Austrian Christmas Dinner/Grafton Chorus

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Peter was not responding to my texts about the Austrian Club Dinner today.  I mentioned it on Friday, and again this morning.  Just on a hunch, I wondered if he knew it was today, so I called him.  He thought it was tomorrow, like it had always been on a Sunday at Kegel's Inn.  But since our last dinner, they changed their policy, and would not open on Sunday for us.  Peter was grateful that I alerted him.  I couldn't imaging the tongue lashing he would have gotten had he missed this event.

We sat with a very nice group of people and had a delicious dinner.  Peter and I had beef rouladen, enough for extra meals.  John Puchner entertained us on the keyboard with pre-dinner music and Christmas carols afterward.

I got some cash from the ECU ATM and we spent some time at my house until it was time to go to the Grafton Chorus.

We thought we were too early when we arrived at 6:20 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. concert, but the parking spaces were full; Peter had to park some distance away.  As I was getting in line to purchase our tickets, a man asked if I'd like his tickets.  When I offered to pay, he said, "Merry Christmas".  A lady motioned for me to take the seats on the aisle. We sat down, expecting Claude to come.  When he said he wasn't coming, we sat together and Mark from Eagle River sat next to me.  We had a pleasant conversation whenever the opportunity presented itself.

The concert was very enjoyable, really put me in the Christmas spirit.  A lovely mix of secular and popular music, with children contributing with "Rudolph" and "The Holly and the Ivy".  We met Janice afterward and she and Brad suggested following them to the Hard Rock Brewery.  Peter noticed his air pressure tire light was lit and was concerned how we would get home.  Brad had a tire pump in his garage and offered to fill Peter's tire after we had a beer.  We had beers and pretzels and met Mark plus other chorus member at Hard Rock.

We drove into Brad's garage and got the tires filled.  The caution light went off before we got to Green Bay Road.

Gaudete Sunday, 2924

 Sunday, December 15, 2024    

This was really a "Rejoicing" Sunday. I lectored, but made a little flub.  I said the reading was from Zachariah instead of Zephaniah, I must have read that more than ten times.

I put my stollen for the bakery after mass; it disappeared fast.

I mixed up a batch of Nut Butter Balls and refrigerated it to form later for the memorial we'll be having on Monday for Jane Zellmer's sister.

Teri Miller told us about the Milwaukee American Legion Band concert in Oak Creek.  Some people arranged to carpool; I decided I'd go, but went by myself.  It was marvelous, all Christmas melodies.

Afterward there were two buffets, one with main-course dishes: sandwiches, salad, sausages

the other, appetizers.  A donation was suggested.

When I got home I baked about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

All Creation Waits, that I ordered for Laura, Claude, Janice, Colin and myself was delivered.  It is lovely and very informational about how animals prepare, as we prepare for Christmas.

The day ended perfectly with a Packers' win over the Seahawks 30 - 13.

Williams Bay, December, 2024

Friday, December  6, 2024

Brad and Janice were already at 127 Clover Street in Williams Bay when Claude and I arrived shortly after 3:00 p.m. The house looks deceivingly small on the outside but spacious inside.  We should be quite comfortable with one bedroom and a theater in the lower level and three bedrooms on the upper level. The kitchen is adequately furnished with plenty of room. Laura left Shorewood after her school day so arrived later, due to heavier traffic.  

Brad and Janice wasted no time trying out the hot tub in 27-degree weather.

Janice provide a baked potato bar with a lot of fixings - -very delicious and satisfying.

Saturday, December 7.

I texted Corie (property owner) that the toilet seat in the king bathroom is broken. She said she'd get a new one today.

Janice outdid herself with breakfast: hash browns from scratch with a hint of shallot, pancakes, fresh fruit flavored with fresh orange juice, fresh vanilla bean and mint. I brought bagels, cream cheese and lox; Brad made delicious coffee. 

Our plan for this morning was a walking tour of downtown Lake Geneva and a search for a caramel corn shop, that I was sure was on a side street from the main street.  Laura and I walked up one side of  Main Street, then on the other side.  Along the way, I bought a salt and pepper set, Laura found a puzzle to replace the puzzle they started that wasn't much fun, I bought another set of salt and pepper shakers that I liked better, Laura found some warm slip-ons, and at last we found a caramel corn shop; I bought two bags.  When we met the others at the car, Claude said that he bought a bag of caramel corn from a different shop. So I have three large bags of caramel corn!

We had a light lunch and sorted pieces of the new puzzle.

A shuttle trolley took us from Williams Bay High School to our 2:30 p.m. tour of Yerkes Observatory  On the way a man told us about the origin of the glass tree from Champagne, Illinois to Yerkes.

https://worldstallestglasstree.com/

Our group gathered in the Yerkes library and our guide gave us an abbreviated description and history of Yerkes.

https://yerkesobservatory.org/

We climbed some very steep steps for a look at the world's largest refractive telescope while our guide gave us a lot of information about the mechanics of how this giant contraption works-quite a feat of engineering.  

Before leaving, our guide pointed out numerous sculptures of Charles Tyson Yerkes, a major donor for whom the observatory is named.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Yerkes

He walked around the a world's tallest glass tree that is under construction with more molten glass getting added; visitors pay to add more glass. 

There was a tent with a variety goods, including some items made with glass from last year's tree.

It took longer to get to the Chop House in the Grand Geneva than we allowed, due to the traffic going to the Christmas parade. We got seated promptly.  Laura, Janice and I had soft drink cocktails; Brad and Claude had beers. Everyone enjoyed their meals: Janice, her vegan choice; Laura and Brad, filets; Claude, salmon; and I, scallops. 

Service was most attentive and we were very satisfied.  Afterward, Claude drove through the Grand Geneva Resort to enjoy all the lights, gorgeous on this clear evening.

 Sunday, December 8

Janice and Claude continued working on the puzzle, but Laura will have to finish it at home. 

The house is just as we found it. Everyone was out of the house at 10:00 a.m. The day is sunny and mild; it should be fine for going wherever we have to go: Laura to meet Jay at Rubicon to pick up a tree; Brad and Janice to Cedarburg; Claude and I to St. Francis de Sales Church for the 10:30 a.m. mass.

 After Claude picked up batteries for me a Walmart, we were on our way at 11:52 a.m. and got to St. Rita Square at about 12:30 p.m.

We discovered a tiny set of lights that are part of the tree gift from Laura, so Claude worked to untangle the wires and got it working.

 

 He also mounted my atomic clock that he fixed.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/MsZRAsFzBCUJyA9Y7

German Choruses December 1, 2024

 I always look forward to the German choruses the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  Even though I don't understand many of the songs, the music is lovely.  There are some English songs also.  The conductor is very energetic and gets a lot of music from shrinking groups.

We enjoyed stollen and coffee afterward, with Eileen and Henelore.  Frank joined our table, raising his voice when Peter made a comment.  The conversation centered on a suitable facility for Austrian American Day.

We finished the evening at Walters' with sandwiches and beer.

Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024

 It was a strange but wonderful Thanksgiving.

Laura came alone; Jay was in Lake Tahoe to be with Aleksei.  They are having difficulties because of Laura's alcoholism.  But we were so grateful that she decided to join us.

Annika was working; Anton left for Florida.

Here is Janice's email for the day.

Claude, thank you for offering to bring the Asti. Based on Laura’s last email, I was not planning on having her join us. Now it seems that Laura is reconsidering and the current plan is that Laura will join us. I know that Laura has said in the past that she does not mind alcohol being served at our gatherings. I feel strongly that serving alcohol in front of an alcoholic, especially one that is in crisis recovery mode, is insensitive. Since Laura is now joining us, I would ask that we not serve alcohol (beer, wine, Asti). This is something I would like to implement for gatherings in our home when Laura is present. I obviously have no control of things outside our home and in restaurants, etc., but at least I/we can support her in this small way.

Mom—please inform Peter that we will not be serving beer and so there is no need to bring beer.

In place of Asti, Claude, could you please provide sparkling apple juice and maybe non-alcoholic white wine and non-alcoholic beer, if you wish. I will provide some non-alcoholic cocktails and sparkling water.

Let’s please not make a big deal of this when Laura arrives. We can make light of it and just say that we are doing something different this time.

My hope is that this small sacrifice of no alcohol for one meal out of our day will help to show Laura our love and support.

Love,

Janice 

There was an abundance of appetizers with a cold non-alcoholic cocktail that Janice served.  The men had non-alcoholic beer; Claude provided non-alcoholic prosecco for dinner.

Janice ordered turkey breast and gravy from Sendik's that needed to be heated.  Janice prepared mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and her homemade pickles.  She made a Vegan dish for herself.  She complemented the dinner with a delicious chocolate pumpkin pie. 

I'm rethinking turkey: The turkey from Sendik's was tender, moist and flavorful, without all the work!

November 17, 2024: Opera, "Alcina"

 Sunday, November 17, 2024

I made peanut butter filled cookies for the pot pot luck today.  It was a recipe from the new Electric Company cook book.  They were kind of putzy, but they tasted good.  I'll take some to share with Gerri and Doris at Osher; I got the cook book from Gerri.

A lot of nice food at the pot luck.  We had it at 4:00 p.m. instead of 4:30, to allow time to get to the Opera at 6:00 p.m.

We carpooled to go to an antique store on Vliet Street, across from MPS Administration.  I would never have though Dandy was a theater.  I rode with Shirley Bascom to this antique shop and we were directed to the back, with seating arranged in the round.  There were couches and arm chairs encircling the center stage, with metal folding chairs behind (the lower priced seats). 

Early Music Now and Milwaukee Opera Theatre gave a wonderful performance of "Alcina", by George Frederic Handel.  Details were spoken in English with Italian lyrics.  Beautiful voices throughout.  The evening was an unusual and enjoyable experience.

Car Estimate/Brad and Janice Birthday Visit

 Thursday, October 31, 2024

I drove to Royal Auto Body on Chase Avenue where Ivan Zaiats gave me the major news on my minor damage to my car. Because I have a Lincoln, everything is more expensive.  He gave me a lot of information about talking and dealing with the insurance company.  But the bottom line is that it will cost $5242.19 to repair my car.

Next I filed a claim online, which was pretty time consuming.  I should expect a call from an adjuster in a day or so.

We played sheepshead at 2:00 p.m. until it was time to join the Halloween festivities.  Barbara Leigh and Rikki Thompson were in the right spirit.

Brad and Janice came with my Birthday present: a book she had printed of our Door County vacation,  A CD of  "Captains Courageous" and some licorice.  We had a lovely visit and when they left I admired and relived our wonderful family time together

2024 Skeleton Class Reunion

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

The day could not have been more perfect for a drive to Hubertus to view the annual skeleton display.  This year's theme is "Skullview High 49th Class Reunion"

A Giant King and Queen dominated the scene,

greeting all the former classmates to have a good time dancing

to their favorite music

while the cheerleaders put everyone in high spirits.

(Click on the picture to see the video)

You can't remember your old classmates without a name tag. Even Funny Bone  is here.

And there was a grim reminder of the consequences of smoking.

We stopped to admire the beautiful colors of fall

before having a pizza at Johnnie Manhattan's.

Masako's 90th Birthday

Sunday, October 20, 2024 

I was invited, along with Peter, to a 12:30 p.m. luncheon to celebrate Masako's 90th Birthday at Oishi Sushi and Bar in Madison.  Masako thought she would be celebrating with just the local family; she was really surprised to see so many from far away, including Peter and me.  The guests included: Myleen, Mike, Emi, Mika, her husband, and 1-month baby boy Vincent, Kenji, Rachele, Troy, Koji and friend, Kai, Eric, Emily, Miles, Naomi, Kimi, Peter, Marcia and Masako, the guest of honor.

We had a private room that was a little tight for our large group.  Bowls of soup and rice were set at each place.  Next, servers brought out three huge "boats" of food: sushi, raw fish, and other Japanese foods.  Here are two of the "boats".

There were also hot dishes served on hot platters like fajitas of chicken, shrimp and beef. 

For dessert, there were frosted cupcakes, and Masako had a hot fudge sundae with a Birthday candle.

It was delightful connecting with the family and children that I haven't seen in a very long time; it was a challenge identifying them.

Ninety-second Birthday

Monday, September 23, 2024

I'm having an extended celebration that started on Thursday, September 19th, with the Ladies of Lee-sure at Erv's Mug.  Cindy, Wendy, Karen, Kay, Vicki and I enjoyed a very nice luncheon, followed by a complementary ice cream for me, with chocolate sauce and a cherry presented by the staff who sang "Happy Birthday".  

We had an exceptionally nice waitress who had a sense of humor and gave us excellent service.

Today,  Sue Cottrell, Charlotte Crysdale, and Eve Sylvester treated me to lunch at Café Hollander.  After yesterday's downpour, it's hard to believe we were able to have our lunch outdoors.  The yellow jackets were a little pesky, but we managed.  I had a very nice bacon, chicken avocado wrap.

Eve drove and took us through neighborhoods that I'd never been to before.

September 24

"Happy Birthday" at breakfast; "Happy Birthday" at Book Club, "Happy Birthday" in the elevator, plus many cards and best wishes.

Janice called me from Sussex, UK; Peter called and didn't realize that we were going to the Hob Nob tonight, but there was plenty of time to spare.

Driving was messy with a steady light rain, but we were on time for our 6:30 p.m. reservation.

We were amazed by the number of cars in the Hob Nob parking area, on a rainy Tuesday.  We were seated immediately at a small table by the window.  It was chilly with loud diners at a near-by table.  The hostess asked if we would like to move to a quieter area.  The new seating was a great improvement.

Peter had a gin and tonic, I had a pinot grigio; we each had cheezy French onion soup; Peter had a spinach salad, I had tomato juice; Peter had a stuffed pork chop, I had beer battered scallops.

The waitress overheard Peter wish me a Happy Birthday, so she offered a dessert; we shared a crème broulee.

Thursday, September 26

We celebrated September Birthdays at SRS with pizzas on the piazza.  The day was great for being outdoors.  

What a treat to have Brianna and her guitar accompanist perform for us.

Wednesday, October 2

Claude invited me to dinner and suggested something near SRS.  He said that he liked Chinese, so I suggested Emperor of China, which Chuck and Jane Boecher really like.  I can see why!  It is a very lovely restaurant, and the food selection was extensive.  I had shrimp with pea pods; Claude had a chicken dish.  Both were enough for more than one meal apiece.  My shrimp were very large and the meal was delicious.  Claude enjoyed his meal also.  We had little frozen desserts to finish the meal. 

Thursday, October 3

Jackie Haessly took me to breakfast this morning.  When we go to Coffee Makes You Black, it was deserted and out of business.  I was thrilled when Jackie suggested the Plaza that I heard very much about.  It is kind of art deco style and very lovely.  I've always seen Eggs Benedict made with Canadian bacon; my Classic Eggs Benedict came with a huge slice of ham on each English muffing topped with perfectly poached eggs.  We had very good coffee, with refills.  This was indeed a wonderful treat.

Friday, October 4  Birthday Finale

Jay and Laura took me to North Point Bistro.  With all the heavy eating I've been doing, I was grateful that they suggested ordering from the appetizer menu.  I ordered a flaked smoked salmon with toast and a cup of French onion soup.

I had a special warm brownie to celebrate my Birthday.

 

Octoberfest

 Friday September, 2024

The Osher movie today was "Captains Courageous". one of my favorites.  We'll be seeing four more featuring Spencer Tracy.  Roy Krueger gave an introduction about Spencer Tracy's life and career before showing the movie. 

I was home in plenty of time for Peter to pick me up at 4:00p.m. to go to Octoberfest. Admission was free with the Bavarian app.  There was a light crowd when we got there. but the grounds were nicely spread out later on.  We shared a half chicken dinner which was plenty. I wish that I hadn't left the plates and utensils in the car; I prefer a plate and real utensils instead of a paper tray and plastic.  But the chicken was delicious; I'd order it again.  

It was a perfect evening. with a slight breeze. I was comfortable with my light gray sweater.  I'm sorry that I didn't tell Claude that we were going, it would have been nice to have him join us.

Friday, September 27.

Claude joined Peter and me at Octoberfest. It was quite breezy, but once we moved in front of the small pavilion we were shielded from the breeze. We had a very pleasant evening.

Pot Luck..

 Sunday, September15,2024

I made beans with ground turkey and baked it in the large Sunbeam bowl, since I didn't have a large casserole.  I transferred it to the small crock pot for serving.  My contribution was the largest in the buffet.  

 I don't think I want to continue providing food for so many people. who were lining up precisely at 4:30 p.m. We include Assisted Living residents, who do not bring food (understandably), and the Independent Living residents bring only small amounts to feed maybe six people, rarely main dishes. 

i

Bass Bay and Much More

 Wednesday, July 3, 2024

A young lady was standing on the corner across from Pick 'n Save juggling bursting bags of groceries, plus a package of diapers.  As she tried carrying them, some fell and she would start over, with no luck gathering them in her arms.  I stopped and asked where she was going.  She said that she was going home.  I told her that she'd never make it with that load of groceries.  I told her I'd take her to her home, which she said was on Marshall Street, not too far, but incredibly far with those groceries.  Her name was Jenny and was most grateful for my help.

Only three tables at sheepshead, with not much luck.  Poor cards and weak partners didn't help.  I left early for my 4:00 p.m. hair appointment for our trip to Door County on Friday.

I told Peter to meet me at Salon Marie about 4:30 p.m. where I'd leave my car and we'd drive to Bass Bay Brewhouse for dinner.  With the weather rainy and cold the past few days, I wasn't sure we'd be going, but today was absolutely perfect: sunny, warm and calm.  Peter called as I was waiting for him that he was at Culver's.  He sounded very upset, and would not move from Culver's.  He was too upset to give me the address, like I failed to give him the address of Salon Marie.  He described where he was, and I though he meant the Culvers close to Greenfield Ave.  I managed calling him back and he said that I drove by where he was, on Forest Home Ave.  He had already left and was on Bluemound Road, heading home.  I told him to turn around and we'd meet at the Park & Ride on Hwy 100. That was a perfect arrangement and worked out very well.  We met as though nothing happened.

We waited about 45 minutes with gin and tonics for our table.  Peter had a Friday fish fry, I had grilled salmon with vegetables.  Peter took some of his home; my plate was clean.  We both enjoyed an almost perfect evening.

Walmart Madness

I needed to bring something for the pot luck tomorrow.  I did not want to buy more than I'd need, since I'd be leaving for Door County the following day.  Rupeena's was closed; I went into Walmart in West Milwaukee.  The place was crowded.  I found the recipe for grape salad that I thought I could manage and bought what I needed.  I proceeded to check-out and could not believe the long lines with overflowing carts, about 20 people in line before me, winding around the aisles.  I left my cart and left; no way did I need anything that badly.

Door County 2024

Friday, July 5, 2024

Claude and I left SRS at about 1:15 p.m.  Laura said Aleksei and Anton called them to say they encountered torrential rain around Manitowoc; we had plenty of it most of the way.  It began to clear as we approached Door County.

It is breezy and quite cool. The place is gorgeous. 

https://www.airbnb.com.sg/rooms/826070200771282542?source_impression_id=p3_1720834807_P30xAAjYcFPmXUID&modal=PHOTO_TOUR_SCROLLABLE&modalItem=1587141645

As Jay entered he heard a buzzing sound that he traced to the septic system; my hearing did not pick that up. Then there was a leak under the sink next to the stove.  Jay and Brad tried tackling that problem, but it seemed beyond their ability without the right tools.  Jay called the emergency maintenance manager for the fourth time and now a plumber will come to fix it.  There was no water in the upstairs toilet when Janice tried flushing it; the water had been turned off.  Janice noticed there was no hot water as she was getting ready to retire; the hot water tank was shut off.  Jay fixed both problems.

We made our preferences for pizzas and the men went to get them.  We could not preorder because the place was too busy to answer the phone. 

While the men were shopping, the plumber came and replaced a cracked  valve.  We needed a lot of paper towels to get rid of the water.  Jay also noticed mold in  the rear of the cabinet.  

Let's hope the rest of the week goes better.

Saturday, July 6

For breakfast Janice prepared baked pancakes with a lot of fruit.

    

Jay took Aleksei and Anton into Sister Bay and bought some wine glasses at Goodwill, they also picked up some groceries.

Laura and I spent most of the day reading on the deck, shifting our chairs in and out of the sun.  I found relief under the overhang, and also did some knitting.

Aleksei bravely took a dip into the lake.

Laura assembled a buffet of shrimp with cocktail sauce, barbecue meatballs, vegetables, liver pate and a baguette, cheese, crackers, sausage and fruit for our casual supper that we ate on the deck.

In the evening we had fun playing Just One Word.

Sunday, July 8

Janice, Claude and I went to Stella Maris Parish (Star of the Sea) in Baileys Harbor for the 8:00 a.m. mass.  After I climbed all the steps, the deacon said that I could have used the elevator. The church was packed.

Jay had a breakfast buffet ready for us when we got home that we enjoyed either indoors or out on the deck. I had a toasted bagel and cream cheese, fruit and yogurt with delicious coffee on the deck.

It was overcast, but glaringly bright.  I did some knitting while sitting under the overhang.

Colin arrived at about 1:00 p.m., after attending a bachelor party in Michigan.  It was great to have him join us.

Claude went on a hike around our area; Jay, Laura, Aleksei and Anton went hiking to Newport State Park.  Brad, Janice, Colin and I picked up Claude from his hike and drove to the Door County Brewery at Baileys Harbor.  We sat outdoors and enjoyed our beers; Janice had root beer and drove us home.

We finished the evening playing Just One Word.

Monday, July 8

Aleksei and Anton left after breakfast.  It was so very nice having them with us.  Colin decided to stay one more day.

It was a perfect day to visit The Ridges Sanctuary.  My walker was a big help walking on the boardwalk which was nice and level.  The day was overcast and comfortably cool.  We had a leisurely walk up to the lighthouse with a docent couple that live there for a week with no charge as a result of being docents. 

I bought two boxes of notecards.  It started to rain as we were leaving, perfect timing 

Claude filled the gas tank, and the rain subsided by the time we got home.

Janice brought out a 500-piece puzzle that she, Claude, Laura and I worked on.  I might have added about 10 pieces, they did the rest.  They had most of it finished before our dinner at Lure.

We were seated promptly for our 6:45 p.m. reservation. Walker provided excellent service and we had wonderful dinners.  My filet was done to perfection.  It was a marvelous dinner.  We just beat the rain coming home.

Janice, Claude and Laura finished the puzzle.

We finished the evening playing Say Anything.

Tuesday, July 9

Janice prepared baked oatmeal with an abundance of fruit; we also have a lot of bananas that we have to eat before they get too ripe.

Colin left for West Bend after having breakfast.

It's great having three cars.  Brad and Janice went golfing at Peninsula State Park, Jay and Claude went hiking at Newport Beach State Park and Laura and I hit the shops.  Laura knew just where to go for unique merchandise.  I bought some lavender and lemon essential oils, and a scented bulb to put in the shower.   Laura found some cats and dogs lounging pants to give to Aleksei, Anton and Annika for Birthday presents.  We bought some groceries before heading home.

Jay and Laura paid a visit to Barb Pederson.

We sat outdoors long before suppertime, just enjoying the beautiful day.

Laura put out fixings for do-it-yourself taco salad, with Janice's refried beans to have a very satisfying meal.

Wednesday, July 10

A promise of another beautiful day.

We read, relaxed and enjoyed the day.

Janice's friend Sue and her husband Paul paid a visit from Fish Creek.

Laura fixed spaghetti with garlic bread and salad.

In the evening we saw "The Angel Next Door" at the Peninsula Theater.  When I had arranged for tickets there were quite a few vacancies.  The theater was full tonight.  We enjoyed this play.

Thursday, July 11

I was up to see the sunrise at 5:12 a.m.  I solved Connections in 4, Wordl in 2 with CAMEO, Strands with Loaded Lunch and got to Genius level in Spelling Bee.

We are using up and improvising the breakfast menu, but it's always delicious and wholesome.

Brad and Janice went biking.  Jay drove Laura, Claude and me to the north tip to see ferries load.

                          

And then to Charley's Smoke House for smoked whitefish; I also bought a deck of cards and some postage stamps before the rate increase. We stopped at Piggly Wiggly for some bread to make smoked fish sandwiches.  Very delicious.

Since I was up so early, I took a nice nap in bed.

Claude noticed that my car license sticker is expired, so we looked up how to renew it. The web site said that I owe a fee, so we'll renew it in Sheboygan on our way home.

Dinner tonight was at Harbor Fish Market and Grill. I started with six oysters on the half shell then seared scallops; delicious.  Again, there were not too many diners on a Thursday, which happens to be their slowest day; tomorrow they have reservations for 200.

We played a trivia game called I Should Have Known before calling it a day.   I'm starting to pack for our departure tomorrow.

Friday, July 12

We arranged the house just as we found it before leaving at about 9:40 a.m.

Claude and I stopped at Cave Park, but the lake was too calm to see the waves crash against the rocks.

We found the DMV in Sheboygan to renew my car license.  Because I had not renewed it in a timely manner, I had to pay $420; what a shock.  

We had something to eat at Culver's, filled up the gas tank and were on our way.

Claude helped carry in my bags.  He also put the sticker on my car.