My friend Angela and I took the kids on a day trip drive around Lake Pepin in Wisconsin. We visited a little town called Stockholm, which proudly displayed the Swedish Flag around the downtown area of cafe’s, small shops, and art galleries.
Stockholm, population 146, has a bike borrowing program. There are designated areas where you can drop off and pick up bikes to get around town. I had never seen this before, and we all laughed and hummed Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins tunes as we rode from one stop to the next.
Days like this are getting fewer and far between with my kids pushing further into teenage land, and I’m grateful when we can pull one off.
Time Flies When You’re Having Fun
It’s true. Time has been flying by, and July is almost over. I meant to post the last couple of days, but between flying home from Vegas and hitting the road to the outback of Mondovi, WI, (talk about being off the grid!) time has escaped and it’s Thursday night already. WiFi is definitely spotty and persnickety out here, so I’m glad to be able to jump in here now and say “Hi”.
This has been such a busy and incredibly fun month! I’ve been all over the map both literally and figuratively these past few weeks. I still have a lot to share about Mexico and Las Vegas, of course, and this day road tripping around the hilly back roads of my home state has been amazing and therapeutic in ways I hadn’t expected.
The past few years were tough around our house at times. We lost my mother in law, mom, brother, and grandparents. Also, our much loved dog and cat. Going back to Ellsworth, where I grew up, had become a sad thing that I had begun to dread.
But after spending the day with my family, and a lifelong friend and her family, hitting the old haunts and stirring up old memories, I am realizing it’s time to go back. Time to let all that back into my life. It’s certainly been missing. That’s for sure.
Oprah would be very proud.
I’m feeling nostalgic tonight, but also looking to the future. I’m making plans for this website, for its newsletter, and for all the subscribers I have to this blog. I thank every one of you for caring about what I have to say. I’m excited about how many new people are showing up every week to hang out and talk travel around here.
Now, I have a favor to ask. If there is anything you’d like to see on the blog, or in the newsletter, let me know in the comments. And then go sign up for the newsletter!
Remember a while ago, when I said that I love spending time with my kids, but “Oh my God, it can’t be all kids all the time?“ I’m getting a break this weekend, and I’m so excited to be a guest of the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. where I’ll get to be a little self absorbed. Not once will I have to listen to whining if I want to shop for sandals for 3 hours.
Steve is adamant that the only thing you go to Vegas for is to gamble, which is why his sorry butt isn’t here with me. There are a million other things to do here, and one of the things I like best is when everything I desire is under one roof. That’s the case so far with the Monte Carlo.
I’m lucky enough to be a person without a ton of vices. Diet coke is about it. So all the drinking, smoking, and gambling don’t do much for me. Carousing used to be fun, but I kinda had to give that up when I got married. But I Love to read by the pool, frequent the spa, and shop like nobody’s business. I’m also partial to a good comedy show, and we’re going to see Frank Caliendo, a hilarious comedian that I’ve wanted to see for a long time.
I even tweeted Frank that I’d be at the show tonight. I’m sure he’s pumped about that:) (Hey Frank! I’m a KQRS fan!)
A Day To Yourself Equals Bliss For Us Moms
I know some people, aren’t comfortable traveling alone, but you guys, there’s something to be said for it! Today I arrived one full day before the rest of the group, and I loved having an entire day to myself!
I got the lay of the land, which isn’t easy for me because I have zero sense of direction. I spent time reading by the pool, poked around in some cute little shops, and joined a group of women I met for a couple beers.
Then…and I know this sounds unbelievably lame, I ordered room service and a movie in my HUGE hotel room. I was in heaven!
I have to confess that I snuck down to The Cupcakery late last night for dessert. I couldn’t resist! I don’t usually have a cupcake store right downstairs! And The Cupcakery has all those fancy cupcakes I loved as a kid, but only saw on really special occasions.
Anticipation
After sleeping in, today the whirlwind starts. The rest of the group arrives, and we’ll be having spa treatments, dinner at Diablo’s Cantina, and of course, the Frank Caliendo show. All of the service I’ve had so far has been fabulous, and I’m looking forward to playing princess again today:)
