Wisconsin, my return... Again

Welcome back! It has been nine long years since I last hit "publish," and to be completely honest, I wasn't entirely sure I’d ever find myself sitting in front of this dashboard again.

For many of you, my latest life update might not come as a massive shock. But for me? I’m still pinching myself.

After 44 years of paying into Social Security and grinding through the daily hustle, I have officially decided to close that book and open the final, most rewarding chapter: retirement. And in a twist I didn't see coming a few years ago, this milestone has brought me right back to my roots. I have officially returned to the very place where I was born and raised in rural Wisconsin—specifically, the Driftless Region.

There is something incredibly special about this landscape. If you know the Driftless Area, you know it's a place defined by its winding roads, deep valleys, and unglaciated, wandering ridges. Perhaps it's no coincidence that the translation of my blog’s name is Vagabond to the World. After a lifetime of moving around, the similarities between my own winding path and the rugged, rolling terrain of my hometown are hitting a little too close to home. The irony isn't lost on me: the vagabond has finally wandered right back to where it all started.

Starting fresh in a familiar place feels both surreal and deeply grounding. As I settle into this new rhythm, I’ve realized my voice isn't done yet—which is exactly why I’m reviving this blog.

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know exactly where this digital journey will take us. Retirement is uncharted territory for me, and I'm still trying to figure it out day by day. But I do know exactly how I want to run this space.

My goal is to keep things firmly middle-of-the-road—which is exactly how I have always tried to live my life. The world out there is loud, chaotic, and unfortunately increasingly divided. You won't find that here. Consider this corner of the internet a genuine safe space. No politics, no sexism, and absolutely zero room for hate. Just real, honest reflections on life, coming home, and navigating what comes next.

So, whether you’ve been following me from the very beginning or you're just dropping by for the first time, thank you for being here. Grab a another cup of coffee, stay a while, and let's see where this road takes us.

Mahalo ke Akua

Wisconsin, Cranberry country

Growing up in the heart of Wisconsin, cranberries weren't just a crop—they were a way of life. After all, our state produces more than 60% of the country’s supply!

There is a specific smell that signals fall in Central Wisconsin. It’s not just crisp air and woodsmoke—it’s the tart, clean scent of crushed vines and cold water. For those of us who grew up here, autumn doesn’t start with a calendar; it starts when the first marsh in Warrens turns from green to a deep, bruised crimson.

For over 50 years the Warrens Cranberry Festival has been a rite of passage. It’s massive, it’s chaotic, and the cranberry cream puffs are worth every second of the wait. But my secret? Stay a day late. Once the crowds thin out on Sunday evening, the village exhales. That’s when you can truly feel the magic of the harvest—the quiet hum of a community that feeds the world, one tart little berry at a time.

This isn't just a "stop on the map." It’s a season of pride. If you’ve only ever seen cranberries in a can, you are missing out on one of the most soul-stirring sights in the Midwest.

 

 

Wisconsin, my return...

 

Season to season, hour to hour, the Wisconsin State Capitol remains Madison’s most commanding landmark. Its grandeur is constant, regardless of the angle. For me, it’s the ultimate bookend to my new workday—a stunning view I get to claim twice a day.

Nevada, summed up in 4 pictures...

"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life.

Comes into us at midnight very clean.

It's perfect when it arrives

and it puts itself in our hands.

It hopes we've learnt something from yesterday."

- Inscription on John Wayne's headstone

Eight years in Northern Nevada wasn't just a chapter; it was a defining era. Looking back, I’m still stunned by how deeply that high-desert life took hold of me.

Nevada is a blank slate—it becomes exactly what you have the grit to make of it. Even now, a rugged, "cowboy" spirit pulses through its modern veins. But the true soul of the place was the people. I am forever grateful for the friendships I forged there; without those bonds, my time in the Silver State would have been a much shorter story.

This is where it happens... all 13 Million and counting...

Manila, Philippines

Boterismo

Fernando Botero Angulo (born 19 April 1932)

Fernando Botero is more than just an artist from Medellín; he is the heartbeat of Colombian creativity. Through "Boterismo," he breathes life into figures with a grand, exaggerated volume that feels like a warm embrace or a sharp, humorous wink at the world. His work doesn't just sit in galleries; it lives on the world’s greatest stages, from the bustling energy of Park Avenue to the timeless elegance of the Champs-Élysées.

For me, Botero’s art has been a constant companion—a lifelong love affair with form and color.

Every time I return to Bogotá, my soul craves a visit to the Botero Museum. It isn't just a stop on an itinerary; it’s a pilgrimage. Walking through those halls, you are surrounded by over a hundred of Botero's personal masterpieces, nestled alongside the spirits of legends like Picasso, Monet, and Dalí. It is a gift to the public from the Banco de la República, and standing among such beauty is a transformative experience.

Please, go. Let the art move you. You won’t just see it—you’ll feel it.

El Gato del Rio

El Gato del Río

If you’re looking for the purr-fect riverside stroll in Cali, Colombia, you have to check out the banks of the Cali River. What started as a single, generous donation by legendary local painter and sculptor Hernando Tejada has transformed into one of the city's most beloved landmarks.

Originally inaugurated on July 3, 1996, the centerpiece is El Gato del Río (The River Cat), a massive, three-ton bronze masterpiece that stands as a symbol of the city's creative spirit.

But the story doesn't end with one bronze feline. Fast-forward to today, and "The River Cat" isn't lonely anymore—he's surrounded by "the cats of the river" (las novias del gato). This open-air gallery now features a colorful parade of smaller cat sculptures, each uniquely decorated by different artists. It’s a must-visit spot for art lovers and anyone wanting to experience the whimsical side of Cali’s culture.

y mas, muchos mas ..... gatos !