There was plenty of good craic going on last Sunday in the Cultural Tent at Irish Fest. It was the 30th anniversary of Irish Fest so I thought I'd help out for once. I volunteered four hours at the Shamrock Club's table signing up new members and selling Shamrock Club 50th Anniversary pins.

I knew the Shamrock Club started Irish Fest, but not being a member myself, learned much more about the club; had to if I wanted to sell memberships. The person joining me at the table, Addie, was really the best resource for all things Irish.

Some might consider Addie too chatty, but I consider her a wealth of knowledge. She's travelled to Ireland something like seven times, and many other points of the world. She is a member of Friendship Force which helps keep the expenses down; sharing homes with the local population, absorbing the culture... even if it means sometimes not speaking the same language. 

There's much more I could say about Addie, Irish Fest and the Shamrock Club . . . but it'll have to wait. I just put together a video of my favorite Irish musicians I want you to see.

There's a complicated bit of intersection just over the river where E. Moreland, Eales and Whiterock meet. Fracaro's, Citgo and Valvoline occupy three of it's several corners. My very first time driving through it I unknowingly blocked Whiterock by stopping on the striped diagonal lines while waiting for the light to change. I was 15 and on a learner's permit. A guy yelled, "Who taught you to drive? Your mother?" Well, as a matter of fact, my mom did teach me to drive. She was in the passenger seat teaching me at the very moment.

Thirty-five years later Fracaro's is still on the corner, and I'm still passing through the intersection - twice a day on those days when I work. Yesterday afternoon I was stopped by a Waukesha policeman after turning right on East St. Paul from Moreland. I really had no idea why. I was rushing (without speeding) to pick up Sir Fido at the vet before 5:30. I wanted to talk to the doctor before he left for the day. There were complications to his surgery; they had to pull 5 teeth instead of just the one. Also, there's a tumor in his mouth with the possibility of it being cancerous. I had a lot on my mind before, but now I was wondering if he'd have to spend the night at the vet because I failed in getting there on time.

I didn't know why I was pulled over. I wasn't speeding. Seatbelt was on. Came to a complete stop at the Whiterock intersection. I saw the police car in the mirror after I went through, but thought nothing of it.

The policeman told me the red light next to Valvoline I turned right on is actually not a right turn, but a continuation of Moreland. Obviously it must be a no turn on red for him to stop me, as it probably should be; roads come at it from every which way. I'll admit I found it hard to believe though. I didn't recall seeing a no turn on red sign, and feel I'm a fairly responsible driver. He was nice enough to let me off with a verbal warning after checking to see if there were any outstanding warrants. Surprised he didn't ask for proof of insurance, but just glad I made it to the vet with a little time to spare.

Still curious, I parked near the intersection for a few minutes this afternoon to see how many fellow drivers had the same idea to turn right on red and, to their credit, not a single car did it. Of course there was this sign, two of them actually, saying No Turn On Red! Now I just have to control the urge the next time through.

Anyway, thanks for the warning. Had enough bad news for one day.

Sir Fido hasn't been feeling himself lately. Let out little yelps for no reason. Wasn't touching his favorite food: bananas. I noticed he had an abscessed tooth and made an appointment at Pewaukee Veterinary Service.Dr. Tom, an old high school classmate of mine, saw him today and confirmed my diagnosis. 

There really aren't too many choices. You can't just leave him suffer with it. The tooth has to come out. 

I've marked in the photo the tooth causing pain. Notice the V-shaped root. This tooth actually has three roots, and to remove it involves removing bone and cutting the tooth into three sections. Pretty complicated compared to our teeth.

He'll have the surgery Monday. While he's out they're going to give him a good teeth cleaning too. He'll be home by Monday afternoon.

Yet one more reason to not smoke. 

The prices have gotten scary lately.

Friday the 13th was a lucky day for me. I found work and it's here in Waukesha. It's a decent job with a good company. Now here's the other half of the story. 

I spent nearly half my life at my previous job.

Spent half of spring and half of summer looking for work.

Thought it would take half as long to find a job.

Over 50 total applications; half done before first unemployment check, my first ever.

Four months unemployed; half that receiving umemployment insurance.

Unemployment checks were half what I was earning, and half what we need to pay bills on time.

The new job pays half what I originally requested when beginning the job hunt, and is less than unemployment pays.

34 resumes / applications sent via email; half that done in person.

Had half the experience / skills some of the companies I applied to were requiring or requesting.

Broke is a good motivator: Applied for more jobs, eight, the week we ran out of money than any other week. Previously, if I'd found half as many jobs to apply I'd think it a good week.

Most people receiving unemployment checks are required to contact at least two employers each week. The company hiring me, ODW Logistics, was the eigth company I applied to in one week.

I interviewed with 13% of the companies I applied to, not counting the Quad group interview or the company in West Allis I drove to only to be told they "forgot" to cancel.

Workforce Development, with tons of workshops, labs, resources, along with the best counselors was the biggest help to me. I had not even done my first resume before going there.

While I enjoyed the extra time off to fix things up around here, there's only so many times you can mow the lawn and clean the carpets. I don't care what they say, there's no way you can spend 40 hours a week looking for work.

Among people I had contact with were those out of work a year or two. I was determined to not be one of those people.

At Workforce I learned to not take a job unless we could afford to pay bills with it. I did break that rule, but I felt it better to be working than not. Besides, unemployment checks don't come with benefits. I can continue to look for other work, and keep applying for unemployment as long as I'm making less than the $388.00 a week. It's three days less a week I can volunteer with the Food Pantry, but I'll be gaining skills and job continuity.

The Hartford Balloon Rally was this weekend. The pilots had two good flights and a glow Saturday. The evening flight was notable because it's the first time I'd crewed for a "hare" balloon.

Competitive balloon flights usually center around one or more targets at which streamers attached to bean bags are thrown. Early Saturday, pilots had to hit two targets, launching at least two miles distant from the home field. There was a lot of driving around, backtracking, checking maps, trying to find a decent launch field. A lot of science and weather knowledge goes into the competition, but with so much of the Hartford countryside planted, just finding a place to inflate is a challenge.

I crewed for RE/MAX, the largest balloon in the Hartford rally at 105,000 cubic feet, for the evening flight. Because RE/MAX was the most visible balloon, I would be chasing the balloon all 15 or so other balloons would be chasing. The evening rally challenge was for one balloon, the hare, to launch first and all others, the hounds, to follow. Ideally the hare balloon lands and places a large target for the others to hit or get close to.

On occasion, hounds overtake the hare before it has a chance to place the target. Last night's difficulty was just finding a place to land with the target and, when finally it did, getting back to them in the field far from the road.

Today's difficulty was the wind, as in too much of it. While the cold front is welcome news to most of us, to balloon rallyists it meant the morning flight was scrubbed.

take a look at this photo slideshow from GMTODAY.com

I used to think I'd never want to be a Badgerland Water Skier; soaking wet in cold air and water. Hours spent in preparation and practice. The Fox River isn't exactly Lake Michigan. Oops, bad analogy. But on second thought . . . when considering that most of the 90+ member Badgerland team is young, strong and good-looking, I guess I really wouldn't mind being one that much.  

Waukesha is fortunate to have a free, top-quality, weekly show on the Fox, and I was fortunate to have a behind the scenes view of it last night as they prepared for tonight's 7:00 p.m. show. It's easy to take the show for granted, the flow of the program is so smooth, but getting all the microphones and sound working properly is just one overlooked task. I have to give Paul Dross a lot of credit for his skill as Show Director. To keep with the theme, make it fun, and make the show work, he does a great job. 

As I learned yesterday; throttle cables on ski boats break . . . often. Consider that each cable costs upward of $100.00 and each boat has two or three engines. (The boat I was riding in had just one useable engine.) Also, they can't ski on the river when it's too high as it was two weeks ago. Nationals were going to be held in Janesville this weekend, but the Rock River is too high. (Competition was moved to Wisconsin Rapids.)   

The video starts with the important task of "duck patrol". When your triple pyramid is nearly as wide as the river itself it's important to shoo away the critters so they don't get hurt. Another behind the scenes task is log patrol. A lot of lumber ends up in the Fox, especially when it's running high, and if the wood isn't removed before the show someone's going to break a barefoot, a propeller, or worse.

Thanks to Mike for taking me along, and Badgerland Skiers for another great show!

So many good stories: Connie Schroeder with Splendor, her custom jewelry project, donates 20% of all sales to her church group's mission trip to Central America. With her help they're able to supply all the material for and help build 15 houses. It also was her birthday and she shared a huge cake with us. 

Nancy Potter, who's intricate hand painted shishkebeads and laboriously beaded necklaces and bracelets were some of the least expensive yet eye-catching handmade jewelry I've seen. She also does elaborate tie-dyed designs and can be found every Saturday at the Farmer's Market.

Chris Wetzel, one of Three Daughters showing at ArtaVina Gallery, got involved in jewelry with her two sisters after their mom died of cancer. Leaving two suitcases of beads, their mom always gave away the things she created and, in the same respect, Three Daughters are also very generous, donating often to charitable causes. 

A raffle to benefit PPAC,Prevention & Protection of Abused Children. The huge gift basket of donated items from many generous downtown merchants included a trailer hitch bench invented and donated by a local resident and featured on one of the Price Is Right episodes.

Almost didn't visit Springs Gallery for several reasons; at 9:00 p.m. it was dark and my bike doesn't have a light, and it's a good distance from the other galleries; on the west end of Wisconsin Ave. Glad I'm not too concerned about safe riding at night, because the most interesting people, Cecelia and Hans, were right there.

Walking into the old building to have a quick look around and get home before my wife missed me, (already been gone 9 hours) soon found myself at a small table deep in thought and conversation with a couple of Springs artists who share adjacent studio space in the building. Their artistic tastes seemed to be on opposite ends of the spectrum, but they did share something in common . . . they share.

I wouldn't have given Cecelia's art a second thought, but when I was offered a small original watercolor on the back of her calling card it opened a whole new set of possibilities. As we sat talking I noticed that all the children anywhere near Springs was attracted to her and her art. Her day job is teaching in Lake Geneva, but also holds fun little art classes for kids right there in her studio.

Hans didn't want me mentioning his generosity. He said the right hand shouldn't know what the left hand is doing, or words to that effect. Generosity is it's own reward and you don't do it for recognition. He learned that by helping with the St. Ben's meal program in Milwaukee. He's been down on his luck, he knows how it is. When he told me I could have anything in the studio I wanted, as long as I loved it, I thought he was joking. Must be a catch. He didn't know me. And what does it really mean to love something?

I tried to talk my way out of this by saying I had my bike and couldn't carry anything, and he produced a beautifully-framed original pastel and charcoal that was very pleasing to me as it reminded me of my uncle's work. So that's what it means to love art? Something handmade and original, selected just for my by it's creator, and having special meaning for me. But how did he make a living giving away his art? "Everything has a price, but you're free to contribute what you can afford . . . as long as you love it." He calls this Paying It Forward. He's never had anyone leave with his art and not contribute at least something, and I wasn't about to be the first one. What does it mean to love art? To be torn between accepting something for nothing and paying something even if you know you can't afford to.

What do you think I did? What is the price you think I valued it at?

Funny thing about letting the blog do the leading; he doesn't always look both ways or use the crosswalk. Don't even talk to me about the shortest distance . . . apparently you've got to cover a lot of territory to pick up a story's scent trail.

I'm proud to be one of Gregg Wandsneider's 3100+ friends. After sampling a cup of organic chocolate milk at the Farmer's Market, walked up the plaza to Coffee n' Beans to see what he was up to. I knew I'd find Gregg there because it was he along with Alcy who organized the 16 musicians performing at the day's 2nd Annual Coffee, Music and Goodness outside on the plaza. Had a real nice visit with Gregg. He was telling me about his hours of volunteering with Salvation Army and the 2009 Waukesha County Volunteer of the Year award he received. He'll be volunteering with Habitat for Humanity starting this week.

It was as he predicted; just start playing and people will gather. Music from 2:00 till 10:00 with a new group or individual every half hour seemed like quite the undertaking, but they pulled it off. A good crowd enjoyed the tastes and sounds around Coffee n' Beans, but also enjoyed fresh bakery offered for free by Habitat For Humanity next door. Coffee n' Beans recently began serving pizza and, since Gregg offered me a slice, I can attest to it's deliciousness.

Gregg had mentioned a good place to find a tasty rootbeer float. My next stop was over by Cookies Galore & More where, in addition to the float, was treated to another free sample. They will be introducing donuts this coming Friday, so my tastebuds got a sneak peek. 

The largest art project in Waukesha, a year in the works, had little to do with Art Crawl 62. For 31 years the south-facing wall of Discount Liquor had been a blank canvas just waiting for the right moment. Other's have inquired, but the Waukesha Historical Mural Collaborative Project  seemed like the best fit. When muralist Chris Vincent presented Discount Liquor's Michael Greguska with her idea and a rough drawing of the Waukesha history mural he didn't just like it, he framed the drawing! 

The mural is a collaboration with Good Friend Inc., and it's main event was over before the Art Crawl even began. Two mothers of autistic kids formed Good Friend about 3 years ago to raise awareness and teach acceptance of others with autism. Yesterday afternoon, autistic children from each of Waukesha's elementary schools were paired with fellow students to help paint the leaf border along the bottom of the 20' by 50' mural. The kids did a good job and wrote their name and school names on the leaves. Denise and Chelsea are currently producing their second DVD - due out in January. They also travel to schools, dentist offices . . . anywhere teaching would help foster empathy in others.  I made several good friends at the mural yesterday.

to be continued

I'd seriously considered going back down to the Fox River the next day to watch Badgerland Water Skiers perform the show in costume which I'd watched them practice for Tuesday night. It'd been a while since I'd seen the show and, judging by the practice, they'd gotten a lot bigger and better.

I mentioned to a friend how much I enjoyed the practice and, not only was she also planning on attending Wednesday's show, her son was in it! "We can go together!" Her son, Scott Susek, is an accomplished ski jumper.

Through Scott and conversations with my friend it came to light that the team is going to the National Show Ski Tournament next weekend, Aug. 14-15, in Janesville. (WaukeshaNOW did a photo write up on the team in the July 29th edition of the paper.) I was highly encouraged to attend next Wednesday's show, Aug. 11, as they will be in practice for the National competition.

Did I enjoy the show? 

You Betcha!

Warm and humid didn't keep hundreds of families away from Frame Park for National Night Out. I swear, it keeps getting bigger and better every year. Volunteers served up an acre of sweet corn and hundreds of free hot dogs. Four sweaty, local mascots joined the throngs for music, displays and giveaways. Thanks Target and all the other sponsors! Fingerprinting, police, firefighters, sheriff, bike helmets, fire safety house, police dog; they were all there.

Three trouble makers aldermen were there, but there was no walk around the river as in the Lombardi era. Badgerland Waterskiers were practicing for their 7:00 Wednesday show, a very welcome addition to Night Out. Have to say they are good, very good, and I wish I'd just get down there more often to watch them.

Never do I recall a larger Freeman Friday Night Live crowd, and never have I seen more boomers on Broadway, than two days ago for El Rey and the NightBeats at the Rockin' on Broadway stage. The closed street allowed for more seating, dancing and socializing. Thank goodness that the couple drops of rain earlier didn't send the band indoors, because I have no idea where they would have gone.

The eight member El Rey band is clearly the largest group to play Friday Night Live and, being well known and popular, probably encouraged many to come who don't usually visit downtown on a Friday. I'm poor at estimating crowd size, but I'm going to throw out 1000? Broadway was clogged curb to curb and the sidewalks were very slow going.

Signs of Poppin' on Broadway and El Ranchito Restaurant were everywhere; clear plastic containers of colorful popcorn and glass beer bottles were in many hands. Thank you El Rey and the NightBeats for giving back to the community. Relaxing events like this are what brings Waukesha together and helps the local economy. I see no problem with closing the streets and I hope they do it more often. Maybe encourages more people to leave their cars at home. As usual I rode my bike down.

I'm just a clown magnet. Outside El Ranchito a gal was entertaining the kids with balloon animals and, because there weren't too many kids among these boomers, took time to clown around with me.

I wondered how the six other stages competed with El Rey. Fairly well, evidently, as each one had their own decent crowd thanks to the great weather, varied offerings and growing popularity of Friday Night Live in Waukesha.  Even Clarke Restaurant was busy, which was good to see after their concern about street closures.  

Happened to notice three job openings in Wauwatosa at Penzeys Spices. Two of the three jobs interested me. The application contained several interesting questions: Have you ever been to Penzeys before? Describe your experience. What is your favorite spice or seasoning, on what do you use it? Share a story about cooking from your childhood.

If I were really interested in the jobs I'd do a little homework, at least visit the store. As luck would have it Thursday's WaukeshaNOW and Friday's Freeman contained a coupon for a free $12.00 spice gift pack with any $5.00 purchase at Penzeys.

The two Penzeys closest to Waukesha are on Bluemound in Brookfield and the newest store at 83 & 94 in Delafield. I had my first visit to Penzeys on Thursday in Delafield and was pleasantly surprised. I liked the layout, the decor and the variety, but the best features have to be the reasonable prices and the opportunity to smell all the spices. Just about every spice, powder or mixture has a large jar on the shelf to open and sniff. It's quite a lot of fun to just go around the room and inhale all these scents - my favorite being star anise, but hot chocolate mix being a close second.

I bought a jar of Old World Seasoning for $5.00 and got my gift pack of four jars; pepper, cinnamon, garlic and Mural of Flavor salt free mix. I couldn't find MSG anywhere in the store. I had several ideas for the application, and have an extra coupon if anyone wants it. 

Do you have a favorite spice or childhood cooking story? Ever been to Penzeys? Do you remember when there was a Penzeys on South West Avenue in Waukesha?

Friends and fellow Waukesha County Food Pantry volunteers Jerry and Shirley Stanke had their letter concerning too much food being thrown away published in Wednesday's Journal Sentinel. Retired teachers, they're all too familiar with stretching a dollar, making do, recycling, reusing. I worked with them at a meal program in Milwaukee where they explained how they were able control food waste at this site. They also brought home all the empty cans and milk jugs because the facility where we had served didn't recycle.  

They've tried, without success, to get the Food Pantry's policy regarding expiration dates changed. As it stands, foods even one day past "best by" date is discarded. It doesn't make sense to them; especially when other pantries allow up to a year beyond.

I know why Waukesha's pantry doesn't want to go back to the old way of doing it. It's about showing the client some dignity. If we give outdated food it may be safe to eat, but does it still look and taste fresh and not lose nutrients? Clients do mention if they receive expired product. I remember a controversial letter in the Freeman a few years back that drew attention to the Food Pantry. Someone, probably Karen, had to respond that no, they don't intentionally give out expired food.

Jerry and Shirley's letter was well-written, but they left out one main point. If donors to the pantry, or any food drive for that matter, would please check dates before dropping it off there would be far less waste.

________________________________________________________

FOOD PANTRY

Outdated food

A box of dry cereal, never opened, that is dated yesterday - would you toss it in the garbage? As volunteers at the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, we are saddened by the outdated food policy we are instructed to follow. Donated non-perishable food is thrown into a Dumpster if even one day past the expiration date. The extent of this waste is considerable.

Some food pantries in other communities allow a 12-month window before non-perishable foods are discarded. The Department of Agriculture supports that policy because the stamped dates are for optimum quality, not safety, and are determined by the manufacturers.

We have tried without success to convince the board at the pantry to revise its policy regarding non-perishable food. To eliminate waste, the outdated food could be set out for clients who choose to take it or volunteers could be allowed to take it. As volunteers, we would be willing to distribute this food to families and other food pantries that wish to accept it. We are willing to do this on our time and at our expense.

Jerry and Shirley Stanke
Waukesha

It was one of those days where I wouldn't have had time to work even if I wanted to. Fortunately everything went well and nothing was forgotten.

I had an encouraging interview with JTS Direct, just ten miles away in Hartland. They are hiring several positions in the printing industry, so if you're looking for work . . .

Volunteered two and a half hours at the Waukesha Food Pantry. Next month at this time it will have moved to the new Sentry Drive location a block or so north of Sunset Drive. 

Immediately after the Pantry I assisted another Vincentian with a St. Vincent home visit to a family needing food and other help.

The visit took a little longer than expected, so now I was running a little behind for serving the meal at Hope Center. Our St. William Conference of St. Vincent de Paul helps with the meal a couple times a year. My job was to pick up 6 gallons of milk, Walgreens had it on sale, but I also hung around long enough to serve it. I couldn't stay to do the dishes though because the St. Vincent Council Meeting I was attending started at 6:30 in the Goodwill Community Center.

Arrived home for the day with just enough daylight left for the blog to take me for a walk around the neighborhood. 

Satisfying work for just 25 cents a day - I found a quarter on the ground at Walgreens. But I just looked at the clock, it's after 11:30 and I have to get to bed. Have a really busy day tomorrow.

It's been several years since the last Spring City Skyfest at the Waukesha County Fair. That didn't stop three balloons from visiting the fair this evening. The chase was more like a slow stroll. Very calm night.

A little disappointed I didn't get to the 168th Waukesha County Fair for only a dollar Wednesday. Fortunate to have been offered a ticket to Saturday's breakfast by Judge Michael Bohren though. For only five dollars I was able to park, get into the fair, have all the pancakes and sausage I wanted, and support a worthwhile cause. It's the 33rd year of Kiwanis breakfasts at the fair. What started as a fundraiser to build a horse barn on the fairgrounds now assists in charitable good works. Yes, the breakfast was muddy, but it was the good kind of mud.

I spent four lovely hours at the fair Saturday. It was cloudy, but no rain. Temps were great with a nice light breeze. I shot a three minute video to show a little of what you missed if you didn't go to this year's fair.

There was so much talent at this year's fair. I loved looking through all the many 4-H exhibits and contest submissions. Many influential people were there Saturday; Judge Bohren, Sheriff Trawicki, Rebecca Kleefisch running for lieutenant governor, County Exec Vrakas, Alice in Dairyland, Freeman editor Bill Yorth, a few others running for office in the next statewide, and several more. 

One of the most entertaining performers was The Juggler With The Yellow Shoes. He's very funny and talented. I'm sure I was the only middle-aged man there without kids or family, but I thoroughly enjoyed the show. 

Flight for Life had it's second annual blood drive at their Waukesha hangar today. Fairly good turnout too. Around forty donors including me.

This drive was different for two reasons; food was collected for the Waukesha Food Pantry, and a beautiful one-of-a-kind quilt was to be raffled off. The quilt features something nice from each of the fire departments in Waukesha County, and a couple of panels from Flight for Life. The thing is truly a work of art - even has a curtain rod sleeve sewn in for hanging. Anyone would be proud to own it, and I'm hoping I'm the one. As a blood donor I received one ticket.

The quilt raffle was a fundraiser to outfit pilots with night vision goggles; additional tickets could have been purchased for $5.00 each.

The next nearby Blood Center blood drive is Tuesday the 20th at the Town of Waukesha Fire Department on Center Road between 2:30 and 7:30. Donate and you'll havea chance to win a scholarship.

Also Tuesday, Flight for Life will be awarding it's16th Annual Scene Call of the Year Award to the City of Brookfield Fire Department. The ceremony will be held at 5:00 at the Brookfield Civic Plaza on Calhoun Road.

One of Sir Fido's favorite p-mail servers crashed last night. One less place to leave an instant message. 

Too much drinking? Evidence points to something more potent than radium-tainted Waukesha water. 

It looks like spirits were involved early Sunday morning, though doubtful they were Holy Spirits. How else to explain someone causing damage to city property and a 2003 Ford SUV while leaving a license plate behind? Did they think no one would notice?

Speaking of dangerous situations involving Waukesha's water... Alderman Paul Ybarra wrote an excellent editorial op-ed for today's Journal Sentinel. You can read it here. One of the benefits of reading the article online is seeing and responding to comments. It's usually interesting to see what others are thinking.

When Harold told me this morning there was no drinking in his Mini I thought yeah, no problem. No drinking and driving. No problem. He seriously didn't want me drinking in his 2002 baby; his Mini Cooper with 385,000 miles on the odometer, so I ditched the coffee. I really wanted the ride.

As we headed west on 16 toward Hartland he told me he just met the president of Mini USA and was awarded a trophy for the world's highest mileage Mini Cooper. He obviously takes very good care of the car - it still looks spotless. Dealerships do all the maintenance, and my jaw dropped when he said he didn't need front brake pads until 200,000 miles. His car still has original struts and muffler. Just got it's second engine though.

It's a sweet honey of a car that gets around 36 miles to the gallon. For being such a small car with nearly 400,000 miles on the struts it has a fairly smooth ride. It's no wonder he spends so much time in it. 

If you're looking for a mini social Monday...

MINI MONDAY: ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Monday July 19, 2010 - 7:00 pm Ice Cream

Location: John's Root Beer Drive-In, 1317 Arcadian Avenue, Waukesha, WI

MINI Monday's are a great opportunity to socialize with fellow MINI owners! Each month we pick a local custard stand to gather - we typically have between 15 - 20 MINI's in attendance. Come one and all - no need to RSVP for these gatherings. SUGGESTION: Bring lawn chairs!