Stockholm or Bust...

My book group, The Happy Bookers, had their annual get away this past weekend. We spent a day filled with shopping, wineries and camraderie in small towns along the Mississippi. Our destination eventually would be Stockholm, WI, home to the 41st art fair which draws visitors from both sides of the river.

Our first stop was Fountain City where we enjoyed our morning brew on Brones' new porch with a lovely view.  They even ran out to get bananas for my drink. Now that's service.

Fountain City's Brones Bike Shop and World Class Coffee
(L-R )Back row  Susie, Monica, yours truly, Mary, Connie
Front : Nancy and Sally

Stops also included Alma shops and Danzinger Winery where we were interviewed by an Eau Claire reporter who was writing an interest story about the Wine Trail... 

Stay tuned for that publication as I might even be quoted.


For those that know me well, I am not a big drinker so even the tastings added up to more that I probably drink in a year.  I am one of those who gets tired after a glass of wine rather than livening up the party. 

Thank goodness to the convertible ride which kept me awake even after lunch at Nelson's Creamery and more wine at Villa Belleza Winery.

We so enjoyed the front porch and watching the world go by.

The day's final stop was the lovely, small town of Stockholm where if you blink, you've missed it. 

Our lodging was located on the main drag in the recently remodelled Historic Stockholm Hotel where we occupied their six bedrooms/ 2 bath in addition to the fully equipped kitchen, cozy living room and large dining space and terrific front porch where we held our lively book discussion. (This month's read was the Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro for those interested how appropo as we would be attending the art show the next day.)

 A nice early evening breeze kept the gnats at bay and when sunset came and the gnats returned, we moved inside to continue both the lively discussion and light dinner of yummy appetizers and dessert. 

Another gorgeous summer sunset...

We opted to not use the ready firepit out in the great backyard and instead enjoyed a rousing game around the dining table.  We are quite a competitive bunch and we probably should have closed the front door as our laughter ran late. It was the kind of laughter I remember from bunking parties (sleep overs) from much younger days. We probably kept the town awake. SORRY Stockholm.

Our final activity of the day was to list 3 of the day's positives without repeating anybody else's and how each made us feel. 

 There was even prompting to help be more descriptive with those feelings... (Yep, this is a tough group.)

What really mattered was how content I felt to be surrounded by 6 girl friends who have have now become part of my new life.

Who knew I'd ever be grateful for having to read a book? 

(BTW in case you're interested next month's pick is Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Boudain.)

We missed our youngest 8th member, Violetta who we hope finished her dissertation and can join us next year ...