January 22nd, 2012
This week marks an amazing journey for one of my favorite persons (people?). We are an unlikely couple and we didn’t at first have the most favorable of friendships. At first I was jealous… no envious, of my friend. You see he and my husband were fast friends. A friendship that was hard to infiltrate. He initially drove me crazy. But then one fateful afternoon when our beloved Egg Harbor Indians played everyone’s foe Washington Island, on a sunny, Sunday afternoon at the island, a not so unusual event brought us together which has now made an inseparable bond between us. It has held us together for over thirty years. I will not get into the events that particular Sunday (nothing major by any means) but I will tell you that he had my back and for that reason alone I realized how much he cared for me and for that I am truly thankful.
Fast forward to this week… Wednesday, we (his family and ours) will celebrate one year of his sobriety. Don’t feel embarrassed for him about me writing this blog about him. Trust me he isn’t embarrassed. He like all of us… especially me, are proud. Proud that he had the courage to do so. Proud that he’s a better dad, son, brother, uncle, co-worker and friend for doing so….
Each year he helps me put my floats together. He stops by so he and I can chat. He brings his two adorable kids by so I can feed them candy and chips. In his honor I am giving thanks to those that helped him who shall remain nameless but they don’t need credit… they and we know who they are.
So… Wednesday we will celebrate with Tom and our families. We’ll have dinner, laugh, talk, celebrate and give thanks for ours and his many blessings.
We love you Tom… You’re the best!
(Lucky for me he doesn’t have a computer…hahahahahaha!)
Tags: Egg Harbor, family, food, friends, fun
Posted in People of Door County | No Comments »
December 28th, 2011
With less than a week to go there is still time to plan your New Year’s weekend in Door County. Most of the restaurants in Egg Harbor are open for the weekend not to mention the boutiques and shops. Most stores are having amazing sales. Although Egg Harbor Lodge is closed for the season, The Landing, The Ashbrooke, Bay Point Inn, The Landmark and Newport Resort among others are open for business. There are lots of New Years Eve packages including one at Mike’s Port Pub in Jacksonport with room, dinner and drinks all for $175 per couple. Check out 106.9 The Lodge Activity Board for details on all the activities and specials.
JR Jarosh’s famous Jacksonport Polar Bear Plunge gets underway promptly at noon at the beach in Jacksonport. If you haven’t done the plunge before this could be your year as the weather will likely be in the 30′s… but then again this is Door County and the weather could change in minutes.
But the main event IMHO will be Frosty Fest right here in Egg Harbor. The parade begins at 1 pm at the Catholic church and heads north and turns right at Casey’s. After that I don’t know where it goes because we head to Egg Harbor Lodge to park our own float. This is our Wisconsin Badger themed hot tub float from last year…
Egg Harbor Parade 2011
Real classy with our cans of Bud Lite. After the float there is a one mile fun run. And for the low, low registration price of 15 bucks you also get a pair of Frosty Fest gloves!! Too cute…
We also will have ice sculptures throughout the village, The Egg Harbor Lions Club will be selling brats and you can get yourself a Bloody Mary at Mojo Rosa’s outdoor bar.
We won’t have our annual Hot Tub Girls float this year but look for us to have some kind of festive float. We have a plan but we don’t assemble it until we get to the church parking lot so it’s kind of a hit or miss type gig. Most of the time we think it’s pretty good but sometimes the wind blows the living heck out of it.
After the parade we will head downtown to watch the rest of the Packer game. GO PACK!!!
But most of all from all of us Egg Harbor Lodge we wish you and yours a happy and healthy 2012!
Tags: cold, egg harbor lodge, festivals, parade, shopping, village of egg harbor, weekend
Posted in Door County Festivals, Door County Parades, Door County Radio, Egg Harbor Happenings, Egg Harbor Lodge News, Egg Harbor Restaurants, Egg Harbor Shopping, Green Bay Packers | 1 Comment »
December 18th, 2011
I have been wanting to try the festive winter drink, a Bayside Coffee from none other than you guessed it… BAYSIDE! We went for lunch Tuesday with the first stop being Bayside to try their coffee drink. I asked our bartender Bill Budelman (who is supposed to be THE Bayside Coffee mixologist) what all was in it but there were so many forms of liquor (151, Jameson, Baileys blah, blah, blah) I couldn’t remember them all. It was then topped with coffee and whipped cream. There is also the addition of dry spices like cinnamon and such that lend themselves to the fireworks of the drink…
Bill B. doin' his gig
It was delicious… I would highly recommend ONE.
Then it was off to Husby’s for a burger and then over to the Sister Bay Bowl where we ended up bowling a game with Lucas Willems (I got a 66 if that says anything). So if you are wondering what we do in Door County in the winter, most of the time it’s not much but from time to time we have a blast! Thanks Cole!
Tags: Bowling, Burgers, coffee, Door County Restaurants, fish creek, sister bay
Posted in Door County Restaurants, Egg Harbor Lodge News, recipes | No Comments »
December 1st, 2011
our little doll
As of November 30, 2011 Egg Harbor’s population has increased one-fold! Baby Brody Joshua Sawyer was born yesterday weighing in at a whopping 9.9 pounds. Congratulations to our son Josh and his wife Carissa. Brody is our third grandchild and is welcomed by his big brother Jaden, 10 and big sis Adison 2 1/2. Jaden is thrilled, Adi… not impressed.
I am lying about the population of Egg Harbor. The village of Egg Harbor (it’s confusing… don’t ask) has 250 more or less but the Town of Egg Harbor where Brody’s parent’s live has well over 500 citizens. Anyway we are all rejoicing at the birth of this little guy.
And for a story worth repeating (remember this is MY blog), Our oldest Josh who is 29, (Jaden, Adi and Brody’s dad) had a high risk form of Leukemia way back in 1985. As young parents Mark and I were devastated but we had faith and a phenomenal doctor which is what brings us to this celebration yesterday, today and from now on. We are thankful and thrilled for all of our good fortunes. God bless our newest baby!
Tags: babies, Egg Harbor, family
Posted in Egg Harbor Lodge News, People of Door County | 1 Comment »
November 14th, 2011
The ongoing support of Door County community members continues today with an assembly that will be held at Gibraltar school at 1:45. The Northern Door Community has been very active in it’s support for one of their own who was struck with Leukemia in recent months. 12 year old Bo Johnson was diagnosed with an extremely acute form of Leukemia after he cracked his pelvis in a freak jet ski accident. Our prayers continue go out to Bo, his mom Annika and their entire family.
You Are Invited!
WHO: Gibraltar Students, Faculty, Parents
and Community Members
WHAT: “Go Bo!” Assembly
WHERE: Gibraltar High School Gym
WHEN: Monday, November 14, 2011 at 1:45 pm
WHY: Raise Leukemia Awareness and to follow Bo Johnson’s Road
to Recovery. Please support Bo by wearing ORANGE and
bringing $1 for the donation collection bucket.
Keep the Bomentum Going…Fight Leukemia!
Tags: assembly, Community, community members, Door County, gibraltar, gibraltar high school, gibraltar school, jet ski accident, leukemia, Monday, old bo, ongoing support, school, ski, support, tomorrow
Posted in Door County League Baseball, Egg Harbor Lodge News, People of Door County, School stuff | No Comments »
October 21st, 2011
In honor of their friend and classmate Bo Johnson who has Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Gibraltar Middle School kids and parents arranged a flash mob in downtown Sister Bay… right in the middle of Fall Fest! They then posted it for Bo on his GO BO! Facebook page. I think it’s too cute…
There are GO BO! hats, wrist bands and Gibraltar is even having a GO BO! dance tonight in honor of their classmate.
Our “little boy” Josh had Leukemia when he was just 2 1/2 so this cause if very close to our hearts. Our son is now 29 and expecting his third child next month. We all continue to keep Bo and his mom Annika in our prayers.
Tags: acute myelogenous leukemia, Fall, family, flash mob, gibraltar, honor, leukemia aml, locals, middle, middle school kids, Mob, Myelogenous
Posted in People of Door County, School stuff | No Comments »
October 20th, 2011
Well, all the major festivals are over but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do in Door County this weekend.
Saturday, take part in the Ellison Bay Art Crawl. Nine Art Galleries and Schools in Ellison Bay host their Fall Art Crawl featuring guest artists, demonstrations and new work for the holidays along with creative and tasty treats along the way. Maps at all the locations.
Saturday night check out Daddy D’s Productions at Mr. G’s Logan Creek Grille in Jacksonport. All your favorite hits from the 50′s & ’60s! Mike’s Port Pub is sponsoring this event and from what I have heard it is a riot. Dinner and the show only 35 bucks! Check it out here or call 920.823.2192 for more info.
The weekend weather looks decent after the freakish weather we have been having. This will be good new for those participation in the Door County Fall 50 Saturday which is a 50-mile running adventure for solo ultra-marathoners and teams of up to five runners. The course route begins at the northernmost tip of the peninsula and travels down the western shoreline along scenic back roads to the population center in Sturgeon Bay. The event ends with an outrageous party set under a tent along the shipping channel at Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay.
On Sunday we will head over to Gordon Lodge for a benefit for Door County native Randy Pluff. This is what is says on the benefit’s Facebook page…
Join Randy, his family and friends at Gordon Lodge to enjoy the Packer game, food, drinks and kid’s games. Proceeds from the day will be donated to the Pluff’s to help offset rising medical and living expenses. Randy is currently recovering from his second surgery after removing a cancerous tumor from his brain. Soon he will undergo 5 weeks of radiation to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells. During this time he has been unable to work. We want Randy and his family to enjoy a day surrounded by family and friends to show our love and support. Please send any cash donations to:
Randy Pluff Benefit Fund
Associated Bank
PO Box 507
Sister Bay WI 54234
We have known the entire Pluff family for years and continue to pray for Randy and his family.
Next weekend we are looking forward to having friends come up to celebrate the end of the season with us. We had a decent year at Egg Harbor Lodge for which we are thankful for. Next up…Deer Hunting!
Tags: Benefit, Egg Harbor, ellison bay, Fall, host, jacksonport, logan creek, music, Saturday, sturgeon bay, ultra marathoners, Weather, weekend, western shoreline, work
Posted in Door County News, Door County Restaurants, Egg Harbor Lodge News, Green Bay Packers, People of Door County | No Comments »
October 13th, 2011
They call it the Grandaddy of all festivals Sister Bay’s Fall Fest. It is one of the oldest festivals in Door County. They have a great parade, food, drinks and lots of music, including everyone’s favorite The Happy Schnapps Combo. It’s a blast but you better love a crowd… in my mind that’s what makes it fun… people! New this year will be the Sister Bay themed hat contest… one can only imagine. Can you say goats on the roof?
Here what’s happening…
Weekend Schedule
Friday, October 14, 2011
9am-5pm: Classic Auto Show – Waterfront Park
Sponsored by Sister Bay Lions Club
10am-5pm: Arts & Crafts Show – Mill Road
Sponsored by Sister Bay Advancement Association
10am-5pm: Concessions – Various places in Village
4pm-7pm: Modern Day Drifters @ Husby’s
5pm-8pm: Fish Boil – New Fire Station on Mill Road
Sponsored by Sister Bay Lions Club
6pm-7pm: Children’s Cake Walk – Village Hall, Downtown
Sponsored by Gibraltar Junior Class
10pm-Close: Hoi Polloi @ Husby’s
Saturday, October 15, 2011
7am-11am: Pancake Breakfast – Village Hall
Sponsored by Kiwanis
9am-5pm: Concessions – Various places in Village
9am-5pm: Classic Auto Show – Waterfront Park
Sponsored by Sister Bay Lions Club
9am-5pm: Mechanical Bull @ Sister Bay Bowl
9am-4pm: Inflatable Games/Bouncers, Bungee Jumping & Clowns All Day
Across street from Al Johnson’s (weather permitting)
10am-5pm: Arts & Crafts Show – Mill Road
Sponsored by Sister Bay Advancement Association
11am: Parade – Bay Shore Drive, Downtown
Volunteer of the Year, Parade Marshal
1pm-3pm: Randy Peterson (Children’s Entertainer) – Gazebo by Village Hall
1pm-4pm: Happy Schnapps on the Husby’s/Sister Bay Bowl stage
3pm: Hat Contest on the Husby’s/Sister Bay Bowl stage
1pm: Dog Show – Downtown Park Tent
Proceeds go to Door County Humane Society
9pm-1am: Hoi Polloi @ Husby’s
9:30pm-Close: Whiskey Ditch @ Sister Bay Bowl
Sunday, October 16, 2011
9am-2pm: Classic Auto Show – Waterfront Park
Sponsored by Sister Bay Lions Club
10am-3pm: Concessions – Various places in Village
10am-3pm: Arts & Crafts Show – Mill Road
Sponsored by Sister Bay Advancement Association
10am-3pm: Bungee Jumping
Noon-3:30pm: Polka Man Dale with Bellows & Strings – Gazebo by Village Hall
On a side note, life long Sister Bay resident Annika Johnson’s 12 year old son Bo was just diagnosed recently with very serious form of Leukemia. Annika is the daughter of the famed Door County restaurateur Al Johnson. Prayers from all of us in Door County are going out to the family and this amazing kid. Follow his progress in his own words at
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bojohnson
Bo is an amazing writer at just 12 years old and his candid perspective on his predicament will have you praying and cheering for him. Go Bo!
Tags: BOWL, door county humane society, Fall, family, famous people, festivals, food, fun, happy schnapps combo, hat contest, Lions, locals, new fire station, October, parade, Saturday, show, sister bay, village, weekend
Posted in Door County Festivals, Door County Parades | No Comments »
October 10th, 2011
Another Pumpkin Patch is behind us and again it was a huge success… the weather was in the high seventies all weekend which helped. We had some great volunteers this year including volunteers for the Randy Pluff benefit (more on that at a later date), Southern Door 8th graders and the Maritime Museum. I thought the bees were going to be a huge problem since I got stung not once but twice on Friday when we were cooking brats. But Saturday and Sunday the bees didn’t seem to be a huge problem. The University of Wisconsin Marching Band did their Fifth Quarter performance compliments of Dave and Vonnie Callsen from Main Street Market. Always a hit with the crowd is Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns.
Here are some random pics of the craziness…
Pumpkin People
Don Helm and I fighting the smoke
Not to be left out… Polly Helm and me…
girlfriends
The Kugle kids got their faces painted… too cute!
Cole Biwer keeping the peace…
Mike and Carrie from 106.9 The Lodge with Bruce from the Lull-Abi and me for our 2nd annual Pumpkin Patch photo op…
Yes… I am in all the pictures but hey it’s my blog.
This is the main reason I like to help at Pumpkin Patch…
Our Flanigan Distributing helpers Cubby Hartl and Brian Flanigan
And none other than Mark Sawyer is in charge of cooking the brats for the Egg Harbor Business Association… It’s a lot of fun working it but I think the beer helps.
Next up… Sister Bay’s Fall Festival!
Tags: annual pumpkin, Benefit, caption, Fall, festivals, food, fun, Maritime, mark sawyer, nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp, problem, pumpkin patch, university of wisconsin marching band, Weather, weekend, width
Posted in Door County Festivals, Door County Radio, Egg Harbor Happenings, Egg Harbor Lodge News, Egg Harbor Marina, Egg Harbor Shopping, People of Door County | No Comments »
October 6th, 2011
All hands on deck Pumpkin Patch is here! The tents are being set up already in Harbor View Park. The beer wagon opens for business tomorrow and Mark, Nellie and I are selling brats tomorrow as well for the official kick off. We will know Pumpkin Patch has arrived when our friends Sue and Mark who live in Chicago stop by for their annual Pumpkin Patch Friday brats and beer. Note to Sue… control yourself this year! Look for us cooking the brats Saturday and Sunday too. The weather is going to be spectacular so it should be a great weekend. See you there!
| Saturday, October 8 |
|
| 9am-4:30pm |
Silent Auction |
| 10am-2pm |
Modern Day Drifters |
| 10am-4pm |
Carnival Rides & Inflatable Bouncers |
| 10am-4pm |
Face Painting |
| 10am-5pm |
Juried Arts & Crafts Vendors at Baylake Bank |
| 11am-1pm |
Children’s Musician Randy Peterson |
| 11am-3pm |
Roaming Magician Bruce Hetzler |
| 1pm-4pm |
Storyteller Carol Johnson |
| 2pm-5:30pm |
Mango Brothers | Jimmy Buffet Tribute |
|
|
| Sunday,
October 9 |
|
| 10am-1:15pm |
Mighty Mouth | Rock & Blues |
| 10am-4pm |
Carnival Rides & Inflatable Bouncers |
| 10am-4pm |
Face Painting |
| 10am-5pm |
Juried Arts & Crafts Vendors at Baylake Bank |
| 12pm-3pm |
Storyteller Carol Johnson |
| 1:15-1:45pm |
UW-Madison Marching Band performs |
| 1:30pm-4:30pm |
Big Mouth & The Power Tool Horns | Rock & Blues |
| 3pm |
Door County Maritime Museum Canoe Raffle Drawing Winner Announced |
Tags: annual pumpkin, baylake bank, Bouncers, Door County, festivals, food, fun, harbor view park, Inflatable, inflatable bouncers, music, October, Painting, pumpkin patch, shopping, tomorrow, Weather, weekend
Posted in Door County Festivals, Door County Parks, Egg Harbor Marina | No Comments »
