Can I have a bailout?
It's funny, as mortgage intrest rates approach zero, the difficulty in obtaining a loan rises to infinity....

Place in a 350 degree oven and bake until quiet.

Pepper relish weekend. We went to Witte's farm for tomatos and peppers, and spent yesterday and today in the kitchen. We put up 26 jars of pepper relish, some salsa, and a couple of jars of tomato sauce. better late than never...

One great day off is better than a mediocre week of leisure. This was one of our semi-random three day weekends, and of course we went on a nice ride. The Ozaukee Interurban trail hadn't felt our rubber since April, so we gave her a go. It was a little cloudy and not too warm as we made good time, heading from the fish cleaning station in Port Washington and on toward Belgium and Cedar Grove. Our appetites preceded us to the turn-around point and we were looking forward to a sandwich at a local coffee shop. As we rolled into the middle of town we were distracted by some old sounding music, played on an old PA system. My plane of reference was beginning to tilt, but was quickly grounded again by the scent of grilled food, why, it must be a festival! It turned out to be Cedar Grove's Hollandfest, and we arrived just as it had opened. Looking around the park while we ate some brats, we passed a small pavillion where they were selling something called Oliebollen, which were being kept warm in a dozen or so nesscos (roaster ovens). The oliebollen turned out to be small round fried cake doughnuts, did I mention that they were homade? They had raisins, or not, and were rolled in sugar. Warm and fresh, they were very tasty. Honey asked if we had died and gone to heaven, I wasn't sure...
We lingered a bit, and turned to the way back. It was a bit windy but the doughnuts were great fuel for the remaining 15 miles.

Vacation week. Last week was spent mostly relaxing around the house, a "staycation" if you will. We got out on our bikes several times and that was nice, but it's fun to get out of town and ride some of the great state trails, many of which are only a short drive from Milwaukee or Madison. The choice this time was to do the Sugar River Trail, it's pretty with wildflowers this time of year and is fairly flat, so we could get in a nice long ride. This whole area is very bike friendly, and while Honey and I love the rail-trails, there is plenty of smooth quiet road to be followed as well.
Brodhead was the starting point this time, because we really wanted to stay at the wonderful hotel right at the trail head. Earth Rider Cycling is a lovely little hotel upstairs, and a real bike shop downstairs. The decor is all about le Tour de France, and each room pays homage to a different rider of that race. Bike friendly and comfortable, we really enjoyed our stay and look forward to returning.
The ride itself was interesting, after a big small-town breakfast at the restaurant a couple of doors down from Earth Rider, we headed out on a trail that was wet from a heavy storm the night before. We made about 7 miles, clearing limbs where they fell across the trail, when we were caught by a fairly heavy shower. Honey was convinced that the rain would not last, and as we continued it did clear up. At about 11 miles we were stopped by a small tree that had fallen, so we turned around and beat it back to the hotel, then we could get in a shower before going home. Though not as long as expected, it was still a nice ride.

One day, 3 bike trails. It was honey's idea to ride from home all the way out to the Glacial Drumlin trail yesterday. I thought it was an excellent idea, but knew she might regret it by the time we were done..

The Kinnickinnic river parkway is near our home, it's part of the Oak Leaf trail. We started on that, then cut across town towards the Honey Creek and Root River parkways, which took us to Greenfield park.


The New Berlin Rec trail is a great way to get from Milwaukee to Waukesha. One must traverse some city streets to reach the Glacial Drumlin trail, but it's pleasant, and there are coffee shops!

We made it! Twenty miles from home, and all we have to do is turn around and ride back...

Jamming speed Sir!

Blueberry-rhubarb and strawberry-rhubarb. Honey and I made jam today, toast tomorrow with jam hooray!

Wagons, Ho!

We're all set for Jazz in the park . I purchased a great little wagon from a nice guy who had posted it on Craigslist. Now I can grab a couple of sandwiches, pack some beverages, and go stake out a spot in the park. Shortly thereafter, my honey will get off of work and come down to meet me. This is pretty much heaven for us, and one of the best parts of Milwaukee's summer. Click the picture for a biggee if you wish a better look at the neighbors' puppy.

It could be worse

At least I'm not bald...

Bagel french toast! We didn't have any regular bread in the house, there's always Hunger Filler in the freezer, but no soft squishy stuff. There was a package of big soft wheat bagels though, and after an extra long soak in the milky egg mixture we browned them in a frypan before baking them in the oven for 20 minutes. The thing that made them jump from tasty to incredible was a little spoonful of cream cheese in the center of each puffy treat.

Jazzy Fetch from baldyeaglehead on Vimeo.

Jazz playing from baldyeaglehead on Vimeo.

Snowy Milwaukee

This is the first day in a few where I haven't needed to go out and s****l, and boy it's nice to just sit!