Went into Green Bay for the day and to get Packers presents for grand-daughter (hair scrunchy, GB Packer M&M, GB Packer Lip gloss), her boyfriend (cheese head) and their son (onesie). Lambeau Field’s parking lot was jammed!!! We had planned the trip being sure not to go in on a game day. What we didn’t know was the Packers’ Appreciate Lunch for their fans had been postponed due to the NFL contract negotiations. The plaza in front of the stadium was peppered with players and kids getting autographs. In our football ignorance, we didn’t identify that activity until it was pointed out by a clerk in the Pro Shop.
Ruthi was in the shop looking at doll replicas of Clay Matthews and Aaron Rogers when a 2 year old came by also interested in the dolls. Ruthi tried to have a conversation with the little boy but he seemed a bit awe-struck. His mother explained that he had just gotten Clay Matthews autograph and was a bit Ga Ga still.
There are about 100,000 residents in Green Bay with everyone being Packer fans. There might be a lone Bear fan or two in the crowd but we aren’t sure if they are at all vocal about it. We tried to eat at Bret Farve’s Steak House but it didn’t open for lunch. Overall we were not very impressed with Green Bay. The Bay and River front is almost totally commercial with little restaurant access to the views.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Door County - Fish Creek, WI
Today after much harassment, haranguing and basic hectoring from a former co-worker of Ruthi’s, we finally drove up to Door County. You know how Michigan is sort of shaped like a mitten with the thumb extending out into the Lake Huron. Well, Wisconsin has a similar thumb shape extends into Lake Michigan. Wisconsin’s thumb is much thinner and looks more like it’s from a witch’s hand.
Anyway, we drove the exact course prescribed by Maryann (up WI Route 42 to WI 57; back down WI 57 to Interstate 43). This made for a lovely view of the lake and some very large farms as we headed North. Some of the farms had 2 or 3 silos which indicate a great deal of acreage and large harvests. We even saw one with 6 silos. If you buy “Lands of Lakes” dairy products, we saw from whence they came. The farms have signs that indicate their crops are sold to “Land of Lakes”. We saw a lot of corn and soy bean fields but not very many actual cows. Though there were the accoutrements for a dairy farm (milking barns, calving areas, etc.), just the cows were far afield.
We passed through Sturgeon Bay where the bay connects Green Bay and Lake Michigan, with the assistance of a canal on the east side of the peninsula. The bridge is a draw bridge and was up upon our return to let a boat get into Green Bay. We slowly drove through Egg Harbor – lots of tourists walking around. Then we stopped for lunch at the White Gull Inn (approved by Maryann) in Fish Creek. The Boiled Fish dish was not offered for lunch or Mondays, so we settled on breakfast dishes. Really we were just thankful that we could do a pass on the Boiled Fish. No matter how much people praise it and Maryann pushes it, we just couldn’t get our heads around boiled fish. We know, we know, we’ll eat a lot of raw fish (sushi) but boiling it with potatoes and vegetables doesn’t work for us.
We had to park our 22 foot long truck in a parallel spot. Luckily there were 2 spaces which we could slip into (yeah, it was that easy ha ha ha), leaving the possibility of a nasty note upon our return OR someone parking in the remaining space so that we’d be locked in for the afternoon. When we got back a vehicle from Illinois (a good state, if Ruthi does say so) had taken the front spot and, THANK GOODNESS, left a good 3 feet for us to maneuver out. The town/streets were full of tourists again but of a more mature variety.
On the way back we stopped at The Cherry Hut, which has everything imaginable made from cherries, then a cheese “factory” and a cheese shop that offered samples. We brought home our favorite kind of souvenirs – food! (Including some Fat Louie’s balsamic vinegar – there were lots in the guide books about Fat Louie’s olive oil at 3 locations in Door County. At the Cherry Hut, you could taste a variety of their oils and balsamic vinegars. On the front label it says “Fish Creek”. Once home, Boots discovered it’s made in California!!!) Oh, well, it’s tasty anyway!)
Anyway, we drove the exact course prescribed by Maryann (up WI Route 42 to WI 57; back down WI 57 to Interstate 43). This made for a lovely view of the lake and some very large farms as we headed North. Some of the farms had 2 or 3 silos which indicate a great deal of acreage and large harvests. We even saw one with 6 silos. If you buy “Lands of Lakes” dairy products, we saw from whence they came. The farms have signs that indicate their crops are sold to “Land of Lakes”. We saw a lot of corn and soy bean fields but not very many actual cows. Though there were the accoutrements for a dairy farm (milking barns, calving areas, etc.), just the cows were far afield.
We passed through Sturgeon Bay where the bay connects Green Bay and Lake Michigan, with the assistance of a canal on the east side of the peninsula. The bridge is a draw bridge and was up upon our return to let a boat get into Green Bay. We slowly drove through Egg Harbor – lots of tourists walking around. Then we stopped for lunch at the White Gull Inn (approved by Maryann) in Fish Creek. The Boiled Fish dish was not offered for lunch or Mondays, so we settled on breakfast dishes. Really we were just thankful that we could do a pass on the Boiled Fish. No matter how much people praise it and Maryann pushes it, we just couldn’t get our heads around boiled fish. We know, we know, we’ll eat a lot of raw fish (sushi) but boiling it with potatoes and vegetables doesn’t work for us.
We had to park our 22 foot long truck in a parallel spot. Luckily there were 2 spaces which we could slip into (yeah, it was that easy ha ha ha), leaving the possibility of a nasty note upon our return OR someone parking in the remaining space so that we’d be locked in for the afternoon. When we got back a vehicle from Illinois (a good state, if Ruthi does say so) had taken the front spot and, THANK GOODNESS, left a good 3 feet for us to maneuver out. The town/streets were full of tourists again but of a more mature variety.
On the way back we stopped at The Cherry Hut, which has everything imaginable made from cherries, then a cheese “factory” and a cheese shop that offered samples. We brought home our favorite kind of souvenirs – food! (Including some Fat Louie’s balsamic vinegar – there were lots in the guide books about Fat Louie’s olive oil at 3 locations in Door County. At the Cherry Hut, you could taste a variety of their oils and balsamic vinegars. On the front label it says “Fish Creek”. Once home, Boots discovered it’s made in California!!!) Oh, well, it’s tasty anyway!)
Friday, August 12, 2011
Central Bark - Manitowoc, WI
Karma went to a “new” (for her) doggie day care, Central Bark, today. Like Camp Bow Wow they are a franchise. There are a lot of Central Barks in Wisconsin. There are others spread across America, so we might be able to try another one in our travels. The orientation / assessment procedure requires that Karma be at the facility by 7am for the day (until 5pm). That was a challenge to get up early enough to get her there at 7 am.
When we picked her up there was a written assessment, pictures, and report card. She had a great time and will probably sleep through the week-end. After this orientation/assessment we can drop her anytime for any number of hours Monday-Friday.
When we picked her up there was a written assessment, pictures, and report card. She had a great time and will probably sleep through the week-end. After this orientation/assessment we can drop her anytime for any number of hours Monday-Friday.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Settling In – Two Rivers, WI
IF YOU ARE SQUIMISH ABOUT PLUMBING AND BODY FUNCTIONS, YOU MIGHT WANT TO SKIP THIS POSING!
When we first arrived here, we plugged in the electric and then proceeded to unhook, level etc. Usually Ruthi attaches the sewer later but it was cool and it seemed like a great idea to do it in the shade of the RV before the living room slide was moved out into place. Usually, she wears plastic gloves just in case it gets messy – which it hasn’t since our first time in Simi Valley, CA. So, gloveless you can imagine the results. As Ruthi took the cap off the drain pipe to attach the hose - out gushed waste water. Luckily, there were no solids; but it was definitely “black” water (from the sewer) and not “gray” water from the bathroom or kitchen sinks.
We had drained the tanks just before we left Illini Park in Marseilles, IL on Tuesday (09 August). Then we spent an overnight in Caledonia, WI. Somehow/someone had pulled the “black” lever and filled the exit piping (about 3-4 feet of 3-inch sewer piping) with waste. So, the total “spill” was less than a quart but messy none the less. We talked with the RV Park owners and discussed how to remedy the spill. Ruthi used fresh water to wash the “spill” site and ensured that no waste/smell was left.
When we first arrived here, we plugged in the electric and then proceeded to unhook, level etc. Usually Ruthi attaches the sewer later but it was cool and it seemed like a great idea to do it in the shade of the RV before the living room slide was moved out into place. Usually, she wears plastic gloves just in case it gets messy – which it hasn’t since our first time in Simi Valley, CA. So, gloveless you can imagine the results. As Ruthi took the cap off the drain pipe to attach the hose - out gushed waste water. Luckily, there were no solids; but it was definitely “black” water (from the sewer) and not “gray” water from the bathroom or kitchen sinks.
We had drained the tanks just before we left Illini Park in Marseilles, IL on Tuesday (09 August). Then we spent an overnight in Caledonia, WI. Somehow/someone had pulled the “black” lever and filled the exit piping (about 3-4 feet of 3-inch sewer piping) with waste. So, the total “spill” was less than a quart but messy none the less. We talked with the RV Park owners and discussed how to remedy the spill. Ruthi used fresh water to wash the “spill” site and ensured that no waste/smell was left.
Toll Roads - Illinois
As soon as we got into Illinois from Wisconsin on our way to the reunion and then from Marseilles to Wisconsin we encountered Toll Roads. It was very clear that tolls improve the surface of the roads. All of the roads in states from the West (Idaho, Montana, South Dakota) and North (Minnesota and Wisconsin), while doing road work this summer, were not of the quality of Illinois' toll roads. Maybe those states could learn from the 4 corrupt govenors of Illinois.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Waldo - Wisconsin
SPOILER ALERT - If you are a child, grandchild or even great grandchild reading this - 1st we are proud of your technical/reading skills but if you really like those "Where's Waldo" puzzles you might want to bypass this posting.
We have found Waldo!!! It's a town in Wisconsin, just off Interstate 43 (exit 120 just North of Sheboygan). There are also a lot of streets named Waldo around this area (Two Rivers, WI) too.
We have found Waldo!!! It's a town in Wisconsin, just off Interstate 43 (exit 120 just North of Sheboygan). There are also a lot of streets named Waldo around this area (Two Rivers, WI) too.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
RVing - Two Rivers, WI
“Think of the long trip home. Should we have stayed at home and thought of here? Where should we be today?” Elizabeth Bishop in “Questions of Travel”
RVing eliminates this dilemma - we are always “home” - and, loving it by the way. It was pointed out by one of us that we have been a little more on the problems/challenges side of this traveling equation. So, moving forward we’ll try for some balance (yeah, right what happens - happens). It seems that the problems/challenges are the interesting part of this adventure; while the everyday boring events are just that boring.
Interesting company names:
Bark, Bath and Beyond -Dog Groomers
Shade Shifters – Tree Trimmers
RVing eliminates this dilemma - we are always “home” - and, loving it by the way. It was pointed out by one of us that we have been a little more on the problems/challenges side of this traveling equation. So, moving forward we’ll try for some balance (yeah, right what happens - happens). It seems that the problems/challenges are the interesting part of this adventure; while the everyday boring events are just that boring.
Interesting company names:
Bark, Bath and Beyond -Dog Groomers
Shade Shifters – Tree Trimmers
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Codo 75th Annual Reunion – Marseilles, IL
Ruthi’s mother’s family emigrated from Northern Italy in the very early 1900’s. Agnes (Generation 2) and her siblings (8) started bringing their own families together back at their parent’s (Generation 1) (Antonio/Maria or Nonno/Nonna) house on the 1st Sunday of August 75 years ago (1936). As the event evolved, the Saturday night before the picnic siblings/spouses that lived in Marseilles (or chose to come from the Chicago area to the picnic early) met at the home of Leonia (Generation 2) (oldest daughter)/John Malosti for the adult party of drinking, cards, chat, etc.
This year was the 75th time the Codos met in Marseilles (usually at an Illini Park Shelter) for the picnic. Ruthi’s mother (who, had she lived, would have been 100 in September) and all of her siblings have passed away. In keeping with traditions, Beth Malosti-Gerber (Generation 4) and Lynn Malosti-Coyle (Generation 4) (granddaughters of Leonia/John Malosti) (and great-granddaughters of Nonno/Nonna) hosted the grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren of Nonno/Nonna at the Leonia/John Malosti home. The oldest and youngest grandchild ( (Generation 3) present were 80 and 57 YO respectively. The oldest and youngest great-grandchild (Generation 4) present were 69 and 22 YO respectively. And finally, the oldest great-great-grandchild (Generation 5) present was 34 and the youngest had just recently turned 2 YO.
Here are some pictures of Ruthi’s Nonno/Nonna, her mother and siblings.
This year was the 75th time the Codos met in Marseilles (usually at an Illini Park Shelter) for the picnic. Ruthi’s mother (who, had she lived, would have been 100 in September) and all of her siblings have passed away. In keeping with traditions, Beth Malosti-Gerber (Generation 4) and Lynn Malosti-Coyle (Generation 4) (granddaughters of Leonia/John Malosti) (and great-granddaughters of Nonno/Nonna) hosted the grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren of Nonno/Nonna at the Leonia/John Malosti home. The oldest and youngest grandchild ( (Generation 3) present were 80 and 57 YO respectively. The oldest and youngest great-grandchild (Generation 4) present were 69 and 22 YO respectively. And finally, the oldest great-great-grandchild (Generation 5) present was 34 and the youngest had just recently turned 2 YO.
Here are some pictures of Ruthi’s Nonno/Nonna, her mother and siblings.
Friday, August 5, 2011
1st Cousins – Marseilles, IL
Tonight when we came back from dinner out with Bill/Blanche (Ruthi’s brother and sister-in-law), our neighbor came over to let us know that one of Ruthi’s cousins had come by and knocked on the door. He said that Karma barked then but otherwise had been quiet while we were gone.
The Sunday picnic is for Ruthi’s mother’s side of the family. We had been told that Ruthi’s cousin Anthony would be camping in the park too. So, naturally we were expecting that he might drop by. As the neighbor relayed the message from Ruthi’s cousin, it became clear that it had been Carolyn not Anthony. Carolyn is a cousin on Ruthi’s father’s side of the family (exactly 2 years younger than Ruthi having been born on Ruthi’s birthday (January 17)). Knowing Carolyn (from Michigan now) was in town was a nice surprise.
Ruthi had exchanged email with Carolyn about our being in Marseilles for the picnic. So, Carolyn scheduled her trip back to pick up more of her stuff to take back to Michigan around the picnic dates. When she got to town (after major problems with her RV – seems to be the season for challenges), she went out to the ice cream parlor at the Illini Park. That’s where she heard that we were indeed in town and camped just steps away from the ice cream parlor. Carolyn walked around the campground checking the license plates on every 5th wheel until she located the Alaskan plates on our rig.
Hence – the message from our neighbor.
The Sunday picnic is for Ruthi’s mother’s side of the family. We had been told that Ruthi’s cousin Anthony would be camping in the park too. So, naturally we were expecting that he might drop by. As the neighbor relayed the message from Ruthi’s cousin, it became clear that it had been Carolyn not Anthony. Carolyn is a cousin on Ruthi’s father’s side of the family (exactly 2 years younger than Ruthi having been born on Ruthi’s birthday (January 17)). Knowing Carolyn (from Michigan now) was in town was a nice surprise.
Ruthi had exchanged email with Carolyn about our being in Marseilles for the picnic. So, Carolyn scheduled her trip back to pick up more of her stuff to take back to Michigan around the picnic dates. When she got to town (after major problems with her RV – seems to be the season for challenges), she went out to the ice cream parlor at the Illini Park. That’s where she heard that we were indeed in town and camped just steps away from the ice cream parlor. Carolyn walked around the campground checking the license plates on every 5th wheel until she located the Alaskan plates on our rig.
Hence – the message from our neighbor.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Illini Park – Marseilles, IL
We have been visiting with Ruthi’s Brother (Bill) and wife (Blanche) who live in Seneca. They have a summer home (Park Model) at Wood Smoke where we stayed the last time we came through. They have also bought a trailer and are still looking for a “warm” winter location to park it. The site we have at Illini Park is right on the Illinois River. There is a lot of space between sites but we have hot afternoon sun on one side.
These are electric only sites; so, we have the much needed air conditioner working full-time. We conserve our fresh water supply and limit the waste tank space as we do not have access to shore water nor sewer. Lucky for us the bathrooms/showers are just across the street. If we need to add fresh water there is a “clean” faucet relatively close by. There is a “dump station that we can access on the morning of our departure so that we have empty waste tanks for trailing purposes (lighter).
Check out our blog entry from August 2009 when we stayed at Glenwood RV Resort (a misnomer if ever there was one)! So, you can see how this is a much better location.
These are electric only sites; so, we have the much needed air conditioner working full-time. We conserve our fresh water supply and limit the waste tank space as we do not have access to shore water nor sewer. Lucky for us the bathrooms/showers are just across the street. If we need to add fresh water there is a “clean” faucet relatively close by. There is a “dump station that we can access on the morning of our departure so that we have empty waste tanks for trailing purposes (lighter).
Check out our blog entry from August 2009 when we stayed at Glenwood RV Resort (a misnomer if ever there was one)! So, you can see how this is a much better location.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Trials Continue - Crystal Lake to Marseilles, IL
Originally, we planned to spend 2 nights at Ruthi’s sister’s (Betty) large parking lot in front of her Nursery School (Thunderbird). Upon arrival, Ruthi got Karma out of the truck to acclimate her to the yard and Betty's lab, Sunshine. Meanwhile Boots proceded to maneuver the 5th wheel into position in front of the lower level 2 car garage - close to the outside plugs – Boots did an outstanding job! This just shows that she is much better at backing up the 5th wheel and does it better without the able assistance of Ruthi.
So, in the intense heat, Boots and Ruthi quickly un-hooked, leveled the rig, turned on propane (for refrigerator) and plugged into house power to start the AIR CONDITIONER. Then the circuit breaker blew. So, Ruthi and Betty tried to add an extension cord to another possible outlet – circuit breaker goes again. Looking at the fuse box; it becomes clear that there are no open 20 or 30 amp slots available. No way with the MidWest muggy high temperatures could we make it without air conditioning.
Having failed to get electricity to the rig, we went to plan B – go on to Marseilles Illini Park. Luckily, no one else was set to be in the spot we already had reserved at Illini Park starting on Wednesday (03 August). So, we left Betty’s and headed for Marseilles before it got dark. We arrived with just enough time to get set-up and plugged in. WHEW!
So, in the intense heat, Boots and Ruthi quickly un-hooked, leveled the rig, turned on propane (for refrigerator) and plugged into house power to start the AIR CONDITIONER. Then the circuit breaker blew. So, Ruthi and Betty tried to add an extension cord to another possible outlet – circuit breaker goes again. Looking at the fuse box; it becomes clear that there are no open 20 or 30 amp slots available. No way with the MidWest muggy high temperatures could we make it without air conditioning.
Having failed to get electricity to the rig, we went to plan B – go on to Marseilles Illini Park. Luckily, no one else was set to be in the spot we already had reserved at Illini Park starting on Wednesday (03 August). So, we left Betty’s and headed for Marseilles before it got dark. We arrived with just enough time to get set-up and plugged in. WHEW!
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