Booked a trip through CheapCaribbean for a Secrets surprise, 4 nights at one of three Secrets resorts in the Riviera Maya area. Found out a week ahead that it would be the Capri, the smallest and oldest of the three, but we were very satisfied with the resort. It was nice to have a smaller place that didn't require you to run all over creation to access the facilities. There was a very nice breakfast buffet. They also served lunch there which we tried once. A free-standing building by the pool area housed another lunch restaurant where we had our first and last days' lunch. I had a delicious seafood soup on both occasions. We lunched there one other day as well. The seafood restaurant for evenings was upstairs but we never made it there.
We had sushi at the Japanese restaurant our first night that was very good. Our second day was Mardi Gras so we partook of the evening buffet on the beach. It was nice, but not outstanding food. We sat with some outgoing couples from British Columbia. The third evening we ate at Portofino, the Italian/fine food restaurant. It was so amazing I was glad I hadn't eaten there the first night or I couldn't have borne to eat anywhere else! The roast lamb was wonderful as was the steak I had the next (and last) night.
Very much enjoyed just relaxing in the sun on the beach. Took a daily Pilates class for about an hour on the lawn adjacent to the beach with Shelley, an instructor from New Jersey who was invited for the week with her husband. Toured the kitchens, took a sushi-rolling class with Bob, and watched a Japanese cooking demo one afternoon.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Nov 11-14, 2010 Minneapolis with Bob
Stayed at the Sofitel but the chocolate option was not available. Did not do brunch, but enjoyed breakfasts in the hotel restaurant. Many good meals.
Oct 8-17, 2010 Galapagos
Next in the "Trip of a Lifetime" series. Hopefully not the last. Bob and I flew into Guayaquil, Ecuador where we met the tour group from Jetsetter. They took us to the Hilton where we overnighted and enjoyed breakfast, then were transported back to the airport to fly a local carrier out to the islands. We were then transferred to the National Geographic Endeavor, our onboard home for the next several days. Our cabin was small but comfortable, and I found the little twin bunks very comfy.
We experienced wonderful hikes, accessing islands via inflatable Zodiacs in groups of around 14 people. We kept lifevests in our room so we could be suited up and ready to go. We were fitted with shorty wetsuits for snorkeling which were set aside for our use on the trip. Bob and I had purchased running tights and long-sleeve rashguards, as well as neoprene booties to wear underneath. I was extremely grateful for any additional warmth as the water was so cold I was certain I had jumped to my death the first time I entered the water. We could only stand to snorkel for about 45 min at a time in spite of amazing things to see.
We experienced wonderful hikes, accessing islands via inflatable Zodiacs in groups of around 14 people. We kept lifevests in our room so we could be suited up and ready to go. We were fitted with shorty wetsuits for snorkeling which were set aside for our use on the trip. Bob and I had purchased running tights and long-sleeve rashguards, as well as neoprene booties to wear underneath. I was extremely grateful for any additional warmth as the water was so cold I was certain I had jumped to my death the first time I entered the water. We could only stand to snorkel for about 45 min at a time in spite of amazing things to see.
Sept 22-25, 2010 North Shore color
Brief sojourn to the North Shore for hiking and appreciation of fall color. I have never seen color this intense or beautiful. Took many, many photographs which can't begin to do it justice. Stayed at the Lutsen Resort which was lovely. Breakfasts were very good. We were able to book sea kayaking with the resort activities person. Because it was somewhat chilly and very windy, we were the only guests brave enough to try it. The first day the winds were too high for Superior and also for the nearby inland lake they use as a fallback so they said they would try again our second day. We were successful using the inland lake on that day and had a great time. Hiked in the woods and also discovered a drive back to a little maple syrup place along the most amazing tree-lined roads ablaze with color. Did that drive on two successive days to appreciate color we may never see again. Bought some syrup on our second trip.
Sept 4-5, 2010 MN State Fair
Stayed at the Sofitel this year since we are here on my actual birthday. Got dinner recommendations from Kurt and Barb and settled on a little Latin restaurant in the neighborhood where they used to live. Very nice. Great time at the fair as usual.
July 23-24, 2010 St. Brendan's
Discovered a delightful new Irish inn in Green Bay called St. Brendan's. Booked their 2-night special for $199 that includes breakfast both days and dinner one evening. Arrived for dinner on Friday and discovered the Captain's Walk Winery about a block away. Did a wine tasting there and then had dinner at St. Brendan's. They have a wonderful menu and entree's range from the $10 range to more expensive options, all of which are great. Had less expensive fish and chips on our own nickel Friday night.
After a lovely breakfast at the inn, checked out the farmers market briefly, then drove to Door Co. Had a light lunch at Julie's. Too rainy to pick cherries and a poor harvest this year limited the number of places where they were available. Found a little shop farther up the peninsula where we could purchase a few fresh cherries. Ran into Fr. Tom in the store there. Back to St. Brendan's for our included dinner where we tried some of the higher-priced fare that was also delicious.
Sunday morning we enjoyed another delicious breakfast at the inn, went to a nearby church, and headed back to Point.
After a lovely breakfast at the inn, checked out the farmers market briefly, then drove to Door Co. Had a light lunch at Julie's. Too rainy to pick cherries and a poor harvest this year limited the number of places where they were available. Found a little shop farther up the peninsula where we could purchase a few fresh cherries. Ran into Fr. Tom in the store there. Back to St. Brendan's for our included dinner where we tried some of the higher-priced fare that was also delicious.
Sunday morning we enjoyed another delicious breakfast at the inn, went to a nearby church, and headed back to Point.
July 2-3, 2010 Star Wars concert
Overnight at the Hotel Sierra in Green Bay in preparation for the Star Wars concert at the Resch center tomorrow afternoon. Enjoyed their bountiful breakfast buffet and checked out the farmer's market downtown before heading to the concert.
June 20-22, 2010 North Shore hiking
Took a little Hiker's Special 2-night trip to Cascade Lodge at the North Shore to appreciate the trails. The lodge was kind of funky. We stayed in one of their "motel" units in a little 3-room building. The bed and shower were mediocre, but the atmosphere of the resort was nice and breakfasts were very good. We arrived early enough on Sunday evening to do a shorter hike around a high lake near the resort. We ate a fabulous dinner at Chez Jude for Father's Day. Bob had the house-smoked ribs that were amazing and I had wonderful lamb.
They packed us a nice picnic lunch and suggested a very nice hike up the waterfall trail of the adjacent State park on Monday. The hike took about 5 hours and was lovely and sunny, but clouds rolled in toward the end. By the time we returned, it was just getting ready for a light rain, but we were zonked and took a brief nap so we didn't care if it rained. When we woke up, it was letting up for the most part, so we drove into Grand Marais, did a little shopping, and had a great dinner at the Crooked Spoon.
We got up early on Tuesday to get in another hike for about 1 1/2 hours before breakfast and then a long 7-hour drive home.
They packed us a nice picnic lunch and suggested a very nice hike up the waterfall trail of the adjacent State park on Monday. The hike took about 5 hours and was lovely and sunny, but clouds rolled in toward the end. By the time we returned, it was just getting ready for a light rain, but we were zonked and took a brief nap so we didn't care if it rained. When we woke up, it was letting up for the most part, so we drove into Grand Marais, did a little shopping, and had a great dinner at the Crooked Spoon.
We got up early on Tuesday to get in another hike for about 1 1/2 hours before breakfast and then a long 7-hour drive home.
May 27-June 2, 2010 Oregon
Flew out to Oregon on May 27 by myself as Bob and Michael had driven out in the truck on May 15 to help Kitty get her old house fixed for sale and start preparing their new mansion for occupancy. Michael decided he was miserable being away from home so long and couldn't bear to stay any longer. Purchased him a return flight ticket and picked him up at the airport before I left so instead of me flying home as I had planned, I rode home in the truck with Bob so he wouldn't have to drive back alone.
Stayed at Kitty's huge house for a couple of nights and got in some excellent walks around their hilly neighborhood. Went down to Medford and stayed at a beautiful huge country home that Kitty had rented for the group. Bob and I were able to secure one of the bedrooms with en suite bath at the top of the stairs so we had a nice retreat. The property had an amazing kitchen. Catlyn is a great cook and took charge of most breakfasts. I was requested to make homemade mac n cheese which was well-received.
We did a group hike up a nearby mountain arranged by Phil. I did not go with the group all the way to the peak as the final section had a climb up a steep section of rock that I could have done but would really not have liked coming back down. I opted out of that portion and waited with Geoff for the adventurous group to return to descend together.
The drive home was actually a nice time for Bob and I. We found some fun little restaurants along the way and enjoyed the relaxation.
Stayed at Kitty's huge house for a couple of nights and got in some excellent walks around their hilly neighborhood. Went down to Medford and stayed at a beautiful huge country home that Kitty had rented for the group. Bob and I were able to secure one of the bedrooms with en suite bath at the top of the stairs so we had a nice retreat. The property had an amazing kitchen. Catlyn is a great cook and took charge of most breakfasts. I was requested to make homemade mac n cheese which was well-received.
We did a group hike up a nearby mountain arranged by Phil. I did not go with the group all the way to the peak as the final section had a climb up a steep section of rock that I could have done but would really not have liked coming back down. I opted out of that portion and waited with Geoff for the adventurous group to return to descend together.
The drive home was actually a nice time for Bob and I. We found some fun little restaurants along the way and enjoyed the relaxation.
April 23-24, 2010 Overnight in Madison
Found a good deal on Hotwire for the East Towne Suites, so Bob and I had a little 28-hour vacation that was very relaxing and rejuvenating. Had a hot breakfast at the hotel, went to the Farmer's Market and enjoyed a crepe and coffee at a little shop across from the parking ramp. Bought some tomato plants and flowers at the market. Fun.
Nov 19-22, 2009 Minneapolis with Bob
Annual fun trip to Minneapolis, but now Bob gets to come because Grandma is in the nursing home. Again took advantage of the extra night special at Sofitel with the chocolate extras. The afternoon treat plate was almost too much chocolate. We also enjoyed the brunch and were seated by the fireplace, but I probably won't expend the extra money again. $33/person is really a lot for a brunch, no matter how spectacular.
Aug 15-27, 2009 Richmond, VA visit w/Grandma
Took Grandma on an airplane to visit Laura in Richmond. We had a hotel in a developed suburb of Richmond where we stayed for the week. Laura was quite busy with work so couldn't join us for touring, but usually was able to join us for dinners. She wanted us to try a different place every evening so she introduced us to some of her favorites. One evening Grandma ordered fried green tomato lasagna that was served in a loaf-pan-sized portion so huge it would have fed all of us!
Bob, Laura, and Michael did a movie with Keaton one evening. We took Grandma to Colonial Williamsburg for a couple days of touring and down to the oceanside one day. We also had a lovely visit to the botanical gardens.
Temperatures were quite hot which didn't delight anyone but me. Bob and I got in a couple of walks but the area where we stayed was decidedly NOT pedestrian-friendly.
Bob, Laura, and Michael did a movie with Keaton one evening. We took Grandma to Colonial Williamsburg for a couple days of touring and down to the oceanside one day. We also had a lovely visit to the botanical gardens.
Temperatures were quite hot which didn't delight anyone but me. Bob and I got in a couple of walks but the area where we stayed was decidedly NOT pedestrian-friendly.
Sept 25-26, 2009 Green Bay w/Phil and Leigha
Overnight at Hotel Sierra in downtown Green Bay. Phil and Leigha joined us for drinks in the lounge on Friday night. We had gotten a great package deal that included 2 free drinks each, a pitcher of margaritas, an appetizer basket, and a basket of goodies in the room in addition to a room the size of a football field and a bountiful breakfast buffet all for $99/night. We had one of the drinks before heading out to a sushi place for dinner Friday night, then gave Phil and Leigha the other free drink tickets. They also helped us with the margaritas and appetizer basket.
They joined us for breakfast the following morning, and then we hopped in our car and drove them up to Door County for the day. We had a memorable lunch at The Cookery together. They are heading on to finish their VW bus trip around the country soon; they will head through Vermont and visit Laura in Richmond. They are starting to get anxious to return home to Oregon so will likely not stretch out the remaining journey too long.
They joined us for breakfast the following morning, and then we hopped in our car and drove them up to Door County for the day. We had a memorable lunch at The Cookery together. They are heading on to finish their VW bus trip around the country soon; they will head through Vermont and visit Laura in Richmond. They are starting to get anxious to return home to Oregon so will likely not stretch out the remaining journey too long.
July 31-Aug 2, 2009 Door Co
Took Grandma to Door County as a birthday gift/celebration. Took her to eat at her beloved Summer Kitchen. Stopped to pick cherries.
June 21-July 2, 2009 Hiking in the French Alps
First in a series of "Trips of a Lifetime"! Amazing hiking vacation with Bob through Headwater. Flew into Geneva where we were met at the airport and taxied to Les Gets, France.
Mar 15-20, 2009 Door County
Spring break at the Newport with Grandma. Excellent food, lovely restful trip.
Feb 21, 2009 Wicked
Day trip to Appleton to see Wicked at their lovely theater facility. Walked across the street to Victoria's for Italian dinner for two.
Nov 6-9, 2008 Minneapolis with Grandma
Took Grandma to the Sofitel for our annual sojourn and extended our usual time by a day to take advantage of a special at the Sofitel centered around chocolate. They included an afternoon treat of chocolate and all breakfasts, a box of chocolates in the room. We used our breakfast credit on Sunday to apply to the expensive and expansive brunch at the hotel which was truly the most amazing brunch I have ever experienced. We were seated at a table by the fireplace and were thoroughly stuffed to head home.
Sept 26-27, 2008
Ovenight in Minneapolis at Sofitel. Had found a tremendous special on their website including dinner at their restaurant, breakfast, and the room for a great rate. We had their sampler dinner with a complimentary glass of wine in the hotel. Bob picked up his truck that he had arranged for purchase online.
Aug 22-23, 2008 MN State Fair
First time we ever attended the first weekend of the MN State Fair instead of Labor Day weekend, but the Republicans are scheduled to begin their election year convention in St. Paul the day after Labor Day and I didn't want to chance being in town with those folks.
July 27-31, 2008 Cove Point Lodge
Took Grandma up to the North Shore of Lake Superior in MN to celebrate her 90th birthday. She is getting a little more frail so that a 2-week vacation would likely be a bit much, so a shorter time seems better. She was able to make it up the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse, and was pleased to overhear someone in the staging area when she got down say to his friend that if that old lady could handle the climb, he had better be able to do so as well.
The lodge was very nice and had a lovely breakfast buffet. They let me come down the night before Grandma's birthday and put up Happy Birthday banners to greet her in the morning. We also decorated in the room and brought her a birthday hat to wear. She walked along the trails by a wayside and about a half mile to the waterfall area of a park.
We could see and hear the waves of Lake Superior from our room which was restful and lovely. Grandma sat in a chair by the window at times during the day when we wanted to explore the area a bit more actively.
The lodge was very nice and had a lovely breakfast buffet. They let me come down the night before Grandma's birthday and put up Happy Birthday banners to greet her in the morning. We also decorated in the room and brought her a birthday hat to wear. She walked along the trails by a wayside and about a half mile to the waterfall area of a park.
We could see and hear the waves of Lake Superior from our room which was restful and lovely. Grandma sat in a chair by the window at times during the day when we wanted to explore the area a bit more actively.
July 10-11, 2008
I had a conference in Ashland, so Bob and Michael rode along in the rental car and we spent the night at the Americinn. They hung out at the hotel and enjoyed the pool/waterpark area while I attended the conference, then we enjoyed a meal at the South Shore Brewery before heading home.
June 13-22, 2008 St. Maarten with Michael
Celebrated Michael's 17th birthday in St. Maarten. Stayed at the Sapphire again and Michael used the pull-out couch. It was nice because we didn't have to pay extra to have a third person in the room and he was quite comfortable with a balcony view of the ocean.
Initially St. Maarten was not what Michael expected and he was uncomfortable with being in the towns where not everything was resorts and the unreality of tourist areas. He wanted to go home within a day or so of arriving, but fortunately we had the snorkeling expedition with Captain Alan scheduled for the next day. We met the boats and spent most of a day on the ocean and snorkeling in beautiful areas. Michael had a blast and was converted to a fan of St. Maarten from then on.
He enjoyed the daily breakfasts at Zee Best, both locations in Simpson Bay and in the little French area. Bought him a beautiful French fruit tart for his birthday cake. Had dinner on his birthday at Pegleg Pete's? There was a musician and we had a great dinner. We had planned to go to the French side to Mario's but the prices were outrageous and Michael was very happy with the place we did go.
We had cheeseburgers and beverages at a little pub on the French side run by a friend of Maryvonne's one day for lunch and were overwhelmed when the bill came to over $60. We decided at that point that we would find restaurants on the Dutch side. We did wander the market in Marigot and did souvenir shopping in Phillipsburg.
Initially St. Maarten was not what Michael expected and he was uncomfortable with being in the towns where not everything was resorts and the unreality of tourist areas. He wanted to go home within a day or so of arriving, but fortunately we had the snorkeling expedition with Captain Alan scheduled for the next day. We met the boats and spent most of a day on the ocean and snorkeling in beautiful areas. Michael had a blast and was converted to a fan of St. Maarten from then on.
He enjoyed the daily breakfasts at Zee Best, both locations in Simpson Bay and in the little French area. Bought him a beautiful French fruit tart for his birthday cake. Had dinner on his birthday at Pegleg Pete's? There was a musician and we had a great dinner. We had planned to go to the French side to Mario's but the prices were outrageous and Michael was very happy with the place we did go.
We had cheeseburgers and beverages at a little pub on the French side run by a friend of Maryvonne's one day for lunch and were overwhelmed when the bill came to over $60. We decided at that point that we would find restaurants on the Dutch side. We did wander the market in Marigot and did souvenir shopping in Phillipsburg.
May 22-26, 2008 Oregon trip
I believe this is the year that Phil and Leigha celebrated their wedding in the park in Ashland with a family picnic. They had actually married in a small ceremony in Catherine's apartment a few weeks earlier, but this was a big celebration with family and friends at a potluck in the park.
Mar 16-19, 2008 Door County
Spring Break, one of those frustrating years when it coincides with Holy Week so we have to return on Thursday for church activities. Still had a nice time for the few days we were able to spend at Newport with Michael and Grandma. Good dinner on St Patrick's Day at Liberty Square.
July 28-Aug 10, 2007
Driving vacation with Michael and Grandma. Started out in Minneapolis and met up with Kurt and Barb who took us to a heritage museum site. We did Italian dinner for Grandma's birthday. I believe we went down to the Amana Colonies next and did a driving tour.
June 29-July 1, 2007 Camping
I believe this was a camping weekend at the resort in Baraboo with hiking at Devil's Lake. Michael brought Nick and Ryan Zdroik along in the camper. I don't think Ryan had ever been to Devil's Lake before either. Ryan was a great helper around the campsite. After we returned, he sent us a thank you note with a $10 Emy J's gift card for including him on the trip.
May 23-28, 2007 Memorial Day weekend in OR
First year that I participated in the annual Memorial Day trips to Oregon. Drove down to Chicago on Wed and stayed overnight at a park-and-fly hotel; flew out on Thursday.
Feb 9-13, 2007 Cancun
Bob and I did a Cheap Caribbean vacation to a brand new resort in Cancun, the Royal. It was still being completed, so some restaurants opened for the first time while we were there. We had to request to move rooms after the first night because they were doing construction on the wing we were in and started early in the morning which was less than pleasant. They moved us to a wonderful corner suite with extra amenities.
One of my fondest memories from this trip was the incredible foot-thick foam mattresses which made it one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept on. Combine this with waking up to look out the patio window to the sun on the ocean and I never wanted to get out of bed!
I also have fond memories of the octopus salad from the little restaurant that sat at the end of the pool complex on the edge of the ocean. We had lunch there several times. I remember watching a group of young men getting tray after tray of colorful drinks and pounding them down. We chose to use our all-inclusive privileges in a more moderate fashion, having mimosas with breakfast, occasional drinks around the pool, and usually a drink with meals. I have no interest in hangovers on vacation.
One of my fondest memories from this trip was the incredible foot-thick foam mattresses which made it one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept on. Combine this with waking up to look out the patio window to the sun on the ocean and I never wanted to get out of bed!
I also have fond memories of the octopus salad from the little restaurant that sat at the end of the pool complex on the edge of the ocean. We had lunch there several times. I remember watching a group of young men getting tray after tray of colorful drinks and pounding them down. We chose to use our all-inclusive privileges in a more moderate fashion, having mimosas with breakfast, occasional drinks around the pool, and usually a drink with meals. I have no interest in hangovers on vacation.
Nov 16-18, 2006 Minneapolis with Grandma
Annual trip to Minneapolis for shopping and food. Grandma uses a wheelchair in Mall of America but gets around okay in other stores.
Sept 2-3. 2006 MN State Fair
Annual treat for my birthday weekend. I believe Nick again accompanied us.
July 31-Aug 10, 2004
Just listed on family calendar as "vacation". Will need to search memory to recall where we went that year. I am assuming this was a driving vacation with Grandma, perhaps the year that Laura was coming off the final break-up with Colin and was a little pile of misery in the back of the van. We were incapable of providing consolation and it was terrible to watch her suffer and not be able to help.
I believe this may have been the year we drove out to Oregon, possibly the year I had the horrible altercation with Catherine after spending the day with the family helping her to pack up her belongings from the trailer in anticipation of moving to her assisted living. I collapsed in a corner with a book, then realized Bob was allowing Michael to watch an age-inappropriate Adam Sandler movie. When I confronted Bob angrily, Catherine took in to me for yelling at him and the scene became very ugly. I would not back down from feeling that Bob (or someone else who was watching the movie) should have realized that this was not appropriate content for a boy his age, and Catherine would not stop berating me. Michael ran out to the car and wouldn't come back in, Laura and my mom went out with him and we just left. Nasty day. I have never really been able to feel affectionate to Catherine since.
I believe this may have been the year we drove out to Oregon, possibly the year I had the horrible altercation with Catherine after spending the day with the family helping her to pack up her belongings from the trailer in anticipation of moving to her assisted living. I collapsed in a corner with a book, then realized Bob was allowing Michael to watch an age-inappropriate Adam Sandler movie. When I confronted Bob angrily, Catherine took in to me for yelling at him and the scene became very ugly. I would not back down from feeling that Bob (or someone else who was watching the movie) should have realized that this was not appropriate content for a boy his age, and Catherine would not stop berating me. Michael ran out to the car and wouldn't come back in, Laura and my mom went out with him and we just left. Nasty day. I have never really been able to feel affectionate to Catherine since.
July 15-28, 2006 Vacation
Another unspecified vacation on the calendar. Possibly this is the year Michael, Grandma, Bob and I drove out to the Canadian Rockies. That was a wonderful trip with a variety of really nice lodging, especially the hotel in Banff that was right next to the fancy Banff lodge and shared its amenities. We could walk across the parking lot to use the pool and enjoy the amazing breakfast buffet. Dinner in the fancy restaurant was also amazing; we shared some of the entrees since no one has a big appetite and we don't have the option of taking doggie bags on the road.
Stayed one night in a condo-type unit in Fergie, BC that was truly awesome. Grandma had her own bedroom and bathroom, Bob and I had a nice bedroom, Michael had the pull-out couch in the living room. There was a washer/dryer complete with detergent in the unit so I could do the laundry from the first half of the trip and everyone had clean clothes to choose from. There were huge hills since it was a ski resort. Bob and Michael wanted to rent mountain bikes to bomb the trails. I went out walking on the hillsides and gave in to the impulse to belt out "The Hills are Alive" at the top of one.
Stayed one night in a condo-type unit in Fergie, BC that was truly awesome. Grandma had her own bedroom and bathroom, Bob and I had a nice bedroom, Michael had the pull-out couch in the living room. There was a washer/dryer complete with detergent in the unit so I could do the laundry from the first half of the trip and everyone had clean clothes to choose from. There were huge hills since it was a ski resort. Bob and Michael wanted to rent mountain bikes to bomb the trails. I went out walking on the hillsides and gave in to the impulse to belt out "The Hills are Alive" at the top of one.
May 19-21, 2006 Camp at Devil's Lake
I suspect we actually camped at the private campground in Baraboo near Devil's Lake, but we spent a lot of time at Devil's Lake park, hiking on the rock trails, etc.
I believe Michael brought Pete Irwin and Nick Kubisiak along this time. We stopped on Saturday noon at the arts/crafts festival in downtown Baraboo where we walked through the booths and had great street food. I seem to remember eating buffalo burgers. In the afternoon, we took the boys to the park where I don't believe either of them had been before. They had an awesome time climbing on the rocks. I did the bluff trail and amazingly met the boys in the middle of the upper trail just as they crested the top of the piles. Bob stayed with the boys to supervise so no one fell to their demise. Supper at the Log Cabin in Baraboo on Friday night, campfire hot dogs (Pete burned his dog to a blackened crisp on purpose). Breakfast one day of Nueske bacon, fried eggs, fried potatoes. Fun.
I believe Michael brought Pete Irwin and Nick Kubisiak along this time. We stopped on Saturday noon at the arts/crafts festival in downtown Baraboo where we walked through the booths and had great street food. I seem to remember eating buffalo burgers. In the afternoon, we took the boys to the park where I don't believe either of them had been before. They had an awesome time climbing on the rocks. I did the bluff trail and amazingly met the boys in the middle of the upper trail just as they crested the top of the piles. Bob stayed with the boys to supervise so no one fell to their demise. Supper at the Log Cabin in Baraboo on Friday night, campfire hot dogs (Pete burned his dog to a blackened crisp on purpose). Breakfast one day of Nueske bacon, fried eggs, fried potatoes. Fun.
Mar 19-24, 2005 Door Co Spring Break
Spring Break at the Newport with Grandma. She gets the second bedroom in our 2-bedroom unit and Michael uses the pull-out couch in the living room. Lots of good eating at Al Johnson's, the Mexican place near the market, Liberty Square. Breakfasts at the White Gull. Yum!
Feb 25-Mar 2, 2006 Arizona visit to James
First solo vacation without family. Flew out of CWA and into Phoenix where James met me at the airport. He almost didn't recognize me because I've put on a bit of weight since he left the area. Stayed in the spare front bedroom at James' neat little house. He lives in a nice residential neighborhood where most front "lawns" are green concrete or artificial turf. A few try to maintain real grass somewhere.
James showed me the sights of the area. We went to a little downtown festival one day. We took in one of the big malls. Had a Mexican dinner with Jonathan. My favorite day was when we went hiking in the little mountain/desert area a little way outside of town. Took lots of photos, some of which still grace a display hanging on the archway to the living room. I had a nice photo display of outdoor shots from several vacations (Arizona, Canadian Rockies, etc) in my office at one point, but when I moved to CSP, I didn't have room for all the prints. Now I just put them into the computer and run slide shows on my screensaver.
James showed me the sights of the area. We went to a little downtown festival one day. We took in one of the big malls. Had a Mexican dinner with Jonathan. My favorite day was when we went hiking in the little mountain/desert area a little way outside of town. Took lots of photos, some of which still grace a display hanging on the archway to the living room. I had a nice photo display of outdoor shots from several vacations (Arizona, Canadian Rockies, etc) in my office at one point, but when I moved to CSP, I didn't have room for all the prints. Now I just put them into the computer and run slide shows on my screensaver.
Oct 28-30, 2005 Waterbury Inn
A return visit to the Waterbury Inn in Door County. Fall in Door County is a beautiful time. Trees are lovely, shops are having end-of-season sales, food is delicious as always.
Sept 3-4, 2005 MN State Fair
Annual overnight to Minnesota State Fair. Michael may have brought Nick Kubisiak along.
July 6-19, 2005
Driving trip out east with Grandma and Michael. This was the first year I tried a different tack in scheduling reservations before leaving home. Instead of just searching out inexpensive chain hotel, I looked for fun places in the cities we would be passing through and found a series of very fun hotels. Stayed at a restored old downtown hotel, a country estate-type inn, an off-season ski lodge, etc.
Had a great time anticipating and then enjoying the interesting places we stayed. Great food. Ben N Jerry's. Nuff said.
Had a great time anticipating and then enjoying the interesting places we stayed. Great food. Ben N Jerry's. Nuff said.
Mar 21-23, 2005 Chula Vista
Found a deal on weekly travel deals site for "all-inclusive" vacation at Chula Vista resort in Wis Dells. Grandma and Grandpa came also.
Food was mediocre, but we could have whatever we liked. We could also stop down to the bar for a drink if we cared to. Took Grandma down one afternoon for a grasshopper.
We weren't very impressed with the facilities. The indoor waterpark was so minimal no one even bothered to put on a swimsuit while we were there.
Food was mediocre, but we could have whatever we liked. We could also stop down to the bar for a drink if we cared to. Took Grandma down one afternoon for a grasshopper.
We weren't very impressed with the facilities. The indoor waterpark was so minimal no one even bothered to put on a swimsuit while we were there.
Nov 18-20, 2004 Sue & Grandma to Minneapolis
Another annual trip to Minneapolis for pre-Christmas shopping and eating!
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