This morning I finally found some of those white fences. So many beautiful horses, especially at the Keeneland horse farm and racetrack where I stumbled on the September yearling auction - a cultural experience in itself! These are truly gorgeous animals and treated like royalty! Before heading north, I took a scenic drive and a … Continue reading 9-20-18 →

This crazy day I was determined to see Kentucky, one of three states I've never visited. It was a classic Jennie day, beginning with an unplanned stop and tour at Churchill Downs  and a visit to Abe Lincoln's birthplace. I zipped on to Lexington to satisfy my dream of seeing horse farms and white fences … Continue reading 9-19-18 →

Illinois is on my route, and since I was only an hour away I paused for a day to see nephew Ryley at Olivet Nazarene University. I got a lot of work done while he did his busy college senior stuff, and we met up for two nice dinners - sloppy burgers and Asian fusion. … Continue reading 9-18-18 →

After a night in Muskegon, MI (probably not a place I feel compelled to return to), we shortened our return to Milwaukee on the VERY cool Lake Express. Choice A: drive several hours around the south end of the lake through Gary, IN and Chicago. Choice B: take the fast ferry directly across the lake … Continue reading 9-17-18 →

Marsha and I made the most of about 26 hours on Mackinac Island. This morning we toured and took in the view from historic Fort Mackinac. Heading back to our ferry, we marveled again at the lack of motorized vehicles (and pervasive scent of horse manure). And we found a house/B&B that makes me VERY … Continue reading 9-16-18 →

Mackinac Island. Once a national park, a British holding, a resort community - now a state preserve and bustling, no-cars-allowed tourist magnet. I now understand why! We strolled the streets, biked the 8.2-mile path around the entire island, and took advantage of every waterfront restaurant. The Grand Hotel deserves its own set of photos (see … Continue reading 9-15-18 →

My best buddy Marsha arrived from Wyoming for our long-awaited weekend getaway to Michigan's Mackinac Island. Like Lake Superior, Lake Michigan holds many shoreline surprises. One was this "just-in-time" vision of a lighthouse at Mastinique - that's the sun setting directly in line with the lens housing. The day ended with a twilight view (and … Continue reading 9-14-18 →

Another productive day with the crew at the Math Institute. I wish we had the ability (and the funding) for an organization like this in Montana. These expert educators are helping K-12 teachers across the state improve mathematics teaching and meet state standards. Their facilities are amazing, but it's definitely the people who make it … Continue reading 9-13-18 →

After work today, I took my mountain bike on a nice suburban rail trail in Wade, WI. I bought a new bike from REI (the 2017 model is pictured, I got a 2018) for the express purpose of getting outside and getting exercise this year. So far I love it! While traveling I'm aiming for … Continue reading 9-12-18 →

Another day of working at the MIW with planning meetings, conference calls, and a group interview. I'm putting together resources on classroom coaching and online learning for the staff - glad I have something to offer! Today's photo is a throwback to my Twin Cities day - in the gift shop at the Walker Art … Continue reading 9-11-18 →

Happy birthday to me! It was a low-key celebration, since this was the first day of my week-long site visit with colleagues at the Mathematics Institute of Wisconsin. I spent a full day conducting interviews and attending meetings, but this evening I treated myself to a nice dinner at the Thunder Bay Grill and a … Continue reading 9-10-18 →

I'm now headed to Wisconsin following the Mississippi River, which at this early stage resembles Montana's Missouri, still a scenic and manageable waterway. Passed through Wisconsin Dells (terrifying levels of tourism), Baraboo (winter home of the Ringlings), and Madison, home of the state capital and the UW campus. My sightseeing there was limited - who … Continue reading 9-9-18 →

I'm so grateful for this gift of time spent with family - we don't meet often enough. Cousin Dave and his wife were gracious hosts all week, and Kathy is a delight - she's a lot like me! Wendy and "other Dave" are outstanding travel companions and guides. And between them all they have really … Continue reading 9-8-18 →

I shared lunch and the afternoon with cousin Cathy and her husband Tim in Long Lake (Long Lake, Big Lake, Round Lake - only 99,997 left to name). My first walleye-and-wild-rice cake, both local ingredients. Cathy and Tim are happy at home in their sheltered retreat. It seems required in Minnesota to live either on … Continue reading 9-7-18 →

I spent the day with my childhood best friend Barb, who was determined to show me all the highlights of the Twin Cities in a whirlwind tour. Capitol, Basilica, Sculpture Garden, museums, land of Hiawatha.... Back at her place, I dropped off Mom's Bernina sewing machine. It deserves to be used by someone who does … Continue reading 9-6-18 →

Heading back down Lake Superior's north shore, we paused to learn about mining and shipping out of Minnesota's Iron Range (see taconite). Lake Superior is surprisingly diverse in its uses and in its landscape. The shoreline varied from perfectly round, smooth skipping rocks to sand to the stone shelf below. And we're tourists, so of … Continue reading 9-5-18 →

Road trip! Cousin Wendy and I meandered up the north shore of Lake Superior, which it turns out is full of surprises. We enjoyed burgers at the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Anchor Bar (that's me studying the 1935 Wisconsin statutes at our table); skipped lakeshore rocks that remind me of the Flathead and Glacier Park; … Continue reading 9-4-18 →

Happy Labor Day! A dozen or more cousins and assorted family gathered for a barbecue feast and a four-person, three-generation group birthday celebration. Our host has an outrageous barbecue, a really big snowmobile, and a flatscreen TV in the garage for watching all the Twins and Vikings games (apparently all the neighbors do too).  

Those "in the know" about iconic outdoor sculpture will recognize that today I arrived in the Twin Cities. I'm here for most of a week - barely time enough to enjoy the company of the gaggle of family and friends who live in the area.

Twelve hours of driving the empty but comfortingly familiar miles across eastern Montana brought me to Ashley, North Dakota - a quintessential rural community and source of many happy memories with cousins on the farm. These first two weeks are about getting across the plains and connecting with family.