My Butter Buddy

This morning marks two weeks on the road. I thought before leaving that this would be the turning point where I may be sick of riding, the trip may not be what I thought it would be, or even just so many mishaps would have occurred that I would want to cut my losses and go home (I actually do have a tiny pessimistic side, only for a sec though). I am happy to say that all of that is entirely incorrect. I’m having a blast and we’re only just picking up steam. Just in two weeks we’ve climbed the highest peak east of the Mississippi, gone on the second highest roller coaster, been to the zoo, seen a couple hall of fames, and been to one of the most famous light houses ever. A lifetime of accomplishments in two weeks and still Isabella and I will continue to plug away. And to top it all off I have been lucky enough to spend this two week celebration with some great people.

Back Story: It’s the Thursday before I leave and one of the guys I look up to, Mr. Cronin, and I are talking about this dinner in the city that we had planned when I was living out there. I just recently found out that my cousin Mike works at Butter restaurant. (I’ve talked about it in a post before it is definitely a little pricey, but worth EVERY PENNY. The food is amazing.) So we decided we’d take the train down and head out to Butter. We get there; food was incredible and while we’re enjoying our food these two young ladies sit down next to us. The seating is very close in the restaurant, so close that we might as well have been on a double date. We find out their names are Ginny and Theresa. We all get to talking about the food and what not, and the topic of the trip that I was taking in a few short days comes up and they are both really excited/nervous for me. I was naming the places I would be going and Theresa probably half serious mentions I should stay with her at the “party house” when I’m in Milwaukee. I jumped on it and said I’d love to. We get to talking more and then she seriously offers and we exchange info. Now I start to hear about this house and realize that if all this stuff is there they might be the coolest people over 25 (not by much though) I know. Swimming pool, Jacuzzi, pool table, Ms. Pac man original arcade game, ping pong, poker and gambling room. This place sounded incredible. When dinner was over Mr. Cronin and I left and Theresa and I have stayed in contact ever since.

Which brings us to the present day; Issy and I are in Milwaukee with Theresa and her husband Steve. I thought Theresa was awesome (well she is) but her husband is COOOL. That’s right an extra O. He is an accountant, he loves to gamble, and is a huge sports fan. Steve at one point won $7200 in a weekend of gambling; he’s also been kicked out of a casino for counting cards before (to a gambling nut like me that is the Holy Grail). He’s a Brewers fan so he understands what it’s like to watch a losing team (I’m a Mets fan). And he runs huge poker tournaments. Let’s be serious any guy with his own breathalyzer is a champ.

Saturday night Theresa invited some friends over and we were all hanging out having a good time. We played ping pong (Steve whipped us all, but he does have home court advantage), shot some pool, and Steve wowed the place with some cool card tricks. Jenny and Scott (the friends), and Theresa’s mom were all a riot. I was surprised to be honest but Wisconsin folk really know how to get down. They showed me an awesome night; I can only imagine how they are out on the town. Today I’m going to check out downtown Milwaukee and maybe even play some hoop with Steve. My turn to kick some butt!

One Mile at a Time.