Four days in a row of sunny skies…this is great! Today started off with a leisurely morning and then we walked over and took a tour of the Capital building. State capital buildings are, by nature, pretty much works of art with all the architecture, woodworking, metal working, etc. that goes into them. This one was no exception. It seemed that every turn offered an opportunity for a photographer who dearly loves angles. And, of course, badgers about…EVERYWHERE! Out of walls, on top of the lady’s head on top of the cupola, on flags, you name it…BADGERS.
After our tour, we decided we would head to State Street and eat our way through lunch. We started at an outdoor café and had our first deep fried cheese curds and local microbrews. We ranked them first, second, and third place. After this stop we continued on to the campus itself—primarily the student union. There, on the terrace that looks out on the beautiful lake, we found a brat stand and ordered up one with a courtesy round of beer from Scott. While sitting there and enjoying the view, the company, and the food, we called Lori to let her know we were thinking of her and perhaps more exciting, she now was the proud owner of a cheap plastic pitcher from the student union as her Madison souvenir. Through her laughter we could tell how impressed she was! Scott carried it back up through State Street; we were kind of hoping he could panhandle his way back up to the hotel, but to no avail J.
The afternoon allowed us a bit of a lull, so some took naps, some explored, and some of us battled the intermittent Internets to get yesterday’s blog published with patient success. (I need to clear my head so new stuff can take its place or otherwise, it’s going to be a jumble…as if anyone not here would know…thinking of that just put this timeliness concern pretty far down the food chain…hhhmmm J.)
Early evening found us getting dressed up a bit (as much as our laid-back states will allow) and headed to the capital steps for the traditional family pictures. What would any reunion be without those? (For those of you not in the family, the photostream might get a little tedious at that point; for those of you in the family that are unfortunately not with us this year, enjoy looking at how well we’ve all aged—wink wink.)
A jaunt down the street took us to our evening family meal at Essen Haus. Good German food for the Beumers. Sauerbraten, knockwurst and kraut, spaetzel, red cabbage, mashed potatoes, chicken, and apple strudel for dessert with gallons (or should I say boots) of good beer. It was good to sit down to a meal together and visit. After the meal we had a very quick family meeting where Uncle Del was crowned the reigning Mr. Beumer (complete with traveling crown that looks like it was seriously swiped from the Burger King), adopting Eddie into the family (now known as Egberg or “Eggo”), and Edie graciously inviting us all to Austin for Beumer Bash 2013—thoughtfully held in December 2012 for more mild weather.
After the family dinner broke up, we all headed out in small groups to do our own thing for awhile. A Skype call was set up and successful held with Toni and Steve; the 20’s bunch took off down town for dollar beer and bacon (could that be any better idea??), the younger ones gathered together to visit, and others headed to our local watering hold across the street from the hotel. Tom and I went in search of an iced coffee on State Street and enjoyed a little late-night people watching; we then headed back to the watering hole and enjoyed the night with a cognac. Then we headed back to the party headquarters and visited, laughed, and (of course) ate and drank at bit more.
Tomorrow is brewery tour day…surprise!! We’re doing something beer-oriented J. I think we’ll all feel right at home. ttyl
Photo stream: http://picasaweb.google.com/weisman.asai/20100721?authkey=Gv1sRgCL6ent7vr-6Z7AE&feat=directlink
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