As in the Bill Murray movie of the same name, this Groundhog Weekend was the same as last year's; Mom had a birthday and celebrated it at the Original Pancake House on Bluemound, went to Retzer's annual Wild Winter Night Activities, and wrote about both in the blog as I'm doing now.
I love my mom - Happy Birthday Mom!
The Pancake House is great - friendly staff and best tasting, most generous pancakes and crepes. And I love Retzer Nature Center - there's always something new and interesting to see, hear, make, taste...
Unlike the movie, yesterday's visit to the Pancake House was not the same as the one before -- it was better. We were seated right away, and one person who knew us seemed disappointed we weren't seated in his section. I had the potato pancakes which filled the large plate and came with sour cream and apple sauce. I also enjoyed a side of bacon which was thick-sliced and not too fatty. No singing, no candles, just a good time.
I love Retzer and often visit when it's free of charge, which is most of the time. I didn't mind splurging two dollars on the Winter Night Activities, however, because there's so much good stuff going on. I saw the planetarium show, made a craft, got a tattoo, ate a roasted marshmallow and drank hot chocolate, went on a night hike in the woods looking for owls, and could have had free use of snowshoes. The best part of the evening was seeing the dozen or so kids crowding around Larry as he dissected an owl pellet and passed out various mouse bones found therein to eager waiting hands. What a great teaching moment there in the middle of a dark and snowy pine wood! How do they do it? Many friendly volunteers help make it possible.
