Visiting the Brewers - April 26, 2011

Let me start by saying I was stunned! These were NOT the kind of brewers I was anticipating. I had visions of dozens of flavors of beer and learning how each was made. Maybe being able to sample a few while munching on a brat. I was very glad to learn before we arrived that a brat is a hot dog like thing not some spoiled kid.

Anyhow, the brewers that we went to see were the Milwaukee Brewers, at Miller Stadium. Its a baseball team. I really like the sponsor of their stadium. Miller Brewing, maker of my favorite tasty beverage. Miller Lite long necks. We didn't stay out in the parking lot and tailgate because it was raining. But some crazy people did. I think they were the same people that Norm had warned me about that had that fever and wore cheese. I really think they should see a doctor. But it looked like fun anyway!

Homey bought me a souvenir. He said he had to since I had such an affinity for brewers. I just thought it was nice of him & Mrs. Mike. Thanks!

Considering that this was my first baseball game and I had nothing to compare it to, I think we had great seats and a great time. Although I think Homey was getting a bit frustrated with all of my questions throughout the game. Have I mentioned Wisconsin being a bit strange?

The stadium had a roof! That would NEVER happen in Chicago according to Norm. Baseball & especially football are supposed to be played outdoors!

I don't want to hurt Norm's feelings, but it was a lot nicer being inside!  None of the rain and cold that was waiting for us to return outside. It sure made the game more enjoyable.

It wasn't a long neck, but it was tasty! 

The game went into extra innings because it was tied at the end. Unfortunately, the Brewers lost in the tenth inning, but we had a blast!

I met a gorgeous, really tall, lady that was a big fan of the Brewers. I think she might have had a few tasty beverages too. She was woo-whooing really loud and dissing the fans of the other team. As you can see, she was dressed in the finest of Brewers' clothing. I didn't hang around by her for too long. She was really firing up some of the others and it seemed like tempers were getting very short.

I also met a fellow gnome. He said he didn't travel much anymore but that he had received specialized training and now was a banker. He said people gave him their money and he held onto it for them. He said he didn't get to spend it or anything but he felt pretty good that they trusted him to watch it for them. I guess if I get too old to travel I might think about becoming a banker.

But until then....many more places to go, stuff to see and things to try.

Keep having fun,
Travis

The Woods of Wisconsin - Easter Weekend

Greetings all, Travis here. Homey, Jessica, their youngsters and I had a great weekend. We went to Jessica's parent's place in the woods. They actually live in a log cabin. However, I am not allowed to show you a photo of the cabin, state secrets and all. I think they were growing spinach because they live in the boonies!

I can show you a picture of the woods around the cabin. See, aren't they spectacular? Beautiful country, but virtually impossible to identify.

There were some other places "around" that shouldn't get me in trouble with the government. I think this barn was some sort of spy office. There were a bunch of antennas on the roof with a wire connected to them all running down to the ground. There also was this guy wearing a suit and dark sunglasses who kept hiding every time I pointed the camera at him.

 I wasn't allowed to bring the camera anywhere near the cabin, much less inside. Although I was granted permission to see Jessica's parents, it is strictly prohibited to take pictures of them or the cabin. I think they are secret agents for the cheese industry.

Homey said we were going to an experimental aircraft place on the way back to Homey's. I really expected it to be all secret like Jessica's parents cabin, which made me all goose bumpy. The part I didn't understand when we got there was if it is suppose to be a secret why are there advertising signs ? EAA stands for Experimental Aircraft Association. Don't ask me who comes up with this stuff, I just tell it as I see it. It is Wisconsin...

I have an old neighbor from my childhood that flew one of these. It may be the same plane except that when he was flying it it didn't have a stick hanging out of its tummy. The tail number on his plane started with FU, just like this one. He said he got the number from the way he saluted before take-off.

The people here are a bit stranger than I thought.

Who puts full size planes in the yard as a decoration? A pink Flamingo or handsome gnome I can understand, maybe a mushroom house or rabbit, but a plane?

Well that was it, just a sign and a plane stuck in the yard. Nothing else.

Homey said we might go and see some brewers in Milwaukee later in the week. Some of my favorite places have tasty beverages, but a whole bunch of brewers in one place is too much! I am so excited, I can't wait.

That's all I have for now, from some field near Oshkosh.

Travis

Coming Clean - April 15, 2011

Hello everyone, Travis here.

I decided to come clean and let Norm and the rest of the family know who I am with and why.

This is me, Mike and Mrs. Mike {Jessica} to the right. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to call her Jessica just yet so I figured it was safer to refer to her in a proper and respectful way.

I met Mike at the Trailer-less Rally. He likes me to call him Homie. I thought he wanted me to call him homely. It seemed strange, but Mike is strange. I thought that might be insulting but since he asked, I did. He corrected me immediately.  Homie is a fun loving, jovial kind of prankster as I mentioned in my earlier blog entry.

I wanted to break out a bit and travel solo. Its not that I didn't have fun with Jules, Norm and the family, I most certainly did and I fully intended to return home after just a few days. Things changed.

I asked Homie if it would be ok to catch a ride with him and Mrs. Mike and go it alone for a while. Homie immediately said yes. Homie of course had ulterior motives that I was totally unaware of. What I didn't know initially was that Homie was in need of medical attention.

After travelling around Wisconsin and being put up at Homie and Mrs. Mike's I learned that Homie needed surgery. Coincidentally he and I have the same blood type.

I also found out that Homie, like a lot of men, have an serious issue when it comes to pain. Homie likes to put on the tough guy persona, like most guys do. However, he is a complete cream puff when it comes to getting a "boo-boo" and surgery is a doozy of one. He needed a sympathetic ear and Mrs. Mike, like most women, have a LOT higher tolerance for pain. When Homie started whining and looking for some sympathy Mrs. Mike told him to suck it up because his pain didn't compare to childbirth.

I don't know what childbirth is, but Mrs. Mike was scary serious. You know, like a mama bear when her cubs are around. So, that is why I am staying for a while. I felt that since Homey helped me in my time of need I should do the same for him. Stick around to sooth and comfort Homie in his time of need and be that sympathetic ear. That is what I am doing now.

When he gets a bit better Homey said we were going to visit a famous and historical place called Lambeau Field. I am really looking forward to that, and Homey getting up and around some. My return home will be postponed for a few weeks but I'm sure we will still have some great fun here in Wisconsin while Homey heals up.

I''ll write again soon,

Travis

Travis' Solo Travels - April 12, 2011

Hey Travis,

How are you? I can only assume that your new friends have been busy, what with a new mouth to feed and all. Are you staying out of trouble? I just wanted to check in and see if you are wearing out your welcome sooner and if I should be expecting you to show up on the doorstep. Hope all is well.

By the way, WHO are you with? You have been very vague about who you have run off with and are hanging out with. I suppose though with a new email account, access to their computer and all they probably just tossed you the keys to their car so you can wander off on your own.

Have fun!

See you soon,

Norm

This was Travis' reply...

I am doing good.  Having a great time and seeing new sights.  It is like my new friends can read my mind.  I was thinking Arby's, and guess what? 

  



I also got to see the Harley Davidson Museum,

the worlds largest 4 sided clock

and a cool license plate I have never seen before.

Not much time to write tonight, but here a few pictures of my travels. 


Can't really reveal where I am because I may be taking a few trips. 

Take care Norm and see you soon.








Needless to say I am very concerned for Travis' safety. I immediately sent him a reply when I opened his email and saw what he was doing.

Travis,

Be careful around those types of people with that kind of license plate. That person with that plate is telling everyone around them that they are sick. They have some sort of fatal fever. You certainly wouldn't want to catch that kind of disease. It certainly could lead to your death should you become infected.  Especially if you return to Chicagoland...

Norm

Travis' Solo Travels - April 10, 2011

I received an email from Travis. Here are some photos and comments from his new adventures. Travis has chosen not to tell me exactly where he is or who he is with. I can only assume from his comments and photos that he is somewhere in Wisconsin. Or at least he was when he sent this.

Dear Norm-

I can't believe it!  I'm in Wisconsin and LOVING it.  The weather hear sure was beautiful today! 

Sorry I had to leave in such a hurry.  When I met my new friends at the card game last night, and after a few drinks I was bold enough to ask them to help me broaden my horizons and they agreed! I just couldn't argue with you and I know you'll forgive me.

We first stopped at the border of Illinois and Wisconsin, and you know I have been to other states before, but man-never on my own!

It was an inspiring moment for me and I sure was busy today.

I am being put up in a nice house, modest and loving home and they even let me borrow their computer and I now have my own email account (I intentionally left out his new email address. I don't think I should encourage his behavior. Norm)

You can contact me there,  I may sign up for facebook, but we shall see how much time I get.  I feel like a foreign exchange student.  I am trying to find more "people" like me, broaden my horizons and maybe even sew some wild oats...?

I met a tall rough looking Angel that was surprised to see me. 

She's been waiting on that corner for awhile, and no one had paid her much notice but we had a nice long chat.

I got to see one of the worlds largest lakes today.. I think I've been by it before, but can't remember. Lake Michigan. 

It was awesome and so huge, but I didn't find any other gnomes there so we moved on to the seven bridges where you "enter this wood and view the wild haunts of nature." 

I am bushed and can not possibly write more tonight but already have much more to share with you soon.

Please say goodnight and thanks to Julia for her undying love and support in my personal quest. 

I will see you soon,   

Travis

I responded to Travis' email.

Hello Travis,

Aren't you special? Your own email account now. Impressive!

Should I take it that you are going to bail on me whenever you have a few tasty beverages and meet someone who smiles at you? I hope you have bus fare for when your new friends realize that you have NO MONEY and just basically are a freeloader. Forgive you? I'm not sure, but most likely. You got a LOT OF SPLAININ' to do.

Stay safe and stay in touch. By the way, did you forget your anger management classes?  The judge did NOT clear you to leave the state...

Norm

That was about it for our first exchange. I'll post more if and when he decides to update me. I would prefer that he do his own updates from where ever he is.

Norm

Bailed on Norm - Going it Alone - April 10, 2011

This is Norm. Here is a scanned copy of the note that I found on my pillow the morning of April 10th, at the end of the Trailer-less Rally. Travis obviously decided to "go it alone for a while".   

It was a complete and total surprise to me. I felt sick and violated having welcomed him into our lives and sharing all that we have. I felt horrible, just to be dumped off on the side of the road like a bag of trash. I will post what I get from emails that he sends me. Yes, he has already set up his own email account. I hope he has fun (and a secretary).

I had to wait a few days before this could be posted, since I had no idea he had a blog. Now that he has had the decency to inform us of it and how to access it...  I'm not sure at this point what his plans are or when he will return to our family (if ever).  Considering that he left without warning I have to wonder aloud regarding his loyalty.

Norm

Trailerless Rally - April 9, 2011

Trailer-less rally... I had to ask Norm what that meant. He said it was just a few of the friends from the vintage trailer rallies (that I have yet to attend) that get together in winter or early spring without their trailers. Just an informal, overnight, gathering of catching up before the trailer rally season kicks off.

Seemed pretty boring honestly. These are Norm & Jules' vintage campers. Walter the Hippie,

and Bob the Burger.

Walter is a '65 Aristocrat Lo-Liner and Bob is a '58 Hiawatha.

Ok, so what right? I have seen the campers in the yard. Its not like Norm bothered to take me out and show them to me or anything. Plus, I already had links to some photo albums of the campers.

From left to right, this BJ, our hostess, me, Gib, and Kimberly. We were suppose to go out into town but Kimberly hurt her back picking up a puppy so we stayed put. Must have been a whopper of a puppy.

Yes, tasty beverages were involved in the evening's festivities. I even found a relative hanging on to one glass. I wasn't sure if he was climbing in or out so I just left him be.

Norm described the early part of the night fairly well. Just sitting around catching up and talking campers and rallies. (Boring...) That is Mike & Jessica with Kimberly.






A little different angle shows Jules & BJ too.

In keeping with the camping rally theme BJ cooked pork chops on the grill. Mmmmm... they were great!

This is Sampson. He is a very dangerous creature. His bark will damage your hearing. I wasn't too afraid of his bite. He was kind of on the small side. BJ said he had a big heart though to go with his big name. That and he was still just a baby.

As the evening progressed we got out a deck of cards and started playing a game called in between. I wasn't sure how the game was played but we all caught on pretty quick. I was getting to know everyone pretty well by then. Give someone a few cards and a couple of quarters in front of them and you can see the real person emerge. Hunters and hunted.

Mike was poking fun at me most of the night which was ok. He is a funny sort of person. Funny ha ha, not funny weird. Then again...But we did get along really well. I think everyone in this group is just a touch off center if you know what I mean... That is probably why they all get along so well.

 I didn't want to tell Mike that although I appreciated his help with holding my cards, it sort of defeated the purpose of the game by holding them where I couldn't see them and everyone else could. Duh...  

Mike is big into his phone, which he said had internet. Is that like what you wear under your coat? I just wear my jammies.  Or is it some big highway sort of thing? I wasn't sure what he kept checking on and looking at. I was impressed though that he could hold it and still read it at that distance... Maybe he has those in the eye lens things I have been hearing about.

Well, that was about it for the night too. I thought these guys were going to hang tough and go most of the night, like we did in Vegas. The party dwindled out like an old candle around 1 am. Maybe that is why they have the trailer-less rally. To start rebuilding their stamina for camping season. I certainly hope so. I sat and counted stars until 3 am by myself.

Talk to you soon....

Travis

White Pines Inn and State Park - April 8, 2011

Since I didn't get in the wedding album we staged a shot



Hi all!

Wow, did I do something different Friday. We all went to a place called The White Pines Inn, near Oregon, Illinois. It is within the state park and the place where Joni & Jason got married. The inn is a little restaurant and they host different kinds of entertainment. The setting is very quaint (Jules' word). I thought is was very friendly and small. The building is like a large cabin. We went to celebrate Julia & Jason's birthdays. Julia's sister, Jean, started it all by giving Jules tickets to the dinner theater. Normally I leave out any kind of advertising, but if you want to check out this location more here is a link http://www.whitepinesinn.com/ because it is, to us, a special place.

The act that was scheduled (Willie and Company) was a ventriloquist. I'm not sure what a ventriloquist is, but Willie and Peggy were the people on stage and they had us all in stitches. Willie did most of the talking and singing.

Willie is the star and Peggy is his sidekick. At least that is what Willie said. I think Peggy was up there just so the guys had someone good looking to watch. (Don't tell Willie or Bill I said that.)

We had a few technical difficulties with the cameras so I don't have a lot of pictures during the show. I'm especially sad that I can't show you any pictures of Willie's granny. She is a pistol. No, not like gunz a blazin' kind of pistol, she is fun!

Part of the show had some audience members go up on stage to help Willie and Peggy with a skit they were doing. (See what I mean about the technical difficulties. The stage lights washed everyone out.)

The folks from the audience had to wear costumes and had certain things they had to do during the skit. It was hilarious.

During another part of the show Willie and Peggy asked that all military veterans come up on stage. Two gentlemen immediately went up. Norm stayed glued to his seat. Joni and I kept prodding him to go. He said he didn't want to because of what he had seen the other audience members have to do. We finally convinced him to go.

Norm was VERY nervous, especially when Peggy asked the three of them what branch of the service they were in. She even asked Norm how long he had been in. The other guys were Army vets and Norm was the only Navy vet.

Bill (Willie's dad and Peggy's husband is the stage hand) brought out a US flag and had the guys hold it.

It turned out that Norm had nothing to be nervous about. This part of the show was serious. Willie and Company were paying their respects to ALL veterans, past and present, for having served. Norm always feels strange, proud, but strange, when that happens. There were a lot of other men and women that did a LOT more than he ever did during his time in the Navy.

Then we all sang America the Beautiful.

After the show Willie and Peggy were kind enough to hang around and talk to everyone and pose for pictures. If you ever get a chance to eat at the restaurant do so! The food is outstanding. I highly recommend the chicken pot pie and the broccoli salad.

After the show we checked into our cabins that we were going to stay overnight in. 

This was the cabin that Jules, Norm and I stayed in. Norm told me to quit climbing on the cabin and to sit in the chair for a "nice" picture. I just had to show you the one I preferred.

Brock came down to our cabin to visit for a bit. Since his mom & dad usually don't let him watch TV we jumped at the chance since he was at grandma's cabin.

Then we went for a walk around the park. (This picture was really taken the following day but since we didn't bring the camera on our first walk it seemed to fit.)

Breakfast on Saturday morning was more great food and hanging with grandpa.

Norm should wear a hat like I do all the time...

After breakfast and before heading home we walked around the grounds some more.

I was really nervous when Joni suggested that I go with her, Jason and Brock for a picture on the other side of this stream.

Quickly working out the pecking order told me that if anyone slipped I was the first one that was going to go swimming. Not a pleasant thought. The picture turned out nice and thank goodness nobody slipped!

Ah, safety... I know why Brock feels safe in Jules' arms.

Plus, Brock let me wear his hat. Perhaps I should consider a new hat.

Too much safety isn't good for you. A little adrenaline now and again keeps you young (at least that is what Norm III always says). I love climbing on things. The higher the better.

We even found a playground...

Joni said I looked like I needed some help on the swing. I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so I went along.

When she jumped off unexpectedly in mid swing I thought I was going to die! Too much adrenalin isn't good for you either...

Brock thought it was hysterical and said I screamed like a little girl.

I was a little upset by Brock's comment, but quickly got over it. Especially when he said I could go with him and Joni down the slide. What fun.









We spent the better part of an hour climbing all over this playground. I can't remember how many times Brock, Norm and I went down those slides.

Its only natural to want to go back up the way you just came down.

Norm said the picture part of the sign said No Swimming. I didn't know he could read hieroglyphics. The no wading part I had covered. In other words, stay out of the water. Boring! I was just getting ready to violate the rules when I saw a white pick-up truck coming. It was a good thing I waited. It was the ranger.

Well, that about covers our trip to White Pines. It was a very fun trip. I'll be sure to fill you in about the trailer-less rally that we are suppose to attend later tonight.  I'm still not sure what that means. I guess I'll find out.                                                                Until then, stay safe and have fun,  Travis