Marsh-Mellow Acres

The last weekend Kim and I were in Wisconsin we took a trip to "the land" near Sauk City. Always a much anticipated part of journeying to Wisconsin, this mini camping excursion to meet Kim's college gang, for a yearly reunion, and hang out with family and friends is always a blast. This year the weather was peculiarly cool with temperatures in the 60's and 70's, so swimming wasn't particularly inviting. We spent most of our short time sitting around the campfire sharing stories.

Here are some photographic highlights of the trip...

View of the Wisconsin River

Snapping turtles

Dad with the naughties Linus and Spencer

The big top tent in the woods

Randy off to inspect the troops ;-)

When is spaghetti night?

Hey Linda nice catch!

Mid summer storm is coming...unseasonably cool

Sunset camping, need I say more? Beautiful

Until next year friends, we think of you often and can't wait to see you again!

Wisconsin brood

Family snapshot potpourri from Madison.

Jordon

Garry - Pop

Kim & Cris

David - Dad

Janet - Mom & Cris

Aunt Patti & Kim

Uncle Don

The Elskamp's (Janet, Mary Ann, Eddie, Elaine, Patti & Tari)

Shelly & Jordan

Aunt Patti & Jennifer

House on the Rock

So whilst in Madison, Kim and I took off one day and had a romantic outing to ourselves. We drove to the House on the Rock in Spring Green which is about 2 hours outside of Madison. I had no idea what to expect and Kim didn't exactly clue me in either.

This place is just indescribable and I won't be able to do it justice.

"The House on the Rock is the grand vision of Alex Jordan, who believed that sights and sounds were the most effective means of stimulating the senses. He wanted guests to question his creation, to come to their own conclusions and to turn his world of dreams into their own. The Attraction has room after room of some of the world's most unique and eclectic collections" The House on the Rock

You can find more history and information about this place here and here too. I'll just let the pictures and videos speak for themselves. A playground for all or your worst claustrophobic nightmare? I thought of it as a Disneyland for adults, but you decide.

The House - Outside view

The Infinity Room - Above from the inside

The Water Mill - Part of the Mill House

The following pictures are from the insides of the buildings...

The Main House - The ladies bathroom

The steam train

One of the many carousel horses in the Carousel Room

One of many many curious autamata - depicting ghoulish and deathly themes

The Music of Yesterday - Franz Josef (Buy lots of tokens)

The Carousel Room - Told to be the World's Largest (Amazing)

A view from the car

Well now that I'm done with all of my summer excursions, I thought I'd catch everyone up with some of my goings-on. I won't bombard everyone with everything at once, but merely a daily dose and minor highlights.

Here are some photos of our drive out to Madison. I had a lot of fun with my new Cannon PowerShot SX110 IS camera.

Somewhere over the rainbow in Southern Utah

Starting the climb up the Colorado Rockies

Colorado river cut out

Anyone for a fluffy white cloud?

Green & lush Colorado

Perfect canvas for a great shot...Colorado Rockies

The City of Brotherly Love

Today I'm off to the biannual interpreting conference, this time taking place in Philadelphia, PA. It is a week long conference filled with workshops, meetings, networking and of course a little goofing off and site seeing. I plan on visiting the Liberty Bell, the Edgar Allan Poe Historic Site and of course the Philadelphia Art Museum Steps. I may actually try a Philly Cheesesteak...if I can only find one made with turkey meat. Most of my time, however, will be spent in workshops.

Mainly I look forward to chatting with people that I only get a chance to see while at conferences and I'm also looking forward to spending time with some good friends. I always love these conventions; each one is a new adventure.

Madison highlights...home improvements

Stained the fence









The tiled floor before












The tiled floor after with new paint - Honey gold












The tiled floor before with Kim hard at work









The tiled floor after with new paint












New hardwood floor









Engineered hardwood with trim

Home sweet home

Kim & I arrived back from Madison on Friday and we are just starting to get settled in. I took a few moments to go for a walk and I took this beautiful picture with my iPhone. This is why early evening is my favorite time of the day.

The picture speaks for itself doesn't it? It's good to be home...