I'm an AUNT!

and a goofy looking one at that!

Kyle's revenge

The man just grabs my camera and takes the most flattering pictures of me

Road trip

Being from Milwaukee and having gone to the UofM, I have spent many hours of my life on I-94 traveling between here and there. My parents moved to Texas between my sophomore and junior years at the U, so my trips down became far less frequent. In fact, I think it's been about 2 years since I last made the trip. But my good friend's parents have ALSO decided to relocate to the south (I think this is something people do when they are older) though they are moving to North Carolina rather than Texas. Anyway, for prior to their move, they decided to fly Courtney, her husband Andy, and their 6-month old baby Madeline to Tosa for a final stay at the house. I spent many great days at nights at that house, and it was sad to know I spent my last night there on Thursday. Pictures of Maddie to come on the red apple blog today or tomorrow. Now, on to the sights!


I have no idea how long these signs have been up, and I have no idea what "Wisconsin Fun" entails. Usually it means some racist tchotchkes of native americans like this
and of course, some good squeaky fresh curd
(we bought a variety bag at Humbird in Tomah... you have to ASK for the freshest curd, and they'll grab you a bag of squeaky goodness out of the back). We didn't stop to find out.


Once we got to Milwaukee we had some time to kill as Courtney was getting a massage. So we went to where all people need to go at least once



Yes, the Miller Brewery tour. I've been numerous times, but only one other time while old enough to enjoy the benefits of the free tour, 3 free beers!

It was about 95 degrees when we got there, but this part was air conditioned.




Fortunately, Summer Shanty was not one of the drinks available on the tour, or I may have been tempted to try it, and I'm sure it's awful




This part was NOT air conditioned. In fact, after we climbed 4 (or was it 6?) stories to the top of the brew house in about 120F conditions the 95 degree air that was coming through the windows felt awesome. I didn't take a picture of the thermometer and should have. It was really flipping hot.



I finally found a building that's older than our house :) I always think it's interesting how they have to build "crooked" structures on hilly streets


Enjoying our first of 3 beers



I guess Kyle doesn't love me sticking my camera in his face ALL the time


That's right folks, I come close to making even the nicest cameras overexpose my skin. I'm that white. And being it was a roadtrip, makeup-less. VERY pretty.

Some "classic" Milwaukee stained glass


I'd like to be this guy's friend. I mean, the basket is one thing, the mode in which he is obviously downing that beer as fast as possible is another, but two hiding in the front of his apron? and one in his cloak? Love him!

Long time

Sorry loyal readers, for the lack of posting. I've been a tad bit busy. Last Sun-Tues I was in Chicago, then work, a weekend of catching up on other boring things, and finally a road trip to Milwaukee and back within 36 hours. Tomorrow, road trip pictures but for today, last Friday's crazy storm from the front porch, a demo of my new lens, and the beginning of the load trip

This is really the color of the sky last Friday. I love storms, and I REALLY love them from the comfort of my front porch and my 75% off Target wicker furniture




I bought this guy at TJ's about a year ago. Somehow it survived my indoor plant black thumb (my outdoor plants look awesome, but that's another blog post). I've decided succulents are great. I'm really happy with the new lens. It's fast, sharp and not too heavy.



Kyle: When did you take that picture?
Kate: When you were driving.
Kyle: Yesterday?
Kate: Yep.
Kyle: My beard looks great.
Kate: Right. I'll blog about that
Kyle: Yeah, blog about that... that'd be pretty funny.

Done and done

BBQ

The worst part of having people over is the prep... trying desperately to ge your house clean and food made as people begin arriving... a GREAT benefit though, is to clean your whole house (save a few closets that are hiding a vast majority of our junk) and then have people over OUTSIDE! We did end up going to fireworks and I was all jazzed up to take awesome pictures with my ridiculous 150-500 (let me know if you're interested in purchasing it... I promise I'll give you a good deal!) and brought the tripod and all... then realized I didn't bring my tripod clip which renders my tripod completely useless. Oh well. I did snap one of the diddly little fireworks they were shooting off over in columbia heights... without a tripod. It's a pretty lame excuse for a firework shot. Maybe at the aquatennial show...


some of my favorite people came



fun on the tire swing



Look at that dirty face! I had to post this one just for Logan, even if he's a little blurry. He asked to see this picture after I took it and said in the most loquacious 3 year old way "I like it!"


Even the "vegetarians" couldn't stay away from the hot dogs



oops, she caught me :)




And the Fietzer's came back from their month long honeymoon.