Fun in the Badger State

Our return back to the Midwest feels somewhat like a game of ping pong as we travel the open road between Minnesota (Land of 10,000 Lakes) and Wisconsin (Badger State).  This is where our families and close friends reside so it is something that we do with a smile. We’ve already shared with you that we arrived in Minnesota right before Mother’s Day.  So, where are we now and what are we doing?  It’s Wisconsin’s turn!


10 ft. chicken from Ron's former Chicken Hut Restaurant.
Quite a unique lawn ornament, don't you think?

The biggest impact for us this summer has so far been looking for a new “toad” – meaning towed vehicle - for the coach to pull.   After traveling with our little Jeep Wrangler for these last four years we have determined that it would be even nicer if we had a little bit larger vehicle for some stuff or extra bodies to ride along.

Jeff’s search was successful in finding us  Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo in Hopkins, MN (a western suburb of Minneapolis).  It was pretty much what we were looking for in another Jeep and we are very happy with it.  This past winter was its first winter in snow with the previous owners, coming from North Carolina where it’s been in the family for quite a few years.  We are putting some additional touches into the vehicle but it looks in fantastic shape with no rust or any damage to the exterior.  Just a few inside things that we can live with but oh so quiet with a smooth ride and pushes the coach down the road quite nicely!

Staying at our friends Ranch in Mondovi, Wisconsin has been good as we are able to feel grounded to get all registration and title work completed with South Dakota on the new Jeep, as well as a new tow bar installed.  Our next task – get the old Jeep ready for sale!

 

What fun we’ve had since we’ve arrived in Wisconsin.  We hope you enjoy the photos.  We will be making the hop across State lines within a couple of weeks back to the Land of 10,000 Lakes and will definitely have more pictures to share.



Baby raccoons caught in the hay mow.

 


Kay's daughter, Jill, painting Julia's little toes.



Ron cooking burgers & brats on his Big Green Egg.
  The pizza was delicious also.



Who is that movie star behind the shades?
The "Graduate", of course.  Ampere is
the foreign exchange student from China.



You know these two - Grandpa & Julia!



Yummy S'mores with lots of marshmello sticky!



A perfect evening for everyone to enjoy the sweets.



Joe wants to take Mommy kitty home.



Captain Ron and his co-pilot on the Mississippi near Pepin, WI



It does look like a "party pontoon" doesn't it?



Lot of fresh asparagus to pick along the ditches.



Jeff enjoying a hot tub moment.



Jeff and Ron working on getting the pool up to speed.



With so much asparagus picked, Ron pulled out his pickling
recipe and with everyone's help in the kitchen we should
be able to taste them within a couple of weeks. 



One of the many garage sales that we had fun going to. 



Mama Kitty with 4 of her 5 babies in the barn.  This is where our
grandson, Joe, wanted to sleep and make sure they were okay.



Karen's job is to ride around in this awesome van and service
her clients who have pools & spas.  It's the Big Green Egg, again!

Another new kitty at Jeff's daughter's place.



Cassie and Jeff's daughter, Jena looking intently on how to replace fishing line.



#2 Mama Kitty with her brood of two!



Jeff with his daughter, Jena.



At the Ranch, Jeff's new buddy, Zoey.
 


 Hugs from the Badger State.