It was so much fun to see this post from you! I swear they send postcards on a very slow boat, it seemed to take forever for it to arrive. Wisconsin is considered a Midwestern state. The country is divided by the Mississippi River, and we are east of the river, but pretty much in the center. The River forms Wisconsin's western boundary. I'm glad the balloons brought good memories for you! That is a Forever stamp and it will always be valid for first class postage even if rates change.