April 24, 1992

A mediocre opening weekend

The WAPL conference is very successful and well-attended.  The final is 257.  I make it to only one program.  Otherwise, I spend most of my time talking with Dale Bartkowiak and Mike Cross. Throughout the day, I think ahead to next year's conference and how it will be mounted.  I leave the Dells at 2:40, an hour before the actual conclusion of the conference, so I can take a leisurely approach to picking up the boys.  In other words, I have time to cash my check at the credit union and pick up some reading matter at Pic-a Book.

May 10, 1991

I take a relaxed approach to the morning.  I decide to skip the morning session at the WAPL conferenceand just do my table talk at 1.  I stop at city hall to pick up my paycheck, and after a stop at the credit union, put on the feedback at the East Towne IHOP.  Perkins, unfortunately, was jam-packed.  No chicken scramble that my taste buds were craving.  Then I head for Oshkosh.  Oshkosh!  Hey, wait a minute.  I thought Point was the destination.  Well, it is, but I decide to pay Paul's parents a visit so I can reclaim my long-lost pack.  They're home, and we chat for about 10 minutes.  (I'm on a very tight schedule.)  When Mrs. Stearns comes downstairs with my pack, I wonder to myself why the zippers are opened and the contents look rummaged through.  I take 21 west out of Oshkosh and reminisce about trips to Redgranite and mellow summer buzzes.  Just west of Waupaca, I worry about my timely arrival.  A few miles after I turn onto 51, a mileage sign reassures me.  I have plenty of time.  The table talks are less than satisfactory, as far as I'm concerned.  Way too many participants in one case; way too few in another.  I get back to Madison in time -- just in time -- to pick up Andy.

May 9, 1991

It's the day before the WAPL conference in Stevens Point, and I still haven't made my motel reservation.  Obviously, I'm not too excited about going.  A few weeks ago, I had planned on leaving Middleton by 3 p.m., but by that time today, I decided to skip the Forum meeting and make the road trip tomorrow morning.  I want to be with my boys.