Lake Outing 2018

The Lake Campout is August 17-19, 2 nights. The address is 331 Paulsen Lake lane, Osceola, WI 54020. If you go through Stillwater you will be treated to the new bridge which is quite impressive. There are no known construction issues or detours that we know of at this time. For directions click this link (you must be logged in.)

PORTA POTTY

Since attendance has decreased from the 40 or so in years past, we will forgo the expense of a porta potty. However, we will still have cheap abrasive toilet paper in the guest bathroom.

SLEEPING INSIDE

We have ample room inside for those wimps (including Karen and Mark) wishing to setup cots etc. in the basement. Although some beds are already spoken for, there are a few still open. These are singles. Couches and cots available also. Let us know if you need to reserve a spot. There is a bathroom downstairs.

ARRIVAL TIME

You may arrive at anytime after 1:00 on Friday. Most of you know the dogs. McKenzie still requires a written statement of your intentions, but she has agreed to pass on the certified copy of birth certificates, hall passes, and police records this year. Maggie pretty much just wants nonstop petting. They absolutely hate running as it kicks in some sort of chase instinct. Maggie is the black dog. McKenzie is the black/white dog. Although they’ve been good for the most part, we’ll likely keep them on leashes just in case one of them develops an attitude with a larger group. If it’s not too hot, all are invited to accompany us on a morning walk although McKenzie has slowed down considerably. Maggie is still 11 going on 5. We have new nicknames for them. Maggie is now known as stinkwad. McKenzie is now “her royal smelliness”. I will wash them before the weekend; but, they have been experts at taking approximately 1 minute to “reload”.

BREAKFAST

Mark will provide omelets along with your choice of witty, politically incorrect, inappropriate, or generally disgusting remarks at no charge on Sunday Morning. There should be a pancake station also. Breakfast is chef’s choice on Saturday morning which is code for whatever Mark feels like doing.

SIGNUP SHEET

You can sign up to bring items for Saturday/Sunday breakfast or general supplies. Phill is going to get a version online. We appreciate the donations, but don’t feel obligated. The important piece is to know what essential items are missing so we can fill in the blanks. (for example, we don’t really want to run out of essentials such as tp or beer, or chips, or beer, or cookies, or beer) If you sign up for something and can’t attend, please let us know prior to the campout or arrange for another person to bring the item. If you don’t know what to bring, call Karen at 715-248-3818 (or 612-867-0143 Mark’s cell - better choice). Email . Keep the 715-248-3818 number handy for emergencies as cell phone service can be spotty.

GARBAGE

Although we now have garbage pickup at the lake, we appreciate any help in taking trash and/or recyclables when you leave. It can become a rather large pile. Everything is double bagged. Thanks. Everyone has been super about this in the past.

GRILL, ICE, ETC.

Please have the necessary ice, coolers, food, beverages etc. It’s helpful if you bring your own utensils, needed cookware, bug spray, etc. We will supply several coolers filled with beer and water for use by all. We don’t do pop. Bring what you need in that department. There is a refrigerator/freezer in the garage for the use of all. There will be a table available for general goodies for the group. Veggies are certainly welcome, but we’d rather feel guilty about what we eat on this weekend. Still, anyone bringing kale chips will be subject to severe penalties. Every year we are honored with something left behind and unclaimed. Sometimes it’s something we really like. I have several good knives due to someone’s courtesy or forgetfulness. Again, feel motivated to up the ante! We have been suggesting someone leave a Rolex now for several years. Last time we suggested Swarovski crystals or $100 bills (new design only)? Since you are all smart and no one has fallen for that option, let’s go for broke this year and suggest a genuine Picasso. Original Rembrandt’s also accepted. And, of course, always feel free to forget dove chocolates.

SHORELINE

The waterline remains high but has been up and down depending on the weather. The wildflower restoration is really blooming at the moment but may be drab by mid August. We may have added a new spinner or two since you were last here.

FUN

We will have several large tubes and other water toys available. The float is out. Bring a suit if you are so inclined. There are two paddle boats, (one with a sun cover), and a beat up canoe. The water has been quite comfortable and clean although by mid August dog days may be setting in. The most important aspect is to relax and have an enjoyable weekend.

Friday Night Fish Fry

We are planning on going to Friendly’s Bar and Grill in Star Prairie at 7:00 on Friday. Many of you have been there before. If not, it’s a small local bar with cheap tap beer including Wisconsin’s claim to fame, spotted cow. It’s located on the main drag. They have a fish fry (even frog legs although they’ve been having trouble finding a source) which is usually good along with fine burgers, general bar food, and probably even a vegetarian offering. We will likely make reservations for 15-20. However, it’s really nice to have a more accurate count. It is Mark’s treat, so take this opportunity to watch the moths fly out of his wallet.

As this will be the last lake overnighter due to Karen’s health issues, we hope to see you in August.

Mark and Karen

Looking for the printed directions? Click this LINK for the location details (you must be logged in).

Bowling Party in October

Bowling Ball of DoomDig out your bowling balls and shoes.  Polish up those throws!  Get ready to bowl your fingers numb!!

Following our October 2016 General Membership meeting we will again have free/open bowling at St. Francis School (see the map for the general meeting location--we'll stay there).  Because we have a busy meeting we will start promptly at noon so that the bowling can start at 2 pm.  We have the facility until 5 pm--enough time to wear everyone out. Those of us that don't fling the weighted spheres cheer from the sidelines as well as play games.

Remember! We invite our friends from local fandom to this meeting so be spiffy!!  We will be pick out a restaurant to compare scores afterwards.

There's a signup sheet for the whole event, give it a look-see.

Free balls, $1.00 shoes, free bowling--what's not to love!

January Outing – there’s still time to sign up for the fun!

On January 16th we are going out for a nice evening of dinner and a play. The play is The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee, a Tony Award winning play that is supposed to be a hoot. Guests under the age of 14 are not allowed, so no little kids (isn't that intriguing?)! You may go online at www.lyricarts.org for more information. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 763-422-1838, and you'll want to reserve early in case they sell out the evening performance. Specify that you're with the USS Nokomis so they'll seat you by the group.

Dinner will be at Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano in The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. Our reservation is for 4:00 pm. Check it out at www.biaggis.com.

If you didn't sign up at the November meeting, make sure to let a board member know to sign you up for the dinner reservation. We want to get the numbers right for this fun evening.