Sunday, July 19, 2026

Fish and Milkweed

I know that Sue and I seem to indulge in many outings and treats, but they are mostly just coffee. Only on occasion does the treat involve a scone or perhaps a turkey-bacon-club sandwich in the car in winter. I had a hankering for a bit more than that, so we took a little drive to Generations on the Lake in Lake Park for their Friday, fish n chip special.

For some reason neither of us got a picture of the meal, but I did take my necessary photo of Sue at the table.


She thought we should take a selfie with at least some of the outdoor background. You know that I hate taking selfies, but I screwed my courage to the sticking point and fired anyway, hero that I am.


After lunch we waddled down to the lake, but there is not much of a gap through the trees and bushes by the water, so I took a photo looking back at the inn instead. The dining room is the low part of the structure at the front, which of course is really the back of the house. 


The meal necessitated a walk, but that came later after we hade been home for awhile to let the meal settle. By the pond, the milkweed was opening.


The next milkweed plant was still just in bud. I got really close for this macro. 


I noticed a few bullrushes for the first time this summer, but I think you may call them cattails.


It was one of those halcyon summer days with close to perfect weather.









21 comments:

  1. Living in rural America with an aging population, we suffer the same thing. Somebody with a lot of energy comes along and reopens one of the many shuttered little cafes in our area. It is nice not having to drive an hour just to eat out once again but the problem lies in the older population. They mostly frequent the place but just drink coffee and gossip. At least here, straight black coffee is really cheap and so an entire morning will go buy and the cafe won't have even made enough profit to pay the waitress much less the cooks or the owner. Those cafes always seem to last about 2 or 3 months before the realization hits and they shutter the windows once again. Bigger cities like yours are likely better as they can tolerate a sizable coffee crowd and still get enough people to eat the more profitable meals later on.

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    1. I think we have enough dedicated coffee venues that the actual restaurants are not affected.

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  2. What a lovely day to create some great photos and memories! You must tell Sue (please) that I adore her wardrobe! It sets off her beauty so naturally and elegantly.

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  3. After the weather you've been having you deserve some pleasant weather and a little tour.

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  4. It looks like a lovely afternoon and terrific day. I love how you two do this!

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  5. A perfect way to spend a perfect day!

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  6. You know what? You indulge yourselves as often as you want. I think you both have earned that much!

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  7. Beautiful photos, dear friend. ❤️

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  8. It sounds like a wonderful day.

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  9. You two are so photogenic! And I love the pics of the milkweed,

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  10. You guys are so cute, I love seeing your selfies and pictures. I love the pictures.

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  11. Sue is so gorgeous. I can see why she's your favorite subject.

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  12. I'm a selfie taker and you and Sue always look super nice in your photos. I think it's great to treat ourselves, from a regular coffee outing to the occasional stand-out meal of fish and chips (a favorite for both hubby and myself when we do go out). What a lovely setting for this inn. I love your milkweed and bullrush photos. Lighting is perfect!

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  13. You love selfies, I know you do! Admit it. I would like to dine there. Beautiful scenery.

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  14. If we do not indulge now and then at this stage of life what's the point? You take excellent selfies.

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  15. Your macro shot of the milkweed is stunning. Macros let you see so much more of the structure.

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  16. That last photo reminded me of how much I loved cat-tails as a kid...we sort of collected them in the summer.

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  17. That sounds just perfect. Love that macro ahot.

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  18. We have had a few days like that, today (Monday) being one. JG chose to use the day taking the chains off his tractor. He needs them off because we have to get the tractor across the groomed grass to reach a downed tree, also on the groomed grass. I will be describing this in some detail as events occur.

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  19. Viroqua and Westby have jumped on the bandwagon of 'foodies' and coffee shops along with little cozy bars that aren't like your typical Midwestern places. They are upscale and full of interesting 'offerings'.
    A person can walk around the 'downtown' and enjoy so many little shops and eating places. I think there are 4 or 5 coffee shops just designed for people to meet and have a cup of coffee.

    The Milkweed photos are wonderful. I have been remiss in searching out wildflowers this year.

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  20. At our age and stage in life, we do enjoy treating ourselves and ice cream is a favorite vs coffee in summer months. You and Sue take great selfies and we enjoy taking our own as well. The milkweed macro is a great shot, amazing what the iPhone can do these days.

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