A FALL PILGRIMAGE TO THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE —LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN

It's mid-October in southwest Wisconsin and the leaves are turning yellow and the red maple trees are at their peak. I decide to leave my familiar surroundings and take a short drive to the Shrine of Our Lady Of Guadalupe (5250 Justin Road, La Crosse) for a pilgrimage. The shrine is surrounded by 70 acres of wooded land in the scenic bluffs of driftless Wisconsin and welcomes visitors of all faiths and beliefs year-round. I love the one-mile winding walk to the top and the serenity that prevails here. (Motorized carts are provided if needed.)

Although the natural surroundings change with the season, the works of art, sculptures, memorials, and shrines stand brilliantly year-round. The Shrine Church sits about halfway up the trail. It was designed in an Italian Renaissance style with an impressive mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe above the altar. The exterior is made of stone from Wisconsin and Minnesota. The groundbreaking was in 2001 and it was completed in 2008. This shrine was the divine inspiration of Cardinal Burke who continues to serve as President of the Board of Directors.

My favorite stop along the path is the Votive Candle Chapel where 700 Votive candles are placed in the shape of a large pyramid and lit daily. The view of these glowing blue candles with the stained glass windows in the background is spectacular.

“When we go on a pilgrimage, we leave the familiar surroundings of everyday life for a journey to a holy place.” -Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FROM "THE PEARL", LA CROSSE, WI

I'm writing from La Crosse, Wisconsin where the average temperature in February is 31º F. It's now 20º F which meets my acceptable temperature for a good walk.

Since it's Valentine's Day, I decided to hike over to an authentic 1930s ice cream parlor on Pearl Street. This famous old street is only three blocks long and often included on my walks. There are 64 properties and districts in the city that are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and the Vincent Schwarz Building (1874). located on Pearl Street, is one of them. This building is also home to the Pearl Ice Cream Parlor which was opened in 1993.

SUMMER ON PEARL STREET

The Pearl (207 Pearl St) is the most popular ice cream destination in La Crosse. All summer long there are long lines for its famous homemade ice cream and waffle cones. (President Biden even stopped by for a visit last summer.) There was no rush for ice cream today. However, this authentic 1930s ice cream parlor is still special, even in February, and the sweet smells of homemade waffle cones make it even better

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's almost 2022. A New Year and 365 new days ahead. Happy New Year!

I'm looking out my window at the white-snow cover, a red cardinal sitting in the nearby barren tree, and Grandad's Bluff in the distance. The temperature in La Crosse, Wisconsin is about 25 degrees F. and calm—warm enough for a pleasant walk. I bundle up every day to get fresh air and check out the weather. There have been some days where the blast of cold wind has been too much, and I immediately turn back, but most of the time it's enjoyable.

Comparing a walk along the Mississippi River to my former daily walk along the San Diego Bay is difficult, however, they both offer a beautiful bridge view. If you happen to like snow and ice, this December view (photo above) of the Mississippi River Bridge is the winner.

I will not even attempt to compare the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights to the Rotary Lights display in Riverside Park, La Crosse. Here are some of my favorite photos from this special winter extravaganza in Wisconsin.

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