Brat Fest 2011

We spent 3.5 hours yesterday celebrating the wonderful hotdog/sausage looking thing called a Brat Well, we hung out at the Brat Fest for 3.5 hours...but  I must confess, I only consumed 1 brat.

The surprise of our time there was listening to the Charles Walker Blues Band. They were actually quite good and fun to listen to. The last few times we've gone, we've shown up ealier in the day when all the highschool bands are playing. The Charles Walker Band was actually quite leigit. So that was nice.

The funniest part of the three hours occurred in between the Charles Walker Band and the next band. I guess that this year there was a WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) show going on simultaneously at the Allient Energy Center. So during the last song, about 8 security guards appear all around the stage. I started wondering if there might be something bad or political going on. There were several "people's brat fests" going on this year in protest to Johnsonville supporting Walker. But no, all the security was for one of the Irish fighters who came out and was encouraging people to come enjoy the "spandex display" going on next door.

I wasn't sure what was funnier, the fact that he was encouraging us to come enjoy spandex or that there were 8 security guards protecting this relatively unknown person from the brat filled sedated crowds. (Although I guess it could have just been a part of the "act").

Fun Things to Take the Parents to:

Wisconsin Historical Museum - The current special exhibit is "Odd Wisconsin". Did you know you can see a jar of skunk oil? I forget how it relates to Wisconsin...but I do remember that it's kind of gross.

Wisconsin Dells - No, I did not take the parents on the water slides...but we did go to a restaurant where a small train brings out your food. Quite exciting.

Frugal Muse - Yes, this has become quite the tradition to stop at when the folks are in town. The Frugal Muse is a resale book shop that is very well organized and cheap.

Governor Dodge State Park - Waterfall, lake, hot weather, A&W for lunch (by the way, do you know what A&W stands for? Allen & Wright), everyone falling asleep in the car on the way home (except the driver...that would have been bad).

Famous Dave's BBQ - Dinner served on a garbage can lid...fun! (Mom and Dad are going to think we only eat at strange places.)

So I guess there are some fun things to do in Wisconsin!

Tea Kettle Scum Collector

I found this in a kitchen shop this past weekend. I'm really curious to see if it will work. I guess you leave it in your tea kettle, all the minerals in the water collect on that instead of the pot. I'm a bit skeptical but for 2 bucks, it was worth a try.