Impromptu Trip to Wisconsin

When I talked to my parents on the phone on a Thursday and found out my dad had been having some symptoms with his heart and was going to go in that following Monday to have things checked out, I decided I wanted to be up there for him. As of lately, work has been extremely stressful for reasons I could write a novel on, but lately having to travel and do the PC refresh has taken its toll on me, so now I had multiple reasons to just get away.

The Thursday I talked to my parents on the phone, I had actually burned a sick day to relieve some stress and was planning on burning another one to make it a long weekend. Everything going on at work has started to manifest physical symptoms of stress and knowing my family history of heart disease, I knew I had to nip this in the bud.

Instead of taking the additional sick day, I went into work on Friday. I got everything packed the night before and was pretty much ready to go. My boss wasn’t there so I went to his boss, because he comes in earlier. I told him I was going up to Wisconsin to be there for my dad. He was cool with it (which honestly if he wasn’t I may have just walked out). I actually had a large comp time balance from working a bunch of overtime with the PC refresh project and also my vacation balance was starting to get up there again. I think he wanted me to burn that down anyway.

It does really suck my dad was having the symptoms he was and I really wish this kind of stuff wasn’t in the family history or this wasn’t the primary reason why I was taking some impromptu time off. On a positive note, this did allow me to take a much needed vacation I highly doubt would have been approved otherwise (due to fallout from that PC refresh project) and I also got to visit and help out with everything going on.

After I left work in the morning, I headed back to my apartment and then got the final things ready. We have a Roomba we named Herbert that is scheduled for a daily 9am clean. I could see Herbert didn’t want me to go.

Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner positioned on a brown doormat at an interior doorway entrance, with beige carpeting visible on either side and hardwood flooring beneath the mat

Once Herbert got out of the way, my new car was sitting there ready to go.

Suburban apartment complex parking lot on a sunny day showing multiple parked cars including a white Ford Focus and blue Volkswagen, with xeriscape landscaping featuring rocks and sparse plants

I was going to keep this a surprise to my parents, but when I got a little north of Waco, I stopped at a rest stop. My mom had emailed me and then I responded letting her know I was coming up. She was excited and we decided we’d keep it a surprise for my dad. After a short stop at the rest stop, I was back on the road.

Now I35 construction seems to be perpetual. I’m not sure if they’re running out of money or something, but I do notice it looks like they are using old recycled light poles that kind of look like hell considering it’s new construction.

Wide interstate highway view from driver's perspective showing multiple lanes of light traffic under clear blue skies with scattered white clouds, tall highway light pole visible on left

Of course, you can’t drive through Fort Worth without a major traffic jam.

Highway traffic with flatbed trailer carrying large blue agricultural tractor equipment in center lane, black pickup truck ahead, concrete barriers visible on roadside

After that traffic jam was over, I got to Denton, which also had a major traffic jam.

Multi-lane highway approaching large white multi-story grain elevator or industrial building complex visible in the distance, light traffic conditions under partly cloudy skies

Lucky my air conditioning works well, because it was starting to get hot.

Car dashboard digital display showing Trip 1 statistics: 398.9 miles traveled at 47.3 MPG fuel efficiency, 168 miles range remaining, total odometer reading 015842 miles, temperature 86°F

Every once and a while you see weird things on the road. This guy had his truck rigged to haul pipes.

Rural two-lane highway stretching into distance with white pickup truck ahead on road, flat plains landscape with scattered trees under blue sky with puffy white clouds

Eventually, the traffic cleared up and the sky was also a clear blue. As time went on, it started to cool down.

Open rural interstate highway from driver's view showing clear road ahead with distinctive wispy contrail pattern across bright blue sky, flat agricultural fields on both sides Empty rural highway at dusk with overcast blue-gray sky, bare trees and sparse buildings silhouetted along horizon line, road stretching straight ahead into twilight Car dashboard display at night showing Trip 1: 287.7 miles at 46.0 MPG, 293 miles range remaining, total odometer 016110 miles, temperature 77°F, fuel gauge showing nearly full tank

By the time I hit Iowa, it was raining like crazy. I made it to the Minnesota Welcome Center at about 1:30am. The temperatures had really dropped and there were still a lot of strong storms around.

Nighttime dashboard display showing Trip 1: 377.8 miles at 42.3 MPG, odometer reading 016488 miles, temperature 55°F, cruise control set at 70 MPH, fuel gauge approximately half full Weather radar map on smartphone showing Kensett, Iowa area at 1:26 AM with significant storm system featuring yellow and green precipitation bands moving across Minnesota, Iowa and surrounding states

The next morning, there was still a lot of rain in the area.

Weather radar app displaying Kensett, Iowa at 8:06 AM with extensive line of severe storms shown in purple, yellow and green colors covering much of Minnesota and Wisconsin Rainy view of neighborhood park on overcast autumn day showing playground equipment in background, picnic tables with coverings in foreground, raindrops visible on car windshield

I could tell I was getting close to Wisconsin as I saw cheese curds at the gas station I filled up at. There was also a lot of leaves changing.

Gas station or convenience store shelf display showing Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery cheddar cheese products including cheese curds packages in natural and Cajun flavors, with baked goods below Foggy highway driving conditions on wet pavement with poor visibility, flat agricultural fields barely visible through dense gray mist, power transmission lines fading into fog Wet two-lane rural road during rainfall with autumn foliage visible along tree-lined route, raindrops on windshield, overcast gray sky, road extending straight ahead Two-lane country road in rain with fall colors showing on trees lining both sides, wet pavement with yellow center line, rural residential area visible ahead, heavy raindrops on windshield Rainy autumn drive on rural road with vibrant fall foliage including orange and red leaves on roadside trees, wet pavement, overcast conditions, windshield covered in raindrops creating blur effect

I made it to my parent’s house and then my parents were working in the basement. I was able to give my dad a big surprise. They soon told me I was in the phone book. I was confused at first until I saw the pictures I had taken for World Buffet that the publishing company asked to use printed in the yellow pages. This was definitely very cool seeing this!

Restaurant coupon book page showing World Buffet advertisement for Chinese food and sushi bar located at 503 E Ives St in Marshfield, featuring buffet pricing, phone numbers 715-384-8333 and 715-384-8500, and menu items

After sitting around a while and visiting, we went into town to run some errands. This included going to Menards and then Festival Foods to buy some pumpkins.

Outdoor pumpkin display at commercial location on overcast day with multiple large orange pumpkins arranged on blue wooden pallets and in decorative paper bags with pumpkin graphics, highway visible in background

After that, we visited my grandma and then went to Nutz Deep to get something to eat. We had to get cheese curds for the appetizer and I got a Fired Up burger.

Restaurant table with two appetizer plates showing breaded chicken wings with dipping sauce on left and fried cheese curds with dipping sauce on right, drinks visible in background with purple accent lighting Burger plate with sesame seed bun, lettuce, tomato, pickle garnish and side of golden french fries served on white plate with pink neon lighting accent

Since my dad needed to split wood, we picked up the wood splitter from my cousin’s. Since I wasn’t drinking, I was the designated driver. That was definitely interesting driving 25mph with the hazards on down back roads. When we got back, I had a little bit of time to sit down before I’d meet my friends. Of course Jordy was again excited to see me and she kept me company and entertained as I sat on the couch.

Black and white Shih Tzu dog resting on beige couch in living room, framed artwork on walls, windows with blinds in background, heart-shaped pillow visible on couch Close-up upward view of black and white Shih Tzu dog's face looking down at camera with fluffy fur, wooden staircase railings visible in background Black and white Shih Tzu dog standing on beige carpet next to small green spiky dog toy ball, wooden furniture and stairs visible in background

I was originally going to meet my friends at El Mezcal. The plans fell through with some of the group, so we decided on Lindsey Bar. After seeing how busy it was there, we settled on Lefty’s.

Nighttime exterior view of small commercial building with white horizontal siding, illuminated purple neon signs in window, wooden bench against wall, car parked alongside

After Lefty’s, I met Jake at his parent’s house. We watched a bit of the Badger game and then headed to Five-O-One Sports Bar. I stuck with iced tea.

Lipton Diet Green Tea with Citrus bottle sitting on dark restaurant counter with blue lighting, condiment holder and menu visible in background

The next day, I just hung around the house and watched the Packer game. The day after that would be a big day with my dad going in for his procedure. On that day, my mom took him in and I slept in a bit. Jordy decided to keep my company on the bed.

Black and white Shih Tzu dog nestled in bed linens with gray and yellow striped pattern, looking directly at camera

After I woke up, I later went to World Buffet with my mom. I do love my sushi, so I loaded up my plate.

Chinese buffet plate with assorted items including sushi rolls with salmon and imitation crab, spring roll, fried noodles, seaweed salad on fried tofu, and other selections

I visited my grandma afterwards. While Jordy is insanely friendly, my grandma’s cat Midnight isn’t. This is about the most social she’ll be.

Black cat with bright green eyes lying on beige carpet in front of wooden entertainment center cabinet with decorative oak leaf carvings Black cat peering around corner in hallway, bright green eyes reflecting light, beige carpet and white walls visible, framed photos on wooden cabinet in background

Later that night, I visited my dad in the hospital and then ran to get him a few things. When I did get home, Jordy made up the friendliness that Midnight neglected.

Selfie of bearded man wearing glasses holding black and white Shih Tzu dog close to face, horizontal window blinds visible in background

The next morning was chilly, but the good news was my dad was ready to come home. I went to the hospital and picked him up.

Suburban residential street on sunny autumn day with trees displaying fall foliage in orange and red, power lines crossing blue sky, paved asphalt road Car dashboard display at dawn or dusk showing Trip 1: 295.0 miles at 40.3 MPG, 189 miles range remaining, odometer 016814 miles, temperature 48°F, low fuel warning light illuminated Exterior view of tall modernist office building with brown brick facade and horizontal window bands, photographed from ground level against blue sky with wispy clouds, bare trees visible

Someone needed to be with my dad for 24 hours after his procedure, so I hung out at their house the following day. I found an empty bottle of Fort Garry that I had bought on my first trip to Winnipeg. I think my mom must have been saving it for the beer bottle displays she has in the basement, but it was cool seeing this and bringing back memories. I guess it was good it got put behind a bunch of stuff.

Fort Garry Pale Ale beer bottle on gray granite kitchen counter, brown glass bottle with red and cream label, wooden cabinets visible in background

Later that night, the 24 hours had passed from when I had picked up my dad. I headed into town to have supper at Taco John’s and then headed to Fleet Farm and Shopko to look for some local products. I then came home and got some rest. The next day would be a long one.

I slept in a bit, but then hit the road for Thunder Bay (I’ll talk about this trip in tomorrow’s blog entry). I spent the next 2 days in Thunder Bay on a mission and was able to see a lot of stuff. When I got back from Thunder Bay, I rested up and then helped my dad change oil on his Focus. It’s just like changing oil in my old Focus that I can do in a parking lot, but having ramps is always nice.

Open car hood revealing red/maroon colored engine compartment with various mechanical components, hoses, reservoirs and air intake system visible in automotive garage

Later that day we watched the Packer game. My parents gave Jordy a bone and she was content sitting on the blanket under the Packer tree.

Rustic cabin interior with illuminated Christmas tree decorated with ornaments and lights, two dogs relaxing on Green Bay Packers floor mat, knotty pine wood walls, antler decoration mounted above

The outcome of the Packer game was depressing, with Rodgers most likely being out for the season. It also sucked losing to the Vikings. This was my last day in town, so I visited both my grandmas again and then quickly visited the Cougar. Classic car covered with tan protective car cover in basement garage or storage area with exposed knotty pine wood paneling walls, fluorescent lighting overhead

I slept in a bit and then got ready to leave. I told my dad goodbye and then hit the road. When I left, I could see the leaves definitely had a lot of color in them. I got some good views of this as I drove back. That night, I made it to the Oklahoma Welcome Center, where I spent the night.

Autumn park scene with large grassy lawn area bordered by trees displaying fall foliage in yellow and orange, white gazebo structure visible on left, clear blue sky overhead Vibrant fall foliage display with trees showing bright yellow, orange, green and red autumn colors along grassy hillside under blue sky with sunlight Car dashboard display showing Trip 1: 10.7 miles at 48.3 MPG, 472 miles range remaining, odometer 017928 miles, temperature 52°F, fuel gauge showing low fuel Straight rural two-lane highway from driver's perspective with clear blue sky, trees with early fall colors lining both sides, power lines visible, light traffic ahead Two-lane rural highway with vehicle ahead, autumn foliage beginning to show on trees lining both sides of road, tall dried grass along shoulders, clear blue sky Multi-lane divided highway from driver's view with light traffic, guardrails on both sides, dense tree coverage along roadsides showing autumn colors, clear blue sky Curved highway section with metal guardrails on both sides, autumn foliage visible on trees, bare trees on right side, clear blue sky, road sweeping to right Neighborhood park on sunny autumn day with large mature trees displaying yellow fall foliage, playground equipment visible in background, green lawn, paved walking path Multi-lane highway with moderate traffic including dark minivan ahead, trees displaying autumn colors along both sides, clear blue sky, highway lamp post visible Highway on-ramp or merge area with light traffic, dense tree line on right side, blue highway sign visible in distance, clear blue sky Highway driving into bright sun creating lens flare and glare on windshield, trees silhouetted on horizon, clear sky, minimal traffic visible ahead Rural highway from driver's view with clear road ahead, sparse trees and vegetation along roadside, blue highway sign visible in distance under clear sky Highway at sunrise or sunset with sun low on horizon creating backlight through trees, green highway sign with route number 69 visible, clear sky with warm glow Highway at sunset with golden and orange sky, city skyline silhouetted in distance, overhead highway signs and gantry visible, light traffic ahead Highway driving at dusk with vehicle headlights illuminated, large semi-truck visible ahead on right, orange and blue sunset glow on horizon, street lights beginning to turn on

The next morning I woke up to some nice sunshine.

Sunrise or sunset in empty parking lot with sun positioned behind single tree creating dramatic backlit silhouette and long shadows across pavement, clear sky

The road was open until I hit Fort Worth. It’s rare I can drive through Fort Worth without some sort of stop and go traffic.

Rural divided highway through rolling hills with light traffic, forested hillsides visible on both sides, clear blue sky, road stretching into distance with gentle curves Highway construction zone with concrete barriers, box truck ahead and semi-truck on right, construction equipment and materials visible, narrow lanes, blue sky

After a couple more hours of driving, I was finally happy to be back at my apartment!

Apartment living room and dining area with beige carpet, light wood dining table and chairs, sliding glass door with white blinds, bookshelf, TV stand, natural lighting

Victoria actually surprised me with some healthier (well as most likely healthy as sweets can get) sweets.

Two small snack bags on beige upholstered chair - Black Forest Organic Sour Worms in yellow/green package and Fruit Medley variety in pink/purple package

It was nice getting this visit and also being able to fulfill my mission in Thunder Bay. This time off proved to be a much needed break that I needed. I was also able to take a few more days off after I got back. You almost need at least a day or two to recover from the brutal drive between Texas and Wisconsin. Hopefully in the near future, things are less stressful, but at least I was able to get away for a while. I’m just hoping my next vacation isn’t spurred by the crappy situation that this one was.

See more blog entries here