Watching the world go by...

From my 9th floor office I feel like I am watching all of Madison go on with their daily activities. I do actually work but every once in awhile I gaze out of my window to watch Madison.

People going to school, going to the gym, getting a traffic ticket, riding their bikes. It is fun being this high but it does have a disadvantage. As I type I am watching the Betty Lou Cruise Boat take people on fun week day excursions around the lake. Hmmm....I feel a vacation day on my horizon.....

Not much going on today.

I did some research on Santiago and some museums to visit. Also, confirmed our hotel room in Valparaiso. But that is about it.

Keeping Keith Company update:
Keith left yesterday for his trek overseas. Not sure when he will have internet access. If you think about it give him a post or comment on his blog so he will have something to read when his internet is up and running. If you would like to make an actual post just let Sara or myself know and we can give you access to post. Or you can just make a comment without having access.

If you would like to send him a package please let myself or Sara know and we can give you his mailing address. We will also make a list of "needed items" for him as well. We will keep you posted.

bye bye for now

Shout Out

A shout out to Jen and Ryan. They are expecting their first baby near or possibly on my birthday! Congratulations Jen and Ryan!!

July already!?

Wow, time sure is flying. I cannot believe July 4th has come and gone. It seems so long ago that Jimmy and I were daydreaming about our trip to Chile and how far away it seemed to be. Now it is just around the corner, a mere 17 days away.

Having never traveled abroad I find myself being extremely excited and a little nervous.....but a good kind of nervous. Will a pocket size Spanish/English dictionary really come in handy? Do I truly need a travel pillow on the plane? How much cash should we carry down there?

If anyone has helpful traveling tips please share! =)

More of the house...

Auntie Gene, this post is for you....here are some pictures of the yard and some flowers. =)

Side yard with lilies:

Front porch:
View of backyard:

View of side yard:

Deck: Auntie Gene, you remember these chairs? Right?

My tomato plants:

The strawberry patch: Strawberries in the front, there was broccoli and cauliflower in the middle. Then spinach and carrots towards the end. They are both still growing.

So I am not a farmer.

Living on a farm for most of my life I have the impression that I can actually "farm" you know...grow plants and veggies. This summer I have learned a few things.

1. The broccoli was ready before it began to sprout flowers.
2. The cauliflower needs to be wrapped up in its own leaves to keep the floret white.
3. Bunnies eat everything and live under our deck.
4. Tomato plants can grow 6 inches in two days.
5. Have your twine or string ready to tie the tomato plants or you will be forced to use multi-color threads from your sewing kit. We have very stylish tomato plants =)

On a good note, I have lots of flowers and tons of strawberries. None of which I planted personally but are still growing quite nicely. We also just had our first salad with the spinach I planted and our carrots look quite nice but are still growing.

Cheers to a Great Week

Here are some final pictures of our fun week with mom and dad.

Just hanging out on the porch.
On Monday we went to Lake Wisconsin and Ginger and Aaron took us out on the boat. This is Joe looking off the back.

The sunset.

Dad and Ginger:

Mom taking in the scencery.