Two very talented ladies hold a wonderful sale every October in a home in my neighborhood.

This year their sale is Friday evening, Oct. 24th from 7pm to 10pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Together they transform artist Heidi Dutcher Bohn's Brookfield home into a shoppers wonderland. You have to see it to believe it!

Heidi specializes in hand painted items: Seasonal decorations for fall and winter, picture frames, and tiles.

She paints kitchen items as well.

I believe artist Kim Keays' specialty is wire art, wire decorated glassware, and jewelry work.

Every room is features beautiful displays of their creations.

Many ceramic items are available too.

Seems like a great way to start your Christmas shopping or get something new for your home.
 

The Holiday Marketplace house is located at 13645 Tulane Street, Brookfield, WI  53005.

Tulane crosses Sunny Slope Road  2 blocks north of Greenfield, or about 3/4 miles south of Bluemound. Turn east on Tulane. The house is on the south side of the street, almost to Edwards Street. Just follow the signs.  

If you need more information, just call 262-352-5939 or 262-366-5565.

Please, comment content should relate to the subject of the post. Although I try to respond to many, do not interpret my lack of a response as agreement.

Links: 

This weekend, the Wade House in Greenbush, Wisconsin, will host its 18th Annual Civil War Weekend. If you have an interest in American history, this event should prove to be very enjoyable. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.

I have not been to one of these events for 11 years but am planning to attend this one. (Photos are mine from 1997)

The event opens at 10am both days and closes at 5pm.

Not only are there a host of reenactment soldiers, vendors and craftsmen, they also hold actual reenactment battles--complete with cannon and horsemen.

From the Wade House website:

"In what has become the biggest and best Civil War re-enactment in Wisconsin, Confederate and Union armies set up camp on the sprawling, wooded grounds of Wade House. Visitors meet and mingle with the troops as well as civilian sutlers — civilian merchants who follow troop movements to sell Civil War-era merchandise.

Each day two battle scenarios will unfold. The historic battle scenarios feature cavalry, infantry and artillery duels between Union and Confederate troops, always a crowd pleaser at every Civil War Weekend. Download a schedule of events (PDFfrequently asked questions (PDF 59KB) about the annual event.

If you are going, don't forget to bring your own chairs! Much like the ladies and gentlemen watched the actual civil war battles from a safe distance for entertainment, attendees set up their chairs on the battle sidelines to watch.

If you have ear plugs, these would be good too. IT IS LOUD! Wear comfortable shoes--you will walk a lot.

Ticket prices are: Adults $12; children (5-17) $6; students and senior citizens (65 and older) $10; families $30.

For more information, Email: wadehouse@wisconsinhistory.org Phone: 920-526-3271

The Wade House is located on W7824 Center Street, Greenbush, WI

Please, comment content should relate to the subject of the post. Although I try to respond to many, do not interpret my lack of a response as agreement.

Links: 

I venture to say that every American born before 1955 remembers where they were and what they were doing the day they heard President Kennedy was shot. (I was in Jr. High science class.)

Likewise, for Americans born before 1995 or so, that morning we heard about the attacks on the Twin Towers will be forever fixed in our psyches.

We were heading back from our Way out West Yellowstone vacation--hadn't had a TV or radio on in weeks. Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota was our last stop. But as we approached the monument's parking lot, we were met by a Park Ranger, blocking the entrance. He told us to move on. That is odd, we thought. At the second parking lot we asked the Ranger at the barricade why we couldn't park, since Mt. Rushmore is always open.

I will never forget his reply. We are closed because of the terrorist attacks in New York and don't know if there will be others on prominent American landmarks. (Mr. Rushmore was considered a possible target.)

What?

We could see he was not in the mood to chat, so we drove on and quickly turned on the radio. Unbelievable. We listened, but could not process what was transpiring on the east coast. It was very surreal--especially because we were far from home. 

After topping off our gas tank and visiting the ATM we talked about what we should do. Go home? Stay put? We opted for staying in South Dakota. Plus, if things really went crazy, we figured better to be in a hotel than stranded on the road.

Numb, we muddled through the day, visiting Custer State Park, with the car radio on.

Our son was 12 years old at the time. My husband and I yearned to tell him everything would be alright. But in all honesty, we couldn't. We just did not know what lay ahead. The only thing we could assure was that it was in God's hands: 2 Chronicles 32:8 came to mind.

"With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles."

We were all Christians, ready to meet our God. If He chose to protect us, great. If not, so be it. 

Our nation held its collective breath, waiting for something else to happen after those first 4 plane crashes. Thank God, it didn't.

After a few days, we started our trek home. Just as there are no atheists in foxholes, we saw "God Bless America" signs pop up everywhere--from gas stations, to fast food restaurants, to city hall marquis. People instinctively knew we needed divine intervention.

I really thought we could be in for a string of attacks. That life in America would come to resemble life in Israel, where attacks and explosions are commonplace.

But amazingly, we have been incident free. I attribute our safety to 2 things: God's grace and President Bush. Whatever you may think about the Bush administration, it is quite remarkable that we have not suffered another attack. It certainly isn't because the terrorists have forgotten about us.

"America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!"

I visited Fairly Conservative after writing this, H/T for article to THE Right Side of Wisconsin 

PS Just got in from putting our flag out. (Hadn't had it out for a long time...) Remember to fly it at half staff today, and don't forget to pray for our nation, leaders, and families that lost loved ones. 

Please, comment content should relate to the subject of the post.

Links: 

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, Mark Levin,  Vicki Mckenna

The phrase so close, yet so far away was never more true for me than yesterday. A friend asked on Thursday night if I was interested in going to Cedarburg Friday, That was just the nudge I needed. I said, yes!

Neither of us had ever gone to one of these campaign stops before, so we were greenhorns. We did manage to get there by 8am, but we could see by the crowd, that was not nearly early enough.

After waiting for a long time to get through security, something I should have anticipated, we finally were allowed through. Unfortunately, we were on the north side of the podium--the wrong side of town. We did have an excellent view of the backside of the press bleachers though! (Photo courtesy of another attendee.)

From JSOnline: Police said there were at least 12,500 who were admitted to the secure area and another 5,000 who did not fit.

The rumor was that when this Cedarburg stop was originally set up, they were expecting a crowd of 2,000. I think there is little doubt about what Palin and the convention has done for the ticket. (I think many people saw a new side to John McCain through his convention speech.)

Whitney Clapper sang the National Anthem and did an outstanding job. Dr. Ferry from Concorida University provided the invocation--not just some wimpy little generic prayer, this was a meaty prayer. (I should have taken notes but my eyes were closed.)

We could hear the speakers fine; we just could not see a thing. While Congressman Sensenbrenner was speaking, the guards permitted a crowd of attendees to flood the street, allowing them to get much closer to the bleachers, while we were kept back on the sidewalks. Many started booing near me. Poor Sensenbrenner! The boos quickly died down when the sidewalk crowd realized the street group could see no better.

We decided that we might as well leave our spot to see if we could get a better glimpse on the south side of the crowd. The guard informed us we would have to go through security on the other end of main street if we left, but we really did not care. It was pretty worthless where we were.

It was an interesting walk down the alley to the east of the main street.We could see the news vans,.sign distribution area (picked up a few), campaign "stuff" vendors, and of course...protesters.

 
I purchased a fabulous pin, featuring Lincoln (birth of the Republican party), Reagan, and now McCain.

We then headed to Tomasos Pizza where we could watch the coverage on the TV screen. There we met William, who told us he was right up front! He showed us some of his pictures on his camera and promised to email. (Many on the slideshow are courtesy of Bill and another friend.)
                                                                                                       Other people on the street had various signs, McCain face cut-outs, and some had elephant shaped auction paddle style signs. The paddles we learned were courtesy of John Murphy (left) of Mequon's BetterBidders auction paddle company. We met up with him later and he told us a similar pair, from the 2004 election, now resides in the Smithsonian! 

The crowd was very up-beat, despite 1,000s being turned away. People were friendly and ready to share or trade their McCain/Palin goodies. Even though we were not able to see the candidates for ourself, it still was a fun experience. The weather was great and the mood even better.

No doubt about it, the Republicans are energized!

Bits and pieces

A funny tid-bit:

"After speaking, McCain and Palin ducked into The Chocolate Factory to greet people. "I've got to get the moose tracks, please," said Palin at the counter. "Moose tracks, you know, near and dear to my heart. I can't go wrong with it." She was given a waffle cone with a giant scoop. McCain ordered sorbet; Cindy McCain ordered a brownie.

Interesting note: When an important person is in town, such as the president of the United States or presidential candidate, don't count on going to Froedert hospital's emergency room without calling first. Friday they diverted patients to other hospitals while the VIP were in town. (Learned this by experience.)

What to, and not to bring: My advice is that it is best to think of these events in terms of airport security. While waiting in line to pass through security, we heard you needed ID (didn't.) Also heard umbrellas were a no-no, so were American flags if the stick was too long. I think beverages were out too. Weapons of course are verboten and I think a scissors, letter opener, pocket knife, or anything else the guard might think could be used to hurt someone. The guard next to us was ripping the flags off the sticks and keeping the sticks, but my guard let me take mine in. My very short collapsible umbrella was OK (they did feel it though.)

Favorite homemade sign: This lady told us she came all the way from Tennessee!

Please, comment content should relate to the subject of the post.

Links: Lots more pictures on my McCain Slideshow 

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, Mark Levin,  Vicki Mckenna

They come from all over the country; people from all walks of life--from Rich Urban BikerS (RUBS) to hardcore bikers. The one thing they have in common is that they love their machines. Customizing is part of the love affair. I snapped this picture near Sturgis, South Dakota early in August. Many bikers, just like this couple, are coming to the Milwaukee area for the 105th anniversary celebration of Harley-Davidson. (Yes, that is a coffin shaped trailer.)

I found out about HOT TOPPERS from my Brookfield friend. She is a friend of Elm Grove residents Maureen Denney and Bob Lundquist, the owners of HOT TOPPERS. They needed my son the techno-doctor to pay a house call to HOT TOPPERS, to repair their 2 Harley themed pinball machines. When he returned, I asked him, What do they sell there?  He really could not tell me. Hmmm. I had to check this out for myself, and I am really glad I did! What an interesting place.

The HOT TOPPERS shop is located at 255 N. 121st Street, just a few blocks south of Bluemound Rd. and 121st St. What do they sell there? Why, HOT TOPPERS of course! Triple chrome plated ABS plastic covers for the various bolt heads on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The caps come in various styles and sizes and are easy to apply. Their hours are Monday - Friday, 9-5 (often earlier and later.) They are also open by appointment on the weekends.

How can chrome caps be that interesting? Because their bolt covers and chrome accessories shop also is home to their extensive collection of vintage motorcycles and motorcycle themed collectibles.

Everything from vintage toys to antique and collectible promo items, T-shirts, lunch boxes, collector plates and mugs are neatly displayed in their shop's garage. (This represents about 1/3 of their collection.) 

Their oldest bike is a French 1901 Clement. They also had a 1907 Triumph.

I believe this one is a 1914 Excelsior. They welcome visitors, and as their brochure states, it is a "Fun Place To Visit."

For more information on their attractive alternative to stainless steel bolts shown here on the HOT TOPPERS bike, see their website: hottoppers.com, call 414-282-5858, or email HOTTOPPERS@aol.com 

"Still the best bang for your buck when it comes to chrome!"

 Happy 105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson

You can also see their products at Hal's Harley-Davidson in New Berlin.

Links: 

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, Mark Levin,   Vicki Mckenna

UPDATE: The Hot Air Tour rally location has been moved to AFP headquarters at 1126 S. 70th St, West Allis, 1:30pm.

Americans for Prosperity offers you 3 options to learn more "about the serious threat global warming alarmism poses to our prosperity, including legislation being considered by Congress that would more than double gasoline prices."

 All take place at Miller Park on July 26, 2008, 2pm start, 6pm game time. 

  The Tailgate party, Brewer ticket and Hot Air Tour Event is $21 per person. Tailgate and Hot Air Tour (no game) is $10. Hot Air Tour alone is FREE!

 Registration may be done online. Email any questions to Brenda Baas at brenda.baas@afphq.org or call 414-475-2975.

 Fight Back Wisconsin's Phil Williamson will be circulating his domestic oil drilling and oil refinery petition at the Hot Air Tour too, or you may sign online.

"Waterford native Phil Williamson is fed up with high gas prices; and is circulating petitions to get the attention of Congress."

We the people of Wisconsin would like to inform our elected officials in Washington that we are at our wits end with the financial burden that the high prices of oil and gasoline are causing. We insist that they vote for the exploration and drilling of oil in the United States and our boundaries (land and sea), and we insist that they allow new refineries to be built.

"If you don't sign up, please don't complain to me about how high gas prices are."
Phil Williamson

"Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org "

Americans for Prosperity is also the creator of the Defending the American Dream Summit 2008 scheduled for Washington, DC this October.

Click here to sign the DRILL HERE. DRILL NOW. PAY LESS domestic drilling petition and see the latest links to related oil news (updated every day).

Drill Here is now over the 1.3 million mark. The goal is 3 million signatures by the Democratic and Republican Conventions. 

Links: 

If you are a child, 4 years old through 6th grade, you are invited to Brookside Baptist Church's Vacation Bible School next week.

The theme this summer is Medieval Mayhem. (I think it is based on an Armor of God theme--same topic as our recent Sunday sermons.)

The Medieval Mayhem fun runs from Monday, July 14th through Friday, July 18th, 5:45 pm - 8:30pm.

On Friday, there will be a carnival night for all families and ages.

Oh, did I mention it is free?

Brookside is located on Pilgrim Road, just south of Lisbon. Address: 4470 N. Pilgrim Road, Brookfield, WI 53005, 262-783-6180

Click here to sign the DRILL HERE. DRILL NOW. PAY LESS.  domestic drilling petition and see the latest links to related oil news (updated every day).

Drill Here is now over the 1.3 million mark. The goal is 3 million signatures by the Democratic and Republican Conventions. 

Links:  

Do you have Memorial Day traditions? Actually, we don't. July 4th seems to have its usual rhythm: Brookfield parade or auto show at Holz in the morning and fireworks at Elm Grove Park in the evening. But somehow with Memorial Day nothing has clicked.

Maybe this year we will catch the 10:30 AM parade in Elm Grove since we live close by. There is also that wreath ceremony at a Civil War Soldier's grave at Oak Hill Cemetery.  I noticed at the Elm Grove Library a flier for a pre-parade pancake breakfast at the Elm Grove Women's Club. These are at least some Memorial Day options. What I don't like to see are holidays that become just an excuse for retailers to hold special sales.

While driving today, I caught a bit of Vicki McKenna's show. She suggested watching some good patriotic movies this Memorial Day weekend. Listeners called in with their favorites and she posted a list.  I thought that was a good idea--especially if the weather is chilly. Memorial Day, after all, is about remembering those soldiers who died to protect our rights, liberate others, and make our country free.

I stopped at the library to get a few good movies and found one not on her list. It is D-Day with Robert Taylor, Richard Todd and Edmond O'Brian. I have never seen it.

I was hoping to find The Lost Battalion, a HBO movie, based on a true story, with Rick Schroder. That one I did see before and thought it excellent. It is very bloody, but tells of the amazing courage of one man who just refused to give up. His perseverance to hold the territory in the Argonne Forest resulted in defeating the Germans. He portrayed a very godly man who was just set on doing the job given to him. I love to read or watch movies of ordinary people who do courageous things.

Another good movie on the list is the Tuskegee Airmen. This movie was very interesting because it told of the first squadron of Black Airmen during WWII and the prejudice they encountered. These men were real heroes and if memory serves correctly, earned the reputation of best support fliers for the bomber squads. Look for them the next time you are at the library.

Please share any of your favorite movies or traditions. 

I hope you enjoy your weekend and if you are a person of faith, take a moment to thank God for the brave men and women who gave their lives to make us and others free.

Don't forget the Music Concert to Benefit Chinese Quake Victims, Saturday, May 31st, 10AM - 1PM, Brookfield Civic Plaza

Links:

One thing that always impresses me about Americans is their generosity toward those in need.

Recently we saw this type of outpouring toward Hurricane Katrina victims in our country and Tsunami victims in Indonesia.

In spite of us feeling we are taxed to death, many Americans still are very willing to give to others in need, for no other reason than it is the right thing to do.

Americans give with an open heart and open wallet--all on their own--no government involvement necessary. They give with no hope of gain or compensation, no arm twisting needed. It is great to see.

Now there is another need, the Chinese earthquake victims half way around the globe.

The Zhong family of Brookfield is holding a fundraiser concert on Saturday, May 31st, from 10 AM to 1 PM, to raise money for those suffering Chinese people. 

The concert will be held at the Brookfield City Plaza during Farmer's Market hours. So come for the market and the concert, and make a donation to this cause.

A Silent Auction follows the concert and a raffle for performers. 

This concert is unique in that it affords local musicians of all ages an opportunity to perform. If you wish to participate in the performance, contact Shan Lu at btinternational@sbcglobal.net or call 262-786-8188. 

Donations may be made by cash or check. Please make check out to the Red Cross or World Vision and note China Earthquake Relief Fund on the check. World Vision is a Christian organization if you wish your aid to be faith based.

I really admire private citizens who do something on their own to make a difference in the world. Shan, the concert organizer immigrated to the United States from China and now is a U.S. Citizen.

Hopefully this concert will be a big success!

Sorry for the poor quality of the info sheet. I could not get it to post in its original form. Finally had to resort to taking a picture! 

Links:

Last Thursday was the National Day of Prayer. The day was brisk, but at least the sun was out!

I headed over to City Hall and found the same faithful woman I met last year sitting on the ledge by the flag poles. We were soon joined by 2 other women--both of which I knew this time :). One of them told me she was at Pilgrim Park Middle School earlier that day with a group called Praying Parents. They evidentially meet a few times during the school year to pray over the schools.

We chatted a bit about various concerns and then prayed for our country, presidential election, leaders, schools, teachers, children, soldiers, world hunger, etc. The time went quickly and I think we each left with a little lift in our step.

Saturday morning the weather was dreary, but a crew of the faithful still turned out for the 4th Annual Weed Out.

Photo shows Patty Gerner, The Garlic Mustard Lady, standing on the picnic table instructing the crew.

Brookfield's Forestry Superintendent Gary Majeskie also addressed the crowd and answered residents' questions about weeds and invasive plants.

I would guess there were about 30-40 people in all: neighbors, Key Club students, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and both District 7 Alderwomen, Lisa Mellone and Renee' Lowerr.

The good news is that there were not the large patches of Garlic Mustard, but that meant we really had to hunt for the weeds.

The rain made weeding a messy business, but the attendees pulled a fair amount of weeds anyway. Because we had such a late spring, many of the weeds were still small. Patty Gerner and her weeding friend Sandy will follow up in the park until the weeds go to seed. 

As usual, I found some interesting plants and fungi in the woods.

This plant was in the Solomon Seal, but I am not sure what it is. If you recognize it, please comment.

Past Garlic Mustard Postings:
3rd Annual Weed Out (with photos)

It is worth saving (pictures from Weed Out and wildflowers)

Oh, the shame! (photos and tips for evicting Garlic Mustard)

Weed control links: Garlic Mustard and garlic mustard's pretty cousin, Dame's Rocket. (It can take over native areas too.) Garlic mustard should be thrown in the trash and labeled Garlic Mustard: Do not compost.

LINKS:

Thursday, May 1st, is the National Day of Prayer , a day set aside to pray for our country.

When I look at the problems in our world, nation, state, community, and our schools, it becomes very clear to me that our intellect and financial resources alone cannot solve these problems. Our founding fathers realized this early in our country’s history too.

According to the National Day of Prayer website, “The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer.”

In recent years, there has also been an open invitation for people of faith to meet on this day at their local city hall from 12:20 pm – 12:40 pm for 20 minutes of prayer.

Last year was the first time I made it to City Hall for this special time. This is what happened in 2007.

I arrived at city hall a few minutes late and was rather expecting to see a small group at the 3 flag poles on the plaza but didn't. There just was a maintenance worker eating lunch at a picnic table and 2 people seated on the ledge by the POW memorial plaque. 

 

Although I did not really expect anything inside City Hall due to today's mistaken separation of church /state stance, I checked there anyway. Nothing there. Back outside, I thought I would walk past the man and woman seated by the plaque. I realized as I got closer the man was Cater Doering--the veteran who petitioned city hall for the city to fly the POW flag.

 

Carter recognized me and as I approached, I saw the woman was holding up a Declaration of Independence. They were reading it together and commenting about how many references there were about our Creator, etc. I asked if I could join them. Soon after, 2 separate vehicles pulled up and parked. A woman got out of each and asked if they could join us.

 

We then stood in a circle, joined hands and prayed. Each of us prayed at least once for our nation, city, soldiers, POW/MIAs, our country's youth, the president, etc. There was also thanksgiving for the foiled terrorist plots and the protection our nation has been blessed with since 9/11. It was a great experience.

 

Here I did not know the 3 women at all, but it did not matter because we were there for a common purpose. We must have prayed there about 15 minutes or so, then the 2 women had to get back to work.

Last weekend an area Boy Scout leader I know stopped on my street with some of his troop. They were passing out food drive plastic bags. I was outside putting my homemade "Academics, not Athletics" sign on my front lawn, when he stopped to chat. I told him I would plug his food drive on the blog after Tuesday. So, here it is.

BOY SCOUT FEED THE HUNGRY FOOD DRIVE: 

Fill the bag from the Sunday newspaper or the one distributed by the Scouts with NON-PERISHABLE FOOD. It is a shame they need to mention this, but make sure the items are not expired or broken. Oooh. Canned goods, unopened package goods (not bread type items), hygiene and paper products, like toilet paper would be welcome too. NO FRESH FOODS.

Place the bag outside your front door by 9am on Saturday. I would not do this the night before if you have packaged items like noodles or hamburger helper because animals could get into it.

The Scouts should pick it up on Saturday. If it does not get picked up, then take it to a Pick 'n Save and place it in that specially marked barrel in the store.

You may have some items at home that you don't care for but could be useful to someone else. I frequently purchase things in multiples and then am disappointed when a family member does not care for that particular brand. Usually I take those new non food items to a thrift shop like ECFA's Almost Anything store, but this time I will put them in the Scout bag. 

Links:

Like to play pinball and arcade games? How about vintage computer games? Well, the Midwest Gaming Classic it just the place for you.

The Midwest Gaming Classic is once again at the Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc this Saturday, March 29th, from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. Cost: Teens & Adults: $10/day Children, 12 and under accompanied by adult, FREE!

Pay your admission and play all day for free. Private collectors and those in the biz bring their own machines for you to play; some games are for sale. There are also special events, tournaments, and speakers plus you can shop the vendors.

Plus, this year you have a chance to win a Nintendo Wii or family pack of Six Flags tickets.

My guys go every year and have a great time. One year my son won a vintage AJAX arcade game. Another time, Billy Mitchell played the Donkey Kong game my son brought. (Too bad we did not have a Sharpie handy for Billy to autograph that game!)

Have Fun! 

Links: Brookfield7, Betterbrookfield,  Vicki Mckenna 

Feeling a little low after this week's Super Tuesday results and Romney's campaign suspension?

Maybe what you need is a little shot in the arm tomorrow at the Americans for Prosperity, Defending the American Dream Summit, February 9, 2008, 9am to 5pm at the Country Springs Hotel. (Just off I-94 in Waukesha, 2810 Golf Rd.)

You can still register online. The cost of $29 for adults and $15 for students includes lunch.

Blogs: Brookfield7, Fairlyconservative

Links: Betterbrookfield,  Vicki Mckenna