Up North

We just got back in town today from our trip around the state. In short, to spare you the volumes of details, we visited friends and family throughout Wisconsin, regularly seeing in a day four different parties separated by at least an hour of driving. It got to be grueling but was well worthwhile. However, the affects were at times serious. I remember one such day.

It began with us breaking camp, loading the canoe, paddling back across the rather large lake, packing the car, driving four hours, visiting with friends for two, driving for more than another hour, and visiting again with more friends and at whose house we spent the night. Well, that last hour of driving found us in sad shape. Let's just say we've got pictures of me doing the eggbeater to 80's music driving our wagon down the interstate. We've got pictures of Andie, in the passenger's seat, doing the Hammer dance. The dog actually forced his head beneath the blankets in the back seat and refused to move until mental stability had returned to the captain's quarters. Poor dog.

There were, of course, normal times, even good times. While up north, we visited Andie's former camp, called Manitowish, and wandered around the area for a few days of camping, canoeing, and fishing. Our favorite times were in the evenings when the loon would let out its haunting call over the open water. There is something entirely unique about the North Woods. We left the north to news of my sister Dani's first child, Natalie Marie, being born; we shared the first few days with them at their home in Oshkosh, along with the rest of my immediate family. I do believe Andie and I ate and laughed more in those few days than we've done in a long time.

Unfortunately I've just been given the nod, so I need to wrap up. Tomorrow we go fishing with Andie's Dad and Grandpa, the four of us in one small boat. Hopefully none of us comes back with new earings.

Boredom Untold

To those in the area who are looking to solve their sleep problems, I will be speaking August 12 at 9:30 at East Clarno Methodist Church. The talk is titled, "2 Samuel 11: The Purpose of Privilege." Following the event will be a brunch gathering at my grandparents' home on Five Corner Rd which, in all honesty, is the only reason I'm going.

We Made It!

Hello Friends!

This is a bit overdue, but AJ and I wanted to share that we made it to Wisconsin safely on Wednesday evening (August 1st). We like to say we made it in record SLOW time! It was one of the longer 16 hour stretches we ever remembered....but we made it! Phew! We're already missing our beloved family of friends, but we're continually reminding ourselves that we are blessed to have had the opportunity to live in Denver in the first place. It was a true blessing to us! It has also been a blessing reconnecting with family and friends in Wisconsin. It made me laugh thinking of all the things we'd forgotten about Wisconsin, like:

1. The mosquito really is the state bird
2. It's so humid your hair curls
3. We can now recognize our accents!
4. Folks here know how to eat...and offer more!
5. There is so much road kill...it's so sad!
6. This IS Packer Country...everyone's mailboxes, flags, and lawn ornaments prove it!

I wish I could remember all of the other observations...but I'm coming up blank!

AJ and I wanted to sincerely thank our friends for thinking of us during our time of transition...including the Witte's who hosted a lovely Going Away Party for us (and thank you everyone who attended...we LOVED it!), Janee's yummy bread and muffins, Lonnalee's awesome peanut butter cookies, Heather's "hotel" and sweet hospitality, the Seibel's coffee pick-me-ups along the way, Jo's wonderful scents, Thao's beautiful jewelry, and many others. Thank you!! Please stay in touch! We love you guys...

AJ & Andie

P.S. WELCOME BACK STEVE HUNT!!!