Gas Pains
Tom grew up in Milwaukee, bartended in Wauwatosa in the '70s and moved here in 1984.
Commentary, observations and musings about the outdoors, life in general and maybe Tosa politics and personalities will be the order of the day. He savors a lively debate as much as terrific cooking.
Dogpatch
Cartoonist/satirist Al Capp popularized the fictional community of Dogpatch in his cartoon strip - Li'l Abner.
Tracing the Footsteps
By now you know that Jill and I spent a couple of weeks in France. Besides being the first two week vacation we've enjoyed in fourteen years it was also a pilgrimage of sorts - most of which I'll save to share another day.
Decoration Day
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5th, 1868 by National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic - General John Logan.
In Defense of Marriage
Not too many years ago Jill and I were invited to a fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration. As is the nature of such celebrations; following the feasting and toast-making there is the speechifying.
Bionic Dog
There is a thread over on the Tosa Town Square about: Kathleen Vinehout: Dairy Farmer, College Professor, State Senator. The individual who posted it suggested that Tosans might - Get familiar with the name. This probably has something to do with Senator Vinehout's musings about running against Governor Walker.
Día de los Muertos
St. Bernard's reminds everyone of one of the traditions of the Catholic faith - namely the remembrance of the dead this time of year.
The House Finches Return
So far this year we've had Cardinals nesting in a giant tangle of a rose bush along the fence in our tiny back yard.
Deer Camp - Day Seven
Odocoileus virginianus - commonly known as the whitetail deer - is native to Wisconsin. I freely admit to harboring a mild obsession over this creature. It goes beyond hunting. It extends to understanding its behaviors, preferred habitat, its place in nature and in our culture. Even the politicization of this wildlife species has captured my attention.
Liver and Onions
When it comes to life’s simple pleasures it is hard to beat a soak in the hot tub, a good cigar or liver and onions.
It Don't Come Easy
If you're old like I am you might remember this song by Ringo Starr from the summer of 1971.
The Pitter Patter of Little Feet
I happen to think that there happens to be nothing more up-lifting than a puppy picture to brighten your day.
The Pitter Patter of Little Feet
I happen to think that there happens to be nothing more up-lifting than a puppy picture to brighten your day.
Death and Dying
Early one morning last week I stopped to visit my dad on the way to the day job.
Uncle Dick's Tomato Juice
Last month I was at a birthday celebration that happened to include a generous cross section of my vast extended family.
A Wee Bit O'Blarney
Last week I cozied-up to warming glow of my laptop and while enjoying a Guinness composed a perfectly good St. Patrick's Day post that was all set for publication this morning.
Why Do Kamikaze Pilots Wear Helmets?
Last Friday I was leaving the assisted living center for the first time through the front door.
Closing the Old Year with a Bunch of Firsts
It was back to the world of reality today. The routine of the day job and the back-log from being away from the day job. Changing my eating habits and no more sleeping-in. It wasn’t a slap in the face – but it was close. Let's call it a rude awakening.
Happy Thanksgiving From Deer Camp
This recipe takes eight months so be sure to plan ahead...
The Cat Doesn't have Ten Lives
Figaro, of
Canada Day
Today's music rekindles fond memories of a summer of traveling and a certain German girl.
On The Road Again - Island Life
As our stay on Grand Isle drew to a close one of the fellas on the block said - Tom, you're a helluva fisherman. You fit right in with us folks. You even speak some French. You should buy a place down here.
On The Road Again - Doing The Blue Crab Shuffle
If you clean a mess of fish there is a really good way to recycle all of the heads, guts and stuff that's left after you have retrieved your valuable and tasty fillets.
Class Reunion - Updated
The Tosa East Red Raiders hosted Brookfield East at Hart Park last Saturday - defeating the Spartans (37-35) in the Raider's homecoming with a fourth quarter rally.
The Garden Chronicles - Memories
One of my fondest memories from childhood is of the big family garden behind our garage.
Memories of Mom and a Special Pheasant Hunt
Friday night a buddy calls me with the news (make that a notification) that we're going pheasant hunt'n on Sunday.
