Orton Park Festival

How lucky are we that our neighborhood has 3 festivals each year - the Waterfront Festival, the Fete de Marquette, and the Orton Park Festival? The Orton Park festival is probably the best - this year was the 42nd year it has occurred. It's so great that people from several miles away come to our neighborhood to attend. Here is Bryan, Lori, and Emily who joined us on Sunday.


The festival includes several bands, including a local favorite Pale Young Gentlemen. Remember when you were a kid and you could just run around in circles and that counted as dancing?

Garden Shenanigans

A virus - some type of mosaic virus - has attacked the zucchini. We still have had an adequate supply for the summer so far, so no big loss. Notice the "shoestring" appearance of the leaves.

The zucchini themselves take on a lumpy appearance. When gourds get this virus it looks kinda cool. With zucchini, more disturbing than cool. I haven't noticed a difference in taste, but I did find a lump on my shoulder the other day.

The pole beans are out of control. Notice them climbing up up above the trellis into the tree, probably reaching 12 feet. Why don't they tell you about this on the seed package? The production isn't that great yet, and there are a few reddish-yellowish leaves, which makes me wonder whether they are lacking in a nutrient or two.

Camping at Black Lake

We just got back from a short camping trip to Black Lake Campground in Chequamegon National Forest. This small lake has two walk-in sites, and we had one of them. There was a 400 foot walk/schlep to the site, but it was worth the view and the privacy. There were several bear sightings during the weekend, which made it somewhat more difficult to sleep, even with our guard dog Coca. Here's Liana setting up at the picturesque campsite.

Preparing dinner on Saturday night. Coca is clearly disappointed that the salmon was not for her.

Our campsite was on the water, facing west, which made for two stellar sunsets. Here's one of them!

Celebrating Finley

On Sunday we met on the river's edge near Spring Green, WI to enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon. Erin and Dean brought their families and friends together to celebrate Finley Moore's birth and welcome her to our community. Here are Corday, Claire, Henry (10 months old), and Erin as we get ready to head over to the river.

The weather was perfect! Sunny, warm, and not too breezy. It was certainly a day to celebrate and respect the gifts of nature. Here's Erica and her 10 month old Finn.

A close friend of the Anderson family is a Lutheran minister, and he said a few words to mark the occasion. He spoke about the history of Baptism and why it's important to acknowledge our role as family and friends in teach Finley love, patience, and kindness. Dean held Isabella's hand through the brief sermon. (Isabella is Erin and Dean's oldest daughter.)


Andy, Dean and Erin's second daughter, is the little cutie in the center with the white hat.

Sunday after the Wedding

Some people met for breakfast at the Concourse Hotel on Sunday morning. Here's Ellie, Barb, and Jeanine.
On their way out of town, some of the relatives stopped by our house. Ellie kindly picked up snacks. Here's Scott with Grandpas Mead and Suds with Jeff in the upper left corner:
Adam, Lisa, and Shaun face the camera:
Lynn, Andrea, Lori, Grandma & Grandpa Suds, Grandpa Mead, Ed, and Kyle face the camera in this one:
Coca and Jazz kept close to Jeanine the whole afternoon.


Casey rests in the hammock.

Chris and Jen's Wedding

The weather cooperated on Saturday afternoon, and it was comfortable, dry, and in the mid-80s. Here's Chris waiting at the alter before the ceremony began.
Here's Jeanine being seated:
And then Barb:
The music was lovely.
Jen and Chris during the ceremony:
Here's the whole bridal party with the Capital in the background:
I read an ancient Sanskrit poem:
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Mead:
The reception was held in a beautiful room at the Overture Center. Jen and Chris both looked fantastic, and they had a great time at the reception!
Both the Meads and the Wiesners enjoyed the party too.I loved the Bride's maids dresses. They were cocktail length and a deep plum color. They all looked so beautiful!
My parents had a wonderful time, too. Here my Mom and Dad dance slowly:
And here my Mom does the Electric Slide:
Grandma Mead enjoys a bootful of beer courtesy of Joe:

Rehearsal for Chris and Jen's Wedding

Chris and Jen celebrated their wedding this past weekend. To get into the mood and get ready for it, the girls started with a brunch and trip to the spa on Friday. Jeanine kindly treated me to a manicure and pedicure at Fancy Nails in Hilldale mall. The wedding rehearsal started at about 2:30 pm on the rooftop garden at Fresco Restaurant.
The bridal party did a quick run-through in the 90' heat.
Scott and Madra:
Shaun (Best Man) and Kerry (Maid of Honor and Jen's twin sister):
Mike, Jeanine, and Greg (usher):
Barb (Mother of the Bride) and Levi (usher):
Jen and Ken (Father of the Bride):
The rest of us tried to stay cool in the shade. Here's Scott's Grandpa Suds and Grandma Mead's sister Betty.
Betty, Grandma Suds, and Grandpa Mead:
Grandma Mead and Jeanine:
Grandpa Mead and Mike:
Chris:
Scott:

After the rehearsal, we all showered and changed. The rehearsal dinner was initially planned for Angelic Brewery, but it closed a few weeks ago. Luckily Paison's allowed Jen to reserve a large room at the last minute. Paison's has a great balcony over-looking Lake Mendota.

Scott with Grandma Mead:
Scott with Jeanine:
Jen, Chris, Brian, Nikki, and Layla (at 9 weeks old):

The three brothers:
Scott with both Grandpas:
Jeanine, both Grandmas, and Aunt Betty:
Chris and Jen gave very thoughtful gifts to their wedding party. My vase is perfect for holding fresh-cut flowers from our garden, and I look forward to the wine given to Scott. Joe's boot from the Essenhaus will make an appearance again this weekend...