Large bur oak against a partly cloudy sky

Sesquicentennial Oak Tree Felled for Highway Expansion

If you are like me, you worry about politicians who don’t share your values. But often it’s the bureaucrat, unknown and out of the public eye, who makes the most frustrating decisions. Recently it was discovered by local environmentalists and nature preservationists that a large bur oak would be cut down to make way for an expansion of Wisconsin State Highway 26 between Milton and … Continue reading Sesquicentennial Oak Tree Felled for Highway Expansion

Snow covered back yard

A Wisconsin Winter Recipe: How to Make Your Backyard Look Like You Live Here

Project: How can you make your backyard look like mine in the featured photo? Instructions: Start with an evening temperature of 54°F.  Cover with water for three hours. Next, reduce temperature to 36°. Cover with an inch of sleet for about one hour. When the layer of sleet is complete, reduce the temperature again to 32° and cover with an inch of wet snow. Finally, … Continue reading A Wisconsin Winter Recipe: How to Make Your Backyard Look Like You Live Here

U.S. map showing state by state binge drinking rates

Wisconsin Ranks No. 1 in Binge Drinking

Wisconsin takes first place in the nation for binge drinking according to a study reported in January, 2012 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nationwide, one in six American adults (according to the CDC) is a binge drinker. In Wisconsin, however, the statistic is one in four adults. Binge drinking in the study is defined as five or more drinks in a … Continue reading Wisconsin Ranks No. 1 in Binge Drinking

Millet plant in my flower bed

Mystery Millet Grows in Janesville

After returning from vacation back in August, I discovered a small plant growing in the small flower bed next to my driveway. Nestled among the dead rose bushes, the stalk-like plant had leaves that looked like corn. Thinking it was another weed, I ignored it for a couple weeks during which time it grew some two feet. It sprouted seeds at the top and spread … Continue reading Mystery Millet Grows in Janesville