There is so much to do this coming Labor Day weekend!  The problem is that I want to check out everything that is going on...besides a couple of of personal commitments, here's some of the other things I want to see:

Oak Creek Lions Fest  https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1pvNBwbCDXhZD0D9Y0mvmxYzjzzJrWLFusznQcXt1c2I&hl=en&pli=1# will have some great music, but I wanted to especially see the Nashville Rejects on Monday night as they are celebrating their 50th year as a band together!

Sheboygan County Fair http://www.shebcofair.com/  has Phil Vassar playing on September 4th and Styx on September 5th.  I saw Styx when they were at the Sheboygan Co Fair several years ago and it was the best concert I had ever been to.

Wisconsin Highland Games http://www.wisconsinscottish.org/  at the Waukesha County Fairgrounds - September 3-5th.  I loved seeing them toss that huge log - called Turning the Caber.

Also, if you're a Harley enthusiast, the 8th Annual Milwaukee Rally is happening at the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds and at all four of the local dealerships.  http://www.milwaukeerally.com/

And a new festival this year, Made in Milwaukee, features Milwaukee music, artists and vendors in Catheral Square Park on September 4th. http://www.madeinmilwaukee.com/

Have you heard?  The Wisconsin State Fair will have more than 60 "Food-on-a-Stick" items, and several of the items are new this year.  This year I'm going to try some new ones for sure.  This coming Tuesday, August 10, is Crazy Grazin’ Day, where various food vendors offer smaller portions at a reduced price, allowing you to taste a variety of foods.

Just in case you are wondering, here are some of the calorie counts. Don't let it discourage you though!

Grand Champion burger = 1000 calories
Gyro = 580 calories
Cuban = 570 calories
Grilled Cheese = 440 calories
Chicken Souvlaki = 400 calories
Pot Roast Sandwich = 330 calories
Bison Burrito = 300 calories
Pork Loin Sandwich = 290 calories

Blooming Onion = 1320 calories
Potato with butter & sour cream = 380 calories (includes vitamins A, D, C, & potassium)

Funnel Cake = 800 calories
Blue Ribbon Brownie = 615 calories
Apple Pie = 411 calories
Cream Puff = 350 calories

Lemonade = 150 calories (sugar laden)
Soda = 100 calories (sugar laden)
Milk = 150 calories (includes calcium & vitamin D)
Water = 0 calories

Don't miss out on all things "Cudahy" this weekend at the city's Sweet Applewood Days at Cudahy Park.  Lots of fun things to do that include a fish fry, the Cudahy All School Reunion on Friday, along with the band Six Pack playing from 7:30pm to 11:30pm. 

Saturday a craft/rummage show in the morning with a classic car show at 1pm, ribs from Southwoods, and more great music all day.

On Sunday is a polka mass and music by my friend Jeff Winard starting at 11am. More fun music until 8pm.

check out all the fun at:  http://www.wilions.org/cudahy/festival.htm

Don't miss out on all the fun this week in South Milwaukee. We've already had a great couple of days so far - Grant Park's 100 year celebration, the bicycle races Tuesday, the spaghetti dinner Wednesday...  and there is a lot more to come: 

Evening on the Avenue, Downtown South Milwaukee, 10^th & Milwaukee – Main Event 4-9pm 
Children’s activities, entertainment, music, activities, food, beverage, merchant displays, sales, giveaways, raffle to benefit Human Concerns, and much more! 

South Milwaukee Downtown Market  3:30 - 7:30 PM
11th and Madison Ave.

Plus the car cruise on Friday, the parade and duck race on Saturday and Lionsfest at 16th and Rawson all weekend. Find all the information here:

www.southmilwaukee.org/heritage.htm

It's going to be a fun Heritage Days Week, and this bicycling event is sure to please! The International Cycling Classic is back!

A number of races – with competitors ranging from amateurs to international professionals – are planned starting the morning of July 20, culminating with the pro race around 6 p.m. The course will start/finish at 9^th and Milwaukee Ave.  Eddie Van Geyse, who was the Italian villain in the movie Breaking Away is the race’s entertaining announcer.  Each race will take competitors on a unique 2.8-mile road course looping through the Oak Creek Parkway, into Grant Park, past the Bucyrus headquarters and finishing in downtown South Milwaukee on Milwaukee Avenue.

The day, however, is about much more than cycling. It’s also a day of family fun.

A number of special events are planned to coincide with the Classic, including a Kid’s Activity Zone sponsored by the South Shore YMCA and Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group. A special South Milwaukee Downtown Market – the outdoor street market that has taken off in popularity since its launch last July – is also planned.

Volunteers are needed!

Bucyrus International Cycling Classic

www.SMBikeRace.com

Contact: Danielle Devlin

Phone: 414-762-4114 or ddevlin@biz.wi.rr.com

About the International Cycling Classic/SUPERWEEK Pro Tour Sanctioned by USA Cycling, the Point Premium Root Beer International Cycling Classic is now the oldest and longest-running multi-category cycling race in the world with races in cities from De Pere in northern Wisconsin to Chicago. The event, formerly known as Superweek, has a long-running tradition of international participation. Each year, a European contingent travels overseas to compete in the Classic, many of whom are emerging stars on the European racing scene.

The South Milwaukee Downtown Market is back even bigger and better in 2010, starting on Thursday, June 3rd thru October 14th. Join them as they celebrate downtown South Milwaukee with an event that promises food, fun and a festive atmosphere for everyone. Rain or shine Thursdays 3 to 7:30 p.m. in June, July and August. Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m. in September and October 11th and Milwaukee Avenues in downtown South Milwaukee.

The outdoor street market begins June 3 and will be held every Thursday afternoon and evening through October 14 on 11th Avenue south of Milwaukee Avenue near the heart of South Milwaukee’s city center. This year there will be more seating for patrons and more stalls for vendors.  Bucyrus International is also offering a part of their parking lot for the market and this year there will be music too!  http://4thdistrict.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/2010-return-press-release-2.pdf 

You can keep up with what's going on at the market by joining them on Facebook or checking out their website at:  http://www.smdowntownmarket.org .

This is a very cool interactive map that shows where all the farmer's markets are at in Southeastern Wisconsin.  You can also print out a list of them.

http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/92425519.html

I'm including below an email I received from Pat Jursik who represents the 8th District (St. Francis, South Milwaukee, Cudahy, and 2 wards in Oak Creek).  Sounds like a fun time!

Dear Sheridan Friends and Community Leaders:

We invite you to join Sheridan Park Friends at their annual meeting.  We will meet this Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. at Sheridan Pavilion Area #1 (near the pond) for free refreshments and pot luck breakfast.  At the meeting, you will hear planned activities for the summer and into fall, view the parks slide show presented at their award winning ceremony and meet other park enthusiasts;  All are welcome and please plan to invite other interested friends!

We hope to see you there!

Thanks,
Pat Jursik
 

I took most of this from Patricia Jursik's latest newsletter, but I'm sure she won't mind me passing this list of things to do in the next month or so..

Saturday, March 6 – Family FREE Day at the Zoo, 9am-4:30pm

All visitors receive free admission. The parking fee remains in effect. At Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee. milwaukeezoo.org 256-5466

Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7 – Winter Pow Wow
Presented by Indian Summer Festivals. Traditional Pow wow with grand entries at 1 and 7pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday. Native marketplace, art, and traditional food. Prayer ceremony on Sunday at 10am with FREE entry for those who attend. Admission: general $7, ages 60+ $5, and children 12 and under FREE. At Wisconsin State Fair Park, Wisconsin Products Pavilion, 640 S. 84^th St. (gate 5), West Allis. 414-604-1000 or www.indiansummer.org

Sunday, March 7 – Inside the County Board, 9-10pm

Tune to 1130 WISN for an in-depth look at actions of the County Board of Supervisors. Airs the first Sunday of each month. This month will focus on the Lake Parkway 794. Podcasts will be available at county.milwaukee.gov/insidethecountyboard

Tuesday, March 9 – Friends of Mill Pond meeting, 6:30pm

Special guest Brian Russert will introduce the Milwaukee County Park's Natural Areas Program that is actively applying restoration ecology and engaging communities throughout the system's 10,000 acres of natural areas. Brian will use a slide presentation to overview the breadth of the program, where it is working, and how individuals can get involved with the management of "their" natural resources.  Brian will speak at 6:30pm, immediately before the meeting. At Marquette Manor (2409 10^th Av, South Milwaukee). 571-1191

Thursday, March 11 – Grant Park “Park Watch” meeting, 6pm

At Grant Park Clubhouse (100 Hawthorne Av, South Milwaukee). 764-7262

Thursday, March 11 – Friends of Grant Park meeting, 7pm

At Grant Park Clubhouse (100 Hawthorne Av, South Milwaukee). 764-0612

Saturday and Sunday, March 13 and 14 – Behind the Scenes at the Zoo

Visit the small mammals and aviary kitchens, the off-exhibit lion den, big cat toys, and the sensory safari. Tours are free with regular admission and are held 10am-2:45pm. At Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee. milwaukeezoo.org 256-5466

Saturday, March 13 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Noon

Parade route follows Wisconsin Av. east from 3^rd to Plankinton, north along Plankinton and 3^rd, and Juneau east to Water St. in Downtown Milwaukee. www.saintpatricksparade.org

Sunday, March 14 – Pullin’ o the Green, seatings at 4:30pm or 6:30pm

Join Friends of Grant Park in their annual benefit to preserve and enhance Grant Park. Admission gets you food, beverage or a beer, and an evening of great music by the Garlic Mustard Pickers. Regular admission: $12 adults, $3 children. Reduced-price tickets ($10) will be available in advance at local businesses, including Parkway Floral, Wild Flour Bakery, and Nona’s Café. At Grant Park Clubhouse, 100 Hawthorne Av., South Milwaukee. Contact 764-0612

Tuesday, March 16 – Cudahy Lions Blood Drive, 2-6pm

At Cudahy Family Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy. Call 421-0276 for info / appointments.

Tuesday, March 16 – Music Under Glass, 6:30-8:30pm

Leroy Airmaster with Steve Cohen (blues, jazz). Enjoy the new lighting of the domes with light shows at the break and following the concert. At The Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. Regular admission applies. 649-9830 www.county.milwaukee.gov/FloralShowampEventSc10360/MusicUnderGlass.htm

Wednesday, March 17 – The Garlic Mustard Pickers play at the Carlton Grange Pub, 6-9pm 3807 S. Packard Avenue, St. Francis (just north of Howard Av.) www.carletongrange.com

Thursday, March 18 – St. Patrick’s Day party at the Kelly Center, Noon

The party starts at Noon with entertainment by Pat Gong Duo, door prizes, and lunch served by South Woods at 12:30pm. Payment of $12 for lunch is due by March 10. At Kelly Senior Center, 6100 S. Lake Dr., Cudahy. 481-9611

Thursday, March 18 – The Garlic Mustard Pickers play at Sheridan’s Café, 6:30-8:30pm

5133 S. Lake Drive, Cudahy. Reservations recommended: 747-9800 www.sheridanhouseandcafe.com/TheCafe.htm

Sunday, March 21 – St. Francis Association of Commerce Spaghetti Dinner, 11am-6pm

At St. Paul Church Hall, 1720 E. Norwich Av., Milwaukee. Tickets can be pre-purchased at Fixx Coffeehouse, 3558 E. Sivyer Av., St. Francis (Just off of Packard Av., between the Carleton

Grange Pub & Foamation Cheesehead Factory).

Tuesday, March 23 – Frank P. Zeidler Memorial Lecture, 7pm

Media expert, associate editor of the Capital Times, and Washington correspondent for The Nation, John Nichols discusses the 2010 book that he co-authored with Robert McChesney, entitled “The Death and Life of American Journalism: The Media Revolution that Will Begin the World Again.” At Centennial Hall, Milwaukee’s Central Library, 733 N. 8^th St., Milwaukee.

Saturday and Sunday, March 27 and 28 – Breakfast & Lunch with the Bunny at the Zoo, 9am-4:30pm Sponsored by Racine Danish Kringles. At Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee. milwaukeezoo.org 256-5466

Save the date! Saturday, April 10, South Milwaukee Downtown Spring Market and Business Fair, 10am-3pm At Bucyrus International, 1100 Milwaukee Av, South Milwaukee. www.smdowntownmarket.org

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Ongoing:

Music Under Glass, Tuesdays and Thursdays until March 18, 6:30-8:30pm

Enjoy the new lighting of the domes with light shows at the break and following the concert. Regular admission applies. At The Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. 649-9830. Check out the schedule of music at: www.county.milwaukee.gov/FloralShowampEventSc10360/MusicUnderGlass.htm

A few weeks ago my blog asked you to post what you are most proud of in South Milwaukee.  There were some great things listed.  A few that came up several times were:

Grant Park and our beautiful green spaces, our great festivals, the various clubs that do great things for the city and parks, the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, the Little League, our schools, and Bucyrus Erie.

I love all these things about South Milwaukee.  In high school I lived very close to Grant Park and spent a lot of time there. I walked to the lagoon to ice skate in the winter, watched the kids play at the little league park, marched through the city streets in the So Milwaukee High School Band, and my first job was at the BE Club (now Papa Luigi's II).  Bucyrus Erie employed my father and step-father - and many of my friend's dads.  A picture I painted still hangs in the library. I think what brought me back to live here as an adult is the small town feel and the friendly residents.  It's close enough to my job and it's easy to get there via the 794 Parkway.

All these sentiments were echoed in the comments listed at www.southmilwaukee.org/guestlog.htm . Won't you check it out and post some of your own?

We went out with a friend for dinner recently and ended up at Ricardo's (due to a small fire at the restaurant we were going to try).  She had been there several times before and I had never heard of it.  I had no idea this restaurant was there because I had never hung out in the Greendale village before.   My friend said we may have to wait because it was a Saturday night, but it was worth the wait.

As we drove to the restaurant I noticed the village and that it was a strip mall, but very craftily arranged to look like a cute little English village.  The area has a quaint inviting look, created as a destination type of place to spend a few hours and browse around.  Near the holidays they have people strolling around in period costumes caroling and Santa waits for excited children.  She brings her kids down each year. There are restaurants, boutiques, craft stores, and is anchored by the Reiman Visitor Center.

But that night it was all about the pizza.  The restaurant was full, but not over crowded.  It has a nice bar area with many TVs broadcasting sports and it smelled wonderful.  In the back you can pick up food for takeout.  It's not very big but it is cute and cozy in the seating area.  The pizza was great, with a hand tossed thin crust that can't be found anywhere else in the area.  The sauce they use is excellent.  The menu had all kinds of unique pizzas along with other dishes. My boyfriend got a burger that he said was excellent.

The restaurant has been around over 10 years - I still don't know how I haven't heard about it before, but I'm sure going to go back to try one of their other pizza combinations and check out the rest of the stores.

Address: 5627 Broad St, Greendale, WI 53129-1812  Phone:  (414) 421-1980

IRISH FEST STARTS THURSDAY!

I never miss Irish Fest.  I feel a pull to the music, the costumes, the culture, and of course, the brogue!  Being Irish is very important to me, and I think that is true of most people that are of Irish descent.  Ever since I made a trip to Ireland a few years ago, I feel such a connection.

And you can certainly make connections at Irish Fest.  Starting on Thursday night Where's Your Paddy kicks off Milwaukee's largest happy hour for young professionals.  Get your free tickets to the happy hour by joining Facebook and then going to this link:  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112619445777 .  Admission to the fest is not free, but you can get in Thursday night for $5 with a school supply donation.

Admission is free Friday from 4-5:30 pm.  And there are many other ways to get in with discounts.  http://www.irishfest.com/festival/.  The fest closes on Sunday at 10pm.

Last year I took a Bodhran lesson (traditional Irish drums).  It was very cool!  We sampled some mead, and Shepherd's Pie, yum!  I'm looking forward to doing all this and more this year.  

If you are a Facebook member or want to get email updates, it is easy to join up so that you'll get all the latest updates.  And they will let you know what's going on all year.  The Irish Fest Milwaukee organization is active all year round.  Check 'em out!

With a name like Fun Fest, it's gotta be fun, right?  In fact this festival has been going on for 30 years.  Even though I'm writing this late, there is still today to experience a little fun.  Today's schedule has a wide variety of music, starting with a polka mass, then bagpiper music, swing, and rock (IMt. Olive 5 to 9pm).  

Roasted chicken dinners start at noon - stop early because they sell out every year.  While you eat your chicken, there is a beer special  today only from noon to 2pm, tap beer is $1!

A new addition, a pong tournament (with water, not beer) will be played with 32 teams on 8 tables.  Maybe the parents can beat the college kids!  :)  Starts at 1pm.

If you bought raffle tickets, the winners will be drawn at 8pm tonight.  You need not be present to win.  My mom buys tickets for all of us each year, so I think this year, it's my turn to win.  I just feel it.

http://www.dmfunfest.com/30th.php

Every year my friend and I meet on opening day of the State Fair in front of the Giant Slide - without fail.  We've been doing this for probably ten years now.  We don't have to call each other to schedule, it's a standing engagement.  Once we meet up we go to the cheapest beer vendor there, get our beer, then go look for dinner and some good music to listen to.

Over the years we've watched the number of items of food you can get on a stick grow from a few to over a reported 40 items this year!  I decided I'd try to find as many of these food items as I could but I vowed to not eat any of them.  If I did that I would have been sick by the time I went to bed.  The first thing I saw was the new bacon on a stick.  It doesn't look too appetizing to me, but people were gobbling it up.  I also saw cherry pie on a stick, corn dogs, cheese on a stick, and my friend saw the little sausages on a stick.  Of course we also saw various ice creams on a stick.  We ran out of time so I will be going back to finish my quest.

Today while writing my blog I decided to look for a list - I'm sure there is one.  I found it!  Of course, it's on Wisconsin State Fair's website.

I noticed that there is a lot less advertising this year, or else I just wasn't paying attention.  I had no idea that Foreigner was playing last night, so it was nice to be able to see and hear them as I was walking back to my car.  I am disapointed that the Stone's Throw Winery is not there this year.  They had brought in some great musical entertainment for a few years in a row.  I really miss them.  There are new vendors this year too, and we had a great time with the robot guy that dances as he strolls through the park.  He is really funny!

Take a look at their website, they did beef up ways for you to get information, from facebook to twitter and text messages.  See you at the Fair!

My favorite festival, Sweet Applewood Days is this weekend. One of the reasons I like this festival is the variety of local bands that play all weekend.  This year the line up of music looks really good.  You may have heard the radio annoucements the last few days about it. 

Check out details at www.wilions.org/cudahy/festival.htm. 

Festival runs July 31 - August 2, Friday - Sunday at Cudahy Park, 3000 Ramsey Avenue in Cudahy.

The new Grant Park Concessions stand at the beach in South Milwaukee is celebrating by featuring live music on Saturday August 1st!  Stop by to enjoy the music.  They are currently open Monday - Friday from 3:30 to 8 pm and Saturday - Sunday from noon to 8 pm.  You don't have to wait until August 1st to enjoy the beautiful lakefront beach and the concessions.

Evening on the Avenue: Check out music, entertainment, children’s activities, food, community vendors and resources. A raffle will benefit South Milwaukee Human Concerns. Enjoy Celtic music by the Garlic Mustard Pickers. Visit the Friends of Mill Pond to purchase Duck Race tickets and other items. Come to Milwaukee Avenue at 10th Avenue in South Milwaukee from 4 to 9 p.m. for an evening of fun on July 23!
 

South Milwaukee Downtown Market Launches July 23: The new South Milwaukee Downtown Market will open on the same night as South Milwaukee’s Evening on the Avenue on July 23. Stop by 11th and Milwaukee Avenues each Thursday, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., for fresh produce, bakery, flowers, and other offerings from area vendors and entertainers. Visit http://www.SMDowntownMarket.org .

Heritage Days Parade: 11am In South Milwaukee Saturday, July 25

Great Duck Race: Saturday, July 25 –, 2pm Below the Mill Pond dam, South Milwaukee

South Milwaukee Lions Fest: July 24-26 – Friday, 4:30-11:30pm fish; Saturday, 11am-11:30pm ribs; Sunday, Noon-8pm chicken, 16th St. & Rawson Av., South Milwaukee https://www.wilions.org/southmilwaukee/lionsfes.htm

2009 Fourth of July Celebrations (Saturday the 4th unless otherwise noted)

South Milwaukee: . Schedule of Events at the Brown Pavilion, Grant Park  • Areas 5 & 6. Sponsored By: City of South Milwaukee. Schedule: 10:00 a.m. – Call to Colors; 10:10 a.m. – Kids Bicycles and Coaster Decoration Parade; 11:00 a.m. – Kids races, games and penny scramble followed by free ice cream and Cracker Jack for ALL KIDS!! 9:30 P.M. – Spectacular Fireworks Display. Food will be served by The South Milwaukee Association of Commerce. Beverages will be served by the Johnny Mo’s Bar & Grill. PJ’s Variety will be there selling candy, snap pops, etc. in the brown pavillion. Live Music from 1 p.m to 9:15 p.m.

Cudahy: parade, noon, starting at Packard and Grange avenues and continuing east on E. Layton Ave. to S. Lake Drive. Ceremonies, entertainment, activities starting at 1:45 p.m., Sheridan Park. Fireworks, 9:20 p.m.

St. Francis: parade, 10 a.m., heading south on Barland Ave., east on Denton Ave. to Packard Ave., south on Lunham Ave. and then east to Milt Vretenar Park. Activities at the park include ice cream, parade awards, a petting zoo, food and music; fireworks, around 9:15 p.m.

Thursday, June 18, 2009
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sheridan Pavilion, Area 1, at the farthest east end of Layton Avenue, Cudahy

The Bluegrass Allstars use banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, dobro, upright bass, and vocal harmonies.  Some of their favorite tunes are Rocky Top, Dueling Banjos and the theme from the Beverly Hillbillies.  Cudahy favorite Dan Nimphius, former owner of Dan's Pickaway Parlor in South Milwaukee, is a member of this group.

Sponsored by the Milwaukee County Parks Department.  Kudos to the Friends of Patrick Cudahy Park for their efforts to bring a Milwaukee County Parks concert to Cudahy for the first time!  Also supported by County Supervisor Patricia Jursik.

I hate the cold of winter.  Don't get me wrong, I like the snow, it's pretty.  I just don't like this extreme cold we've been having.  Rushing in and out of cars and buildings, bundling up, gloves, boots, the wind, I'm tired of it.  It's time to think about spring and warm weather. The gardeners that are reading this know, February is the month where we are turning the corner - from winter to spring.

Actually, once February comes around, you can start making plans for your spring garden.  Your mailbox should be starting to fill up with seed catalogs - and the pictures are so vivid!  How can you not dream about spring after paging through one of them? If you gathered seeds from your plants in the fall, you can start growing them indoors in late February, along with any you purchase that you'd like to start growing.  Follow directions on the seed packets. If you really need some indoor color to cheer you up, prune off a couple branches from your crabtrees or pussywillows and force them to bloom indoors.  Put them in cool water in a brightly lit area and mist them several times a day until they start to bloom.  You can prune outdoor trees and shrubs in late winter, but wait to prune spring blooming shrubs until after they bloom.  Summer and fall bloomers can be pruned now.  Look for branches that are broken or damaged, or ones that are rubbing each other and prune them out. Refer to a good gardening website or reference book for complete instructions on pruning.  To reduce disease, it is recommended to prune oaks and honeylocusts during their dormant winter season.  Here's some good links from the UW Extension on gardening: http://wihort.uwex.edu/gardenfacts/X1014.pdf  and http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/index.html

One last note, when winter seems like it will never end, just remember, February has only 28 days. Each day is longer and has more daylight. March will be here soon enough.  For now, its time to dream.

I know we are supposed to be happy at this time of year, with all that good cheer going on and all, but as I get older it seems it's taking me longer to get in a Christmassy mood.  And this year is especially hard.  Trying to wrap up a class, finish projects at work, the economy woes, it all seems to have distracted me, and all of a sudden Christmas is almost here, and I have barely noticed.  Why is that?  It feels to me that I'm the only person that is too busy for Christmas cheer, but I'm sure I'm not.  Are you having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit?  I have tried a few things this year that have started to help. Here's a list things you can do:

Go through the Country Christmas lights display at the Country Inn in Waukesha http://www.thecountrychristmas.com/.  It's awesome! Or drive through Candy Cane Lane in West Allis which benefits the MACC fund.

There is something about hearing live Christmas music that really goes right to your heart.Go see one of the many Christmas concerts that are going on everywhere.  I volunteered at the SM PAC last night when the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performed.  They had us singing along!  Or take yourself to church and listen to the choir.

Go see a local play - there are several at the smaller theaters and colleges.

Give Blood!  414-933-5000

Donate toys to needy children - just the act of going out and buying a toy for someone you don't know really can make you feel warm and fuzzy. Many organizations have trees decorated with tags that describe what a little girl or boy needs.

Volunteer - do whatever you can to help people less fortunate than you are. Here's a listing of ways to volunteer this holiday season.  http://www.volunteermilwaukee.org/pdf/WebAtTheCenterWinter08.pdf

Sit down and watch a classic Christmas movie.  I'm going to make myself some hot chocolate, wrap up in a blanket and watch It's a Wonderful Life.  If I'm not feeling Christmassy by the end of that movie, I'm in serious trouble!

It's Fall, and time to plan your garden for next year and do all you can now to make your lawn look great.  In October you should:

PERENNIALS: Dig and divide Peonies after a hard frost.  Collect and sow seeds of Coneflowers and Rudbeckias. Clean up dead or diseased leaves, but leave healthy plants standing that provide winter cover and food for birds and other small animals.  Autumn Joy sedum and ornamental grasses are two great examples of plants that provide tons of food and shelter for our overwintering birds.  They also provide interest in the winter landscape when you leave these plants standing.  Spread compost at this time, but do not fertilize until spring. 

SHRUBS:  Continue to plant shrubs as long as the ground is still workable.  Continue to water your plants until the ground freezes because they will have a better chance of winter survival if they are well watered now.  Only prune out dead, broken or diseased branches.  Pruning healthy shrubs now exposes their inner stems to wind and freezing.

TREES: October is a great month to plant trees, but there are certain types that you should only plant in the spring.  Avoid planting trees now that are slow to root.  Check with your local garden shop to determine which trees can be planted in the fall.  Evergreens need to be planted by early October. 

BULBS: Plant Daffodils, Tulips, Crocus and other spring-flowering bulbs.  Try planting them in a patch of vinca vine or other ground covers for fun early spring color.

ANNUALS: Make sure you let re-seeding annuals drop their seeds and don't rake them up.  Cosmos, Alyssum, Cleome, and Snapdragons all drop their seeds and will pop up next year if left undisturbed.  Spread their seeds around, or gather them and share with gardening friends.

LAWNS: You can still lay sod in October.  The key is proper soil preparation and watering.  In our area, core aeration is still OK, just make sure there are still 4 weeks of good growing after you do the core aeration.  Late October is the most important fertilizer application time for your lawn.  Use a slow-release nitrogen fertlizer for best results.  After a hard frost you can apply a broadleaf herbicide to Creeping Charlie and other hard to control weeds in mid-to late October.

VEGGIE GARDENS: Don't forget to write down your successes and failures now from your veggie garden.  Use this to plan for next year.  Many times I've forgotten what variety of carrot worked and what didn't because I didn't bother to write it down. 

Take the time to test your soil.  Take several samples from different areas of your yard to find out what deficiencies your soil has.  The test results will tell you how and when to add the amendments your soil needs.  Here's information on how to get your soil tested:  http://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/

A friend sent me information about this cool haunted house, Monster Mayhem, located at 51st and Howard Avenue at Paulo's Pizza.  It really looks scary!   http://www.listerfx.com/  It runs all month long and there are ticket discounts.  I've also been told that if you are an H-D employee and bring your ID, you can get $1 off admission.

Another friend of mine who owns Music On The Move has been creating HauntFest for years:  http://www.hauntfest.com/  located at State Fair Park.  He's got a lot of experience making things creepy!

To get a listing of all the haunted events this season, try the Haunted Wisconsin website:  http://www.hauntedwisconsin.com/  It is filled with information, including  trick or treat dates and times for most communities.

Happy Halloween!

With tens of thousands of motorcycles in the area this week, the chance for accidents climbs.  It is hard to see a cyclist on the road, in your mirrors, and to judge how far away they are when they are coming towards you.  Please please please be extra careful on the road, watch for their headlights and give them extra room when moving in traffic with them. 

Since I work at H-D and have a motorcycle license (although I don't ride anymore), I am very aware and always watchful.  But most drivers don't think about smaller vehicles sharing the road with them, and don't train themselves to see that smaller sillouette on the street. It's very easy to overlook one coming at you and pulling out in front of them and really not realize they are there.  Every rider will tell you their stories when it has happened to them.  I remember being in my car years ago waiting to turn onto Howell Ave and waiting for a motorcycle to go by before I turned but the truck behind me didn't see the cyclist, assumed I was moving to turn, and rear-ended me!  So in that case, he didn't see the biker, and didn't see me in front of him either! 

Have patience and tolerance for our guests this week, enjoy the sights and sounds, and have a safe Labor Day weekend.

August 27 - 31, 2008    Wow, 105 years ago this American motorcycle company opened it's doors for business.  16 years ago I proudly accepted a position at this phenomonal company.  People from all over the world will be here this week to celebrate a hobby, a way of life, a history and philosophy that has no comparison. 

There is so much to do during the Anniversary Celebration, even if you aren't a rider, not a HOG member, and haven't bought a ticket to the Summerfest grounds.  Check out the activities at:  http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Events/105th_Coverage/schedule.jsp?locale=en_US .  I hope that all my readers get a chance to participate, even if a wave to a passing motorist is all that you do.  

Congratulations Harley-Davidson.  May your road be smooth for the next 105 years to come.

Divine Mercy Parish Festival
695 College Ave., South Milwaukee

August 8-10

Check out all the entertainment at:

http://www.funfest08.com/ffentertainment.htm

This festival has some large cash and raffle prizes, so make sure you pick up some raffle tickets!

We have 4 local city festivals coming up quickly!  There's a couple of local bands that are playing at them that I like to listen to, so I would have been disappointed if I had missed any of them.  I kept seeing information, but until I actually wrote them on the calendar, I was in danger of missing out, so I listed them here in order:

South Milwaukee Heritage Days - July 24th Evening on the Avenue, July 25th Spectacle of Music, July 25 - 27 Lionsfest. http://www.wilions.org/southmilwaukee/lionsfes.htm

Cudahy Sweet Applewood Days - August 1-3. http://www.wilions.org/cudahy/festival.htm

St Francis Days - Labor Day Weekend August 28 - 31st, Sunday - Jeff Winard noon-4 pm

Oak Creek Lions Festival - Labor Day Weekend August 29 - Sept 1. http://www.wilions.org/oakcreek/LionsFest%20Info.pdf

Local bands I recommend:

Six Pack - July 27th Lionsfest 1-4pm, August 2nd Sweet Applewood 7:30-11:30pm, Sept 1st Oak Creek Lions Fest 12-4pm

Nashville Rejects - August 1st Sweet Applewood 3:30-7:30pm, Sept 1st Oak Creek Lions Fest 7-10pm

For more information on all the festivals in Southeastern Wisconsin, check out:  http://www.wisconsinfestivals.org

If you are wondering what festivals are going on, here's an important Internet link for you www.wisconsinfestivals.org.  It's my official website of the summer! 

Are you getting excited?  Summerfest is almost here!  And hopefully summer will arrive shortly before it   :)  www.summerfest.com

There are also free concerts all over town.  The Wisconsin State Fair Free Wednesday concerts are:  www.wistatefair.com. and best of all State Fair seems to be starting earlier this year July 31 - August 10th.

Enjoy the sun every chance you get and Happy Summer.

I've been on vacation and then was working a motorcycle rally, so my blog has been neglected a bit.  I apologize!  But I have a really good story to tell you all now...

Last night I got back from Galveston Texas where I was working the demo rides for Harley-Davidson (my employer).  It was hot, sunny, right on the beach, and a lot of fun.  They had us staying at the Hotel Galvez, which I didn't know until I had been there 5 nights that it was haunted!   I found out that my room was exactly between the two haunted rooms there. The staff showed me pictures they have hanging on the lobby walls of different "ghostly" images they have caught on camera and they also got great pleasure out of telling us each of their strange encounters with various ghosts there.  On the last night in the hotel I was pretty tired, after packing and getting ready to leave to go home in the morning.  After watching the news I fell asleep.  It was pretty quiet outside since the rally was over, and most of the motorcyclists had gone home that day.  Around midnight I was woken up by a loud noise!  Imagine the sound of two swords when they hit each other, metal on metal, or two chef knives if you would rub them together like you were sharpening them - CHING CHING CHING CHING CHING CHING CHING!  There were 7 of these loud "chinging" noises in a row, and it was really really loud!  It sounded like it was coming from the middle of my room, basically from the foot of my bed.  I was so scared, I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest and I willed myself to not open my eyes or move!  I must have stayed that way for an hour, listening to see if there was anyone out in the hallway or if there would be more noises, but there were none.  Eventually I fell asleep but by the next morning I was still so shook up that I didn't have the nerve to ask the staff if they had had any complaints about noises during the night.  I thought about it all day yesterday so when I arrived home I wrote them an e-mail asking about it.  So far I haven't heard anything back.

Talk about creepy!  In fact, all the rally staff arrived at the hotel on Tuesday 10/30 so we were there on Halloween night and we stayed 7 nights total.  On Thursday night (before I knew about the hauntings) my toilet flushed several times during the night, which I thought was strange, but I was too tired to investigate it at the time.  Now I know better.  If you ever end up staying at the Hotel Galvez, don't stay in any of the rooms on the 5th floor southwest wing.  My room was 502 and the haunted rooms are 500 and 505 plus the downstairs ladies restroom off the lobby.  http://www.galvestonghost.com:80/galvez.html

 I hope that YOUR Halloween was one to remember!  Mine sure was!