I recently traveled to Milwaukee for the first time for work. I was pleasantly surprised by all the tasty amenities this city offers.  The weight limit of my suitcase was tested with all the cheese, pretzel bread,  and sausage I brought home for my family. Yes, all if their souvenirs were edible. Even the chocolate cow pies.

My coworker recently started geocaching so we thoroughly explored the Old Town district searching for bobbles.

Our scavenger hunt led us to the most intriguing place I've ever been; a place called The Safe House. If you visit, be sure you know the password.  Otherwise be prepared to make a fool out of yourself (like hopping around like a furry woodland bunny) while everyone already inside watches. This spy themed bar is well worth the humiliation. Once inside your secret server will send you on a mission to recover the password if you like. Ladies,  just try to resist the Burt Reynolds temptation test in the ladies room. Otherwise everyone in the restaurant will know you violated Burt when the lights and sirens go off. Of course I could NOT resist...twice. 

Images of Milwaukee

There is a quote from the movie, The Perks of Being a Wallflower that I have been thinking of today. It's a profound statement referring to how we perceive ourselves and the kind of relationships we choose.

" We accept the love we think we deserve."

Love is never perfect. We will always find things about our partner we would like to change but how often do we settle rather than allowing ourselves to contemplate an alternative? All the time; it's less complicated that way. It must be another defect in us as  humans because animals don't behave that way. I admire the Black Widow spider who would simply eat her mate if he didn't suite her... or forgot to do absolutely everything. No digging required.

I guess the fact is I have allowed myself to accept less than I feel I deserve and now I have to fix it.  I get so upset when my mother allows people to take advantage but yet, I am perhaps no better. I may be passive aggressive but I'm never going to be labeled as submissive.

No Techy Genes Here

My mom recently came for a visit and with every trip she had a gadget issue. This time it was understanding Facebook and how to block certain things. She also told Gen that her bowling app on her ipod was gone and she didn't know how she would get it back. My cousin had put it on there for her while she was in Tennessee visiting her last fall. 

Gen: Grandma,  you probably just need to download it again.
Mom: How do I do that? Do I have to go back to McDonald's?
Me: Why would you need to go to McDonald's?
Mom: To get the wifi.
(Gen snickering)
Me: Mom, we have wifi here.
Mom: You do? Do I?
(Gen still snickering)
Me: Yes....
Me: Wait, was it a McDonald's in Tennessee?
Mom: Yes it was!
Me (laughing): Then yes! You have to go back to THAT McDonald's in Tennessee.

Later Gen asked, "Mom, are you going to be like grandma someday and forget how to do stuff?"

As much as I hate it, yeah...probably.  Sorry kid. Then she and her daughter can laugh at me. That will be SO fun...

Better Late Than Never

Yesterday I acknowledged another year on this earth. I dare to use the word celebrated because the day began very low key. In fact I was convinced my family had forgotten all about it. I still think they did even though they firmly deny it.  "That's what we wanted you to think, mom." Okay,  whatever. My day was a good one despite the slow start.  Daniel took us out for dinner, Syd baked a cake, and yes, there were presents and wine. Overall, a special day provided by all the people I love; not a bad way to get a year older.

Easter 2013

This was Brenna bug's first Easter.  We had lots of playtime and egg hunts with brother.

Then we left when mama starting getting crazy.

Images of a Colder Time

While the snow fell...

 And the children built snow furniture...

 The furry beings in our home snuggled down. 

Oh, and me? I shopped online for internet bargains.