Friday into Wisconsin

SNOW... We weren't planning for SNOW!!!!!!!! But, there definitely was snow when we woke up on Saturday morning. It was pretty and the roads were clear. Just another part of the adventure. We were served coffee, scrambled eggs with onions and chicken, and toast. We loaded the car. There was one brush in the car, so Earla got to brush off the car. At least there is a brush. We found there is NO instruction manual. We were on our way by ten and headed toward Red Wing hoping to find the pottery store. We found Red Wing, MN but were very disappointed as there were no good signs to the pottery store. We drove right on through and on to Pepin, WI. We stopped at the Laura Engalls Wilder museum and store. That was quite interesting, but still not our favorite thing on Saturday. As we drove down along the Mississippi River, the views were spectacular and there were a number of little towns with farmers' markets and quaint shops. We were tempted to stop many times, but chose Maiden Rock, WI. We found what was left of the farmers' market and purchased apple butter and whipped honey. We wandered up to an artsy store - which actually was just what was out on the sidewalk, but it was fun. Then, we headed for the bakery for a cup of coffee (see a theme here?). The bakery was tiny, but the bakery smells were amazing and it was packed with people spilling into the street. At the front of the line, Earla bought two loaves of bread, two lavender ginger cookies and two cups of coffee. We enjoyed our cookies ad coffee at the only table... really enjoyed! On the road again, we drove south and picked up highway 54 east. Between North Bend and Melrose, again the scenery was spectacular. We were greeted with rolling hills and a patchwork of fall colors. We picked up highway 71 at Melrose and 21 at Sparta and arrived at Darrin and Vicki's (St Mark family members transplanted in Tomah, WI) about 4:00. We toured the grounds which D and V have made beautiful, and the house which is very inviting and reflects their style. A former roommate of mine, Mary, arrived about 5 and we shared wine, nuts and bolts, chips and salsa and stories. We met Silly Sally and Messy Missy, D and V's cats. Later, we shared a scrumptious meal which included a strawberry salad, chicken and stuffing casserole, bread and apple cake with ice cream. The evening was relaxed. Church tomorrow.