Mini Vacation

by Dianne

It’s been a hot, dry summer, but the rains have started once again in Michigan. That means the grass is growing again which means Rick has more work to do than just his “fishing” job. Especially since he is tending to our's, his dad’s and the neighbor’s yard. It was a wise decision to take our mini vacation while the lawns were dormant for a bit. So, off we went to the Midwest.  

Our first stop was Ham Lake just north of Minneapolis to visit family.   I’m including a picture of my other mother-in-law, Annie Plumb, who will be 95 in October. A great lady, who loves to go to the casinos and “scalp” the Indians. Which I must say, she is very good at. 

Next was Ankeny, Iowa to spend a little time with Bob and Gelene.  Had a great visit.  Bob chauffeured us around town a couple different times and actually confused the heck out of Rick, who has a great sense of direction and never seems to get lost. Bob never took the same route twice which added to Rick’s directional loss. We visited with Gelene’s mom again, met Bob’s mom (his dad was away that day) and met their son, Chad, daughter-in-law, Karen, and their 2 precious grandsons, Jackson and Nicholas.  Topped that off with a meetup for lunch with Keith and Pat. It was a great BBQ place and somehow most of us had room for ice cream afterwards.

Third was Elroy, Wisconsin to visit Cliff and Lois Calhoun.  What a beautiful State with lots of trees and rolling hills. It’s amazing how they can farm the hillsides.  According to Cliff, it’s no problem with the big tractors rolling over since they have dual wheels; however, he said it does get a little interesting when the tractor starts to slid. Their home is perched on a hilltop with a long sloping drive and a great view.  We were lucky enough to meet their 5 sons, all of whom live nearby.  Before leaving Wisconsin, we visited the Wisconsin Dells and took the “upper” river boat tour which was fantastic. The Dells were on my bucket list because my mom talked so frequently about her trip there many years ago.

Our last stop was McHenry, Illinois, home to Tom and Dianne Carl, just north of Chicago. Tom was just returning from his annual trip to Oshkosh, WI where he participates in the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Show.   He and Dianne camped by us in their local State park. They have a boat launch at the park which provides weekend entertainment for the campers, who go down to the docks to watch young Chicago boaters launch and load their watercraft.  Kind of a "learn as you go" experience for them.

 On a sad note, for those of you who may not have heard, Tom’s ailing father passed away the previous week.  Our condolences to his family.)

Annie Plumb, my other mother-in-law

Bob and Gelene visiting us at the campground

Lois setting up for supper - she fed us well

Cliff and Rick holding down the front porch and enjoying the view

The Carl's and Carlson's

We had a great mini vacation and plan to see a few more Rockport friends before the summer ends.  We also look forward to seeing all the rest of you at the park later this year.  Take care and be safe.  Dianne and Rick