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Smoking Monkey's avatar

Claudia here! Yes, the one mentioned in Miss Effie’s Diary!! I had the honor of meeting Cathy while working at Longbranch Gallery in Mineral Point yesterday, and I was immediately struck by her presence—her deep knowledge, her passion for her many projects, her love of cats, her candor, her sharp humor, and her clear-eyed disdain for the regime. I subscribed to her Substack as soon as I got home. What a treasure she is—a true kindred spirit.

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Marci Minnick-Heard's avatar

Will see you soon as if Kathy likes it then I must see it!!!!

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Cathy Linker Lafrenz's avatar

Claudia ... that is so sweet! You were so fun! You know I will be back!

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Doris Strand's avatar

another wisconsin town with cheese, beer & a yarn shop is monroe. we always stop at alp & dell cheese, pick up some new glarus beer, shop for yarn at Orange Kitten Yarn & try to eat lunch at Baumgartner’s. the last 2 are on the town square.

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Cathy Linker Lafrenz's avatar

Baumgartner's!!! Where you don't eat cheese with your nose! It is such a fun place! But I never been to Orange Kitten Yarn. Thank you for the rec!

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Doris Strand's avatar

you’re welcome. maureen, the shop owner, is very nice. the shop has a very good selection of yarns, including locally produced. make sure to check her social media to make sure she’s open. right around the corner & up the street from baumgartner’s.

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Lisa's avatar

I love the Driftless area! I've driven by Mineral Point on 151 many times but never stopped. Will have to plan a stop there soon! Have you been to Viroqua? They have a great used book store - Driftless Books and Music. It's in an old tobacco warehouse and such a cool spot to spend a few hours browsing random, unique titles. The Driftless Cafe there too has amazing food. Thanks for the rec on The Sunshine Girls. Adding it to my Goodreads! Have a great week:)

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Cathy Linker Lafrenz's avatar

Virquoa is a favorite. I have not been to the bookstore but the Driftless Cafe is so good. The Co-op has a very Boulder vibe. And Ewetopia is one of my favorite yarn stores.

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vicki felger's avatar

Love hearing about your travels, your work and what you're reading! You are a moment of calm on "manic mondays"! Thank you

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Cathy Linker Lafrenz's avatar

❤️

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Carolyn Kinsella's avatar

I love the photo that you bought in Mineral Point. It's my kind of look. And I can't wait to see you in the new shawl!!

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Marci Minnick-Heard's avatar

Well watching semi-truck after semi-truck be run up my one and a half car judging by others st. in rapid fire succession. They wouldn't let me out of my driveway, had chiro appt. Taking on the challenge of IBS sucked and now diverticulitis. So am still heading to the Driftless but have to see what if any cheeses I can have right now and dang it beer is almost entirely going to have to go. But I am now going to try and work with what can still go in the ground and will try again next year and this fall for others. Life keeps ticking forward....

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PK's avatar

Have you drank any of these beers yet? https://www.minocquabrewingcompany.com/ Progressive owner speaking out in Wisconsin, progressive beers supporting progressive causes. his beers sold at a variety of locations, in several states

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Cathy Linker Lafrenz's avatar

I have not had their beers ... but I have had Choice which is a hard seltzer.

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Crystal Johnston's avatar

Wow, I love hearing suggestions of places to visit in Wisconsin! Thanks Cathy and everyone!!!

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Cathy Linker Lafrenz's avatar

You and Gary need a road trip. Hit Spring Green, too! So many great places.

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Crystal Johnston's avatar

That’s what I’m thinking!!

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Nancy Mackel's avatar

I tried to read Slow Dance but couldn’t even get a quarter way through! Meh is right!

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Cathy Linker Lafrenz's avatar

I don't understand the hype! I kept listening trying figure out what was so great! It definitely wasn't there.

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Deb's avatar

What a full week! I am still recovering from Influenza A with a cough that just won't go away.

I started a new fun book last night, "Miss Benson's Beetle" by Rachel Joyce. What a fun summer read!

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Cathy Linker Lafrenz's avatar

Deb ... take care of yourself! Thanks for the book recommendation!

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T Voyna's avatar

If you’re taking book suggestions and enjoy non-fiction, Mary Roach has some super interesting books about very cool stuff. The one I’m currently reading is Fuzz but my favorite is Stiff.

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Cathy Linker Lafrenz's avatar

I just looked them up! They are on the list!

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Cath B's avatar

Yes, I agree… We must all be about building community with everything we’re doing right now. And you, my dear, have been and continue to build community with all the blood, sweat and tears you have put into Ms Effie’s!!!

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