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We had a really enjoyable weekend! I might sound surprised at that because I am. I had been dreading this "down and back in the same day" trip to Michael's reunion. But it turned out really great. We took on a carefree attitude, agreed not to stress about rushing and it was wonderful. Saturday started with a leisurely morning over coffee on the deck, heading out around 9:00 am to the HUGE town of Oxford, WI. (near the Wisconsin Dells where Michael grew up). The reunion is always at the Pride of America campground and we usually camp, but not this year. We arrived around 1:30 and had a really nice visit with family. I LOVE Aunt Hilda and Uncle Red, they are always a stitch to talk to. Unfortunately, Aunt Hilda was not doing too well this year. She has breast cancer, and now faces a YEAR of chemotherapy. I couldn't believe it. Uncle Red says her attitude isn't the best, pretty negative and not very optimistic because of the family history with cancer. I can hardly blame her. She asked me many questions about Jean's 2 bouts with cancer and I was not the right one to talk to as I don't remember much of that time of my life. But she did try to enjoy herself, and was on me mercilessly about the kids being home this summer (and thank you very much brother Joe, for telling her!) She kept telling me that Jean would roll over in her grave if she knew. I felt like Jean was sitting right in front of me! :-) How I miss bantering with my mother-in-law. But again, we had a great time visiting, and before we left the area, we stopped in by Jean's gravesite and changed the silk flowers like every year. Now that Aunt Helen is gone also, there is no one to take care of Jean's site in between our visits. Of course we said "Hi" to John when we were there too.
On the way home we made a spontaneous stop at a scenic overlook wayside in Black River Falls. We decided to hike about a 1/4 -1/2 mile STRAIGHT UP a hill to this gorgeous lookout over the valley. Well, guess who had nothing to wear but flip flops. Yikes. The kids had a field day picking on me. My calves were killing me, but the view was well worth it. It's such a beautiful area anyhow, but at that height? Breathtaking. And we hit it perfectly at sunset. Simply stunning.
Anyhow, we made it home safe and sound. On Sunday we went and took the camper up to the Fairgrounds and volunteered a couple more hours. Everything is coming alive and many people are working their hearts out in preparation. The kids are really excited and will be working all week on their exhibits. Wish them luck! |
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