Carol Banach

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Doors Open Milwaukee - Menomonee Valley Tour

From Machine to Model

Saturday, September 20, 2014. First stop is the Menomonee Valley Tour. A 90 minute walking tour through an area just East of Miller Park and South of I94.

When Milwaukee was the Machine Shop of the World, the Menomonee Valley was its engine. Yet by the 1990's the Valley's legacy was lost amid hundreds of acres of vacant buildings, a forgotten river, and the north/south divide it symbolized in our community. Today, the Menomonee is experiencing a transformation and has become a national model of sustainable redevelopment.

I rate this tour FIVE stars out of five!

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Finally - I'm caught up!

I'm finally caught up with "The Good Wife" that is. I decided to see what that television show was about so I started with the first 3 or 4 episodes on Netflix in the spring. I really enjoyed it so decided to keep going at a faster pace by signing up with Amazon Prime. Since the end of May I have watched all 112 episodes - 5 seasons worth.

Only about one week to go before Season 6 starts on CBS. I'll be DVRing them to avoid commercials but am really anxious to see what the next season will bring.

Friday, September 5, 2014

The "Punisher" is back!

Now that September has arrived - so has the bowling season. I joined a ladies morning league last fall and really enjoyed it. I started the season with a terrible average of 104 but ended up at 140. I even bowled in a few tournaments with a bit of success.

Unlike golf; I take my bowling very seriously meaning I actually try! I heard about a bowling clinic being given by a couple of pro's last week and took advantage. I did learn a better way to hold the ball and that helped me get my curve ball back. My goal for this year is a 150 or better average.

This fall, I decided to bowl twice a week so in addition to the Monday morning four-person league I asked to join another one. There is a three-person league on Friday mornings. I showed up today and found out that no one is looking for a permanent replacement, but one of the teams did need a substitute for today. I am now that league's official substitute! I was asked to substitute for someone who goes south for the months of November; January and February; and another lady asked me to bowl for her next March 13th! It looks like I'll get my twice a week in quite a bit.

The best part of being a substitute is that I don't have to pay. Of course there will be no prize money for bowling exceptionally well but that's OK. I still enjoy the competition and meeting new people.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

August is the year's end for me.

Not surprising that I enjoy August - after all it is my birth month. August though has a lot going for it. Summer is in full swing by the time August arrives. Walking barefoot through the grass and watching bumble bees moving about from flower to flower is a favorite past time. The lakes and beaches are welcoming. End of summer sales are in full swing and the harvest of vegetables available at farmer's markets make my mouth water. Morning golf is peaceful with the occasional spotting of a deer or two. The State Fair is in town for a 10-day run and is the place to do serious "people watching". August is also down time before schools start and being lazy isn't considered a bad thing. Everyone seems just a bit more relaxed during the month - sort of like taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling.

There is anticipation of what's right around the corner too. Sport fans are hopeful as baseball is nearing the playoff season and football teams are starting up. Parents with school age children are hopeful for a new year of growth and learning. Children are excited to get new school supplies and clothes. They are hopeful their teacher is nice and look forward to seeing their school friends.

I'm personally looking forward to a new season of bowling - crafting- and participating in photography and drawing classes this fall. But because my birthday arrives towards the end; spending time with family and friends is like the cherry on top. For me the year ends August 31st with a new year beginning September 1st.