Police Beat - 2015 - Markesan, Wisconsin

It's time to catch up on the nefarious goings-on of some citizens and on the good deeds of those long-suffering cops in Markesan, Wisconsin, where my husband and go nearly every weekend to our trailer on Little Green Lake. Here are Police Beat tidbits, as reported in the Markesan Regional Reporter (I've omitted the - very few - more serious crimes, of course, like bad check-writing, probation violation, driving while intoxicated, and domestic disturbances). The moral of the stories, I think, is that cops are your friends - even if what you've lost is only worth a buck and a half.

Mike and I read these bits out loud to each other, humming the theme to "Dragnet" between each news item....

If you want to walk around naked, pull the shade.

I was tired of commuting a half-hour or more every time I wanted to visit a grandchild and every time I wanted to go to our favorite tango place. I was weary of caring for a 3,400 square foot home on 10 acres in Menomonee Falls. But even though I wanted to move out of the boondocks, I never expected to be living in a densely-packed neighborhood in Milwaukee. And I've found that, like all unexpected adventures, my foray into city living has come with blessings and revelations.

Goodbye Weedpatch Farm: May 2015

Our mailbox at N80 W18397 Custer Lane, Menomonee Falls

Children: David, Simon, Oliver, Liam, Isaac
Then: Gail, Katie, Anna, Charlie, Rachl, Brian
Back: Kevin, Mike

The nut fambly

We finally did it. After living for 34 years in the dream home we designed and built, we sold it and moved away. 

Going to "Casablanca" with the Symphony

Last month I went with my husband, Mike, to see "Casablanca" on a big screen at Milwaukee's historic Riverside Theater. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra played the score in real time along with the movie. The image above is from another theater, but it gives you an idea of the scene we experienced. Below is a picture of the Riverside:



The show was a huge splurge for us, and I'm glad we did it. As always when I watch "Casablanca," I saw something I never saw before. This time, seeing the film on a big screen for the first time, Mike and I both appreciated the shadows more than ever - very noir. The best one is a shadow of Humphrey Bogart against the wall - so slender and natty even in silhouette. 

Home Invasion: an April Fool's Day Surprise

On April 1, 2015, I had plans to look at a condo with my husband before work. At about 10:00 am I jumped into the shower. Forty minutes later, I was dressed and ready to go.

I walked into the kitchen and almost stepped on a notebook and piece of paper on the floor. I thought "That's odd - the cat never knocked anything off the counter before."

I glanced at the counter and realized that my purse was not there. I was sure I had parked it on top of the notebook and piece of paper - my daily "parcel to go." But I thought, Well, maybe I put it someplace else. I'll look for it later.

The idea occurred to me that someone might have entered our house during the little more than half-hour while I was showering and getting dressed, but I thought, Naahhh....

The Amazing Power of a Christian Passover Meal

I just came home from the annual Christian Passover meal held at my church. Again the ritual brought tears to my eyes. In honor of  this ritual, I am reposting a blog I originally wrote two years ago about the power of this amazing feast....

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Take it Easy, O Parents of Young Children!

When the phone rang today at 7:10 am, I figured it could only be bad news. I was wrong.

As I walked to answer the phone, I heard this message being left on my machine:

"Hello, Action News 12, this is the Sweet Family in Bayview. In case you want to cover the story, Oliver woke up this morning, went into the shower, and did not call us to bring a towel. He brought his own towel with him. You can call us if you need more information on this developing story."