Where else would be better than to be engaged in God’s country, Northern Wisconsin. This would be my last trip up to Mercer for quite some time since the Army calls a lot of the shots. Uncle Tom and Aunt Lou’ were magnificent hosts as usual. Somehow they managed to put up with us for a week. John came over for “happy hour” and dinner one evening. He entertained Jennifer and I with stories from World War II, Grandma Mac’s younger years, and all other crazy family stories. The best story, though, came from Larry, who escaped without having his picture taken. He started, “I can’t remember if I told you this story or not, so I’m gonna do it again anyway.” He followed that with, “I take Ginseng for my memory, but I usually can’t remember whether I took it or not.” This picture doesn’t do any of us justice!

In true fashion of being a McCleish, I welcomed Jennifer into the family by sharing our pastime, fishing. She resisted quite a bit, but I did manage to get her to wet a line. Even she can catch fish. I must be quite a guide. Jen was more entertained with the Crappie, Perch, and Bluegill. The toothy critters weren’t her bag. As you can see, though, I was all over it.