My neighbor, Mike Lilek, is involved with a local Frank Lloyd Wright group that is restoring one of these "American System-Built" homes in Milwaukee. He emailed me today to say he and another project member will be interviewed for a segment of the PBS "In Wisconsin" program on Sunday morning, Chanel 10, at 11:30 am. 

I believe there are other Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Milwaukee that the group has worked on, but it is the one at 2714 W. Burnaham in MIlwaukee that will be featured in the segment. It is an "American System-Built" home, Model B1.

If you are interested in Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and historic preservation, you might want to tune in and see what Mike and the group have been doing. You may also watch the program on the internet.

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One of the sure signs of spring are the gardening catalogs that arrive in my mailbox. I received the first yesterday, and what a beauty! It was from Klehm's Song Sparrow Farm and Nursery in Avalon, Wisconsin.

The catalog features some of the most beautiful peonies, daylilies, and hostas I have ever seen. They also have some unique shrubs and perennials. Unfortunately, the plants also feature a hefty price tag, but the photos do inspire.

My sister and I first discovered Klehm's outstanding peonies on a trip to Long Grove, IL in 1990. One of the shop keepers had a huge bouquet of flowers that were so unusual, we did not recognize them as peonies. We asked where they were from and she said, Klehm's.

I would love to take a field trip to visit their nursery, but alas, they are only a mail order company. I will just have to settle for the vicarious pleasure of perusing the catalog and dreaming of sunny days in the garden. (Spring is still 2 months away.)

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.

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If you love to cook or know someone who does, stop in at Penzeys herb and spice shop. They recently relocated from the Town of Brookfield to the east side of the Brookfield Fashion Center on Bluemound Road.

I have shopped at Penzeys for years; they are my source for Pasta Sprinkles, Ceylon Cinnamon, and vanilla beans, to name a few. When I cook or bake, I try to use the best quality I can afford. Their quality is fabulous--very fresh.

The Pasta Sprinkles make a nice addition to pasta salads, vinegar and oil salad dressing, or anytime you want an Italian flavor. I like the mix because it is not too heavy on the oregano. They also have other herb blends.

Penzeys is one of the few places that sells Cassia. What is that, you ask? Cassia is a Cinnamon-like spice, often used and sold interchangeably. Cassia has more of the aromatic oil, 6%, than Cinnamon does. Some cooks use Cassia for spicy dishes and reserve the sweeter taste of Cinnamon for baking. Cassia often costs less than Cinnamon, which is why some companies pass it off as Cinnamon. I think the aroma and flavor of both spices is much stronger than the grocery store variety.

Many items have a sample available so you can give them a sniff! In fact, the whole store smells wonderful. And how about this display? We had a kitchen much like that when I was a little girl!

The store displays often include information about the spice or herb. Recipes are also scattered throughout the store, if you need a little inspiration.

The quantities vary from an ounce or two to larger sizes. Some herbs and spices are available in cellophane packages (less expensive) as well as glass bottles. Penzeys also has several assortments of spices or herbs specifically boxed for gift giving too. 

So give Penzeys a try. Its worth the trip just for the aroma!

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.

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Last July my high school girlfriends and I lunched at an interesting restaurant in Shorewood, the ANABA TEA ROOM.

It was a beautiful day and we opted to have lunch up on their roof garden.

The setting was delightful and the food good. This weekend promises to be glorious. If you are on the east side, give the tea room a try.

ANABA TEA ROOM is located at 2107 E. Capitol Drive in Shorewood (east of Oakland Ave, in the vicinity of St. Roberts Church and Atwater School.) 

They serve salads, sandwiches,  traditional tea sandwiches,  sweet treats, and of course...tea! Their complete menu and prices are online. 

With all the bad news about the economy,  dining up on the roof just might lift your spirits! 

You may also dine in the regular restaurant on the lower level.

There was an interesting garden/home shop on the main floor. Be sure to check that out as well.

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.

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

 

 

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.

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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