The Lohse Sparnfarkel

- Raising 2 wonderful children and tens of thousands of pigs

- Hundreds of hours putting those "old folks" to work crafting

- Answering the calls of farmers everywhere, anytime of the day

- Delivering bags and bags of seed to keep the corn jacket industry flourishing

- Embracing the hard work of being grandparents (including hours of searching garage sales for roller skates, bikes for all ages, Fisher Price toys, fishing rods, and anything else that would make their grandchildren smile)

These are only a few of the many accomplishments of Doug's parents, Dianne and Darwin. So, you can see why a Sparnfarkel was ABSOLUTELY necessary.

For those of you don't know what a Sparnfarkel is, well, don't feel like you are alone. Even Wikipedia doesn't have a clue, which says alot. It is hard to explain really since it is more about the experience, but I will give it a shot.

- It always requires roasting a pig which in this case started packed in ice in the back of an Expedition.

- And requires lots of people ready for a good time....usually packed into a garage (the Wisconsin Way!)

- Of course you need ways (besides food and beer) to keep them entertained

- And there are usually always crazy gifts to keep everyone laughing

- And in this case also featured a classy congratulatory cake that had been dropped by yours truly on the top of the stove, scooped back up, and then put out for everyone to eat (which I have to say, amazingly enough, there wasn't a crumb left. I guess it REALLY is just about how it tastes, because it looked like it had been run over by an ATV!)

So, next time you get invited to a Sparnfarkel, expecially a Lohse Sparnfarkel, make sure you go because you will meet lots of great people and laugh until your stomach hurts.

Congrats Dianne and Darwin on your Retirement!!