Warrens Cranberry Festival 2009

It's only 152 miles to Tomah, Wisconsin where we had reversations at the Comfort Inn. The drive was beautiful. Some of the tree leaves are turning into full color. There were several rock formation that we spotted on our way up.

While I was busy checking us in and Gary was getting our luggage, I didn't even notice their Guest of the Day sign. When Gary came back into the lobby he said, "How did your name get on that sign?" If anyone knows me, they know that I am NOT an observance person. "Wow, that me!" I said. Well I got a package with bottled water, popcorn and a snack bar in it, along with "Congratulations!" for the desk clerk. Being this was our first visit to Cranberry Fest, we really didn't know what to expect! But as you can see in the photo below.....it's a sea of people. Well what would expect with 850 booth of arts and crafts, 350 booth of antique and flea markets, 100 booth farmer's markets. Needless to say, Gary and I got our walk in every day.

With any event one likes to check out different foods that might be available. Since I'm a muncher, those ribbon fries below was one of my favorite foods.

Right near the top was cranberry ice cream!! They only make it for the festival. Gary and I truly enjoyed licking our cranberry ice cream cones.

We won't able to see all the booth but I did have Gary stop at the antique booths. I was looking for some special plates that I collect...Homer Laughlin that have the bull and bear on them. No luck. But we did purchase some goodies to bring home with us. Hugh cabbage heads, homemade blueberry jam, oatmeal cranberry walnuts cookies, honey, and a special dried mix of cranberry, blueberries and cherries to put on our cereal.

The only disappointment we had was when we tried to purchase bus ticket to see the cranberry bogs. It was only one-thirty in the afternoon, but the tickets were all sold out. But we did go visit the Cranberry Discovery Center-Museum and learned all about cranberries. It was such an excellent museum! Do you know why cranberries float? It because they have four air pocket inside the berry.

We won't able to see the Bear Game, (Those Wisconsin station) but because of my special package gift, I did get to enjoy my Sunday night popcorn. However concerning the Bear's game, we did see the last two minutes because we went to the Ground Round which has a sport bar and you could see any team you wanted on individual TVs at each booth. And the Bears won!!!

Will we go back next year? Our reservations are already made for next year! This time we will go Friday and Saturday and get our bus tickets early so we can see the bogs! Plus visit some of the booths that we didn't visit.

For now we will just savor our goodies and look back on Cranberry Fest 2009!!

Mom's Birthday Gifts - Turns 92!!!

What would you like if you lived to be ninety-two? As the saying may go, "Each to his own." Well, we put that question to our mother. And here is what she wanted:

Before we do begin, my mother who grew up on the farm, enjoys just going for country rides. She has always loved looking at houses and even at one point in her life had a collection of houses given to her by her family and friends. So to begin her birthday day, she wanted a country ride. Ride along with her three daughters, Jan, Louise and I as we fulfill her birthday wishes. First on her list was some donuts critters from Edward's Apple Orchard West. She only loves them when they are HOT! So, of course we had to eat them hot off the press.

Some of the critters just look like a much smaller donut! Let me tell you they were hot and very delicious. Above you can see Jan enjoying one of those critters.

Second on Mom's birthday list was onion rings from Culver's. Louise checked to make sure that there was a Culver's in Freeport, because that was where we were going to have our picnic.

Mom's third wish was to have our picnic at Krape Park, in Freeport, Illinois. It's a great family park. We have all been there at various time in our lives.

On Mom's birthday list was having a salami sandwich. So Louise packed the french bread, various cheeses, salami and of course the ingredients that make a sandwich great...like onion, relish, mayonnaise etc.

And no birthday would be complete with out a birthday cake. Since my brother Bruce had given mom a small cake from Hilander's, she kept it for trip. We sang off- key, "Happy Birthday" to her and then we.....

devoured the cake. Yes, we eat the WHOLE THING!!!!! To complete the party, mom then opened our cards and gifts to her.

Even though the sun never came out, we had a perfect day. Before we started to eat, Jan had somthing hit her on the head. "What was that?" Of course if we had noticed what laid all around the ground, we probably would have realized that it was a small acorn. While we were eating, something hit me on my neck, I knew what it was but didn't realize that a small acorn can hurt so much. It just added some more laughter to our day.

Before we left the park Jan wanted Louise and I to walk to the Carrousel to take a picture of us riding the horses. Since mother is limited with her walker on how far she can go on uneven grounds, we left her in the car. Her reaction to us leaving her along...."You mean you are going to forsake me on my birthday." she said laughingly. But when we arrived at the Carrousel, it was closed.

The last birthday wish was a stop at Union Dairy Ice Cream Shop in Freeport, Illinois. What a perfect way to end the day. Above mom is enjoying black cherry ice cream in a waffle cone.

Lots of talking, laughing and of course WAY TOO MUCH FOOD! Now it was time to head home. Hope you enjoyed riding along with us. Wasn't it fun! And to think that mom got ALL HER BIRTHDAY WISHES!

Grandkids Visit 9-18-20, 2009

Like many weekends this year, this weekend was packed full. On Friday afternoon, September 18, we headed for Dixon, IL. We usually love taking our time driving thru all the little towns on our way down. Those beautiful towns, like Byron and Oregon. But with all the road construction going on, we wished we had taken a different route. But we made it in time to see Andrew play soccer. Even if they lost the game, they truly played hard at trying to win.
Here we have Brigitte getting a piggyback ride from her dad.


When Andrew as done playing this is what he looked like. Very soaked with sweat.

After the game, Gary had to mount the bike rack on our buick so we could take the grandkids bikes back with us. That took awhile, but we managed. When we got back home and Gary had taken the bikes off the rake, Andrew came into the house and said, "Grandma, you have to come outside and look at your trunk." "Why?" was my reply. "Just come out and look at the trunk." he repeated.

I'm not sure if you can see the dent, but believe me when I say there is a very nice dent in my trunk. Andrew's bike was a very old bike and we didn't think about how much heavier they use to make bikes. It was the weight of his bike that caused the bike rack to make this dent. Happy to report that after calling State Farm this morning, we are covered to have it fixed.

On Saturday morning we headed for Janesville, Wisconsin for family day with the co-op we belong to. Brigitte hates to have her photo taken and as a result...this is what I got. She still cute. Brigitte could have played in those bouncing houses all day.

In the meantime Andrew and Gary took a bucket ride. This one bucket went up only 50 feet. Some of the others went up to 65 feet. We then had lunch that the company provided. Then we headed to Edward's Apple Orchard West to pick up some donuts. We were thinking that we would see me mother that evening.

When we got home we prepared for our long bike ride to Poplar Grove. We invited Andrew and his sister Lindsey to join us. Their mother said it would be okay for them to go. When I told her that it would be going to Poplar Grove she laughed and said, "Your kidding!" The picture above is the five ahead of me....as always.
Let me tell you after leaving Mary Drive and getting to Roland Olsen Park was enough riding for me. I was thrilled when Lindsey said she had to get back for a youth activity. Sooooo I told Gary we would head back. I even asked Brigitte if she wanted to go back with us. "No, I want to go to Poplar Grove with Grandpa." she said.

Here we have four brave souls heading for Poplar Grove.

Lindsey and I arrived back around 4:30. At the same time Gary and his crew arrived in Poplar Grove for dinner. They must had rested a good forty minutes. Gary realized that the sun usually sets around 7:15 and needed to head back.

Around 6:45 Carrie, Andrew mother came to my door. "Are you thinking the same thing I am? Where are they." was my question to her. Thankfully before Gary and I parted ways, he remembered to give me keys to our house and I rememered to give him our tracfone. When I phoned him, they had just turned on to Dorr Road. I got on my bike and met them on Surf Trail. We all arrived at Andrew's door at 7:15.

After everyone took a shower, we all relaxed and watched a movie that Brigitte had brought with her from home. And we all slept good that night.

After Sunday School and church, we had lunch at Culvers and then went to visit my mother who will be 92 this Thursday.

My mother always enjoy seeing grandkids even great grandkids like Brigitte and Andrew.

Then back home. This time Gary just took his truck. Put the heavy bike in the back along with Brigitte's bike. We don't have the big cab on our truck so I had to stay home while Gary took the grandkids back to Dixon. There is a little side seat that Brigitte is small enough to fit into.

After they left, I turned on the Bear's game and fell asleep during the first half. Didn't even knew it had been raining. Gary got home around 7:30.

So it was another weekend packed with fun, food and fellowship. Thanking the Lord for the safety we had during all of our activity. And for giving us Andrew and Brigitte.

Linda Returns to France

Like any vacations, all good things must come to an end. So on Thursday, September 10th, it was time for Linda to return to France. Our brother, Ron is the first-born and then follows Linda. So we were glad that Ron was able to come here from Chicago for a few days. Since they are both very intellectual, they enjoy conversations that I find very somewhat at a level I'll never understand. I'm just a plain Jane type of girl. And frankly, I enjoy that...at times.Both Louise and Dave were able to join us to see Ron and Linda off.
Here we have Linda letting us know that she has packed her carry-on bag and it is very heavy.


I'm glad Dave and Gary were able to help with Linda's luggage. Believe me when I say: "She packed those suitcases so full that I was afraid the zippers might break." Ha! And to even think of all the boxes she had already sent on to France!


So we wished her a wonderful flight home. Which I'm happy to report that she indeed did. And I know that she has many many memories of her 2009 trip to the States!

We will miss not seeing her around...and even little Sam will miss his Great Aunt Linda.

Trusting she is now recovering from all the activites that come when she visits the States.

Judi Turns The Big 50!

On Friday, September 4th, it was a packed day of fun. Jan came down from Watertown so we could celebrate our sister-in-law 50th birthday. Since Judi works for Rockford Christian we wanted to see what time would work for her to bring her a birthday wish. She had 10:30 openning for just a half -hour. It didn't matter to us. We found her waiting for us outside...we were at the wrong place. I'm so glad we spotted her.
We filled in the most fun and laughter one can only do with this crazy family of ours.

It was nice that Ann-Marie was still off work. She just adds more fun to our adventures. We loved singing "Happy Birthday" to Judi. Afterwards she opened our funny cards and enjoyed the enclosed gifts inside.

After we celebrated her birthday, we continue on with going to garage sales. Yes, we did hit some garage sales on are way over to see Judi.

Then Louise went up and picked up Mom and we all meet at Culvers for lunch.

My niece Tammy had a great surprise for Jan! Jan loves to tell the story of the wide-mouth toad. Well low and behold Tammy was shopping somewhere and came across the book. Since Jan didn't have that book, she was so happy to receive a copy.

And of course it is with joy when my mother who will soon turn 92, can join us. Also with Linda being here from France, it was extra special.

Once agin thanking God for all the relationship He has given this family...like a wonderful sister-in-law like Judi.

A Funny Thing Happened In Door County

One of the big questions when staying at the home of Charlene is: "WHERE WILL YOU SLEEP?" We needed to bring our own sheets and pillowcases. There are four choices. The king bed, the queen bed, one of the two twin beds or one the two hide-a-beds.

This is one blog that I wish with all my heart that Ann-Marie could have posted. She has a way with words and can be so funny. The reason I need her is because it was very comical when looking back! Of course I first must make the statement we made in Door County. "WHAT IS SAID OR DONE IN DOOR COUNTY, STAYS IN DOOR COUNTY" But since I am a Rehfeldt, I must tell this story.Here we have Venita making up her bed. Linda would take the other single bed.
Don't we all look so happy heading to Door County. The five us would arrive on Saturday. In making decisions on who should sleep where, Louise would take the king-size bed and when Tammy arrived on Sunday, she would share the bed with her mom. Jan and I would share the queen-size bed. Linda and Venita would take the single beds.

Sometime during the night, something went awry! One of the hide-a-beds had sheets on it. But no one was sleeping in it. Hummmmm. Linda was in the living room and we asked her if she had slept on it. "No!" not me. Well it had to have been Venita. So when Venita got up she just said, "Boy, does Linda snore. I just couldn't get to sleep so I came out here and made the hide-a-bed." The word snore in the dicitionary says, " To breathe the nose and mouth while sleeping, making snorting noises caused by the vibration of the soft palate." And may I add...very annoying.



To make a long story shorter, Jan & I would ask Charlene if we could sleep upstairs in the room above us. Venita would take our room, which is nice and quiet. Great plan! We thought. When Jan & I went upstairs the next night, we could hear everything. Not only the people downstairs, but anyone outside in the yard. Neither of us slept well that night. So now Venita was going to try the upstairs and Jan and I would go back to our original place.

In the meantime, Linda had taken the hide-a-bed. Beth and Carol took the twin beds. Even though in the morning, we might hear someone say, so and so also snores we finally all stayed put.....

but in the morning the day we would be leaving, I found Jan sleeping on the other couch in the living room. "What are you doing sleeping on the couch?" was my question. "Well, last night you started snoring and I told you to turn over because you were snoring. You said that you hadn't even gone to sleep yet, so you couldn't be snorning. And then I said I must had been dreaming, because you certainly were snorning.!" I do remember her saying that and also remember telling her, "I wasn't snorning, but I will turn over." Then durning the night I must of done some more non-snoring, because she did forsake me.

Louise and Tammy perhaps gets the prize! Never heard about anyone snoring in their bed. Carol and Beth stayed put, but we did find out that each other did snore to some degree! So when making plans where to sleep, perhaps the first question should be...WHO SNORES?

Perhaps I could have titled this post: Musical Beds. Vacations are truly about the memories...the good and the bad.All in all we had a great time! And there are somethings that will certainly stay in Door County..NO QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT! Besides snoring is not all bad...you made end up having a bed all to yourself.:)

Door County - Finding a Hat for Venita!

Venita our only sister-in-law who was brave enough to come with us, had one thing that she was really looking for while in Door County..A HAT! She is outdoors a lot and wanted something just right to cover her head from the sun but not be a hat that would be too hot to wearWhenever we went into a store, we would like to see if that store carried any hats. Venita would go over and check the style and of course the price.Here she is checking the price on this orange hat.

Here we find her trying on another hat she found.

Did you realize that after many stores and trying on many hats, that it was the very last night we spent in Door County that she actually found the right hat! After we had supper at The Cookery in Fish Creek, we had some time to shop in Fish Creek before we headed for the play, Wait Until Dark.

Someone had noticed a shop where they had parked the van, that was a store with just ALL HATS! Since I had been taking photos of Venita trying on hats, I didn't want to miss her shopping at this store. Well, if you wanted a hat, this was indeed the place to shop. Thankfully I saw one with an opening at the top of the hat. "What do you think of this one Venita?" I asked. She tried it one and love it. "I like the way the top of the hat is made. I don't think my head will get too hot with the opening at the top." Venita replied.

So just before heading to the play, Venita was able to purchase a new hat. Not only will it serve her well, it will be a great way to remember her trip to Door County.

Door County - Just Us Girls 8-22 to 8-26-09

Well it was so much fun and so many photos! It all started out here in Rockton with my sister Louise behind the wheel along with my sister Linda and my sister-in-law Venita. (Of course I tagged along.) We headed for Watertown, Wisconsin to pick up my sister Jan. Jan took over the driving as we headed for Sister Bay. Thanks to Tammy for letting us use her van. I'm not sure how all of our items would fit in my Buick which Tammy would drive up the next day with just three people in the car. Here we have the five of us.

If you have ever been to Door County, you know it is beautiful part of Wisconsin. It has many shops and places to eat. One could go there just to check out all the restaurants and shops, but you never have enough time.

One really neat place to visit in Sister Bay is a resale shop. We all had fun shopping there. As you can see from the photo above, I think we all found something to buy. I think that I was so pleased to finally find a picture for our bedroom.

Isn't it just beautiful!

My sister-in-law Venita was looking for a certain hat to wear for walking and working in her yard. I will do a post on just that one event. It was fun watching her trying on different hats and finally on our last day, she found just the one.

Speaking of placing to eat, I wanted the girls to try Wilson's. We had two booths. I sat with Jan, Linda and Venita. We all got a nice thick malt to eat with our meal. And it truly was thick and refreshing.

When I was refilling my malt, I wish I had taken a photo of that because it overflowed and I had it all over the table. Such a lost for me.



When you have such a group that we had, we all did different activities. Us brave ones..Beth, Jan, even Linda the cane lady and I took a bike ride. Peninsula State Park has a nine mile bike path. The day was overcast but we would still see how far we could go before it would start raining hard.

Here you have the four of us ready to take off. I entitled this photo: "Look mom no hands." As you can see our feet are not on the petals. Linda and I stayed together while Jan and Beth stayed together. As Linda and I was nearing the one mile mark, we heard thunder and decided to head back. Good idea. As we waited at the bike shop for Jan and Beth the heavy rains came. Soon Jan and Beth appeared like wet rats. But they get credit for going the farthest.

In the evenings at Charlene's we did various activities. Thanks to Jan, Beth and Tammy were able to do some stamping.

One evening we ALL played Apples to Apples. Now that's an event you ALL would have loved to been to. We laughed and laughed so hard that some of us almost...well you know what I was about to say. Other nights just a few would play the golf game that my sister Linda taught us. We were so busy that I never got to even watch the news. I had no idea what was going on in the world. In fact on Wednesday evening, the night we got back, my sister Linda was watching a program on the Kennedys. At the end of the program they had listed the birth and death dates of Senator Edward Kennedy. I turned my head around to look at Gary and said, "When did Ed Kennedy died?" "Today." was his reply.

But some of did enjoy watching some of the Rosemary & Thyme series.

One of the beautiful thing about staying at Charlene's is that she lives out in the country. But very close to the town of Sister Bay. One morning I wanted to just walk up the hill from her home to view the beautiful house at the top. Linda said she would join me. I didn't now how far she could go but she made it to the top. Along the way we began to pick up wild flowers here and there. We ended up with a beautiful bouquet to put in a vase. My sister Linda has a photo of that!

The main event on our last day, was to eat at The Cookery in Fish Creek and see the play Wait Until Dark at the Peninsula Players Theatre. Which we did.

As you all know, vacation time always goes way too fast. Soon we were packing up to leave.

We packed the truck of my Buick as full as we could. But we still needed to have Tammy take some of our items in her van. Oh the problems you get from shopping too much! And yes Tammy's van was packed to the gills.

What great memories we all have to share! Too many cooks in the kitchen at times! Lack of sleep. Fun shopping, eating, resting, walking, playing games etc. When we got ready to leave I made the comment, "Are we all still friends?" "WE ARE ALL STILL FAMILY!" was my sister Jan reply.