Guess what? Rory and I get to stay the evening at the Vosberg Recreational Center! It's a Friday night and we're doing alright. Nothing can go wrong once the cheese platter is served. Oddly, we haven't seen many cheese platters on this trip, but Kacey and Tony's have taken the cake, with aged cheddars, both white and orange, and a chipotle cheese that is fantastic, plus the obligatory butter crackers. We're set.
Tony's a builder and Kacey knows what she likes, including this pool, basketball court, trampoline triple header backyard. They seriously could charge money for this. Rory's underwater in the deep end, and Zander's underwater close-in.
Obviously we need to hydrate more than the pool can accommodate, so Rory goes to the beverage fridge (see prior post) and pulls out a cool Capri sun, as he relaxes in the recliner floaty.
Hydrated, Rory give the Word. Zander looks front and center.
What scene. Words may be coming...
Kacey is great to take a picture of Rory and I. Rory never willingly takes a photo, seen in the first shot, with antics. Note the dairy cow hide in background. Tony grew up on a dairy farm in Cuba City, WI.
Ok, here's the framing shot. What a team.
More beverages. See the tiny A&W Root Beer? It may be the only small sized food item in Wisconsin. Rory is in heaven.
Grilled cheese - baby swiss on mine, triangle cut. Look at the stretch. Kacey's a master.
Ok, now for the real fun. Kacey hired a BABYSITTER!! We're going out for dinner. Here we see an example of Classic Wisconsin beer signage in the Atwood neighborhood.
We went to Bunky's and I ordered the Puttanesca which was very good, heavy on the anchovies, which is new to me. It's great to find an assertive flavor here in the Midwest. We also had a nice Pinot Noir, but no Oregon, this one's from California. Delicious, none the less. Perhaps this photo may be too close-up?
We were on a limited time schedule, so the waitress takes our salads and asks if we need anything. Tony asks for the bill, sounding much like we're leaving because we're not waiting for our pasta. Very funny. Here he is paying for it. Thanks for dinner, Kacey and Tony!
Quick as can be, pasta in belly, we're back on the street. What a stylish couple, Tony and Kacey.
Here, we pose in front of the church next door. How can one choose one picture over another. The toothy one is so fun. Look at all of the enjoyment we're having with taking this image. Below is the one to frame? You decide.
Post photo, we decided to change tack and throw off our cares and worries (which is happening on every street in Madison right now) and ended up at One Barrel Brewing where they literally brew, one barrel at a time.
Behind the bar is a map of all of Madison's local breweries. Awesome job, Madison. Save for Great Dane (where, at the time, many a pitcher was consumed, AND my salty former cat Porter was named). None of these were here when I was at UW. This is probably a good thing.
Here, Kacey and I are, with a selfie plus the ceiling, showing off the dollar bill "birds". They are tips that you can swing up once you've had a few. I am making my extra happy face, once that I've witnessed my Mom make, and Rory too, when we're especially pleased with the fun.
Here's the second take. Note my $5 cotton dress from the Land's End sale (prior post). Fantastic.
This photo, Kacey snapped. We're having so much fun that Tony bought me a camo ball cap from the brewery. I love gifts. Thanks Tony.
This photo, Kacey snapped. We're having so much fun that Tony bought me a camo ball cap from the brewery. I love gifts. Thanks Tony.
I went for the very drinkable and walkable 4.8 ABV Commuter Kolsh. Tony had the 5.7 ABV Penguin Pale Ale, and Kacey - the winner - received the No2 Strong (Belgium) Ale. Yum.
One drink wonders, we departed. Look at all of the sign posts with bikes. Madison, and so many Wisconsin towns, have riders of every flavor on the roads, for pleasure, and especially in Madison, commuting. While I've always been keenly aware of this, it was so refreshing to see, and sad to not pedal! This town, an Isthmus (a body of land between two waters, here Lake Mendota and Lake Monona), must proceed to outlawing cars. It's impossible to park, takes forever to find a spot, then COSTS MONEY. This along, with the incredible traffic, caused me to avoid many an event and visit. I digress.
On the drive home, we spotted a Madison institution, among many, The Harmony Bar, ah the memories of good times and many drinks.
And, seen here, a view of the Capitol ( -ol refers to building, -al refers to City, I can never remember this. What's the trick?) with Lake Monona (taken from a driving car). I can't believe I got this shot.
Back at the Recreational Center, we grab a shot of Haley and Rory with a goodbye. Sadly, this is Rory's first paid babysitter (we're taking interns for this position back at the Eco-Gulag in late August). What a treat! Basket Ball court in background.
Saturday morning comes early, but luckily Tony's at the grill with pancakes (he feels they're too dark - taste great I say).
Here's the scene, with Zander and Maddox, finishing up their cakes. Tony's moved on to omelets for us. He learned how in Mexico, where they do them to order. Brilliant and delicious. Thank you Tony for learning how.
Post breakfast, we move on to recreation. I'm trying to blog, upstairs in the three season's room (note the screen). Tony and Kacey have the best three-season's (a common Wisconsin phenomena) room so far. It's wood paneled and so cozy. I love it. I am sad that I didn't take a picture of it. It reminds me of the North Woods, and Grandma's and Grandpa's house on the Lake (Mendota) that Dad built. Ahh, nostalgia.
Here's a through-the-screen of the BBall and the Trampoline.
Check out Rory on the Trampoline:
Zander in the pool...
The triple decker inner tube, keeps you afloat. Three is always better.
Now, back on to the trampoline. Rory finally lures me out. What a welcome break from my laptop focus. We take a ton of shots while both on the trampoline. Super fun and a great workout, which is welcome after all of the eating and wine/beer. All of the following shots were taken while I was jumping too.
We are having so much fun with these photos.
Look at the sky!
More...
Having a hard time finding our heads...
Better...
You should see the videos we shot. What a hoot.
Fun's over. We're closing the pool up (this cover can support 450 lbs!) and meeting Uncle Kory at his new house in East Bristol.
Here's Maddox controlling the closure. It's a very special job.
Rory shows how he can walk on water. Very safe. I love it.
Here is Rory. We've arrived at Uncle Kory and Aunt Teresa's. Tony's stopped and purchased him some more snacks. What a teenager.
Uncle Kory's job is driving semi-truck loads for FedEx. He does the trip from near Madison to Chicago, twice a night, double trailers each time. His new house has a garage with enough room to hold the cab. Kory is super happy about this, since he cleans it, EVERY day. No one does this and it's awesome. Kory tells me to use dilute Simple Green for the bugs on the hood.
Aunt Teresa and Cousin Emily aren't here today. They're up North in the Woods of Wisconsin. Their names are on the passenger side. Kory's name is on the Driver's side.
Mayberry Law. Stopping crime in due time. Love it.
Next we're off to tour the house.
Look at this custom bench that a friend made Kory. The backrest is a former fender. Very shiny. We like it.
Kory and Teresa's 3-Season room takes the cake. Their house was owned by a builder (of homes). It is amazing and smartly keeps those skeeters out of here.
Kory has played the drums since he was a kid. We have a tape of him at home, from when he was maybe 10 and he played for the school talent show. He is an incredible player. We got him on stage on this day. I love the new set up. We sit and watch from the couches upstairs. Way better than the prior basement location.
Maddox has a go at it.
Then Rory.
The Zander. What an Uncle.
Notice that Kory's operating the foot pedal, since Zander doesn't yet reach it. Sweet.
Downstairs, after the show, we check out Emily's Chore Chart. Kacey and I start to get some great ideas.
I go to take a picture of the actual responsibilities and am blocked by Rory and Zander. Teresa, can you send me the original?
Finally we depart Kory's house (he has to finish cleaning the truck and get to bed - actually he's staying up today) and headed out for ice cream at Sassy Cow Creamery, operated by two brothers, one organically, one conventionally.
It's been two nights of no animals in the house and I'm hurting for some pet love. Luckily, we find 3 month old Squirt, pictured below. What a friendly cow. Tony says that this cow can not be milked later, since so many folks have taught her to be a pet. I think that's ok. She's very sweet.
Here she is, eating with her goat friends.
Kacey, Tony, Zander and Maddox say goodbye to us at the dairy. We've already enjoyed ice cream and perused the butter and cheese selection - best I've ever seen. I am sad that I don't have a cooler or extra days in Wisconsin to buy and eat some. It looks really good. I promise to return in this lifetime.
We depart for Madison fun (covered soon!).
I hope you've enjoyed our day so far.
-Gretchan
