3.5 Stars is the Sweet Spot

A couple of months ago, Tara told me about this viral TikTok video where some filmmaker claims the best Chinese food comes from restaurants with average reviews. Apparently, 3.5 stars is the sweet spot. I was skeptical at first. It stands to reason that a restaurant with 5-star reviews would have superior cuisine, right? Bigger … Continue reading 3.5 Stars is the Sweet Spot

Oh, there’s no plate like ham for the holidays.

Just like that, our first Wisconsin Christmas is a wrap! The one thing I wanted more than anything else was a white Christmas. Elliott came barreling in with cold so fierce by Friday morning, there was no way any of that snow already on the ground was melting. The result? That perfectly picturesque Hallmark white … Continue reading Oh, there’s no plate like ham for the holidays.

Real (non-plastic) flamingos and a pretzel the size of my head.

Check out this photo of me and my parents. We'd just finished up an excellent lunch and wine tasting at Stable Rock Winery & Distillery in Jefferson last Friday and had half a day of exploration left. Looks perfectly innocent, right? Approximately 60 seconds after Tara took this pic, I stepped off a curb because … Continue reading Real (non-plastic) flamingos and a pretzel the size of my head.

Snipe Hunting in Wisconsin (Followed by Jell-O)

A few days ago, the TobacCo office manager stopped by my desk to announce that there would be a company ‘bags tournament’ on Thursday and asked if I was interested in participating. I had no idea what a bags tournament was and nearly responded with something witty, ala “paper or plastic?”, but she recognized the … Continue reading Snipe Hunting in Wisconsin (Followed by Jell-O)

Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little brat like you.

Last October — long before we had any illusions of moving out here — I blogged about this candy corn bratwurst that a Madison, Wisconsin grocery store was selling. Here's what I wrote: Be still my heart. What a brilliant invention! They’re two great tastes that taste great together. Well, I assume; sadly, they’re only available … Continue reading Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little brat like you.

A basket full of goodness on the highway to hell.

I brought my lunch to work yesterday and was eating in my office, but I made a beeline for the break room sink once I got to my peach. One bite and I knew my desk would have been a sticky mess had I stayed. There’s something about a ripe peach that is sublime. It’s … Continue reading A basket full of goodness on the highway to hell.

Does the 5-second rule apply to city sidewalks?

Every Friday, I treat myself to coffee and a breakfast item. It's my reward for reaching the end of another work week with my sanity intact. Some weeks it's more intact than others, but that's beside the point. Last week, I stopped at Starbucks for a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew and a Spinach, Feta … Continue reading Does the 5-second rule apply to city sidewalks?

Farewell Voyage of the S.S. No Name

It's been quite a productive weekend so far! With sunshine and temperatures in the 60s, Tara's been busy in the garden. First, she built a row cover for her raised beds. This is to protect them from the cold. We've probably seen our last freezing temperature of the season, but they're forecasting lows in the … Continue reading Farewell Voyage of the S.S. No Name

Time zones will be the death of me.

Tuesday afternoon. I'm in Hartford, South Dakota, working away on my laptop. Two interviews are in the can; the third is scheduled for 3 p.m., half an hour away, so I've got time. Or so I think. An email pops up, interrupting my work. We hope everything is okay. We waited at the shop for … Continue reading Time zones will be the death of me.

Guac-blocked by the Supreme Dictator.

Thank god it’s May 5. Not because I love Cinco de Mayo or anything (though I appreciate a taco or margarita as much as the next fella). I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with all that “May the Fourth be With You” Star Wars-themed nonsense anymore. Apparently, May 4 has been associated with … Continue reading Guac-blocked by the Supreme Dictator.