Volunteering opportunities

May 01, 2012 at 07:05 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon

What is it that you have interest in?  Do you have a hobby? Something you always wanted to do or learn?

There are so many volunteer opportunities available, I'm sure there is something that would be of interest to you.

• Adult Literacy
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters
• COPE Hotline
• Family Sharing
• The Food Pantry
• Your local Historical Society
• Ozaukee / Wisconsin Humane Society
• Riversedge Nature Center
• Salvation Army
• Your local hospitals or nursing homes are always in need of volunteers

• volunteermilwaukee.org
• volunteermatch.org
• volunteerozaukee.org
• volunteerwaukesha.com
• unitedwaywaukesha.org
• volunteercenterofracine.org
• kenoshaunitedway.org
• volunteernow.net  

If you have the time, please check your local newspaper for opportunities as well.

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

"Sweet and Treats" Dessert Tour for Cedarburg, Wisconsin

April 13, 2012 at 04:49 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon

Well, if you have read my blogs, you have heard me talk about two great things: Cedarburg and the Milwaukee Food Tours. Well, they now have come together for one of my favorite food groups: Sweets! (that is a food group, right? LOL!!) 

Yes, Milwaukee Food Tours has put together a great tour package for everyone. The reason I say everyone is this tour offers the best of so many worlds for different types of individuals: architectural enthusiasts, foodies, wine aficionados, chocoholics, people who like to visit unique areas, antique purchasers, lovers of walks, gardeners, etc... 

Visit www.milwaukeefoodtours.com for all the details! (and make sure to bring extra $$ because I can guarantee you will want to bring some treats home with you!!)

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Happy Easter, 2012!! Almond - Oat Strawberry Shortcakes

April 05, 2012 at 05:07 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon

Happy Easter to everyone, I hope you have a great weekend whatever you are planning on doing, if you are celebrating or not. If you are still trying to decide your menu for Sunday, and cannot come up with a good dessert, I wanted to share one that is out of this world!

It is featured in the Bon Appetit magazine and online and it's a must try. It's called Almond-Oat Strawberry Shortcakes..Below are the ingrediants needed and the instructions!! It's a pretty easy recipe and one to do with kids.

Happy Easter!

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pulse flour, oats, almonds, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor until finely ground. Add butter; pulse until only pea-size pieces remain. Add 1/2 cup cream and 1 tsp. vanilla; pulse until large moist clumps form. Transfer to a work surface.
  
• Knead until dough comes together, about 4 turns. Pat into a 4x6" rectangle. Halve lengthwise, then crosswise into thirds. Arrange on prepared baking sheet. Brush with cream; sprinkle with 1/2 Tbsp. sugar.
• Bake, rotating sheet halfway through cooking, until golden brown around edges and a tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Set biscuits on a wire rack; let cool. DO AHEAD: Biscuits can be made 8 hours ahead. Store cooled biscuits airtight at room temperature.
• Meanwhile, combine strawberries, 1 Tbsp. sugar, and Grand Marnier, if using, in a large bowl. Toss to coat. Let strawberries sit, tossing often, until juices release. Whisk 1/2 cup cream, 1/2 Tbsp. sugar, and 1/2 tsp. vanilla in a small bowl until peaks form.
• Cut warm or room-temperature biscuits in half; place bottom halves on plates. Divide whipped cream and strawberries over. Top with remaining biscuit halves

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Realtors Home and Garden Show, March 23rd- April 1st

March 22, 2012 at 11:53 AM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon

Hello all!!

Well, can you believe March is almost gone? The weather has been beautiful and the trees and flowers are blossoming, so what a perfect time for Milwaukee to put on their annual Realtors Home and Garden Show at State Fair Park starting tomorrow, March 23^rd! There is over 200,000 sq. feet to the show and will feature more than 250 home and garden professionals this year. Ideas and suggestions which include home improvement, home decorating, cooking (MY FAVORITE), gardening and landscaping, etc. It appears to be a great year to come and see all that is happening!

Click here for complete show information.

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Cleopatra Exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum

February 23, 2012 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon

If you haven't seen it yet, make sure you do before it ends on April 29, 2012. We went to view the exhibit a couple weekends ago and it was fantastic! Click here for more information.

Everyone knows about the Cleopatra who is on the big screen, most notably played by the late Liz Taylor. But, I learned there was a lot more to the woman besides her beauty and hair. She was a very intelligent woman who knew several languages, something that was not common in that time.

Go view the artifacts and listen to the story behind the mysterious woman, you will not be disappointed!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Milwaukee NARI Home Improvement Show, February 9th-12th

January 31, 2012 at 04:07 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon

With spring soon upon us, I know I'm starting to get the itch to do some repairs to my home. What better place to go to meet and interview many different vendors in one place?

If you have time, February 9^th through 12^th, consider going to the Milwaukee NARI Home Improvement Show...There apparently will be over 700 booths, an outdoor living area (which is one of my favorite areas to visit and get great ideas!), and many other fun activities to participate in and see.

Click here for additional information.

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Real Estate Market in Milwaukee Area ends well for 2011

January 20, 2012 at 05:53 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon

There was a recent artile in the BizTimes which makes us individuals in real estate feel good about how the market faired in 2011. According to the article and the GMAR, home sales were up 21.6% in December in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee County, 4.2% overall home sale increase in 2011 vs. 2010. I also noticed a noticeable increase in interest over our holiday season this year vs. past years. Obviously, there are deals to be found in our current real estate market and first time homebuyers and investors are taking advantage of those opportunities. Interest rates remain low and hopefully the trend will continue into 2012!

Also noted in the article is average sale prices continue to decrease. Foreclosed properties continue to come on the market and provide buyers the chance to purchase a property at a lower listed price.

Click here to read the complete article and search "Home sales rise in the Milwaukee region" January 11, 2012.

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Waukesha Janboree: January 20th through 22nd

January 17, 2012 at 05:17 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon

Happy New Year to everyone!! Are you looking for something to do this upcoming weekend now that we have snow on the ground? Click here to check out some ideas.

Some of the fun events taking place:

• Community Art Project on Saturday, January 21^st from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. (Free)
• Teen night-Indoor Ice Skating, Saturday, January 21^st 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (There is a fee) 
• Participate in trying to break a Wisconsin record by having the most number of dancers dancing at the same time (Free) 
• Ice sculpting contest
  
• Pancake Breakfast
  
• A.C.T. Live Talent Show
  
• So much more!

Bundle up and enjoy the weekend in Waukesha!!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Impressionism and drawing at the Milwaukee Art Museum

January 05, 2012 at 02:42 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon

I wanted to let everyone know about an excellent exhibit that is going on through this weekend at the Milwaukee Art Museum. If you have not seen it yet, and you are a fan of Impressionism, please don't miss out on this show. It is presented with well known painters:Van Gogh, Seurat, Degas, Renoir and more, but they are not the typical paintings you see of theirs, they are their drawings, watercolors and pastels. See something unique and different about some of the artists who mad a huge difference in their time and became know as Impressionist painters.

View www.mam.org for times and dates! I also want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, may 2012 be even better than 2011 for you and your loved ones.

If you find you would like me to blog about something in particular, please do not hesitate to contact me at: I love new and adventurous ideas!

Have a wonderful Year!! Nancy

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Great Theatre in Milwaukee

December 08, 2011 at 05:27 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon

There are so many things to do during the Christmas season and I just wanted to remind everyone not to forget about the great theatre and music we have in Milwaukee! Take a night out to see a favorite show, i.e.:A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker or maybe something different/new.

• "A Christmas Carol" is at the Pabst Theater and is always a Christmas tradition.
  
• "The Nutcracker" is at the Marcus Center-Uihlein Hall and the music and dancing is unforgettable.
  
• "A Kodachrome Christmas" starring John McGivern- what a great comedy and no better time of year to have a great night of laughter!! Marcus Center-Vogel Hall. 
• "The Music Man" -Broadway Theatre Center-Cabot Theatre.
• "Scrooge in Rouge" -Tenth Street Theatre.

Other websites to check out for their productions in performance now and in the future:

• www.nextact.org
• www.chamber-theatre.com
• www.pabsttheater.org

Enjoy the season and the show!!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Breakfast with Santa - December 3 & 4, 2011

November 30, 2011 at 12:01 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon

Are you looking for somewhere to take the children for "Breakfast with Santa?"

There are many local communities getting in the holiday season and this weekend Santa is going to be visiting!

• Breakfast with Santa at George Watts and Son-December 3, 10, 17 & 24^th -they will also be having their First Annual Holiday Open House!!
  
• Breakfist with Santa at The Pfister -December 3, 10 & 17^th
  
• Breakfast and Lunch with Santa at the Milwaukee Zoo-December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18^th-Breakfast on Saturdays only, Lunch Saturday and Sunday
  
• Breakfast with Santa at the Villa Terrace-December 4^th only

These are just a few that are going on around Milwaukee. Check your local paper for other visits from Santa!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

November 21, 2011 at 04:42 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon

No matter if you are staying at home and having family and/or friends over or going on the road to visit someone else, have a safe and fun Thanksgiving! This is the time of year that the festivities begin and so does the stress!

Make sure to take time for yourself and take care of your mental and physical health. Take a day off from work, find a good book to read and don't do any household chores or just turn on some Christmas music and sing to every song you know (this is for you, Kenna). OR, Book yourself a spa treatment (or two) at your favorite salon and take the time to close your eyes and breathe deeply. Send a friend a note, not only wishing them a great holiday season, but let them know they are thought of so many times throughout the year and thank them for just being them.

There are so many things I could sit here and suggest, and I'm sure you have some ideas of your own. This is my favorite time of year and it goes so darn fast, I try and make every minute count! Every day I wish there were more hours in the day, but this time of year I wish there were even more! Enjoy the food, the laughter and the companionship of those you love. It is definitely a special time of year!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Extravaganza-Today, Nov. 17th

November 17, 2011 at 02:04 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon

Don't forget the Holiday Lighting in Milwaukee going on today, starting at 5:30pm. There will be music, holiday performers, a visit from Santa and from Mickey Mouse and even fireworks!!! The Holiday Lights Festival goes on until Jan. 1st with the Jingle Bus rides, activities, music and more. Check out milwaukeeholidaylights.com for more information.

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Elm Grove Holiday Open House and...

November 08, 2011 at 11:49 AM · Posted under Nancy Neylon

So, have you been one of the patient individuals who has endured the road construction in Elm Grove all summer and fall? Well, now is your opportunity to kick up your heels and say "Hallelujah," as this coming Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11-12^th is the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completed construction and downtown district reopening.

In the November, 2011 "M" magazine, it notes there will be fun for all including food and music, horse drawn wagon and Christmas craft and a bake sale at the Notre Dame Convent. Local merchants will also be having a holiday sidewalk sale. What a great way to spend your Friday while the kids are in school or your Saturday morning/afternoon with family!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Music on Thursday nights at the Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) during the long winter season in Milwaukee!

November 03, 2011 at 04:56 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon

As everyone who has spent even one year here will know, Wisconsin winters get long, cold and let's be honest... depressing! Well, one way I have to spice up my week and bring a smile to my face is going to the Mitchell Park Conservatory.. a.k.a."The Domes." Getting out of the cold and into a tropical wonderland can lift up anyone's mood, but then add music to the mix!!

Tonight is the first event featuring "Streetlife with Warren Wiegratz" and what a fun event it is! There is food and refreshments available to purchase and tonight features a Great Lakes Distillary tasting and martini specials. To find it fast on the internet, google "music under glass," or click here.

My two favorites, which I can't wait to see, are the "U2 Zoo" on December 22^nd and "5 Card Studs" on December 29^th. March 22^nd is the last Thursday night performance to set your calendars for a winter full of music and fun on Thursday nights at THE DOMES!!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Holiday fun in Cedarburg begins in the middle of November!!

November 03, 2011 at 04:13 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon

Who says you have to wait to celebrate the holiday season? Not me!! Growing up and living in the Cedarburg area has always been special, in a way it's like living back in the earlier 1900's due to the historic buildings and homes and how friendly everyone is. At no other time of year does one have this feeling more than at Christmas time. Cedarburg lights up with old time Christmas decorations, the storefronts are lit up all evening long, homes on the main street as well as off the beat and track are festive and activities are occurring throughout the season. Click here to get an idea of some of the exciting, upcoming events.

First is the Five Festive Friday Eves, which highlights all of Cedarburg. Stores stay open later and at the Cedar Creek Settlement there are different activities every Friday. The first festive friday is November 18^th and it includes an ugly sweater contest!! While viewing the individuals in their festive wear, you can nibble on cookies, drink complimentary cider and view the luminarias. The following day is Breakfast with Sanda which takes place at the Cedarburg Community Gym. The second Festive Friday has "make it and take it" which includes holiday projects and temporary tattoos. One of the most popular Craft/Art Fairs in Wisconsin during the holiday season is on Dec. 2nd-4th and it's called "Christmas in the Country."

This is just a sample of what to look forward to in the upcoming weeks and a couple other sites I would suggest to view for more ideas are: www.cedarcreeksettlement.com; www.cedarburgjuniors.org; www.cedarburgartistsguild.com; and www.cedarburgculturalcenter.org.

Have a great start to the holiday season, it's one of my favorite times of the year!!!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

A Friday Seafood Buffet to Brag about- The Wisconsin Room at The American Club-Kohler, Wisconsin

October 31, 2011 at 05:25 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon

If your mouth doesn't drop open when you walk into the room, nothing much surprises you any longer!! All I could say was "wow" and I kept saying it throughout our dinner!

Let me set the stage for you... You walk into this beautiful dining room, you look down and a chef in his white cap is below you saying "hello," and a heavenly smell is filling the air. What is that smell you ask? It's the butter which is browning underneath the delicate, large white scallops he is sauteeing for the guests. You stand on the stairwell for a moment to try and take in everything you see. The gorgeous wood paneled walls, the elegant tables with their settings, baskets of flowers displayed on the tables above a vast amount of trays, all filled with different food items, each calling my name!

We stand at the top of the stairs for a couple minutes and we finally realize we are all just gazing down in admiration, but realize the need to move... the hostess is at the bottom of the stairs awaiting our descent and we provide our reservation information and are seated immediately. The waitress is not far behind her and she introduces herself and asks if we have ever dined at the Wisconsin room before. We (the three of us) all say "no." She explains the buffet, describes some of the mouth watering food available to us, takes a drink order and sends us on our way. She even offers a lobster bisque prior to going to the buffet, but each of us declines as we don't want to fill up on "just" soup (that will be for another visit). Each of us, I notice, heads to a different area of the buffet. Personally, I head right over to the desserts, I need to see what options I have prior to eating too much of the "nutritional" items on the menu so I know how much room I need to save. I then make my way over to where the salads are. There is an option of both a Caesar salad (lettuce was crisp as was the croutons, dressing was light, creamy and flavorful) and a mixed green salad (passed this up-nothing real "unique").

In the same area as the salads were the choices of fish. The Beer Battered Blue Gills were outstanding, one of the best examples of Blue Gill I have ever had (if you ask me what is my favorite, it was my grandpas recipe-he cooked them the best)! The beer batter was light and had a great taste, the fish themselves were fried to completion and not overdone. I also tried the Skate Wing which can also be, at times, overcooked easily but this was flaky, with a great texture to the outside. The Tempura Shrimp and BBQ Eel Maki Roll was excellent, as well with your choice of wasabi, pickled ginger and a soy sauce on the side. The Calamari and Clam Strips were "typical," but the Cilantro-Mango-Sweet Chili Sauce was delicious and different (would love the recipe). I acutually used this for my Maki Roll.

As you can see by the picture provided, there is also an additional table with a great selection of cheeses, sausages and crackers... What Wisconsin buffet would be the same without a Wisconsin tradition? The Prosciutto and Pear Crostini was the only sample I tried, which left me disappointed. "Bland" is how I would describe it.

Okay, so before I move onto the desserts which everyone knows is my favorite part of any meal, I have saved the best entree for last... Remember what I described in the beginning of this blog.. What was the cook doing? He was sauteeing, what I had perceived by my eyes and nose, to be a mouth watering delicacy.. AND I WAS RIGHT! The Scallops were sauteed to perfection and had a small drizzle of Wasabi Hollandaise Sauce on a small corner of the scallop. I could have truely just dined on scallops for the entire evening! Kudos to the chef, they were the highlight of the buffet!!

And now, I come to the dessert table. What a great selection for the finishing course! Each of us at the table had a nibble of the desserts and I think we all agree on the two outstanding winners... First was the Roasted Butternut Squash Bread Pudding with a Brandy, Caramel Sauce. Wow, that's all I could keep saying... "Wow." So many bread puddings which I have tried are so dense, dry and difficult to finish, this one was none of the aforementioned. It was moist, flavorful and "airy..." Yep-airy!! The other clear winner was the Lemon Lime Tart. The crust was buttery and flaky, with no difficulty in using one's fork to break into, but not so flaky you couldn't pick it up with that same fork. The Lemon Lime filling was creamy and the perfect tartness. It was a delicious and light dessert, with no "sugar" factor (you know those desserts with a crunchy-too much sugar issue). We also tried the Flambeed Apples with a Rum-Eggnog sauce, with a small scoop of fresh whipped creme on top. The apples were delicious and crispy, and the rum eggnog sauce had a hint of flavor but was not overpowering and the whipped creme just added the right extra touch. There was also Raspberry Linzer Torte and Dark Chocolate Cappuccino Mousee Torte. The Mousse Torte was excellent with our coffee, a great combination always. I did not try the Linzer Torte, I figured I would try it the next time (oh yes, there will be a next time!). So, come hungry and plan on trying many of the offerings!!

Make sure to make reservations as the dining room did fill up quite quickly and they take large groups as there was a birthday party of approximately 25 individuals which came in right before we left. What a great way to spend a birthday!

Click here for pricing (it's not "$" it's "$$$" and well worth it), to view a menu, directions, and to make reservations.

Bon Appetit!!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments (1) ·

"Hidden" Restaurant Gem!! Zak's Cafe

October 24, 2011 at 07:05 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon

I met a couple of my college friends, Meg and Tracey, for dinner on Friday night. We love getting together to touch base and we always try to go someplace different each time. This time we decided on Zak's Cafe, located at 231 S. 2^nd Street and it is literally a "hidden gem." If I didn't know where I was going, I would have driven right past it and had no idea it was even a restaurant. That is the unfortunate for passerbys who are looking for someplace to eat, but don't know what they are looking for. And so, I felt it necessary to write and let all of you readers know about this fantastic restaurant. Zak's is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We were there at 5 p.m. and didn't leave until after 9 p.m. I couldn't believe this quaint, well decorated place was not "filled to the gill's." It was perfect as my friend Meg stated, as we had all the time in the world to talk. There are two levels of seating and they allowed us to choose our spot.

The menu looks fantastic and has a great selection of appetizers, entrees, etc.. We started with an appetizer of Tomato and Goat Cheese Bruschetta and it was delicious. The tomato mixture was fresh and the goat cheese was the perfect amount. The balsamic drizzle was just that, a "drizzle," it did not drench the plate or the bruschetta. The bread itself was soft and easy to bite into. Two other appetizers I would like to try in the future are the chicken spring rolls and the walleye bites. Both descriptions sound "to die for."

AND, of course, with it being Friday and being in Wisconsin, all three of us gravitated to the Fish Fry, which alone takes up a page on the menu. From the usual Cod Fry, Perch Fry and Shrimp, to choices of Scallops, Trout and Surf and Turf. Tracey and I both went for the Combo Fry which consisted of cod, perch and shrimp, and Meg had the broiled cod. We all agreed the portions were typical (two pieces cod, two perch, and two shrimp), the beer batter was light, fried to perfection and not overpowering and the cole slaw was not over "mayonnaised," it had great consistancy. Price was comparable to other restaurants in the Milwaukee area and is very reasonable. The chef even assisted in carrying out the entrees!

The waitress was cute, courteous and attentive. She was patient with our delay in ordering(remember we were catching up), she checked back with us several times, and she personally talked to us after the meal was finished for several minutes.

They have a chalkboard by their espresso machine with a list of hot drinks available and this caught my eye when I went to the restroom. Unfortunately, you could not see it from where we sat so my friends were not privy to the opportunity for such delicious drink options. To "quench" my sweet tooth, I had a hot caramel apple cider for dessert. A gentleman, who did not identify himself (I assume it's Zak?), came over to find out how our meal was and served my drink request. To be honest, I wish Zak's was closer to my work because I think I would be in there almost every day trying a new hot drink. It was smooth, sweet, but not overly done. The drink itself consisted of apple cider, caramel, cinnamon and whipped cream. The perfect fall drink!!

Click here to check out the restaurant, it's menu, hours, and directions.

I'm hoping the quietness of Friday was a fluke, as this is indeed a "hidden gem" and look forward to visiting it in the future for breakfast, lunch and dinner again!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Getting your home ready for winter in Wisconsin..

October 20, 2011 at 05:26 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon

Well, I don't like to admit it, but it's that time of year again... Windows are shutting, doors are staying closed, we are in our coats, turtlenecks, sweaters, boots and preparing for the inevitable here in Wisconsin. Yep... Winter...(Yuck!)

My local paper had an article to remind us all on how to prepare your house for winter and also how to keep the cold out and the heat in!

Have you had your furnace checked already? I have. If not, call an HVAC professional to check your furnace and change your filter if need be. Don't forget to get out to the local hardware store and stock up on filters for the winter as well, the professionals suggest changing it once a month.

If you have attic stairs, make sure to insulate it from the air coming into the rest of the house. The experts state the best way to know if you are losing heat is by turning your attic light on at night, shutting the attic door and seeing if there is any light coming through. If you see light, you are losing heat (and cold air in the summer from your air conditioner). Quick fix? Go to your local hardware store and purchase an insulated attic stair cover.

Have a fireplace? Try to get this ready for use as soon as possible. Inspect the damper for proper movement and have a Chimney Sweeper come out if you haven't had it cleaned in awhile.

Your fans are going clockwise in the summer to bring cold air to you. Stop the movement and change it to counterclockwise for the winter!

Is the room where your clothes dryer in the coldest room in the house? Have you ever wondered why? The exhaust duct is open to the outside and this is connected to your dryer. Add a dryer vent seal, it helps with keeping the cold out, as it is only open when the dryer is on, and it will also keep critters from crawling into the vent and visiting inside your home.

Clean your gutters! Keep them clear of leaves, branches and other debris. While you are up there, check your roof for missing shingles and check the flashing around the chimney. Add additional insulation to your attic can help prevent ice dams (remember the horror stories a couple years ago?)

Check your foundation for cracks, seal them as soon as possible.

Insulate any exposed plumbing pipes to prevent freezing. Also, remember when it is really cold outside to run a small amount of water so it does not freeze.

**And, I believe this is so IMPORTANT** MAKE SURE YOU HAVE WORKING SMOKE DETECTORS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS IN YOUR HOME, CABINS AND ANY OTHER LIVING AREA!!! I hear horror stories every year of horrible fires in the middle of winter, no working smoke detectors found in the home. I have also seen the loss and how devastating it is to family members of individuals who pass of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is preventable! It is also a great idea for family members who do not have one. Give them as an early Christmas present, and tell them it's because you love them. I did this one year for Christmas after taking one of my college courses in death investigation.

Have a fun, safe fall and winter season, I can't wait for spring!!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·

Wisconsin Historical Society - Fun interactive site

October 10, 2011 at 04:56 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon

If you are as into Wisconsin history as I am, here is a great site to check out!

Make sure to have your kids handy for the fun questions, which they have on their home page.

Examples:

• "How was Wisconsin originally spelled?"
• "Did Railroad Hobos really create their own language?"
• "What century long war ended in 1967 in Wisconsin?"

Do you know the answers? Do your children?

I have obviously written about a couple of the places to visit, but there are many others I have (yet). I will be visiting them in the next year or so as well!

It's a great excuse to go out and see the fall colors, take a scenic drive and spend some time with family and/or friends!

Posted by:  Nancy Neylon

Comments ·