Madison Comes to Us.

 We did a day trip to Madison yesterday for a little shopping run at  Trader Joe's, The University Book Store and University Pharmacy.  That was all just an excuse to go back to Graze's for lunch.  It was good as always.  But, really it was just a burger... While, Susie had the noodle bowl.  Now, that was something special.
We checked out the L'Etoile menu which was quite interesting, with a price to match.

All and all it was good trip.  But it also helped us to realize another thing that we are truly thankful for and that's Potters Mill.

We are so fortunate to live in this beautiful part of the Mississippi River Valley where we are able to grow and prepare our own food.  That is every bit as good as Chef Tory's nationally recognized restaurant, where a meal of two pork chops will run you a C note and then some. 


So, last night Madison's very own award winning band The Jimmy's came back to Bellevue and tore things up with their mix of blues, soul, funk and R&B.  Banging out their own originals and  classics like Will It Go Round In Circles and The Bands, Ophelia.

So among the many things that we are thankful for The Flatted Fifth Blues and BBQ at Potters Mill is near the top of our list.

It made for a great night, close to home, surrounded by good friends and great music.

THANKFUL!

(you'll need ear buds to hear the Pileated Woodpecker)

Today I am thankful for my Family!  My Friends and my Health.

Life is good!

And So It Starts... Welcome to Winter.

 With our first winter storm in the forecast, it was time for those last minute projects.  So, when I got home from school Friday evening I fired up the pole barn and got busy wrapping up Susie's sculptures for the winter.

 This wrap job looks more like a high ankle sprain.

 This morning I got the snow cleared and took care of the feeders and the chickens.

 Then it was back into the barn to clean up the carrots and beets that Susie dug up before the snow started flying...  The cats don't seem to mind the weather at all.

RETURN TO TANGLEWOOD

 Friday night we returned to Tanglewood hunting lodge in Belmont WI.

Stories were told, plans were made for the Kansas hunting trip that the fellas are taking next month and
euchre was played.






 Nephew Marc and I were the big winners for the night

 Scott demonstrated some origami paper skills.   Wow.

 Ryan stretching  before Saturday mornings hunt.

 It was a beautiful morning and the birds flew well.

 We had three dogs.  Ryan's Brittney, Steve's Short hair and Marc's Lab.





The dogs worked great and we dropped a few birds.

 Retrieve of the day.

 Steep northern slope with yew growing above the stream.

 Great job Ryan!

 It was great spending time with the family in such a beautiful place.

 The Crew!

~BROTHERS STEVE AND GREG~

ALL HOLLOWS EVE.

 We've hit Cedar Rapids the last two weekends to do a little car shopping for an up grade for Susie's ride.  We had the dealer looking for a 2015 Cross Treck.  They didn't have the one we were looking for on the lot so the search was on.

 Not a 2015 but a 2016 Suzaroo!







They found this one in Lincoln NB.

 Going Tribal!  We hit the local haunts.  Morgan and Devan had another party just down the road.



Then it was off to the the Brook

To party with this crew.

 We finished up all hollow's eve with drinks and dancing down at the Mill.




Gail took Susie's headdress for a spin on the dance floor.

 Then she took Jerry for a spin.






We love these two.

 Face paint.










CHEERS!  We'll keep an eye out for ya!