little pastries. I'm emphasizing little......like bite-size! Stopped at Whole Foods Market in Madison today and bought these little tasty treats.

Left Milwaukee after my conference ended and headed towards my home turf to visit my folks for the weekend. But first, we had to stop in Madison to visit some of Bike Man's river monitoring colleagues. I can't help it, I love Madison......the only city that I ever lived in and my heart still holds a special place here. However, I still wouldn't trade it for my country life. Nope!!!!!

Good Morning Milwaukee

It's amazing what you can see from the 23rd floor. Good morning Milwaukee.

And who is this pretty lady? This is Bike man's 92 year old mother. We were able to go and visit her late today and spend several hours with her. My mother-in-law is such a sweet lady. Even though she doesn't remember who I am, I still love her just the same.

Buttery Love

First things first......the dessert. Is that amazing or what? Simple & beautiful presentation. A little apple, caramel, butter pastry, whipped cream with a touch of strawberry for color. Who cares what I had for my lunch......it's all about the dessert!

Every year I attend the youth services luncheon just so I can listen to the well-known children's author. Of course it's my job to sit there and suffer through the luncheon.....it's a tough job my friends.

Our luncheon today was in the famous Crystal Ballroom at the historic Milwaukee Hilton (downtown). After sitting down at the table, I looked up to see this ornate embossed medal work.....so beautiful.

Full day of excellent sessions and networking with other librarians. Used my iPad today and I'm totally loving the convenience of this lightweight tablet for note taking and wireless Internet. No more lugging around a laptop!

Downtown Milwaukee

Wow, it's 56 degrees here in Milwaukee tonight! Ironically, it just so happens to be our wedding anniversary today......yeah, I know 28 years.....gasp!!!!! I'm attending my annual Wisconsin library convention and Bike man came along to visit his mother here in Milwaukee.

Downtown Milwaukee? It's hard to imagine my mother grew up here in the city!

A Night for Kids

Halloween is certainly for the children. Lots of smiles, lots of candy and lots of excitement. Unfortunately, we don't get any trick or treater's for Halloween. The only thing I can think of is that all the neighborhood kids have grown up and we no longer have young children living close by. I kind of miss the knock at the door and the famous shout......trick or treat! Oh well, guess Bike man and I will just have to polish off all the extra candy I bought!

Spent Time Outdoors

Another Saturday consisted of chores and some late afternoon yard work. I couldn't resist.....got the urge to build another fire with all those lovely pine cones that fell from the pine trees. Bike man decided to help by cutting a few birch logs for my outdoor fire. Thanks BM!!!!

Birch wood is my favorite. It has a wonderful spicy smell as it burns.....I love that smell. A perfect day for a fire with the cool fall temperatures.

What could be better than a wood fire, a little outdoor yard work, and a flavorful glass of red wine? I love fall.......