Claire's first entree

It was fun having Claire home January 19 - 23rd. I had too much work to do during the day but at night we ate dinner together and watched American Idol, one of our favorite shows. The only thing missing was Mike. One night Claire made dinner. I needed to workout and she was starving so she tackled the balsalmic chicken recipe herself. She was so proud. We determined that this was her first entree. YEAH! Claire. By the way, it was delicious.

Our cabin in the woods

On January 2nd Mike and I took and drive to the cabin on the Menominee River. It was a beautiful but cold winter day. The views were spectacular. It would be so much fun to stay awhile and snowshoe and then relax in front to the fire.


Driving into the cabin.

The view of the Menominee River from the deck.

Christmas 2008

We still enjoy decorating the Christmas tree together. Mike and Claire like to supervise me during the process. It is so much fun. Claire came home on December 12th and we put up the tree on the 14th. On the 19th we had celebrated Christmas with a small group of friends from the college. It was so much fun

Christmas this year was spent in Green Bay. Claire and I left for GB on Monday December 22nd and returned to Minocqua on the 29th. It was fun being with Mike in Green Bay and near family. The condo doesn't feel like home though. We bought Mike a little inside tree with lights and ornaments.

Claire spent 10 days in Texas with her Grandma Dailey, 1/8 - 1/17/09. I really enjoyed the time we spent together 1/18 - 23. She starts classes on 1/26.

I am thankful for my family

This was our first Thanksgiving kind of in Green Bay. I picked Claire up at St Norbert's on Tuesday night and we had a wonderful dinner together with Mike at Montagues. On Wednesday Claire and I shopped and then we joined my dad, at Jerry's home for pizza. Thanksgiving was at my dad and Mary's home. It was a small gathering this year: Jerry and his family, Ann and Michael, Mary Lou and Fred, Mike, Claire and I plus Dad and Mary. The food was delicious as always.

I am very thankful for my family and friends.

Happy 50th Birthday Karen!

What a wonderful way to celebrate a momentous occasion: wine tasting,

massage and dinner with friends at a wonderful hotel, The American Club. Below are pictures from the wine tasting at LedgeStone Vineyards http://ledgestonevineyards.com/home.html. We enjoyed all types of great wine, cheese, bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a selection of olives. It was hard to leave but we eventually did bearing all kinds of wines and gifts to share with family and friends. Then it was on to a wonderful old church in Sheboygan for a relaxing massage. Dinner in the Wisconsin Room followed present opening. I wish I had taken a picture of the birthday girl with her tiara.

Thanks for the great memories Karen. Here's to the next 50 years!

Happy Birthday Claire

Happy Birthday Claire! 20 years old on November 4, 2008. It was fun to spend a little time with you on your birthday. I am so happy you liked the guitar and I so loved hearing you play. Your talent for music is very special. Here's to a great year.

Golfing for Gas, 8/01/08

The above pictures are from the Nicolet College Golfing for Gas event. It was so much fun plus we raised money for students, 8/01/08. Timber Ridge Golf Course, Minocqua, WI.