Yesterday Gaffer and I went to Summerfest, billed as the "world's largest music festival." It was Kidsfest Day, which meant there were many activities for children during the day before 3pm. It also meant free admission before 3pm. How's that for a bargain? We chose yesterday because we didn't have to work today, so we could stay late. The feature artists at the Marcus Amphitheater were George Strait, Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough, and neither of us are that deep into country music that we were interested in that show. However, classic women rockers Ann and Nancy Wilson, also known as Heart, were there at the Classic Rock stage, so that's the show I wanted to be sure I saw. We got there about 1pm: Ann and Nancy didn't take the stage until 9:30, so we thought (it was actually 9pm).
So, during the day we did what one usually does at a festival or fair; we wandered the grounds in search of merchandise, freebies, fun things to do, bands to see, and events to witness. We saw a guy called the Pogo Guy do tricks on a pogo stick (like doing backflips off the pogo stick). We visited the Target children's activity tent and I got to see chocolate-chip starfish and a slipper lobster courtesy of Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin (I want to go there someday!). We had snacks--I had a Kim and Scott's Bavarian pretzel (mmmm) and Gaffer had popcorn from Koepsell's (a well-known brand in these parts--they have wagons downtown and sell a small popcorn for $1.25). We visited the Sports Zone and saw members of the Milwaukee Wave (indoor soccer) and Independence First's Wheelchair Football teams. My friend and former co-worker Mike and his girlfriend Jenni came and met us there, we had a brief chat about work and life and how things are going back at the old store and how I am liking Milwaukee so far.
We then had supper. Gaffer got a burger and seasoned fries from Major Goolsby's, and I had a Village Platter from Greek Village (gyro, lamb kebab, and seasoned rice pilaf). This we ate under cover of a beer tent near the amphitheater because it had started to rain. I bought a large bag of candied almonds after supper, then we proceeded to find a place to sit at the Classic Rock stage. We had seats toward the back, but that was OK, I was there for the music more than being close. On stage at the time were Animation, a Rush tribute band. They were really, really good; they sounded like Rush, and though the lead singer looked nothing like Geddy Lee, he sure had the voice. Following them, Heart took the stage at 9, and though we thought it was a later show, we had already found seats, so this was not a problem. However, everyone decided to stand on the benches to see the band, so I had to as well. This was not really safe, as the people on the benches could not stand still and a couple of times, I felt like I was going to fall right off. However, the music was amazing! Ann and Nancy still have the rock in them. They did most of their best songs (missing was "Heartless," for sure, and "Dog and Butterfly" and "Dreamboat Annie") and a few from other bands ("Love Reign O'er Me" by the Who, and "Immigrant Song" and "Goin' to California" by Led Zeppelin), and played a couple of newer songs, including "Sand," which they dedicated to Michael Jackson. (The song was about a friend who had died, so the lyrics fit well. It isn't released yet, so no lyrics can be linked at this time.) It was an amazing show, and I had a great time. On the way out, we briefly listened to Spoon, and then Gaffer treated me to a Hawaiian Shave Ice (strawberry daquiri flavor) and bought himself a milkshake from Cedar Crest. We were dog tired by the time we got home, but it was worth it.
Country Mouse moment of the day: Today we were headed out to go send off our rent, and noticed some police cars parked on our street, in front of the house next door. I thought maybe there was a policeman living there, and others had visited (I've seen this before) so I thought nothing of it. We got back, one of the cars had left (a K-9 unit). I went to the kitchen to make lunch, and heard some voices; I look down, and there's two of Milwaukee's bravest standing in the driveway, talking to one of the next-door residents. And then they were doing a search of the backyard and the garage. So I go to the city's web site, where all recent police calls are posted. Come to find out there was an "entry" next door. I'm not exactly sure what that means, and I don't know if anything is missing, but they are looking through the backyard for something. Coming from a small town where people do not lock their doors at night, I'm glad I do lock my doors here. Obviously, Pumbaa is not an attack guinea pig and so we really don't have any other choice in the way of defense. I don't have control over the garage here, so that's not my concern unless I see suspicious activity, then it becomes my concern.
Yes, I've checked: all the doors are locked.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
A day off
I didn't have to work today, and even though I still had to take Gaffer to work (no buses run that early), I got a little extra sleep and some time to do some cleaning. We're still not completely "settled in," but it's getting closer.
Then today I talked Gaffer into going with me to take my overflowing basket of laundry down to the laundromat a few blocks away. We do have a washer and dryer in the apartment, but it is of the stack type and we can only do one load at a time--either wash or dry. We cannot wash a load while we are drying another, as would be the Normal Way of Doing Things. I had a three-week backlog of clothes despite having done several loads of laundry between moving day and now. So now I have all my clothes clean, and can start a regular laundry schedule.
I've taken a break from knitting to resume work on my new bodice for my Regimental costume. I'm far enough along in all my projects, and I can take socks to work and work on them during my break. After I get the bodice done, everything else should be easy--shirts, trous, and the like. I hope to have a mostly new costume for both Gaffer and me for the Big Island. Of course, Gaffer will still be wearing his Big Black Frock. I may take some time and redo some of the seaming on the Frock.
The weekend is up in the air. Since the USA men's soccer team beat Spain 2-0 in the "Miracle on Grass" game, they play in the championship game on Sunday at 1:30 CDT. We're not sure if we are going to watch at home or at one of the pubs we know will cover the game. I think it would be fun to gather with other fans, but if work is horrid, we may be too tired. Summerfest also started this weekend, but we're not going until Monday. Tomorrow is open except for work. I'm certain we'll find something to do, though.
Then today I talked Gaffer into going with me to take my overflowing basket of laundry down to the laundromat a few blocks away. We do have a washer and dryer in the apartment, but it is of the stack type and we can only do one load at a time--either wash or dry. We cannot wash a load while we are drying another, as would be the Normal Way of Doing Things. I had a three-week backlog of clothes despite having done several loads of laundry between moving day and now. So now I have all my clothes clean, and can start a regular laundry schedule.
I've taken a break from knitting to resume work on my new bodice for my Regimental costume. I'm far enough along in all my projects, and I can take socks to work and work on them during my break. After I get the bodice done, everything else should be easy--shirts, trous, and the like. I hope to have a mostly new costume for both Gaffer and me for the Big Island. Of course, Gaffer will still be wearing his Big Black Frock. I may take some time and redo some of the seaming on the Frock.
The weekend is up in the air. Since the USA men's soccer team beat Spain 2-0 in the "Miracle on Grass" game, they play in the championship game on Sunday at 1:30 CDT. We're not sure if we are going to watch at home or at one of the pubs we know will cover the game. I think it would be fun to gather with other fans, but if work is horrid, we may be too tired. Summerfest also started this weekend, but we're not going until Monday. Tomorrow is open except for work. I'm certain we'll find something to do, though.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The heat is on
Unfortunately, I don't live close enough to the lake to get the coolness of the breeze. We had to buy a second fan for the bedroom, so we could keep cool at night. I've not been sleeping well. Last night, I put a bunch of ice cubes in a Ziploc bag and put them inside my pillowcase. It helped, some, but not enough. By 2:30 AM the ice had all melted and the water was warm. I slept half an hour on the couch in front of the fan before having to get up for work.
My bigger concern, however, is Pumbaa. Guinea pigs do not handle heat well. In fact, their sweat glands are in the pads of their feet. She has been showing some signs of heat stress. I have two bottles of water that I rotate between her cage and the freezer. She has finally discovered that laying by the frozen water will help her stay cool. I also took her "swimming" briefly--I put a little cold water in the bathroom sink and let her stand in it, and put some over her back. Then, I wrapped her in a cool, damp towel. She has been eating and drinking as normal, so I think she will be okay. I also cleaned her cage today, so she has lots of fresh hay and I am refreshing her water bottle more often than usual. However, I cannot wait for the lower humidity, so I can worry less about her and feel better myself. Now that the sun has passed down below the trees on the west side of the house, I can feel the cooler breeze coming in through the back door screen.
We got cable TV today. We are subscribing to AT&T U-Verse. 220 channels and nothing on, lol. And for the first time, I have DVR. Tonight I get the privilege of catching up on Deadliest Catch.
My bigger concern, however, is Pumbaa. Guinea pigs do not handle heat well. In fact, their sweat glands are in the pads of their feet. She has been showing some signs of heat stress. I have two bottles of water that I rotate between her cage and the freezer. She has finally discovered that laying by the frozen water will help her stay cool. I also took her "swimming" briefly--I put a little cold water in the bathroom sink and let her stand in it, and put some over her back. Then, I wrapped her in a cool, damp towel. She has been eating and drinking as normal, so I think she will be okay. I also cleaned her cage today, so she has lots of fresh hay and I am refreshing her water bottle more often than usual. However, I cannot wait for the lower humidity, so I can worry less about her and feel better myself. Now that the sun has passed down below the trees on the west side of the house, I can feel the cooler breeze coming in through the back door screen.
We got cable TV today. We are subscribing to AT&T U-Verse. 220 channels and nothing on, lol. And for the first time, I have DVR. Tonight I get the privilege of catching up on Deadliest Catch.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Welcome to Summer
It has finally turned hot, and humid, in the Big City. My biggest concern is the Wonder Pig. She didn't seem to be handling the heat well last night and this morning. This afternoon, however, she's eating, drinking, and looking pretty merry there in her castle. I've put some measures into effect to assure that she will be able to keep cool. The next concern is me; my body seems to handle the heat less well as I get older. Either that, or I've pampered myself with air conditioning too much recently.
Yesterday we went to Polish Fest down at the Summerfest grounds. The first thing to notice: it really is cooler by the lake. It was even a bit chilly, but I didn't mind, because I knew the apartment would be warm coming back. I'll have to remember to bring a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt the next time I go down there. (That will likely be next Monday for day four of Summerfest.) The festival itself was fun. The first event was a public Mass in both Polish and English (with a few words in Lithuanian, as well). That was interesting, educational, and spiritually uplifting. Then we found food right away (Polish sausage, what else, from Saz's) and sat down to eat and listen to polka legend Jimmy Sturr. There were cultural exhibits, as well; the most interesting to me was the story of Poland's highland region, the Goral. We also witnessed folk dancing by Wesoly Lud, a troupe of middle- and high-school students from Chicago, who put on a fantastic, colorful, energetic show. We also watched a friend of Gaffer's participate in folk dance lessons from members of Milwaukee's Polish folk dance group, Syrena. I also got a little knitting done; I got to the toe decreases of my green Fabel socks.
Country Mouse moment: We had gotten off the city bus downtown at the transit center, and Gaffer had to find an ATM. So, to my surprise, he runs across the four-lane street in the middle of the block. I never cross anywhere but the corners, if I can help it, because generally there are things there called Traffic Lights that tell you what to do when. But I followed, since Sunday morning traffic was very light downtown.
Yesterday we went to Polish Fest down at the Summerfest grounds. The first thing to notice: it really is cooler by the lake. It was even a bit chilly, but I didn't mind, because I knew the apartment would be warm coming back. I'll have to remember to bring a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt the next time I go down there. (That will likely be next Monday for day four of Summerfest.) The festival itself was fun. The first event was a public Mass in both Polish and English (with a few words in Lithuanian, as well). That was interesting, educational, and spiritually uplifting. Then we found food right away (Polish sausage, what else, from Saz's) and sat down to eat and listen to polka legend Jimmy Sturr. There were cultural exhibits, as well; the most interesting to me was the story of Poland's highland region, the Goral. We also witnessed folk dancing by Wesoly Lud, a troupe of middle- and high-school students from Chicago, who put on a fantastic, colorful, energetic show. We also watched a friend of Gaffer's participate in folk dance lessons from members of Milwaukee's Polish folk dance group, Syrena. I also got a little knitting done; I got to the toe decreases of my green Fabel socks.
Country Mouse moment: We had gotten off the city bus downtown at the transit center, and Gaffer had to find an ATM. So, to my surprise, he runs across the four-lane street in the middle of the block. I never cross anywhere but the corners, if I can help it, because generally there are things there called Traffic Lights that tell you what to do when. But I followed, since Sunday morning traffic was very light downtown.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Wow. Last night's natural fireworks display (storms) was both fun and scary at the same time. There were many lightning strikes close by; I'm almost tempted to walk around the neighborhood and see if anyone lost any trees. One of the local TV stations got hit by lightning, knocking out all of its services except for cable TV. Our power went out briefly. Even Pumbaa the Wonder Guinea Pig got a little scared, and chirped like a bird until I calmed her down. Apparently Miller Park, the Brewers' baseball stadium, got flooded. They must have forgotten to close the side panels, because when I went to pick up Backseat Gaffer from work, the roof was closed but the panels were open and the lights were on. (The Brewers are on a road trip this week.) There were other areas of flash flooding around the city. It is raining again, and it might storm again later.
I've been baking bread once in awhile, using the breadmaker my mother gave us when we moved (affectionately known as R2D2, because that's what it looks like). I made an Italian bread the first time. I didn't have any salt at the time, so it came out bland and yucky. The second loaf I made was a Sally Lunn bread, with eggs and butter. It is very heavy. I need to find a better way to store the bread. Right now it is in a zippy bag in the refrigerator.
I also discovered a big mistake in my bookkeeping, which now tells me I've got a whole lot less money than I thought I did (about $26 worth). I forgot to keep one of the receipts from a purchase I made last week (I think it was my prescriptions). I need a better system of keeping receipts. Usually I just put them in my checkbook holder, but somehow some miss getting in there. I have no idea where the missing receipt was put. At least I know I'm not overdrafting, and all of my bills are paid for the month.
Speaking of bills...my car insurance went from a $37 payment per month in the country to $117 in the city. That's outrageous! I live in a safe neighborhood and I have off-street parking. I may have to go insurance shopping again. It isn't affordable.
I finished the Aran sweater I was working on. It's been on needles in one form or another for about 2.5 years. After I finished it, I cast on a gansey, so I have three things on needles right now: a pair of self-patterning Fabel socks in a green/gold/gray colorway, the Stornoway gansey from Alice Starmore's Fisherman's Sweaters, and the Doctor Who Season 12 scarf. That leaves three projects left on my Stashdown list--another pair of Fabel socks but in a pink colorway for my niece, a pair of socks for winter for myself from Country Classic Yarn for Sox, and a pair for Gaffer from the blue and green Corriedale yarn I spun for him.
Sunday we are going to Polish Fest. I'm looking forward to that. And I'll be signing up to volunteer at Summerfest for Kidsfest Day. I am thinking I'll be in the reading tent, or else stamping maps. Then I'll stay to see Heart. Nancy Wilson is one of my guitar heroes, and I love Ann's voice. I've found some radio presets for the van--one Wisconsin Public Radio, one classic and two 60s-70s-80s mixes (think Jack FM for my Minnesota people). At work, when I'm on early mornings, they play a different station every day, to make it fair for everyone. One day might be country, the next the mix, then the alternative/college/new rock, then rap/hip-hop. Probably no classical, I'd assume.
I've been baking bread once in awhile, using the breadmaker my mother gave us when we moved (affectionately known as R2D2, because that's what it looks like). I made an Italian bread the first time. I didn't have any salt at the time, so it came out bland and yucky. The second loaf I made was a Sally Lunn bread, with eggs and butter. It is very heavy. I need to find a better way to store the bread. Right now it is in a zippy bag in the refrigerator.
I also discovered a big mistake in my bookkeeping, which now tells me I've got a whole lot less money than I thought I did (about $26 worth). I forgot to keep one of the receipts from a purchase I made last week (I think it was my prescriptions). I need a better system of keeping receipts. Usually I just put them in my checkbook holder, but somehow some miss getting in there. I have no idea where the missing receipt was put. At least I know I'm not overdrafting, and all of my bills are paid for the month.
Speaking of bills...my car insurance went from a $37 payment per month in the country to $117 in the city. That's outrageous! I live in a safe neighborhood and I have off-street parking. I may have to go insurance shopping again. It isn't affordable.
I finished the Aran sweater I was working on. It's been on needles in one form or another for about 2.5 years. After I finished it, I cast on a gansey, so I have three things on needles right now: a pair of self-patterning Fabel socks in a green/gold/gray colorway, the Stornoway gansey from Alice Starmore's Fisherman's Sweaters, and the Doctor Who Season 12 scarf. That leaves three projects left on my Stashdown list--another pair of Fabel socks but in a pink colorway for my niece, a pair of socks for winter for myself from Country Classic Yarn for Sox, and a pair for Gaffer from the blue and green Corriedale yarn I spun for him.
Sunday we are going to Polish Fest. I'm looking forward to that. And I'll be signing up to volunteer at Summerfest for Kidsfest Day. I am thinking I'll be in the reading tent, or else stamping maps. Then I'll stay to see Heart. Nancy Wilson is one of my guitar heroes, and I love Ann's voice. I've found some radio presets for the van--one Wisconsin Public Radio, one classic and two 60s-70s-80s mixes (think Jack FM for my Minnesota people). At work, when I'm on early mornings, they play a different station every day, to make it fair for everyone. One day might be country, the next the mix, then the alternative/college/new rock, then rap/hip-hop. Probably no classical, I'd assume.
Friday, June 5, 2009
So, for the past two days I have been living in the biggest city I've ever called "home." So far, it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. With the Backseat Gaffer as my patient guide, I've been getting around Milwaukee with no problems. It isn't quite as nasty as some cities I've been in (and to avoid offending people, I won't say which ones I didn't like so well). We live in a relatively safe neighborhood, with parks nearby and quiet neighbors. Our bedroom faces east, which means that on yummy, sunny days like today and yesterday, the sun shines in our eyes very early and wakes us up. However, I am in my "summer sleep pattern" right now, which means I need less sleep than I do in the winter time. This is one of the wonderful effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I have lots of energy in the summer, almost boundless.
Pumbaa the guinea pig has settled right in to her new home space. She has a perch up on top of a bookshelf unit that is wide enough to accommodate her cage. She is queen of all she surveys. We still have a lot of unpacking, sorting and running stuff to Goodwill or St. Vincent's to do, as well as finding a way to get things put away so that we have a livable space. We tried to light the pilot light on the stove, but it seemed like the gas wasn't on. We have hot water, so I'm not sure if the water is electric-heated or gas-heated. Probably a good thing the pilot lights aren't on with Pumbaa alone there.
We're in Chicago right now, following the USA men's national soccer team to Soldier Field for a World Cup 2010 qualifying match with Honduras. It's a nice vacation before we start our new jobs. I'm excited.
Pumbaa the guinea pig has settled right in to her new home space. She has a perch up on top of a bookshelf unit that is wide enough to accommodate her cage. She is queen of all she surveys. We still have a lot of unpacking, sorting and running stuff to Goodwill or St. Vincent's to do, as well as finding a way to get things put away so that we have a livable space. We tried to light the pilot light on the stove, but it seemed like the gas wasn't on. We have hot water, so I'm not sure if the water is electric-heated or gas-heated. Probably a good thing the pilot lights aren't on with Pumbaa alone there.
We're in Chicago right now, following the USA men's national soccer team to Soldier Field for a World Cup 2010 qualifying match with Honduras. It's a nice vacation before we start our new jobs. I'm excited.
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