Moose Lake

I just returned from a day on and around Moose Lake with my Tuesday group.  We walked 4 miles then took out 3 pontoons, toured the lake, then tied the 3 together so we could walk to each one.  The coolers were opened and we brought out this fabulous salad buffet with desserts that we had prepared ahead of time.  Weather was perfect.  Wouldn't be anywhere else in the world at that moment - good friends, good food, good location.  Got home late afternoon.  Retirement certainly has its high points. 

The Apostle Islands

On a beautiful day to be on the water we visited the Apostle Islands.  We chose a 3 hour tour (Yes, we sang the Gilligan's Island theme song under our breath several times.)  to see the 22 islands in Lake Superior.  All seven lighthouses are now automated.  However, the National Park Service and some local organizations are restoring a few of them as museums.  Also the National Park Service just finished restoring a commercial fish camp from the mid-1800's.  I don't understand why the NPS spent money to restore two log cabins that are empty on an island that only a hundred or so people visit.  It can only be accessed by private boat.   Lighthouses, yes.  Fish Camp, no. 

Northwoods Selection

We went with friends to a restaurant that none of us had been to before.  It looked like the usual: bar is bigger than the dining area, dead animal decorating on the walls, fireplace.  The waitress came to take our drink order.  Most of us had iced tea or a diet Coke.  One friend put in an order of this alcohol concoction saying things like "dry"  "neat"  "shaken not stirred" - you may know that type of stuff but I certainly don't.  Anyway, the waitress stands patiently throughout the order but not writing anything down.  When my friend was finally finished, the waitress asked, "Miller or Miller Lite?"  My friend ordered Miller Lite and the Northwoods evening continued. 

DNR Rules Wisconsin

Living in Illinois I never heard of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  I am sure it exists, but they certainly were on the low rung in that ladder of political hierarchy.  Here in Wisconsin - DNR rules.  More people know the name of the County Conservation Law Enforcement Officer (Game Warden) - Sue Miller - than they do the County Sheriff or Hayward Chief of Police - I think I know the Sheriff's name but not sure.  Sue and the DNR held a free fish fry using confiscated fish!  Everyone received a button that said, "I ate the evidence." 

Another Radio Spot

A commercial heard on a Wisconsin radio station:  "At the Celebration Fireworks Station, we specialize in the big and loud."  I didn't know you could buy small and quiet fireworks...well, maybe snaps.  Yes, here in Wisconsin you can legally buy fireworks that can blow off a finger or put out an eye.  Somehow it isn't as much fun as shooting off illegal ones in Illinois. 

Heard on the Radio

As we were traveling, I heard on the radio "ATV fatality.  Sheriff says it was due to speed, alcohol, and no helmet."  I guess that goes under the category of "Proof of Darwin's Theory."

Too Busy and Out of Town

Even in retirement...sometimes you don't have enough time.  Next entry on August 21-ish.

Raspberries - day 4 and 5

Working and 4 inches of rain slowed the picking.  I did make a couple of raspberry pies (one tart and one with more sugar in it) for my walking group that was meeting here today.  My turn to host.  Did I mention 4 inches of rain?  A few in the group heard there was pie and vanilla ice cream (from Hayward's local dairy) so they came for lunch.  When it was only a mist, we walked an easy 2 miles.  Then Case and I went to the raspberry patch.  I think it was raining more mosquitoes than water.  As soon as we got home, I made the neighbors happy with some fresh produce.  Earlier, I sent my friends home with bags of berries. 

The evening lays before us with only sorting, cleaning, etc. of today's harvest on the agenda.