Roadtrip to Racine

 Driving down to Southern Wisconsin in the rain.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of taking a few days off of work and go on a trip to Southern Wisconsin. I left on Friday afternoon and drove under a decent rain cloud most of the way. It was quite enjoyable turning on some of my favorite tunes and navigating three lanes of traffic. Three lanes is a big deal for a small town girl like myself.
My first stop was to see my brother Isaac. He moved to a little town somewhere between Madison and Milwaukee and just recently rented his very first apartment! I enjoy the tour he gave me of his living room in which there was only a couch, the kitchen that had barren cupboards and a sparse supply of food in the fridge, a bathroom with the few essential items needed for refreshment and his bedroom.... with a few articles of clothing strewn about the floor. Bachelorhood. There's no need for flowers, curtains or a full fridge when you spend most of your time at work or with your girlfriend.

 Isaac and Brittney on the couch. ....Isaac's only piece of furniture!

I was able to spend Friday night with Isaac and his girlfriend! Brittney was a lot of fun and we hit it off really well. We went out to eat at a Greek restaurant, drank tons of coffee and stayed up till 2:30a.m. talking before Brittney went home and we hit the sack!!!
Needless to say waking up at 5am was pretty harsh. ....but worth it. I left Isaac's place and headed to Racine to go to a college commencement.... a surprise for my graduating friend, Courtney!!!!

Courtney, lovely as ever!

Actually, both Courtney and her brother Christopher were graduating with degrees from college so I was privileged to attend both of their ceremonies. Although sitting in a chair or on a bleacher for hours was a little tiresome, I really enjoyed the commencement addresses and other speeches given. One speaker encouraged us to always keep learning.Another fellow reminded us that we learn, grow and have talents and gifts so that we can give back. He said to always have compassion and passion. It thought that was pretty good advice.

UW-Parkside had beautiful grounds! Especially with Spring in the works!

Mingling at the after-party for Christopher's commencement ceremony at UW-Parkside.

Christopher majored in geology with a minor in biological sciences. He received an Outstanding Graduate Award and he graduated summa cum laude. Courtney received her Associates in Art and will be going on to study communications at UW-Parkside, and would have graduated with honors if it hadn't been for a school transfer. They are some pretty genius people and they always inspire me to keep learning. :)

Mrs. Dunn, Christopher, Courtney and Mr. Dunn

Courtney, her cousin Sammi and I

Mrs. Dunn's tulips were so pretty. I couldn't help but photograph them!

After church on Sunday morning we went out 

to breakfast with some of Mrs. Dunn's friends.

After a wonderful time with Courtney's family, I ended up traveling back to see Isaac for I discovered that I'd left my towel at his apartment. It was a good sort of mistake for I was able to meet Brittney's family and church family and have a wonderful afternoon of singing, music and visiting! Brittney's church is appropriately named Orchard Hill for there was quite literally a big hill behind their church with rows of trees in bloom! A beautiful sight with the sweet smell of apple blossoms filling the fresh Spring air.

Spring is an excellent time for a road trip since there were so many trees and lilacs in bloom, adorning the landscape! It's rather distracting ...even dangerous for drivers like myself who can't help but get distracted by the gorgeous view. ;)

Sunday was so lovely! Everyone drove around with their windows rolled down, favorite tunes playing through their radios.

Due to warm invitations from both Courtney's family and Brittney's family to stay another day, I attempted to get off  work and extend my vacation but there was a complication in the milking schedule and it would have been rather unfair of me to stay any longer. Before I left I made sure to photograph Isaac outside of his first apartment. Someday his children will thank me. ;)

Isaac's first apartment.

Such a handsome guy!

The trip home was lovely. The setting sun cast a warm hue on the brilliant Spring greens and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. The North/West bound traffic is always less congested that it is if you're headed towards Chicago so I had a very relaxing drive though I was quite exhausted from late nights, fun and fellowship.
As Murphy's Law would have it when I was a mile from the exit ramp to my little town the traffic was stop and go, there was a big thunder-storm brewing and it ended up taking another 15 minutes to get home! 

Backed up traffic... and only a mile from my home town! 

Who invited Murphy?!

Oh yes.... road trips are so much fun!!! I'm looking forward to the next time, although it is good such events don't happen regularly for I would never get a good night's rest!
Until next time.....