Chillin' in Wisconsin

Here I am in Manitowoc, in the throes of a pending snowstorm. My sister recently informed me the predications for the area have been downgraded to ‘only’ 6” of snow from the original 9”. We thank God for small favors. Our concern includes the high winds expected which mean drifts and impassable roadways. Never a good situation, especially on a Sunday morning.

Well, my travel on Thursday was flawless, and the concerns for bad weather for the commute to Manitowoc were unfounded. Lynn picked me up at the airport, we stopped to have lunch at Perkins near the airport, and then headed for home. Got to my Mom’s before it was dark out (about 2:30 pm) and the fun began!

My sister, Kerry, was waiting with Mom, plus Jill came up later. We went to The Green Street Tavern to have perch (at least, I did!) with those mentioned plus my niece, Alayna, and friend, Jenna. Jill’s son, Danny, came too so we had a nice group. I got to see my friend, Wendy, there dining with her sister-in-law, Ellen, and she asked me to come to her house during my time in Manty. I hope we can make that work out!

Friday was spent with a morning of shopping for Kerry and I, hitting up the Festival Foods and Wal*Mart. Boy, was I worn out! Kerry and I met up with Jill, Mom, and Alayna at Culvers, where Linda joined us. Mom and Linda had hair cuts scheduled so Linda took charge of Mom while Kerry and I went home to unload our trunkful of groceries and purchases. Jill had some other errands to run herself. So very thankful to Linda for doing this monthly outing with and for my mom! Linda said she enjoys it very much so I won’t take that away from her.

Kerry and I stocked up lots of stuff Mom loves like soups and freezer meals, plus I got ingredients for meals to make while I am here visiting. We also got the stuff needed for our Christmas Eve feast which will be celebrated at the AmericInn where my sister, Lori, and family are staying for the holidays. I put on a lot of miles at the stores and spent a lot of smiles greeting people in the aisles. Got some other shopping done, as well, so I can say I am probably done. Won’t know that until it’s time to hand them out, I guess. Gulp!

I made a batch of sloppy joes for our dinner, and Jill, who lives in the building, too, brought up German potato salad and cole slaw left from her work party. Lynn came for dinner too and together we watched Jeopardy! My goodness, I just ached all over from our venture which means I am terribly out of shopping shape! Lynn comforted me with saying she can’t shop like she used to, either. I blame my heavy ‘winter’ shoes but I can’t imagine trudging through snow and slop in ballerina flats!

Saturday is the traditional ‘going for coffee day’ and though I don’t drink coffee, I was invited along. Lynn picked up Mom and me and off we went to Hardees where we sat and talked for a couple of hours. Very nice! Jill was taking Mom shopping to ShopKo and Lynn went home after bringing me home. I was being collected by Linda to join her for her nail appointment (great fun!!! at RoseColoredGlasses Salon where I was treated to a complimentary shoulder/neck,head massage!) and then joined her sister, Georgia, for lunch at Harborside. After I did my Facebook check-in, one of my friends asked me via Comments if I was going for 10 restaurants in 10 days. I replied that it’s more like 10 restaurants in 3 days!

Tomorrow is church, weather permitting, and I get to see many more people I know and love, and touch my Facebook friends in real life instead of with virtual hugs. Looking forward to worship and Bible study, and then home to make beer cheese soup to devour while the Packers beat the Steelers! Go, Pack, Go!