When people think of Wisconsin they think of barns and cheese. That's what I thought too, but it's so much more then that. It's about family and friends, organic gardening, farming, livestock, and church on Sundays. It's living the simple life without all the big city smog and traffic, but If I needed the love of a big city, in less then 5 hours I could be in Chicago. Having Wausau as my first assignment was a breath of fresh air that I needed at that time of my life. With trouble times at home, I wanted to escape to clear my head and make some life changing plans. I was able to heal a broken heart through this new environment and through my new found friendships. I don't think anyone will ever realize what this assignment did for me and how it healed me at the time, but I do and I am forever great full. I hope one day to return to see the friends I met there and to eat the best cheese ever produced. I miss the fresh cool air and the people that live in this wonderful State.
While I was in Wausau, Wisconsin for eight months I was able to explore a lot on my free days. I drove to Milwaukee, Door County, and Chicago for my weekends off. Even though I went on these trips by myself, I was really never alone. Being a professional photographer I always had the company of my Nikon camera. It's nice to go back in time and look at all the adventures this gypsy has had throughout the last two years, by looking at the photos that I took.
One of my favorite things to do while I was here is to climb Granite Peak. The mountain rising 700 feet is a ski resort during the winter months and a park with a large lookout tower during the spring and summer months. The best exercise you can get is right here on this mountain top. I actually tried to snowboard while I was here with a group of girls from work. Needless to say, this Texas girl didn't last very long.
Horse back riding on Nine Mile was an experience for me. One of my friends from the emergency department at Aspirus took me out for a four hour ride that almost killed me. Tari and I got lost after riding around the huge wooded area and we couldn't find our way back to the entrance of the park. My legs hurt for about a week after, but we had a blast. Spring time in Wisconsin is just beautiful to experience.
Wisconsin is were I came to know and love cheese curds. This yummy cheese that is battered and deep fried, and when bitten into just melts in your mouth. Totally bad for you, but oh so good!
Nothing like enjoying the county fair for the weekend. You know you can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the girl. Got to sport the cowgirl hat and boots while at the Wisconsin Valley Fair.
Living in Wausau for almost a year really made this place feel like a home to me. I had mixed feelings when the time came for me to leave, but I knew it was time for me to return to Austin to fix what was broken there. Saying goodbye to this assignment was the hardest thing to do, but I was leaving a stronger person then when I came. I was ready for a new life and a new adventure.
PICTURES FROM WAUSAUA, WISCONSIN
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