Cornucopia, the mythical "horn of plenty" is an appropriate title for this blog entry so close to Thanksgiving 2012. Cornucopia is also the name of a small town in northern Wisconsin where your Humble Blogger and Loving Wife Rose celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary October 15 and 16, 2012. [According to Wikipedia : "Cornucopia is an unincorporated census-designated place in the Town of Bell in northern Bayfield County, Wisconsin, United States. It is situated on Lake Superior at the northern end of the Bayfield Peninsula, on Wisconsin Highway 13. As of the 2010 census, its population was 98. The community borders the lake at Siskiwit Bay, between Roman's Point and Mawikwe (formerly Squaw) Point. It is near a mainland portion of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which features the Mawikwe Bay Sea Caves.]
We were fortunate to stay at a Bed and Breakfast called "Siskiwit Bay Lodge" perched on the shore of Lake Superior. Not much going on in town or nearby Bayfield or Madeline Island especially after the tourist summer season had ended. Nor were there many places to enjoy a lavish Anniversary dinner. We settled for the "Fish Lips Bar and Restaurant" in Cornucopia to eat a simple meal and exchange Anniversary cards containing composed poems to each other. We've been sharing poems for the 18 years we've been together. We started from humble beginnings "finding" each other in a local "Single World" newspaper in the summer of 1992 and marrying in 1994. In Loving Wife Rose's own words (circa 1993):
"When people ask me how I met my husband, the answer is often not what they expect. I met David through a personal ad I had placed in Single World magazine in the summer of 1992.
'F082HH0037
White Bear Lake , I'm a blond, fit, attractive (DWF, 42, 5'4", 120 lb.). Friends say I have a good sense of humor and adventurous nature. I enjoy dancing, theater, x-ski, and discovering the pleasures of life's adventures. I am seeking a friend first, then let's see what develops. If you are NS, attractive male between 38-48, a letter and photo would be appreciated. Thanks!'
His was the first letter to respond and I remember thinking as I read it, that this was a very romantic and sensitive man. The letter itself was beautifully written. I later found out why - Dave is a poet. He would later reminisce, as part of my 45th birthday card, his poetic answer to my ad.
'He: Age 50 and not within her age requirement. In addition, he had a beard and thinning hair and wondered about his suitability. She was not exactly 42 either but the rest of her ad was accurate and they immediately 'hit it off' enjoying dancing, movies, theater, x-ski, church activities, numerous adventures an much more. Within 9 months they were enveloped in each other's love!' "
Hmmm I wonder what Loving Wife Rose would say about Humble Blogger today?
Siskiwit Bay Lodge in Cornucopia, WI
View of Lake Superior from our room
Dave and Rose sneak into photo with Lake Superior behind
Dave and Rose celebrate 18 Years at "Fish Lips Bar and Restaurant"
Rose enjoying a rainy Autumn morning in Bayfield, WI
Humble Blogger relaxes on ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island
On Madeline Island, Rose poses next to a carved wooden Ice Cream cone with thoughts of summer playing her mandolin in the 13 person Dan Perry & Ice Cream band.
Rose with a leaf pattern in her shirt hides in the autumn leaves of a tree in Bayfield, WI
Sunset over Lake Superior at Siskiwit Lodge in Cornucopia, WI
