March Madness

 This is the time of year you are either glued to the TV watching basketball or trying to find something to do.

Pretty much, in the upper Midwest, it comes down to home improvement shows and RV open houses.

We were not inspired by the ideas for sprucing up the house since our domain pretty well satisfies our needs and who knows how much longer we'll be around for Wisconsin winters.

This little vintage trailer is so cute.

So we were off to check out the local RV dealerships as they all had open houses.

The coordinated refrigerator and décor is charming.

What this means is free cookies and snacks, registering for prizes and then looking at all the newest stuff in Recreational Vehicles.






Lots of people were out and about, sharing that dream of hitting the road to adventure. We toured trailers and 5th wheels. Dismissing this feature and pointing out design flaws that a novice might not notice. As seasoned veterans of weekend camping we know what we like and more importantly what won't work for us.



By George, I think we got it right the first time. From layouts and lavatories HaRVey is still out first love. We happily spent some dough on a new rug for the entryway. Just a little something for his 3rd birthday. Are we mad or what.

Alls Well That Ends Well

My new magnet from Tybee, very handy

We've survived our first extended getaway.

Coming home did feel good. Maybe it was the familiar surroundings, maybe our own bed. How can we miss it if we don't stay away. You can gain a new appreciation for your home when you're not cooped up in it all day.

Well it's probably not enough to make us want to stay in the north country year round.

We came home to a snow covered driveway. So first thing to do is turn up the heat in the house, turn on the water so I could do 7 loads of laundry and clear the driveway to get the truck up and start unpacking.

Valentine's Gift-Fun fish measuring spoons

After several days of paying bills, catching up on emails, blogging and refiling the hot tub I can now say the trip was a success.

Although I did leave my cell phone at Swamp Rabbit Inn, they are sending it to me thankfully.

Our Feral Friend Bunny returns too!

The beginning of March, is coming in like a lion. Blanketing us with several more inches of snow. Maybe spring will be just around the corner.

We missed the record warm temperatures in the Coulee Region, we heard the golf courses opened up for a few days in February.

Not it's time to savor the memories and start planning the next trip. Hopefully we'll be ready to take HaRVey along.

 

Greenville to Asheville

New Belgium Brew Co. along the river walk.

Just when you think things couldn't get any better. Then there was Asheville.

We stopped in Asheville, North Carolina to visit friends who have found their bliss. They've been retired for a few years and discovered Asheville as their new home.















Brewery with it's own food truck-what luck.

I can definitely see why they chose Asheville, now this is foodie heaven. Plus you have so many microbreweries your head will hurt trying to decide which one to stop at next. And if you have a hard time making choices avoid the River Arts District. Yowza.










Our band of merry marauders started out with a hike on Haywood Street. From fresh oysters to a pig and fig pizza, we noshed our way past dozens of unassuming specialty restaurants and music lairs. We could see why our music aficionado friends found this street meets their needs.



The next day we were roamed the River District where artistic talent flows along the French Broad River.  There's a 50 page booklet to preview before you set out on the mile long stretch of industrial buildings converted to studios showcasing Asheville's greatest treasures.



Daniel McClendon

Two artists that I just have to share.

Having a chance to meet the artist and see there work was very inspiring.

Daniel McClendon
Really fun, vibrant paintings that keep you entertained. www.danielmcclendon.com

Matt Tommey

Matt Tommey
As he claims, every basket begins with a walk in the woods. His sculptural basketry takes advantage of local resources such as the invasive kudzu. www.matttommey.com



Green Man Castle upscale


Between shopping we refreshed ourselves at a few Breweries. Thank goodness for beer flights, we shared many tastings at truly unique venues offering tours, food trucks and a real casual upbeat atmosphere.



Freshest Donuts at Hole on Hayward

This area sure beats batterfried cheese curds and Friday fish fries. We had the tastiest tacos, donuts made right in front of you, and bone marrow appetizer to go along with a little stout.






Our leader Bandit the Brew Hound

Plus as we strolled along, around the town, we where accompanied by our very own mascot Bandit. The area is very dog friendly, another reason our friends chose Asheville.


I think we shall return here for another visit.

Many people in Asheville are referred to as halfbacks.  Because they came from the north moving all the way to Florida to retire and came back half way. Probably because of too many old people down there. Just thought you'd like to know if it comes up on "7 Little Words" (great app for exercising the mind)









Ceasar's Head State Park SC

I can't forget the mountains. They stole my heart.