I Need a Boat Y'all

If you see your boat, let me know. I would love to become your lifelong friend.

Today was my first really beautiful day in Racine. It's been pretty dreary for a significant portion of the last two weeks, but today was sunny and 73. Absolutely perfect.

I haven't really had time to familiarize myself with the little town of Racine, so I started my day by going on a walk up Main Street and stopping in all the little shops. I spent about an hour and a half taking pictures of the street and going into the little shops. Everyone was really friendly, and I saw pretty cool stuff. I also saw some pretty ridiculous stuff, but I'll fill you in on that later.

After all that window shopping and picture taking, I decided it was time for lunch. I stopped at the Red Onion Cafe for a salad and iced tea to go so that I could eat on a bench in the park. It was a very good salad, but I wasn't as hungry as I thought. I really want to go back for breakfast because the menu looks amazing, and breakfast seems to be their specialty.

The outdoor area of The Red Onion Cafe.

 The breakfast counter. I like all the chalk writing. I don't know why.

 The seating area looks really nice. Probably the best I've seen in Racine so far.

"Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad with Chicken"

After I finished lunch, I decided to go back along the lake rather than visiting the shops on the opposite side of Main Street. The weather was just too beautiful, and I haven't really spent much time by the water yet. This was actually one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'd say it's up there joining Chi Omega.

Chiste chiste! I've made some really good decisions in my life people (I mean, look at me. I'm almost perfect), so this certainly does not rank too high on the list. But I am seriously pleased with my choice to walk home along the water. I felt this sense of calm come over me that I haven't felt for quite a long time. It was like all the stress of these last few months was somehow relieved just by standing there.

I'm not really a nature-y person (Bradford can attest to that. Actually, literally anyone who knows me can attest to that), so I generally think people are ridiculous when they say they feel more peaceful when they spend time with nature. Don't worry, I'm not a nature convert now. I still will refuse to camp when running water is available, and I promise never to plan a picnic on the ground near the bugs. But I finally feel like I understand people who like to spend time outdoors. I really can't explain it, but the two hours I spent by the lake this afternoon were liberating.

This seems dangerous, right? Someone could fall in. 

Rocks are prettier when they aren't painted. Sorry Northwestern. 

Those boaters in the distance should take me with them next time. 

Kelda, I'm trying to be you. Is it working? I cropped every single picture! 

Can I stand there and hitchhike a boat? Shady people need not stop.

Which brings me to my point: I need a boat. It felt so amazing just to look at the lake, so imagine if I could actually take a boat out into the water. I would be completely carefree and happy.

So anyone know anyone with a boat who would want to make a new friend? I'd be willing to buy my own, but I think boats are a little bit out of my price range right now. I mean, I haven't really done the math, but it just seems like it won't work out.

There's a public boat lauching area. I tried to make friends - it didn't work. 

P.S. As I'm writing this, there is some sort of karaoke or live band playing or something going on outside my window. There is a lot of fiddle happening right now. I can't say I like it. But I can't say I don't like it either.