Summer Musings

Every two years, we venture to Wisconsin for a family reunion. This is Vonnie's dad's family, and I love them dearly. My niece and two nephews have a piece of property just outside of Rochester, MN that they purchased 12 years ago to facilitate hunting. It is 160 acres of paradise with a huge 3 story barn that has been converted into a cabin....the perfect place to accomodate about 100 assorted family members.

Minnesota and Wisconsin -- the land of bratwurst and beer; dairy cattle, mosquitos and lightning storms. Gotta love it. Our family is spread out all over the two states --- we stayed in Onalaska, WI. I suppose there are times in the winter when it seems like Alaska. Not sure where the name came from.
If it is possible to fall in love with a grocery store -- then I did. Onalaska has the most fabulous store I have ever seen. The deli is amazing and produce to die for. It even beats Nature's. They were having a bratwurst sale.

Abby was a good sport. We just couldn't resit the photo op.

Yesterday, I went out to the pond to feed the koi and almost had a heart attack. The pond was filled with suds -- looked like someone had put a whole bottle of Dawn detergent in the water. I frantically called the pond experts all the while worrying that my fish were probably going fins up. As it turned out --- they were spawning! Koi spawning is interesting to watch. The females who are full of eggs are chased up and down the pond by the male fish. Two or three large males push the female up against the sides of the pond and force the eggs out of her. Then the male fish spread milt over the eggs. The "suds" were from the males fertilizing the eggs. We have 6 fish; four of them were pushing and shoving our largest fish, Maybelline----aptly named. The boys are Sushi, Filet, Gorton & Flipper. We also have Mrs Paul. Now Abby and I are anxiously watching the pond for signs of itty fishes.

Flipper pushing Mrs. Paul