Last weekend, I went on a little adventure! I’d reconnected with Shelly this year and she invited me to visit her and her husband Bill’s place in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
It’s been a while since I was in Lake Geneva and I didn’t really remember much about it. It has a wide variety of homes that started out as a cottage community. Many people visit from Illinois, as it’s about 10 miles from the border. I found it fascinating that in the early 1920s, the Town of Geneva, Wisconsin sold 20' x 100' lots for $50 and a subscription to a Chicago newspaper. These homes are by an adjacent lake named Lake Como. This area has an interesting past and I highly recommend a visit if you’re headed this way.
I love a road trip and a pretty drive, and the one to Lake Geneva didn’t disappoint. Wisconsin is a beautiful state. I arrived mid-morning on Saturday and after a tour of their lovely home, we went to meet their friend Billy who had a boat in the marina. We tooled around the lake, talking and soaking in the sun on a beautiful warm fall day.
We made our way to a restaurant on the lake called Pier 290. We enjoyed a yummy lunch and headed back out on the water. Billy cranked up the music and off we went! I felt lucky that the lake wasn’t too packed and we had a chance to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
After returning to the house, Shelly and I took a quick tour around the town. It has cute shops and restaurants, beautiful homes, a theater and event venue where they used to hold dances. Shelly’s family still has a home that’s been in her family for generations. I love learning about history that people are fond of and hold dear.
We took a little time to freshen up and headed out to a place called “Little Bar” for beverages and pizza. It is indeed a little bar with big picnic tables outside as well. People were very friendly in all of our travels. I also saw a truck that I've always thought looked cool – it’s an International Scout convertible.
After we were done eating, we headed to one more place called Mars Bar and Resort. It’s a pretty large place with a classic Wisconsin supper club vibe in the restaurant/bar. It was hoppin’ complete with a piano/harmonica player plunking away on a list of classic tunes that people can sing along to. There were a couple of guest singers and a lively crowd. Outside we enjoyed being by the water. I can only imagine how busy this place is during the day.
We bid adieu to Billy and headed home. We watched some SNL and turned in. I was able to sleep until 9:30 a.m., which my dogs do not allow on the weekends. After a coffee chat, I headed home.
I really enjoyed my visit with Shelly and Bill (and Billy). They are a wonderful couple and so gracious to me. I asked Bill a ton of questions about his career as a pilot (he just retired as a Captain for American Airlines). It’s easy to talk with Shelly as we have things we enjoy in common. Even though Shelly and I didn’t know each other well when she was in Wisconsin the first time, she’s a kindred spirit and I’m grateful we can be friends. I also want to say I appreciate them inviting me to stay when I’m a bit of an unknown and a single person. It means a lot.
Happy Autumn Equinox. Fall is officially here in Wisconsin and the temps have gone down. It’s swetah weathah!
On the music front, Jenny, Paula and I had a jam session at my place and really enjoyed playing new music. It’s definitely one of the sweetest things in life to play with other like-minded musicians.
In other news, I had to have a clothes dryer repairman visit as the heating element stopped working. I highly recommend Julian aka “A Guy and a Dryer”. He fixes more than dryers, but it’s important to appreciate folks that are very professional and get the job done.
Let’s chat soon.
With affection,
Carrie VS
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