NEAR PERFECT DAY...

We've had a rainy week but Sunday was one of those near perfect days as after some home chores, for me weeding and Natureman re-grading our road, we were off in the Miata to the small quaint river town of Alma, Wisconsin a little over an hour from the End of the Rainbow Valley. You see we would be enjoying the July 4th broadcast recording of The Great River Wave Radio Show homed right on Main Street. We had reservations for the earlier 6 pm show.

Of course we allowed time for our favorite stops, first at Alma's The Garden Gate to get some new blooms. It was a good year and the plants were all so happy including some very healthy busy bumble bees.

Followed by the Mississippi overlook.

 Harley groups and many others had the same idea. But at least we could ask someone else to take the pic. (This pic will be important  to understand what marred our day. )

Then on for a little wine tasting and a great river view at Danziger Winery followed by fish dinner in downtown Main Street at the Alma Hotel and a nice walk by the River before showtime. 

Mary Mack 

We had no problem choosing our seats as we were there when the doors opened. While awaiting the girl's room one seater in the narrow hall, I was asked by Mary Mack, one of the evening's comedians, if I would like to read a question for the show. So, if you listen on July 4th to the program you just might hear my question re:garage sales. I even made a funny about being from 'south' Chaseburg.

Performances include the show's band, The Bottom Feeders.

Al Ross, announcer, Mac Cherry, James Mudcat Grant, Tim Dallman, guitar &vocal, Allen Neuman percussion, Michael Carlucci  bass 

Story Teller Kenny Salwey alias the last River Rat shared his fishing tale about being skunked twice in one day. 

Did you realize skunks stamp their front paws first before emitting that wondrous odor?

 Judge Gary Schlosstein going for his 60th year on the bench shared not only his history but also that of Buffalo County as he is the unofficial county historian and owner/curator of the Castle Rock Museum. His first collector piece as a 10 year old was a $4 Civil War musket (sold to him a bit cheaper) with a powder flask thrown in. No conceal and carry issues back then either...

Tim Harmston winner of the Twin Cities Acme Comedy Company's Funniest Person and performer on NBC Last Standing Comic supplied us with voting suggestions. These included what to do with all those political mailings which will be filling our mailboxes. Take note: shred them and use them for insulation in your walls/attic so when winter arrives you'll be extra toasty since those guys are just full of a lot of hot air.

It was a delightful evening of entertainment but remember I mentioned almost perfect. If you look back at that Overlook pic Natureman was holding what I call one of his favorite possessions, ( he is not a possession type guy)but gone was his safari wide brimmed hat. Before the show I suggested he'd leave it in the car. He had casually thrown it on the front seat but unfortunately some individual decided they needed it more and took it. Isn't that sad?

Well as disheartening as the theft was, the return trip showed us there are more important things to appreciate...

If interested take a look at last year's *Alma's Garden Gate posting