Strings, Shores, and Sunmmerfesr

Visitor information and relaxing in a contraband chair.

Retirement, it turns out, isn’t about slowing down — it’s about choosing what matters most and going after it with both feet (and in my case, a guitar pick).  Also volunteering for the US Women's Open at Erin Hills.

Sandra Palmer 

Kerry and I have been moving between our cottage on Little Green Lake and our apartment in Milwaukee, balancing peaceful mornings on the dock with the energy of city life. 

Sunset in "The Door"

Somewhere along the way, I picked up a new guitar and started learning my way around GarageBand, turning practice into music and music into something worth sharing(maybe).

Learning to record in GarageBand

And of course, no Milwaukee summer would be complete without a trip to the ballpark. We made it to American Family Field to cheer on the Brewers, and it was even better with Tom and Ben along for the ride. Between the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and a hot dog (or two), it was one of those days that reminds you why baseball still matters — not just for the game, but for the company you keep.

Brewers game with Ben and Tom

This summer has been full in the best ways — time with my bio-sister, wandering the cliffs and coves of Door County, soaking in the sounds of Summerfest, and volunteering at Lakeshore Park. I’ve also been pitching in with Crops on Top, helping plan its future and looking forward to serving at upcoming farm-to-table dinners.

Crops on Top dinner plating 

One of three Summerfest days

Christina and Jakub

Lakeshore Park Volunteering

Mayor Johnson at Lakeshore Park

But it’s not all leisure. I’m also using my time and voice to stand against the travesty unfolding in our government — staying informed, speaking out, and refusing to be silent when silence only helps the wrong side. Retirement has given me the freedom to live fully, but also the responsibility to engage more deeply in shaping the world we’ll leave behind.

Kerry and Mark Marching

And then, there’s the travel itch. We’re planning trips to Mexico City, San José, Costa Rica, Puerto Carrillo, and laying the groundwork for a longer journey through Southeast Asia. Each stop will bring new sights, new flavors, and probably a few more photos than anyone strictly needs — but I’ll share them anyway. In fact, here are some more Door County pics. 

Sculptures in the Door

Lighthouse in The Door

Life after work? It’s guitars, getaways, and standing up for what’s right. It’s the freedom to be everywhere we want to be, and the resolve to make sure the world is worth seeing.

Troll in the park.

Weekend with Friends, Wild Geese, and Speaking Out

 Last weekend, I had the chance to spend some real quality time in Austin with my good friends Pete and Dolores and their kids, Peter and River. It was one of those weekends that fills the tank — easy conversations, lots of laughs, and the simple joy of being around good people. The kids are growing fast and have that spark that reminds you what life’s about. It felt good to slow down and soak it all in.

And Austin — man, it felt like summer had already arrived. Warm sun, green trees, and that familiar buzz of life that comes when winter finally backs off. It gave me a shot of hope that maybe we were done with the cold for good. But when I got back to Wisconsin, I was quickly reminded that nope — we’re not there yet. Cold. Rain. Gray. Just classic Midwestern spring teasing.

And then there was Loosey — a domestic goose with a flair for the dramatic. He strutted up like he was about to take me down. Head low, posture like a bouncer at a dive bar. I figured I was about to be on the losing end of a goose encounter. But instead, Loosey just lowered his head and sat right next to me like we were old friends catching up. Still not sure if I was accepted or sized up. Either way, we survived each other.

After I got back home, I went to a protest. I felt like I needed to. The direction this country is heading — with a president acting more like a king — is something I just can’t sit quietly about. Power is being grabbed, freedoms are being chipped away, and too many people are too tired or too distracted to notice. Being out there with others who still care — who are still willing to show up and push back — gave me some hope. There’s still a fight in people. There’s still a voice.

Life’s been a real mix lately: sunshine and laughter, cold rain and protests, and even the occasional goose stare-down. But through it all, I’m staying grounded, speaking out, and trying to appreciate the good stuff along the way.

As always, feel free to drop a comment — I’d love to hear from you.

NCAA Tournament Weekend: Basketball Overload!

Today kicks off an action-packed weekend as I head to the NCAA tournament at Fiserv Forum! I’ll be watching four games today and returning on Sunday for two more—a full dose of March Madness.  

I’m going with Tom, Mick, and Andy, making it a family basketball outing. While I’m still rooting for the Badgers (who won yesterday!), I won’t see them today.  

Looking forward to some great matchups, buzzer-beaters, and maybe a few upsets. Let’s see how the madness unfolds!  Go Iowa, North Carolina, Kentucky and Illinois( Though now I think Xavier is going to whomp them).