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.

TV: Cable or Rabbit Ears?

Our experience in Germany fostered a practical side within our souls,
a satisfaction in simply hearing English.
CNN only last year ...let's just say that we are more easily appeased entertainment wise.
Residing only 30 miles out from Madison it has been decided to try "rabbit ears"
which I must say are much better now than our college experience.
Previous owners suggested this.
Looks better than two dishes on our roof!
Katie likes that!
Couple that with HD and we have great reception.
No confusing multiple remotes.
No spending five minutes channel surfing with way too many station choices.
So, we're content with our solution to Dish/Direct enticements.
With the money saved on cable our new TV and rabbit ears will be paid for in six months!

Tom Takes out the Tractor

So today's big news, other than the expected report that Katie cleaned and Tom painted the front door (BARN RED) , was that Tom took out the tractor. He even offered to drive down the road to check the mail. FUN! FUN! FUN! Backing and maneuvering in the barn went well. Next, (Maybe tomorrow) will be attaching implements and doing something productive. Probably be best to wait for Terry Maas' instruction. Phil stopped out and received Motherly counseling. Walks in nature are good. At 5:10 someone cued the deer and they responded - nine walking out front of our deck.
As the stars came out coyotes could be heard in the distance.

Tomorrow: commentary on cable and rabbit ears...

Montana? Oliver?

Time for an update:

We've lived these past 52 days out of two suitcases and two plastic tubs as nomads moving from home to home seeking a home of our own and suitable employment. Representing a face of homelessness (possibly America's wealthiest homeless) provided levity in stores when asked for our address and the stock response:

"we're homeless."
"No Really!"

Our thanks go out to all of you who provided a bed, breakfast,
dinner, conversation, encouragement and storage for our stuff.

Maureen, Larry
Karen, Terry
Phil, Sara
Julie, Warren
Darbie, Dirk
Don, Veda
Mark, Allie
Gretchen, Simon
Victoria Inn

So where are we going to live?
Katie named it "Montana".

Located in Moscow Township, Iowa County, Hollandale, Wisconsin is our little country place - 40 acres of land within walking distance of a trout stream. Divided into thirds - pasture, CRP grassland and DNR forest
a peaceful setting is promised.
We close tomorrow.
(More photos and further descriptions of our home will appear in the future.)







Katie has a background helping her father on the Tabberson family farm between Glencoe and Hutchinson, Minnesota.
We're not worried about her.








It's Tom ("Oliver")
[Think "Green Acres"]
who could provide snickers.
He'll be safe four days a week in a dental office.
(Also a future blog.)

So... there you have it - a quick update.
We need to start a new blog, however.
Mark Seeber's title suggestion for our Germany experience is no longer appropriate.
Help name our new blog and we'll reward you!
Free lodging at "Montana"!
Send suggestions to tomrohs@gmail.com.

We'll fill in further pieces of our recent and future life as time allows
(and as we get Internet to arrive to this remote location.)
Meanwhile phone numbers
Katie : 952-412-7058
Tom : 952-412-6033

and our mailing address is:
1650 Sandy Rock Road
Hollandale, WI 53544

Hopelessly Homeless

For those of you wondering if the blog will continue,

or those of you addicted to knowing what's up with Tom and Katie:
We are alive and well , having slept around the last ten days - five different beds.

Living out of a suitcase leaves something to be desired, "where is...?" is a constant topic of conversation. (Sorry about the blurred picture - life is a blur for us)

Interviews are going well and continue this week.
We will update you when firm decisions have been made.





It has been especially good to renew friendships and see family.





It's great to be back in the U.S.A!
We wish the best for all and thank you for thinking of us.
Drop an email or call: Katie 952-412-7058, Tom 952-412-6133.

Off to Shangri-La

We are on a new mission, this time to find that earthly paradise, full of peace and harmony, somewhere in a valley in Tibetan mountains. Actually, we can't go to Shangri-La because it's fictional, created for a 1930's novel.

Even if we could, we wouldn't. It's much too far from all of you: Paris, Venice, Berlin, Rome, Oslo, Prague, Munich, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Innsbruck, Budapest, Zurich, Wroclaw, Barcelona, Lyon, Vienna, Copenhagen etc. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to travel 19 European countries. Now it's time to come home and renew our relationships with family and friends.
(What have you been up to?)

This story is finished and another beginning. "Once upon a time there was . . ."

Curtain Call

Thursday, September 17, we fly back to the States from Frankfurt. Our bags are packed, boxes sent and we're ready to go!!! Since returning from travel, we've been guests at the Bamberg Inn on Base. It is very nice and we will take the military shuttle to the airport.


Our last weekend in Germany was spent revisiting favorite spots. Downtown Bamberg is a European standout, both in its architecture and style of living. (meaning cafe sitting is popular) Rolling country hills and villages are perfectly set with church steeples peeking out.





Reflecting on this year a word that comes to mind and sticks is "WOW"! We did what?

Steve Winwood in his song, "While You See A Chance Take It!" encourages such adventures as ours. "Are you still free? Can you be? When tomorrow finds you. . . " Good questions! Where will tomorrow find us?

Which Way To Slovenia?

Some things never change in life: regardless of age, time of day, in the city, countryside or foreign nation. Husbands do not listen to constructive input from their wives on which way to go. 353 days into our year of travel, I have not made progress getting him to consider I might know where we are or need to turn.

Radovljica Slovenia was Sunday's destination. The village of 2,ooo was marked with a yellow directional arrow pointing left. (that arrow was now 20 yards behind us) A U turn might have been a good idea, or one could turn up a steep gravel path, used by goats and stray cats. A man's best friend while driving (his navigational system) directed up this way, so he's going to do it!

Bumpy and steep, the drive was treacherous! Once to the hilltop, I asked locales on their afternoon stroll if this was the road we should be on, they shrugged and laughed, "if you want to!" Now having entered town via the side door, we are on the pedestrian only mall. The kind innkeeper gave us the key to electronically lower posts to exit, usually they block cars from entering this zone. It was not a shining moment, as one has to ask twenty people in front of the inn, sipping a glass of wine, to move over.




When leaving quaint Radovljica we had an opportunity to appreciate this beautiful cow pasture before locating the freeway entry. I had pointed it out! (the entry ramp, as we passed by it)

City of Canals

Venice,

an ancient Italian city,
is well-preserved and unique.

Famous landmarks,
like St. Mark's Basilica,
possess more artistic beauty than one imagines.











Canals, bridges, gondolas,
hotels, shops, museums, music, cafes; it's all there to be explored.









Pigeons too!
A whimsical, little lady
in the square
gave tourists a quick lesson on "how to feed the birds".
(much to the dismay of finger shaking locales
who consider the birds a nuisance)

I happen to have some biscuit cookies with me
and could try out what I had watched.
After crunching the sweets in my hands
and then holding them out,
gently and slowly pigeons came for a taste.
The birds didn't peck at all.
Helping another tourist enjoy the moment was more fun!
Simple pleasures remain the best!!

Mamma Mia! Pizza Pie!

Tom savored every bite
of the food that has made Italy famous.
When you eat pizza
use your knife and fork please!
Europeans do not separate the pie
into triangles or squares
and pick it up with their hands.

NO! NO!

Properly cut it,one piece at a time
and then use your fork!

Even at outside cafes, that only serve one kind of pizza
(take it or leave it) on a paper plate, silverware is given with individual plates. Also keep your knife and fork in your hands at all times, don't give yourself away as American by resting the knife on the table.

Tourism, being a major industry, annoys some and puts money in the pockets of others.

On your bumper driving is the norm, as is almost running you off the road, complete with rude hand gestures. (ask Tom) Skinny babes, with red tinted hair, have the "why are you here" glare well practiced. (personally,, I think they need to quit smoking, it doesn't look fashionable with Gucci clothes)

Hotel Villa Foscarini located in Mogliano Veneto
(15 miles north of Venice) was so perfectly Italian.
Croissants, espresso and fresh fruit were a delicious breakfast.
Innkeepers spotlessly kept the property and greeted us with welcoming charm and flair.

European countries (especially eastern)
register your passport number when you are a guest.
Italy now also asks for a signature on a departure form,
that is turned over to local police departments,
when checking out.

By The Sea

Coastal Adriatic areas in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy,

were as predicted,
beautiful and historical.
Seductive Mediterranean climate,

blue sky and sea waves capture one.
Venetian-style towns,
beaches and marinas are magical,
like a fairy-tale.










Rovinj is one of the most photographed cities in Croatia.
Old Town is a tangle of steep pedestrian streets









paved with cobblestones
that lead to galleries, shops and cafes.



















Wandering, it is impossible not to stop
and pause to enjoy a refreshment.








Slovenia has only 45 miles of coast.Seaside Piran is a jewel.
A town of alleys, squares, old rock streets and beautiful churches.Climbing up to St. George's,
perched on hilltop,
a panoramic view awaits everyone.
A display of rooftops, cliffs, seagulls, boats, steeples, rolling waves
accented with a relaxing breeze
was one of those "Grand Canyon" moments.
(nature at its best)