Ode to My Luggage

O luggage, new luggage,
So spotted and fair,
You'll make my heart glad
To travel somewhere.

The hub of the airport,
So crowded and hot,
Round the return belt
You're easy to spot.

O luggage, my luggage,
You'll make people look,
Grin, laugh and say oh,
Perhaps drop a book.

True, I did buy you new,
But at only half price.
You're roomy and strong,
Long-lasting; no mice!

O luggage, dear luggage
I'll travel, I must!
For I'll smile and say,
"It's you or it's bust!"

Round with the Cows and back to Saint Paul

I'm now back with Lindsay in Saint Paul after a week of visiting with family in Wisconsin. It was so wonderful to see our family. We stayed with my Dad's brother Ed and his wife Pat for most of the time we were in Wisconsin. (Yes, Erin, that's the uncle who's a beekeeper. He makes the best honey in the world.) When we were kids we always stayed at their house, so being at their house is like a second home. We also spent a day visiting with my Aunt Joyce on the shore of Lake Michigan, having lunch at "Pieces of Eight." Which was surprisingly lacking in pirate stuff.

Everyone else we visited with was a cousin, either 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Yes, that's right, we visited with 3rd cousins. (The picture above is of my 2nd cousins Karl & Erin.) People are always asking me how many cousins I have, and the truth is that I can't even attempt to count them. My grandfather on my dad's side was one of 13 kids in his family, so my extended family is HUGE. Which is really pretty cool.

We also visited with my mom's cousin Diane and her family, and met our soon to be newest cousin Amy, who will be marrying my cousin Tony in April. (The picture on the right is Amy, Melanie, Diane & her husband Bob) After spending an evening with her, we gave her the Bladow stamp of approval. Afterall, we knew that they were waiting for the approval of the third cousins from Alaska before moving forward. =) Both Melanie and I wish them all the best!



Enjoy these pictures of our visiting in Wisconsin!


From left to right: Aunt Joyce, Melanie, Uncle Ed & Aunt Pat at the Milwaukee Art Museum.


Me & my Uncle Ed



My cousin Jessica & her brother Karl. It was so much fun playing with them and their sister Erin, especially when my uncle was teaching them to be professional pillow fighters. =)

A Cow In the Land O' Lakes

Here I am in Saint Paul, Minnesota, enjoying my first vacation in quite sometime. I came down to visit my friend Lindsay (check out her blog at http://www.lamarland.blogspot.com), and then my sister joined me so that we could head for Wisconsin to visit with relatives.

Today began with a 99 cent breakfast at IKEA. Yes, that's right, only 99 cents for bacon, eggs, and potatoes. Delicious. Then we continued our pilgrimage to the Mall of America. I say continued because we were also there yesterday, but you wouldn't believe some of the sales we've found. Then we culminated the evening with a Nickel Creek concert and it was fantastic. My goal is know to get them to come and play at the Williamson. How cool would that be?

Lindsay has been the best hostess ever, and Mel and I are looking forward to spending even more time with her when we get back to the twin cities next weekend. That's all for now. If you're in need of cheese curds or honey let me know! =)