Open Spaces and Close Family

I had my first chance at an internet connection again tonight, so wanted to update the blog. I have so much to write, but first wanted to address the tragic news back in Virginia. Phill learned earlier today that his flight instructor out at Warrenton-Faulkier airport was involved in a mid-air collision on Monday afternoon. Paul Gardella and another pilot on board their Bonanza aircraft were both killed. Please keep their families in your prayers. I was lucky enough to have gone up with both Phill and Paul several months ago, and of course Phill had come to know Paul quite well during his lessons. He was well respected and a sought after instructor. He certainly touched many lives at that airport.

Such news always makes us pause, be thankful, and consider the truly important things in life, doesn't it? It all can be over in a blink of an eye. For me, these past two days have indeed been a gift, as I've felt more at home than ever among warm, welcoming people and beautiful farm country.

In the last 48 hours, I've seen the farmhouses where relatives were born, heard numerous stories recounting holiday gatherings, childhood mischief, and the realities of being farmers in this country, and absorbed the warmth that Phill's family just naturally exudes as they embraced me in their presence. Each member has a storied background and an amazing life to share. Since I started dating Phill in high school, I've heard about the magic of Iowa. Now that I've experienced it for myself, it truly is a magical place. It reminds me so much of my own family and the memories I have of my grandparent's place in Indiana. Maybe that's why this has all come so natural to me...it feels like going home.

I stayed in a cabin in St. Charles, MN, that was handcrafted piece by piece. It has 7 different hardwoods in its bones, representing the woods from which it was constructed. We saw eagles and their babies. My father-in-law has devotedly watched the famous eagle's nest outside of Decorah for the last three years. They placed a webcam up near the nest and broadcast the happenings to the entire world. This same eagle pair has returned to the nest for several years now and millions have witnessed the hatchings and raising of the eaglets. If any of you are interested, just google the Decorah eagles. It was so special to see the nest in person and share the fascination with Garry. We toured the Bily Clock Museum in Spillville. We have eaten. Oh boy have we enjoyed home-cooked meals!

As I write this, Aunt Tammy, Grandma and I are headed to Waterloo and will begin our fishing trip tomorrow. I might disconnect again for a few days, but will be back with more stories and pictures soon.

A Wedding and Remembrance

Pictures sometime say it all. Today and probably tomorrow will best be described in images. I'll only do some slight narration. We're still in Milwaukee, gearing up for Ali's wedding. All the family who will be attending have safely arrived. The weather is gorgeous. Let's have a wedding!

Just one of many of the beautiful arrangements Aunt Ruth created. Isn't she talented?

How many people does it take to get the wrinkles out of linen?

Lunch with the parents down at the urban market. I think this could be the next advertisement for a Farm to Table initiative. It was completely unplanned. Promise. Those peppers and tomatoes just knew I would adore this picture and decided they would make for a perfect backdrop.

Loving these old hotels in the city. We're at the Knickerbocker now. Our cousin, Jack, gets the biggest kick out of the name. Giggles every time he says it. It has arched doorways and bubble doors with actual locks and keys. I can't remember the last time I stayed somewhere that didn't use plastic for entry. I think I like the keys better.

Brilliant. Pedal Tavern. Drink, pedal, burn calories, drink more. Who drives? Never mind, I'm getting one for the neighborhood in Stafford. Not sure what the HOA will say. Milwaukee, you're genius.

I want to meet this bride and groom. I have a feeling they have the same humor about them as my husband. Speaking of brides and grooms...the city has been overrun with them this weekend. We must have counted at least 15 different wedding parties at all the picturesque sites.

We had our own affair to attend, Shafovaloff-style. Old German Beer Hall + wedding welcome dinner = lots of singing, lots of beer appreciation, possibly some polka, and yes, even an alpenhorn. What celebration would be complete without it?

Fast forward to Day 2 of wedding festivities. A beautiful day. I sure do like Milwaukee's definition of a "90 degree day". I think the high on the lake was around 75. A beautiful venue. They got married at the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music. And a beautiful bride and groom. The reception was at the same ballroom where Ali met Matt. He was her dance instructor. Their first dance was one to be envied.

This is what happens when the cousins are left to their own perogative during the reception ;-)

Not sure what I'm doing here. Phill has a habit of shooting my picture at random moments.

It is now Monday morning, a gorgeous morning here at the Milwaukee airport. I've just dropped off Phill and his parents. They head back to DC for the work week. I'm staying on with Grandma Shaf and Aunt Tammy to visit with the extended family in Iowa for the week. I'm not exactly sure how my internet connection will be in the middle of the corn fields, but I'll do my best to keep blogging as regularly as possible.

It is Memorial Day. Please remember the reason this holiday was created. With four grandfathers, two fathers, a husband, and many additional family members and friends, who have all served, it is a day of significance and remembrance. Make sure to take a moment to recognize this during your cookouts.

Until my next best internet connection...

Love on the Road

The clock read 5:10 am. I wasn't quite awake.

But then....

Okay, now I'm awake.

When one has the option to watch the sun rise behind a building designed by the same man who designed the World's Fair for Spain and the Trinity Bridge, and which has Lake Michigan as it's backdrop....well...is there really a decision to make?

There is no light as pure and golden as the light of sunrise. I want to witness that light as many times in my life as possible. I can nap later.

And now I'm really awake.

A relaxing start paved the way for the rest of the day. We stopped by cousin Ali's place to see if Uncle Jim and Aunt Ruth needed any help in preparation for Ali's wedding on Sunday. Aunt Ruth was busily preparing all of the flowers, which she is arranging herself. They are gorgeous! Pics to come later on those. They seemed to have everything under control, so we had the afternoon to ourselves.

We got on the road and drove. We do that sometimes. Leave maps and agendas behind and just see where the road takes us. While on this trip, we've taken to listening to episodes from the History Channel. Phill pulls them off YouTube and then we pipe them through the car's speaker system. We spent our time learning about Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills, as well as Custer's Last Stand, both of which we plan to see later on this adventure. Did you know there is strong evidence to suggest there was a sole survivor from Custer's regiment after the Battle of Little Big Horn? That was news to me too.

As we drove, we wanted to see more of the lakefront and Wisconsin in general. We found a great trail that occupied us for a good hour and a half, and led us right to the beach.

Here's another Washington, only Port Washington. I wonder how many states have Washington towns in them? One more factoid to look up on my ever-growing list of similar inquiries.

We finally ended our drive here:

A sleepy mid-western town, though a rather long stretch of downtown. We were too late to stop in any of the stores, but the writing on a small platter in one of the windows caught my eye and left a warm, fuzzy impression. It made me squeeze Phill's hand just a little tighter as we strolled along. How lucky and blessed I am to have him as my companion on this journey. In honor of our family wedding this weekend, I leave you with it:

His hello was the end of her endings
Her smile, their first step down the aisle
His hand would be hers to hold forever
His forever was as simple as her smile
He said she was what was missing
She said instantly she knew
She was a question to be answered
And his answer was I do
~Carrie Bradshaw

Growing Power

This was how I started my day:

I might add that this was just the appetizer.

THIS was the main meal. Smoked salmon benedict with a side of cinnamon roll. Ann Sather's, a Swedish joint a few blocks from Brandt's place, knows how to do breakfast! I'm still smacking my lips.

There's Brandt. He's off to work for the day. Hipster urbanite he is.

After parting ways and gorging ourselves silly, we waddled back to the car. It looks nice parked there on that pretty Chicago neighborhood street, doesn't it?

Off we zoomed to Milwaukee. We had spent a slow, lazy morning...maybe too slow. We were trying to make it to Milwaukee for a farm tour at Growing Power. Yes, I do realize we are the only couple I know to visit a city and insist on seeing a farm. It's in my blood. Why fight it?

Growing Power. Is. Extraordinary. Started by Will Allen (former NBA basketball player) in 1993. He saw the need for accessible, local produce in a low-income area of Milwaukee, took over a vacant garden center, and created a mecca of urban agricultural brilliance. They are a think- and do- tank; innovative in their approach to sustainable agriculture, a community neighbor in their employment philosophy, and philanthropic in their approach to teaching others. My words don't do it justice. Check out www.growingpower.org to learn more. If any of you are ever in Milwaukee, it's worth the visit.

This is Ryan. He was our amazing tour guide. Two hours later, Phill and I came away most inspired and now thinking we want to add aquaponics to our ever-growing list of farming techniques. I could go on and on. Just check out the website.

After spending the afternoon on the farm, there was only one thing left to do. Eat and drink. Are you catching on to how much Phill and I love to eat? We must be locavores. In my opinion, there's nothing better than checking out a new place than through their food. Tour guide Ryan suggested The Swinging Door downtown, as they support local farmers, including Growing Power.

Spiced pierogies, marinated beet salad with goat cheese, avocado bacon melt, vermouth carrots, and the best wheat beer we've had yet. It was called Spotted Cow by New Glarus Brewing Company. If you're in Milwaukee, definitely check this place out. I didn't want to stop eating. Really. We stayed an extra half hour just so I could make sure to finish everything on my plate. For those of you who know me, this is a very rare occasion.

After waddling yet again from the restaurant, we decided to check in at the hotel.

Not realizing the little surprise Phill had planned earlier in the day when he booked it, I did not know the significance of where we were staying.

Until I walked into the lobby.

And then saw the view from our room.

My very sweet husband spoils me rotten. This I know.

Among the many very interesting facts and history of this place, the two that resonated most: at the turn of the century, the hotel boasted air-conditioned rooms (a rare amenity at the time), and this hotel has the largest collection of Victorian art in the world. We spent last evening just perusing the halls to look at all the art, then went for a nighttime drive to tour the city. What a beautiful, clean and culturally dense area. We were impressed with the many various neighborhoods, and the defined "feel" to each one. Someday, I'd like to spend more time here.

I fell asleep feeling like a queen.