When last we connected, we were finally in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, on the 28th. Since then there wasn’t too much to relate, as we spent a lot of time with MFO’s mother. Weather remained a constant reminder that we were in the northern half of the country – this taken a few hours after sunup:
After the initial luncheon of a butterburger, we all ate out at places familiar to MFOM which included Red Lobster, and Olive Garden. In all the time we were there, every server we encountered gave us the “Hi I’m…..care of you”. As always, delivered with a smile and well meaning, however unnecessary. I actually had a fairly nice piece of walleye pike in RL, albeit broiled with the ubiquitous paprika topping, but it had good flavor. MFO enjoyed her (sic) Lobster Nachos. At OG besides the never ending supply of soggy breadsticks my Stuffed Chicken Marsala was edible, especially given the outside temperature, it was fairly filling. I was a bit curious that they called it Marsala sauce as it was white. As I recall most recipes for Marsala sauce call for Marsala wine and most with beef stock, which would hardly seem to result in a white sauce. Oh well, those clever Italians…
One notable exception was again the breakfasts at the Hungry Peddler. I wouldn’t recommend driving to Lacrosse (especially in the winter) just for that, but if you’re ever close do not miss it (for breakfast – my only data point). The servers (who remain unidentified unless you overhear conversation with the regulars) for the most part are not young, and sound almost exactly like the lady from Lake Woebegon (don’ca know). They’re so nice. Water glasses and coffee cups remain topped unless called off, the kitchen puts out the food really fast, good and hot. Just a little vignette: at a table next to us, a man asked if he could have a coke or pepsi, whatever they had. The reply was “which one would you prefer? we have both”. How often do you see that? And, it was delivered in the can, with a glass of ice. Gotta love it. Are you old enough to remember a beer commercial that had “From the Land of the Sky Blue Waters” in it? Posters on the wall. Cans and bottles of all sorts of beers adorn the shelves above the bar and around the room, along with modern posters for Korbels old fashioneds. What a place.
And, while we’re in that vein, the people of the town are just great. I walked into an Ace Hardware store, was immediately greeted with a gentleman who said “can we help ya find something then?”. I was looking for funnels (to replace the windshield washer fluid), “well, we got plenty”. Walked me over and said here they are, and told me the best value. “anything else?” No thank you. We found that spirit of friendliness and desire to actually help you at almost every place we went.
At last it was time to head back to Maryland, and we somewhat reluctantly left (the people, not the weather!). Guess what? It started snowing and didn’t quit until it turned to rain just above DC two long days later. Not ever hazardous, but enough to give those windshield wipers and washers a workout. Some scenes of Wisconsin
Bye bye land of
Finally in the mountains in Pennsylvania and West (BG) Va
Arriving at last what we call “civilization” (probably Lexington park in 10 years)
Despite the sprawl, there are still some pretty farms along the way above DC
And finally, there was the blue moon over the Patuxent and we were home.
Despite being the most nerve racking and stressful drive to date, being with friends and family is worth it. Christmas time is the time to do that, and we enjoyed that immensely. Thanks to FOJTE, FOJTY, MFOM, and MFOS(ister). Love ya all..
And mostly we were
DFC(old)
Happy new year to all the loyal readers!! STL Dining experience still in work
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