For Those Who Couldn't Open Photos

Recently, an email was sent that many of you could not open.

So....

I've temporarily reopened the blog.

Don't tell Katie!!

(Double click on above photo to see our property- home at the top)

This is the view toward the east when napping on warm days.

And, when looking back from the east toward our home.

Finally, the front and garden - which we hope produces bountifully.

Inside, we enjoy our living -dining-kichen room.

Morning sunrise greets us from our bedroom which also looks out to the west.

Naturally, there's a tub and shower.

We Love our hot tub!

Call Now to Reserve Your Weekend!

We Found It!

After an extensive, intensive search; it was there,

beautifully set in the countryside of southeastern Wisconsin -
our Shangri-La.

Instantly, as we stepped into the house, Katie said our "Montana."
The simple structure showcases architecture featuring "Big Sky" from all windows!

Moving to the country, beginning the rural part of our life experiences, is exciting!

Why not?

We have lived in a small town, big city, across the pond in Europe and
now everyday we see the sun rise and set and twinkling evening stars.
Sitcom moments, reminding us of Green Acres, probably will happen.
(that's OK we can laugh at ourselves)

A new way of life has begun for us.
Tom begins practicing at Darlington Community Health Clinic next week and
Katie will be sorting out and putting away stuff for a while.
We'll have to meet the neighbors soon, maybe borrow a cup of sugar.

We do feel lucky to have had so many great opportunities and people in our lives (like you!)

Keep in touch and we will do the same.

New address: 1650 Sandy Rock Rd, Hollandale, WI 53544

Phone: 608-967-2104
Katie Cell: 952-412-7058
Tom Cell: 952-412-6133
email: tomrohs@gmail.com

"Germany? I thought he said New Germany" was an adventure.
Now back to living in the slow lane.

THE END

Thanksgiving at Home

It feels good to be back in the US!In a home!

With Family!
Happy Thanksgiving !

Foggy With Late Morning Clearing

Each day greets us with a pleasant task of retrieving our paper.
Katie's favorite New York Times is not available
but a Wisconsin State Journal fills us in on local and national events.
Sudoku too!
Delivery to our door -not gonna happen.
So morning starts with a quarter mile walk to the mail box and
reading the front page on the way back.
It's a great way to check weather and wake up.
Foggy with late morning clearing.

Its WIsconsin! Its Deer Opener!

This past weekend was the opening of deer hunting.
Only Packer fever brings out stronger feelings in Wisconsin.
Iowa County hunters need to bag a doe
prior to shooting a buck due to high deer population.

Phil's stand can be seen from our living room and has provided one shot
(Bambi lives!)
Perhaps it's his style of hunting -checking phone messages while reading.



Driving to Hollandale for gas requires dressing in style.
Everyone at the station modeled some form of orange.
It's safer when driving and one looks more "local".

Small Town Wisconsin

Its a fresh autumn evening as I write,
looking out at a lone deer grazing 40 feet away.
Hope they stay friendly!

It's been rainy the last days diminishing photo opportunities.
So you'll have to be satisfied with stories of country life.

Recall our June trip to Scandinavia - friendliest people we found in Europe.
Well, the Scandinavians found their way to Wisconsin.
Specifically, the Norwegians.

Yesterday, on my visit to the city - Hollandale, Pop 283
I met Ann and John who run the Hollandale Grocery.
(Family owned since 1958).
They had met Katie last week and immediately made a connection when I entered their store.
I stood out as new to town also.
Their order had arrived so all three isles of the store
were full of boxes waiting to be placed on the shelves.
Ann's Mom and Aunt were assisting in the chore and all were happy to engage in conversation.

As we discussed Norwegian heritage
(theirs, not mine)
I related that my hometown area of Minnesota had many of Norwegian background.
Short story: Ann's cousin is a dentist in St. Cloud who graduated with me from dental school. When leaving the store Ann's mom called out that I must be ok as I'm Norwegian.
I won't let them know the truth just yet!

My next stop was Blanchardville - five miles away in a different direction.
My need was to finalize a contract for propane with Tricia at Blanchardville Coop.
Again conversation ensued... I asked recommendations for a restaurant in town.
Tricia looked at my address and said Blanchardville really doesn't have much other than pubs with burgers but Hollandale has the Log Cabin.
I said that my wife mentioned eating there last week.
Tricia didn't miss a beat and stated that she knew that.
My wife and son were there and her daughter was "eyeing up" Phil.

I'll be on good behavior!

Pods Delivered, Possessions in Sight

We greeted morning today with a sunrise that inspired us to cease the day.

Sun pouring in each morning moves us to get going right away.

Phil arrived full of energy, sawing wood and then splitting for future burning when the snow flies. Tom stacked.

Around noon WolfPak arrived with our possessions.
Less than one hour later our garage was full and Joe and Tim were gone.
Let the sorting begin!

Our previous blog noted a practical side to our lives.
Here Tom is at his "desk" blogging away.
Wood floors are being refinished so no furniture is available currently.
Thursday we anticipate starting real life again.