Going home
Friday, March 15, 2013 at 11:15PM 
I was born in Calumet county (just to the right of Lake Winnebago and just below Brown/Green Bay), but grew up almost entirely in Grant (where Wisconsin river feeds into Mississippi). Then four years in Dane at the U of Wisconsin. Met spouse there, cooking at a restaurant where she was waitress (Frankie and Johnny were sweethearts ...).
Then 6 years in Massachussets (Harvard), then a year in Maryland (West Baltimore, aka "The Wire").
Then seven years in northern VA (Fairfax county). Two babies born.
Then seven years on Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island. One baby born, and one adopted (China).
And now 8 years done in Indiana (Johnson County - just below Marion/Indianapolis). Two sisters adopted (Ethiopia).
Today I secured a home in Madison Wisconsin. Son had gotten in for next year, and wife successful transferred into grad school there (going for her second masters after a BA there in journalism).
We're even going back to the parish where Vonne and I were married.
All very nostalgic.
I don't expect leave Wisconsin again, but my history with Vonne says otherwise. I do want to learn the Greak Lakes like the back of my hand.
And see lotsa more Packer games than my usual Gold Package duo.
But frankly, I'm personally going - by far - to escape the allergies here in Indiana. On average, I am sick (by anyone's kind definition) about 300 days a year here. Anywhere else I go in this world, I feel instantly better, but here, every morning is like the worst hangover from college (and I don't hardly drink any more!).
So I am hoping for a great life improvement.
This morning in Madison I awoke after 7 hours of sleep two minutes before the alarm. Until 2005, this was my life - like clockwork. I look forward to regaining that lifestyle and health - and that extra hour of sleep in the CST (my theory for crabby Easterners).
I can't wait to get back out in a canoe on Wisconsin's many fine rivers. I will paddle them all.
My non-too-secret plan: get filthy rich, become Wisconsin's most beloved philanthropist, forcing Green Bay Packers to name me to the Exec Committee, and then kiss my Super Bowl ring just before I close my eyes the last time - dying anywhere but on this planet.
Not sure I can talk Vonne into that last bit, but I have a plan for that too (two words . . . interplanetary adoption).
Reader Comments (9)
I remember you had hopes of reducing the allergen load by moving into an urban area. Didn't work?
Welcome back.
Best of luck! Wisconsin is one of 3 states in CONUS (along with the 2 Dakotas) I've never been to.
One trick to help acclimatize you to the local flora is to get some local honey.
Best wishes.
Tom
Welcome back to Wisconsin.
The allergen load here will leave you alone purely out of respect.
So glad you are back in the area, Tom. Is there any way we can get info on where you are speaking that the public is invited or can purchase tickets? I have your books, watch you on youtube and on my bucket list is to take in a live lecture before. as you say, "I close my eyes for the last time." Again, congratulations on being back in your homeland!!!
Dr. Barnett:
I am sorry to hear that you're still suffering from your allergies. I thought your surgery a few years ago helped to alleviate a lot of the issues. I guess not. I hope you feel better, soon! It also sounds like you are quite excited to return home.
Ross
Been following your blog for years....even gave your book to an Admiral b4 it was that popular at a fairwell. I'm very happy for U. All the best-->Kdogeod
Welcome to Madison Dr. Barnett and family. Hope you will find this city welcoming, challenging, and envigorating! As others have mentioned, await the time you may be speaking publicly.