Tuesday, April 21, 2015

On Wisconsin

If you thought I'd forgotten how to write or that I'd given up writing for good, let me tell you that I have not forgotten how to write (though I'll admit I'm a little rusty), and I still consider myself a writer. I'll save the explanation about my absence for a later post.

I have lived in the Badger state my entire life. Not sure I've ever been more proud of an athletic team than I was of the Badger Men's Basketball Team this past season...what a run! What a team! What fun! Love me some Badgers! Although Badger Nation was not treated to the National Championship we all thought was meant to be, we have lots to be proud of. Mike Lucas said it better than I ever could. Read his thoughts here: http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040715aab.html 

I have lived in the Badger state my entire life. It is April 21, and when I left my house to do some grocery shopping this morning I was forced to wear my leather gloves. Yes, that's right, I donned my winter coat and leather gloves. The wind chill was a balmy 26 degrees...it's April 21, for goodness sake. You would think after 54 years of living in this great state, I would understand that snow showers and wind chills in April are to be expected. The change of seasons is one of the things we Wisconsinites profess to love about our home state. And most of the time, I can get behind this mantra. I love the earthy smell of Spring rain, the warmth of Summer sunshine, the breathtaking colors of Autumn, and the stillness of Winter's blanket of white. But today for some reason, the windchill made me crabby. I came out of Festival Foods and was nearly blown away by a gust of wind. I was cold. It's April 21 and even with my winter coat and gloves on, I was cold. C'mon Spring, you can do it. Get here all ready!  (Looks like I might have to wait on Spring for a bit: http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/kimberly-wi/54136/weather-forecast/2248667 )

I have lived in the Badger state my entire life. And two years ago, on or about this date, our son Luke and future daughter-in-law Bailey, along with Mark and I, waited with great anticipation for the Packer organization to release it's 2013/2014 schedule. Luke and Bailey had chosen an October wedding date and many of the invited quests would need hotel reservations in the Fox Valley. Hotel prices in the fall on Packer home game weekends are through the roof! Needless to say, we were ecstatic when we learned that the Pack would play the Ravens AWAY the weekend of October 11, 2013. We would be able to secure a block of rooms and our guests would be able to save some money.  In case you are interested, here is the link to the 2015/2016 Packer schedule: http://www.packers.com/gameday/schedule.html 
And one quick shout-out to Bailey tonight, who is home recovering from surgery. We are praying for quick and complete healing for you. And to your nurse, Luke, always be ready with a warm smile, a helping hand, and pain medication! ;)

I have lived in the Badger state my entire life. I probably knew these facts about my home state at some point in my lifetime, and I think I'll always remember that the robin is our state bird. For the most part, though, I have forgotten a lot of the information about the 30th state to enter the union. It was interesting to refresh my memory tonight. Check out some fast facts here: http://www.50states.com/wisconsi.htm#.VTb0UJNRK3M

There are lots of great reasons to call Wisconsin home. I'm glad I live here.