Auf wiedersehen

The last couple of weeks have been filled with good-byes.

My brother, Rich, and I took a drive to Waukesha, WI one day to say a final good-bye to our Aunt Ruth. It was a beautiful funeral service filled with tributes to a life well-lived. Many cousins drove down from Minnesota and it was a joy to spend time with them and visit. Although it made for a very long day, the drive gave Rich and I a chance to talk about everything and nothing. I captured this sunset as I was returning to Elysian.

A few days later, Mike and I hosted a few friends for an early Octoberfest as a way of saying "farewell, see you in the Spring." My German recipes were pulled out, supplies bought and prepared. (I really have to perfect "spatzle" - it turned out so bad that it never made it to the table.) After a few beers and a glass or two of wine, our friends seemed to enjoy the food. And then we enjoyed a game of bean bags and campfire. It was a nice evening with good friends.

Sandra made use of my walking stick while Leo made use of the wine...

Judy looks bored but I think she was tired; that's what I get for having a gathering on a work day.

It was a beautiful late summer evening.

Another day, Terry, Janet and Amariah joined us at the nearby Elk Farm.

Amariah loved playing on the trampoline,

and playing house,

and playing with the kittens,

and just about everything, except going home!

And just last Sunday, we had pizza with some of the family. Spring seems a long ways away when you think about how much the kids will change... I think Skype will get a work out this winter!

And, of course, we will miss the adults as well!

Tomorrow, we visit Mike's doctor for his "blessing" and then we head east. As I write, we are parked next door to Bonnie and Barry and all four of us are ready to explore the U P, Niagra Falls, NYC, Hershey PA , DC and all those points inbetween.

Look for more frequent posts from Along The Side Roads in coming weeks.