Things have moved along quite nicely...I'm ready to visit Kansas for awhile...though more than a little apprehensive about commercial air travel...and I'm alone....what are the chances that everything will go according to plan?? Especially since the plan has changed  frequently and significantly since this was booked in April....who in their right mind books a flight that departs at 6:30 AM??? Certainly not me! By the time you read this I hope to be well on my way to Wichita. A busy week of grand boys, mom, adult children and friends....oh, hair, manicure/pedicure and shopping will be involved as well. Later 'gator!

Once again...thunder and lightning....rain all night...Floyd called to say more rain coming ... so he made plans to finish up and return to us Wednesday morning ...I think maybe he missed us... good thing we got all our chores done yesterday...

Cloudy rainy day here...floyd returned...and in his possession is our original "going to the boat" box!! Yeah!! New Rummicub game, nice embroidered napkins (Christmas gift from Dee and Craig) , repaired tie down strap for Bimini top, assorted things we thought we needed...

Now it's time for me to get serious about my trip home. While I'm eager to be there, I must say I'm a little apprehensive about the trip....airline travel is scarier than ever....and even though I booked a departing flight at a reasonable hour...they've bumped it to a 6:30 AM flight...we'll be headed to the airport at o'dark thirty...four hour layover in Chicago....long day!!! We'll see how all this works for me!!

Oh, while I was waiting for Dakota...guess who I saw! DOC and FIFI... By the time I reached for the camera they were dots disappearing into the clouds. But I tried...

Tuesday...Dakota and I decided we'd better attack our list of chores and get all that out of the way...laundry and repairs to the bedspread...normal cleaning and straightening...

Before we knew it, it was time for the mobile groomer to work her magic on sweet Dakota. It's quite a hike to the fuel dock/office area...and while we figured she'd be late (we were her last appointment of the day) but we needed to be there on time. We were right...but it worked out fine...and she finished in time for us to hike back before the rains came....again!! Locals say they've not had more than three consecutive dry days since May 1st.  We know we've seen plenty of rain days...that's for sure. Grass is green....ditches are muddy...temps are cool....but we like it!

It rained off and on the rest of the day...and then the winds kicked in! It was truly one of our most rocky rolly times...and we were in a marina, protected by a dock wall, tied in a slip!

Monday Floyd departed to visit the air show at Oshkosh...he was excited to see the newly restored B-29 "DOC" that he and his good buddy, Gene Payne, had helped pull out of the desert 20 years ago....and check in with his land crew manning the WILCO booth. Dakota and I were making plans for things to do while "daddy was gone".  Winds finally died down that evening...all things good!

This marina is lovely...heated pool, small bar area, decent shower and laundry facilities...lots of space for Dakota to run...and very secluded for being in the heart of the city.

Rains Saturday night cooled things off and made us have second thoughts about taking Dakota to a local dog park. Instead, we thought it'd be a good day to check out the Green Bay amusement park...what a disaster!! We checked weather and it certainly appeared that we'd missed the strain storms in the area....wrong! We parked, bought tickets for the rides...stood in line for the train and just as it was our turn to board, the sky opened up....downpour!! We retreated to the train station...once agin checked the weather...this rain wouldn't last long and would probably clear the Sunday crowd! So in the sun shine, we hiked to the roller coaster....waited for a few test runs...and boarded! Just as we click- clacked up the first incline....the sky opened again....that was one wet and wild roller coaster ride. By the time we returned, we were soaked...and I'm saying clear through....we decided cut our losses and headed for the car...done for today.  It is a cute and cheap little amusement park....run by the city....we plan to return before we leave the area!

Out and about with the rental car this morning...Floyd was desperate for a haircut before his trip to Oshkosh...and stopped by the local little football field official sport shop for a little cheese head shopping. What an experience! That place was packed...and huge! Quality, up scale...and down...it was like being at Macy's...but everything was green and yellow!! Lucky for us we are not Green Bay fans...so we got out really cheap! But I'm just saying,  it is pretty greeeeeennn up here!

Another great day of boating on Lake Michigan...or should I say Green Bay?? Hazy...cool breeze....smooth water...lots of fisherman littering the way...an occasional point of interest...a little over four hours later and we are here...

Oconto...Hi Seas Marina...has been a delightful, quiet, rustic place to park and relax....but we are headed to Green Bay...so gotta go....

Thursday...July 20.... we keep hearing about the BIG FIRE....same day as the Chicago Fire (October 8, 1871).... more damage and more lives lost, but not near the publicity...so we trekked north about 15 miles (yep, harbor masters truck)... to visit the center of the fire and the Peshtigo fire museum and cemetery. Wow....first person accounts in letters to relatives describe the "tornado of fire " the consumed the entire town...killing over 2000 people. The heroic attempts to escape and rescue were amazing. Artifacts were spellbinding...and now we know!

Wednesday...July 19...harbor master let us use his truck to visit the Beyer Mansion and Museum....delightful visit...no one else was around so we had enjoyed a personal tour ...this home was built in 1868... several owners and several remodels later ...in 1970, the historic society started a complete restoration of the Italianate style...including the ornate leaded glass. It is truly a fine example of how the small town wealthy lived...


Then it was off to the hardware store and Thompson's Market....isn't our life exciting??

Not much happened yesterday...I did clean the coffee pot, which caused some problems this morning. I evidently didn't get it quite right...coffee everywhere is not good! Creates another cleaning project for today....I did finish another book...and managed to put together taco Tuesday...Floyd sampled new cigars and sat in, via speaker phone, to the condo board meeting. Rain came...Our evening fun was mosquito war Wisconsin...he won 8-4...they just kept coming inside. Guess they wanted a ride on the TUMBLEWEED...didn't think it would be in the trash can!! Lol...

Plans for today include the courtesy car...grocery store and Beyer Mansion and Museum...heat continues to rise...should be 84 and humid...still a far cry from Kansas temps...but good for mosquitoes to populate!! More fun tonight!

Monday morning while walking Dakota, Floyd made friends with folks at the end of the dock who are heading out next year on the Great Loop...they came down for a while...lots of questions for us veteran loopers!! Winds were very calm...smooth two hour ride to Oconto, Wisconsin. Rustic, out of the way place...I'm sure we'll make great progress on our books and napping projects... as you can see, all this work is taking a toll on our sweet Dakota...he's so stressed!! We may need to rethink this traveling together...lol!

Spent the day Sunday celebrating Floyd's birthday...(it is a Big number) and watching the wind blow. Small craft advisory on all parts of the lake didn't keep folks in the marina...they needed to get home so they could go to work on Monday...geesh, don't miss that. More boats dropping out of the race to Mackinaw than actually competing...it'll be a record I'm sure. Floyd had lots of phone calls and emails...even a few Facebook posts, though he's not on Facebook. His sister had priority mailed his favorite homemade carrot cake ...I took him up to Gilmore's for a prime rib that was pretty darn tasty ...and we made plans to depart on Monday...noonish! Woo hoo, I was h a p p y.

We spent a pleasant couple of hours working on the new treasure map/jigsaw puzzle in a bottle...cause even though we bought dominoes, Floyd refuses to play against me any more...good to know I can win at something...hehehe....another great day on Lake Michigan...

Spent most of the day Friday in the laundry room...it is a great place to meet other boaters. Since it was free use two big front load washers and dryers, I did it ALL! Captain said I could have the day off on Saturday... my reward for hard work! Finished my book and did little else! I had planned to work on my tan at the big pool ...but the weekenders showed up with a band...so I opted out. Storms blew in on Saturday night...didn't last long but sure cooled things off. And reeked havoc with boater travel plans...We've been tracking boats on the Chicago Yacht Club app as the Race to Mackinaw is this weekend....they are reporting the highest numbers ever of boats quitting the race. Probably weather related.

Weather predictions still look good for us to move to Oconto tomorrow...it's not far...we'll be there three or four days before heading to Green Bay. Floyd is excited to be going to the air show...and then I'm headed home...gonna hug me some grand boys...and others. And visit my people...hair dresser and nail person is on the list for sure!

Wasn't exactly a fun ride...but it was short...now at Wave Point Resort and Marina in Little Sturgeon Bay...looks like we'll be here til Monday...but who cares?? Restaurant, nice shower facility and free laundry....heated swim pool and hot tub...woo hoo!

Wednesday ...July 12th...final day of rendezvous...the rain came! Morning activities of volleyball and swimming were cancelled...Floyd and I took that opportunity to skip to the local Super WalMart. We are ready to move on tomorrow...but needed supplies! Sun came out in the afternoon and it turned into a rather pleasant day.

That night we gussied up as best boating people can to attend the Commordre's Reception and Dinner...a lovely experience that started with champagne and snacks, then cash bar, assigned seating, plated dinner, dessert...and ended with the raffle drawing! No, I did not win the funky Lighthouse quilt...but Floyd and I did receive a lovely gold plastic 3" trophy for traveling the farthest by land and water! What a hoot! Dancing to oldies finished our night....oh, and the shower we got getting back to the boat!

Even though the skies are gray and waves are 2-3.... we are headed out this afternoon. We need a change of scenery...and we have only 13 miles to go...surely, I can handle it....

Day three...was luncheon day...men enjoyed an all-you-can-eat Mexican meal that Floyd said was less than desirable...while the ladies enjoyed wine, foo-foo eating delights, a hand beaded bracelet and an entertaining presentation  from the Door County Historical Museum about a mail order bride. We were suppose to attend an outdoor theatrical production in Fish Creek...but decided to pass when they started talking about bringing lawn chairs, umbrellas, mosquito repellent and cold weather gear on the school bus for the 50+ minute ride. Not our idea of fun...

Wednesday arrived in rainy fashion...spoiling all the plans for fun and games on the lawn...this evening is the Commodore's Dinner Gala...which promises dancing!...and then we are done! Floyd and I are planning a trip to WalMart this afternoon as we hope to head out tomorrow. Plan is to go 13 miles to Little Sturgeon Bay...beginning the trip to Green Bay. Can you believe we've been onboard TUMBLEWEED for six weeks and have only boated three days? Me neither!! It is usually just the opposite!! Just so you know, I'm NOT complaining!

We spent the ride sitting next to Barbara Walters and her husband Dennis...she looks a little different in person...lol!!

Day two...Monday...the big event for us was the Chicago Fire Boat Excursion...the General Manager from the Fincantieri Boatyard was the docent...provided excellent comments about the industry here...and we got up close and personal with the projects going on at their boatyard....it was delightful!

How time flies! Great Lakes Cruising Club (GLCC) rendezvous has been full of fun..we've met new friends...and even managed to see some folks we knew...imagine that.!

 We worked early registration on Saturday and when the guy who was suppose to take over for us at 1 o'clock didn't show...we kept working! Floyd and I managed to purchase nice weatherproof insulated vests with the rendezvous logo...happy shopping! And Happy birthday, Floyd! The dinghy parade to Waterfront Mary's that night was less than planned. Shoulda passed on that outing. But we managed to mingle and behave.

Day one was registration ...first timers' reception  followed by Pot Luck BBQ ... Our evening ended with what they called a "bilge auction"... folks donated unwanted boating items and they used the auction to raise funds for the GLCC Charitable Foundation. We felt like the lucky winners on this one. We managed to win the bidding on a fiberglass cover for the life sling. Our cloth one needed replacing and while we'd been looking, we sure thought the replacement cost was out of line. Scored big time on this one.

My biggest fear about this event was the early morning start time....but Floyd took good care of me...with nothing but breakfast happening in the mornings, I've managed to sleep in as usual!

We had great seats on the aft deck for the Sturgeon Bay fireworks display...it went on forever! Quite amazing actually...we kept thinking "okay that's the finale.." only it wasn't.

Wednesday we gassed up cheap...if you call $2.60 a gallon cheap...on the water, we do! And moved to Centrepointe Marina...getting ready to start the fun of attending the Great Lakes Cruisers rendezvous. It'll be interesting on several levels...1... I'll need to be up and at 'em at 7:45 AM  three ( yes, count 'em) THREE mornings in a row ( gonna take strong coffee...and chocolate, I'm sure.) ...2... we've attended several similar functions with another organization...it'll be fun to compare. ...3... hoping to get some great info on things to do and see in the Great Lakes.

Can I mention we love it up here!!! Yesterday's high was low 70s...today looks to be the about the same!! Delightful!

It's 9:45 and we are off to work the registration desk for a bit...mingling and practicing our social skills. We are good that way!

Days are slipping by...hard to believe it is already July...we are enjoying the much slower pace of boating...days of reading, walking the dog, exploring the town. In fact, we've only boated three days to get here. Floyd loves spending less on gas...days in the 70s...cooler nights....we like it all!

Sturgeon Bay is delightful... this marina is full...and has a good bar/ restaurant....lots of folks and boats coming and going on this holiday weekend... we've been serenaded by a couple or three bar bands that were pretty decent...and we're far enough away to not be blasted...the pasta that we had at Sonny's has been good for three meals...so not much cooking going on either!

Saturday morning we crossed the bridge to the Farmer's Market, found the library book sale and scored some Cedar Crest ice cream....it is currently ranked at number two in our quest for best ice cream...mostly because it is available!! "Carmel Collision " ...amazing!