Ford Mustang

Last week's rental was a black Ford Mustang. I've had this vehicle before and while really hot to drive was not very comfortable. I think they've adjusted the suspension because this time the ride was not nearly as rough. And that is saying something because Texas highways are not very smooth.

The Mustang is definitely one powerful vehicle. I was surprised how easy it was to squeal the tires - even backing up. This is a very low riding car but there is plenty of head room was in. It was kind of funny pulling up to the booth to exit the parking lot at the hotel. You have to hand your ticket to the attendant and give her your name and room number. I felt like I was sitting on the ground looking up to talk to her especially after the previous week's Jeep. She did comment that she really liked the car though.

A black car with black interior is not the smartest thing to have in hot Dallas. Thank goodness it was a bit overcast.

My only real complaint is the layout of the gauges. The fuel oil gauges are center with the speedometer to the right and the tachometer to left. The steering wheel hides the tach and speedometer so you have to look around to see how fast you are going. And you can go really fast really easily!

Spring Green, Wisconsin

Last weekend was the annual Spring Green, Wisconsin, road trip and American Players Theatre play weekend. There were eleven people this year with a GMC Suburban and a Chrysler mini-van.

We always stop in Tomah at Burnstad's for lunch. Burnstad's is a restaurant/grocery store/variety store/floral store/gift shop/souvenir shop/etc. There is a dessert carousel that has the most amazing meringue pies, cakes, and other German inspired treats.

Jane has to go to the candy store in Baraboo to restock her supply of cow pies. She had gotten the directions on the internet and also found out they close at 5pm. We made a mad dash to get there in time. Turns out they are open until 8pm. Jane got a wheel-barrow full of cow pies and others got various chocolate-covered things or licorice or circus peanuts. The candy is made here which makes it so special. See the picture of Linda and JT on the cow outside the candy shop.

On to Spring Green. A beautiful drive through farms and small towns. No matter how many times we make the drive, I think it is always wonderful. A friendly game of horse and cemetery was played. Some people might not think it was so "friendly" but that is just their competitive nature.

We always stay in the Spring Green Valley Inn if possible. Huge thanks to Rose Block for arranging everything. There is a big indoor pool which we always take advantage of. We ate at the restaurant at the Inn. Friday is all you can eat fish fry night.

And then the big reason for staying at the Inn -- the fire pit! That's a story in itself. I think Bunny should write about that.

Saturday was a lazy day of eating, shopping and sightseeing, including an old mill.




The play we saw Saturday evening was Misallince by George Bernard Shaw. I worked on this play in college and have always enjoyed it. American Players Theatre is an outdoor amphitheater. It was cold....really cold. Thank goodness everyone else was prepared and let me borrow various pieces of clothing and/or blankets.

It was a great weekend. Lots of laughing. Lots of stories. Lots of fun.

Jeep Wrangler

Catching up on my posting.

Two weeks ago I got a Jeep Wrangler as my rental vehicle. I didn't even know Hertz had them and certainly didn't expect one. It was fun to drive.

Closest thing to a real truck I think I've driven in a long time. This new Jeep Wrangler is more comfortable than the older models I've ridden in. This one was a soft top but had real windows in the doors. I wish I had had time to put the top down.

Overall, it was definitely a fun vehicle. Wouldn't want one as a daily vehicle though.

Am I whining a lot?

I was going to title this one, "Isn't it any wonder that I'm tired," but maybe I'm just whining.

Here goes...American Airlines changed their schedule first of September and I'm now taking the last flight out of Dallas which is at 7:45pm. The later in the day the more chance that there are going to be storms. Last night was one of those nights.

I got to airport just a bit before 7pm for 7:15 boarding. I do like to cut it close so I don't have to hang around the airport. A bit before 7:15 the flight gets delayed to 8:25. There are severe storms in Minneapolis.

We actually board the plane for an 8:25 departure. The pilot announces that our take-off time is now 9:20 but we have to pull away from the gate because another flight needs our gate. We drive out onto the tarmac and wait.

About 9pm the pilot announces that because the Minneapolis airport has been closed and there is only one runway, we are pushed back to 10:15pm take-off.

You guessed it.. pilot announces another time change. Now it is 10:39. Then about 10:20 he says they have shaved six minutes off our departure and we are going to take-off at 10:33, six minutes early! EARLY! What happened to 7:45!!??

We actually do take-off. We land at 12:15am and I get home about 1:00am.

Flying with the Governor

Back in Dallas after a weekend roadtrip to Spring Green, Wisconsin. More about that trip later in a separate entry.

The governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty, was on my flight this morning. And, as a matter of fact, he sat in the row right before mine. I was in my usual 21D (aisle, exit row over the wing). He was in 20B, aisle, opposite side, there is no "C" seat).

Kind of interesting to have the Governor right there. And that he was flying coach. And that he was flying American Airlines instead of Northwest.

Quick turnaround

Just got back from Dallas. Heading to Spring Green, Wisconsin, tomorrow for annual theatre trip to American Players Theatre. Sounds like big group this year. This is a driving trip but not taking my Escape so won't have to drive too much.

I'm back in Dallas next week. So much time with Frankie and Uno this weekend and not weekend projects.

Aghhh!!! -- Dallas!!!

I really dislike Dallas roads and streets. Or maybe it is the lack of signage or that there is no way to figure out which compass direction you are headed.

I drove all over the place trying to find the hotel from where the guys decided to go eat. I know I've complained about the roads here before but this is just rediculous. It just doesn't make any sense to me.

Big rain storms this morning delayed are takeoff. Then we had to circle. When we finally landed we had to wait on the tarmac for 45 minutes for a gate. I left my house and got to the office at 3pm. I should have gotten in around noon.

Wasn't as bad as the project manager though. He was flying in from Miami. His 8am flight was cancelled. Then his 9:45 flight was cancelled. The his 10:45 flight took off at noon. When he landed his plane had to wait almost 2 hours to get to a gate! Now, that sucks.