Before I finish out the last few tidbits of my Wisconsin trip, let me wish a happy fifth anniversary to this couple! (May 22)
They are going to do a bigger celebration in a few weeks, but went out for coffee on the actual day. They were both pleased that they matched the backdrop of the coffee shop. Trust the two of them to notice an artistic detail like that!
If you’re like me, you can hardly believe it’s been five years already.
The last two days of my Wisconsin visit were wonderful, hanging out with my two sisters. Ruth and I loved Debbie’s “hi.” sign. So fun and quirky.
Debbie’s pancakes were her best batch ever–and that’s saying something.
Ruth nabbed a photo of Debbie’s teacup drawer. Trust Ruth to discover eclectic beauty wherever it may be found.
On Monday, the three of us did a little thrift store shopping, had lunch at Culver’s (a Wisconsin tradition), and then visited a Mennonite store. Our shopping trips never involve malls–we are all equally allergic to them.
Monday evening, we had a wild ride through the Wisconsin countryside, where everything was funny whether it was funny or not. Amidst the hullabaloo and hysteria, I managed to capture a few more photos.
The vivid color of this barn caught our eye.
It’s incredible to think of how much work was involved in getting these logs cut and stacked.
I really wanted to see some Amish scenes, and Ruth and Debbie knew right where to take me. I think the white things on the line are Martin houses.
When we passed this woman walking, I couldn’t help but contrast her daily choice of country roads with my daily choice of six lanes of traffic. We all take such different paths in life.
We loved seeing the foal out in the field, enjoying the spring breeze. I have always been fascinated by horses–both their strength and their beauty.
Ruth was especially excited when we stopped by this creek because she heard a wood thrush, something she said you don’t hear very often. Reportedly, the wood thrush is famous for having one of the most beautiful and complex songs in the bird world, and can even sing harmony with itself. Now there’s a neat trick.
Love the reflection of that lacy tree.
All too soon, the thrifting and laughing and country road driving came to an end.
It was on to the airport and then, for a few magical hours at least, experiencing life somewhere above the clouds.
What about you?
When was the last time you were on a plane? Where did you go? Do you enjoy flying?
Are you interested in identifying birds and their songs?
What are your plans for Memorial Day?
Do you have any memories of Sarah and Gage’s wedding day or the season surrounding it?
Happy 5th anniversary to Sarah and Gage!! I remember their wedding day…I watched on the live-stream. And I shed a few tears too! (Happy tears)
The last time I flew was to Las Vegas last year. I LOVE to fly!! I wish I could afford to do it a lot more often. 🙂
LeeAnne,
I love to fly, too. It’s so interesting to watch all the people and I try to never take for granted what a miracle it is to sit atop tons of steel and lift into the sky.
You’re right–it is SO expensive. I guess that just makes each flight all the more treasured.
Five years?!?!?! I remember their wedding and all the hurdles leading up to it – happy anniversary to them!
I need to go find a recording of that bird’s song. My daughter has an app on her phone that identifies birds by their songs. It is so cool!
We have Culver’s here too (Missouri), and I know a lot of people who eat there regularly. I’ve heard their fish is superb. 🙂
The last time I was on a plane was in January/February. We flew from STL to New York City for a few days (specifically to see a play), then flew on to London for a week. While we were in London, we took the train to Amsterdam for the day, where we visited the Anne Frank house and wandered around several Ted Lasso filming locations. Then we flew home, via Detroit. Our Detroit>STL flight was cancelled last-minute, so we stayed overnight at the airport Westin. The next day, Delta had split us up on flights to get us home – but we landed 6 minutes apart: they flew me through Minneapolis, and Mike through LaGuardia! That was because he had booked his original flight on points, while I paid cash for mine, so we weren’t on the same reservation.
I adore flying. 🙂 We visited the USAF Museum in Dayton for our anniversary, then stopped off to wander around Wilbur Wright’s birthplace in rural Indiana on the way home. At that site, there was a scaled-down air control tower, and I learned it’s used for a super-amazing radio-controlled aircraft field – and yes, I thought of Steve while we were there. 🙂
Stefanie,
I actually had Culver’s fish when I was there last week; my mom always used to order it. It is definitely tasty!
That is quite a travel story! Trains and planes and cool places to visit. And how great you and Mike both landed so close to each other, even going through different cities.
Sounds like Steve would like to be packed into your suitcase on some of your trips; he would have love the USAF Museum and of course, the radio-controlled aircraft field. What fun!
Sister time is absolutely the best time! I video chat with my sister several times a week, and we often do crafts (sewing, crocheting) or cook while we chat. I fly many times per year for work–I have had 15 flights this month! Much more than usual, and definitely exhausting.
Robin,
What a fun idea to do crafts while talking to your sister! Love it.
Fifteen flights in a month? Cannot even imagine. I’ll bet that sister time is even more special after all that traveling. J
My last plane trip was 4 years ago when my daughter took me to Charleston, SC for Mother’s Day (we went in late April to fit our schedules). I don’t mind flying (as long as I don’t have to deal with a lot of delays)….I’m not really a bird-er and can’t identify their songs…Memorial Day was spend at my sister-in-law’s in Arkansas with family where I’ve been for the past week, but back home and back to work for a couple of days tomorrow…I certainly remember Sarah & Gage’s wedding and was so excited to follow along through your posts. But I can’t believe it’s been 5 years already. Have a wonderful week!
Sue Ellen,
What a lovely Mother’s Day gift. I’m sure you will have special memories of that for a long time to come.
I’m not an official birder either, but sure do enjoy their songs! I always think that God didn’t have to make them to sing but I’m so glad he did.
Happy Anniversary to Sarah and Gage! Five years!!
I just love your pictures of Wisconsin! What a blessing to have sisters and brothers. I am only child and while it didn’t bother me much as a child, it has settled a lot differently now that my parents are gone. I have a wonderful husband and children, but no one in the whole world shares my childhood.
Thank you for taking us along on your journey.
Lisa,
Even though growing up with 5 siblings was noisy and chaotic, I can definitely see your point about missing having siblings later in life. Your line, “No one in the whole world shares my childhood” was thought-provoking. I had never thought of it like that.
Thank you for taking the journey with the Smiths.
Happy 5th Anniversary to Sarah and Gage.
Love all your country photos.
Last time I was on a plane was a year ago March when I flew to NYC with my daughter in law and granddaughter. I love flying. I love to hear the engines getting louder in preparation for takeoff. I love wandering around airports during layovers.
I keep an Audubon bird book on my table to identify birds. Have not tried to identify their songs, but enjoy hearing the different sounds. Only bird I know the sound of is the cranes that fly over-such a different almost mournful sound.
Memorial day is quiet for us. We might go get some roses and take to my husbands family graves like we have the last two years.
I remember how sick Sarah was as the wedding approached, how beautiful she looked, and how much fun they both were having.
Patti,
I also love those moments right before takeoff; I feel like a huge bird is gathering its strength to take to the sky. I also really love people-watching and what better place to do that than in an airport? Such a wonderful variety of people gathered around one room, headed to all parts of the globe.
I would not recognize the crane’s sound but it’s interesting that you call it “mournful.” They must be beautiful flying overhead.
All you wrote was quite accurate…especially the very enjoyable sister time. It is never dull when we are together, a real blessing in life to have two best friends who are -“instant in season and out.”
(An applicable Bible verse.) Ruth
Ruth,
Definitely true that it is never dull when we are together. Blessed to have fabulous sisters!