I take a deep breath and tell myself that even amidst the chaos, I can enjoy the kaleidoscopic view of the sunset reflected in every direction by the surrounding skyscrapers, car windshields, and mirrors. As I exhale, the bus turns back into that farm truck and the skyscrapers into cornfields.Continue Reading
As a former Catholic, Weiss was immediately intrigued by the idea of a priestless religion with no strict rules that succeeded in making people she knew happy. “I went back to a tiny town and started chanting on my own,” Weiss said. Dremsa, originally from Brazil, was also struggling withContinue Reading
Anyway, back to the 70s and early 80s. Church, if you recall, can be a lot for kids. Adults too, I suppose. A half-hour lead-in, a ninety-minute-ish event, a fifteen-minute exit, and lots of “Behave! Sit still!” Sure, Sunday school was alright. When you talked about cool things like Noah’sContinue Reading
As I drifted into the cold water and floated free, I could feel the anticipation building. I carefully maneuvered the boat and the gentle bobbing motion signaled the beginning of my adventure. The farther away I got, the breaking of the serene silence of the riverbank. The current tugged atContinue Reading
When I arrived I was familiar with the Oktoberfest grounds, but not this festival. In the distance, I could hear music and laughter, but still did not know what I was walking into. They thanked me for coming and handed me a shirt and a name badge. Then, they calledContinue Reading
As we entered the restaurant, the warm glow of lights across the ceiling greeted us, casting a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The rustic yet modern decor added to the allure of the place, with wooden beams and exposed brick walls adorned with vintage photographs of the city’s rich history. TheContinue Reading
Training Tips for Outdoor Adventures Before embarking on your spring excursions, a few training tips can ensure both you and your pup enjoy a safe and pleasant experience: Recall Command: Mastering the recall command is crucial, especially in open areas. Practice in a controlled environment before venturing into the wilderness.Continue Reading
Have you read any good books?Yes. I have read many. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier is an all-time fave. The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout (and her sequel Outsmarting the Sociopath Next Door), Brood by Jacki Polzin, Fox and I by Catherine Raven, and Don’t Shoot the Dog byContinue Reading
Who is your personal hero?I have several-My Dad-who had a pretty horrible childhood, broke the cycle of abuse and built a loving family and had a ‘why not’ attitude that took us on so many adventures! He died over 10 years ago and I miss him every day.My Mom-who REFUSEDContinue Reading
Who is your personal hero?There is a little hero in everyone, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Jerry Baryenbruch. Jerry helped start an ambulance service in Spring Green when it was nothing more than a hearse, and kept it alive until we have a thriving volunteer serviceContinue Reading
Have you read any good books?Many! I am always reading at least four books at the same time: books that I read reviews about in the WSJ that pique my interest in the life of humans, places in nature, and, of course about great musicians. The most recent four: BeyondContinue Reading
All Union Terrace events and activities can be found on their website. One of the terrace’ most popular attractions is its live music events. From the blues to classic rock and electronic funk, there is a music event for all different tastes. On Friday, my friend and I were enjoyingContinue Reading
I arrived at the downtown La Crosse venue, which is also home to the German heritage festivities known as Oktoberfest, around noon on a Wisconsiny overcast and slightly misty day. The usual accommodation for this festival it seems. This did not persuade any of the beer tasters to stay atContinue Reading
Preston Minnesota is located along the Root River in scenic Historic Bluff Country! Also known as “Minnesota’s Trout Capital” Preston is a family-fun destination offering visitors a variety of entertaining, educational, and recreational activities to choose from. We are home to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery and we are theContinue Reading
At this particular class, I noticed a variety of ages interested in pickle ball from 9 through retirement age. There, I met Jaxson who started playing pickle ball at the YMCA at around 8 just for fun but developed a competitive streak for the game. Along with Jaxson, was hisContinue Reading
This same wonder washed over me as an adult as I stepped through those doors. It was like seeing it through the eyes of a kid again the moment I was among the stalactites and stalagmites. We wandered down the paved path, careful not to step off the trailContinue Reading
The changing fall colors on my left and on my right are the cascading hills along the Minnesota border, which is right across the Mississippi River. There is just something about the sun shining through on this moody overcast day and seeing the bright beams of light as it ripples acrossContinue Reading
A fervent believer in the transformative power of practical philanthropy and public service, Ellen was instrumental in numerous initiatives, including founding a home for children and contributing to the establishment of an early La Crosse hospital. Notably, she led efforts to preserve a prime section of local bluff land,Continue Reading
An innovation window opened between 1910 and 1930; between old style barns, then still (and forever) in use, and the agri-revolution style houses containing rows and rows of milking machines. For a time, Dairy Farmers built big round barns because they were following a sensible trend in crop production, timeContinue Reading