My Running

I have enjoyed running for a number of years.  As a child I was a sprinter; built for speed and not too interested in running long distances.  My Father and Brother both ran cross country in High School and continued running through adulthood. 

This past Saturday I ran a 5K race to support research for a cure for Ovarian Cancer.  This disease took the life of my late wife in 2008.  I participated in the first event by the local Ovarian Cancer group in 2006, with friends and family.  In 2007 I ran the 5K race with my Daughter-in-law and ran a decent time, finishing 3^rd place for my age group.   We ran the race again in 2008, which had become a much larger event and hosted by the local runner group.  More than 600 runners participated in this race.  This year the race was smaller and was part road course and part cross country, with the course running through a wooded area.

I finished 3^rd again for my age group, though I ran more than 3 minutes slower than 2007.  In all of the races I finished in the top half of the total field-this year I finished 79 out of 166.   After the 2008 race, I had significant pain in my left leg while running.  After about a year of pain, my doctor took x-rays and declared me fit to run.  The pain persisted and I took the x-rays to a sports orthopaedic doctor who suggested my doctor missed that I clearly had three stress fractures, and had never given them the chance to heal.  The doctor asked why I continued to run with significant pain, and I didn’t have a good answer for him.  It has taken almost three years to heal properly, after reinjuring my leg several times.  I am now pain free again, though I am intentionally running easier and slower than previously.  Five years ago I ran under eight minute miles and now I am intentionally running over nine.

I enjoy running and typically run every weekday morning before work.  The first picture was taken after the race this weekend.  The second picture is my son, grandson and friends that participated in the walk and came for support.  After the race, we went to my son’s house for beer, pizza and football.  The third picture is my 3^rd place finish in 2007. The last two pictures were taken in 2006.  The racing sausages from the Milwaukee Brewers participated and they were not nearly as fast as they appear when they race at the ballpark.  I guess they are not built for speed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tommy Thompson is a Piece of Crap

I didn’t start this blog a year ago to push my political views on anyone.  But sometimes you just have to speak up.  For my blog readers that live outside of Wisconsin or in other countries, or are just politically oblivious, Tommy Thompson is the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate running against Democratic U.S. Representative Tammy Baldwin.   Tammy’s politics are liberal and she is an openly gay woman; not that her sexual orientation should matter.  Both are trying to fill the seat vacated by retiring Senator Herb Kohl.  Senator Kohl is respected by many members of both parties as a very decent and charitable man. Maybe a little ineffective, but very decent.

Tommy was elected to four terms as the Governor of Wisconsin and viewed by many, including me at one time, as having been effective. Much of his rein was during the boom time Clinton years, when every Governor looked like an economic genius.  Tommy left to become number 43’s Secretary of Health and Human Services.  Tommy preferred the Department of Transportation and was at odds with GW over his appointment.  Ironically HHS was financially rewarding to Tommy.

Tommy was often quoted or recorded saying amusing or sometimes politically incorrect sound bites. We shrugged those off as part of lovable Tommy.  I met Tommy years ago, which began my shift in opinion.  I invited Tommy to a celebration at our company which included some General Motors’ executives.  It was good publicity for our company and good politics for Tommy.  However, Tommy came across as the most arrogant ass I had met to date.  He was upset that the lineup of GM executives didn’t include the CEO, suggesting our guests were not worthy of his presence.

As a U.S. Senate candidate, Tommy is being criticized for the significant income he has made since his HHS appointment.  Like many ex-politicians, Tommy is politically useful to groups desiring access to his contacts.  Tommy has financial stakes in companies that have benefited by his influence.   It is reported that Tommy’s position on Medicare changes would benefit companies he is involved with.  Regardless of the apparent conflict of interest and self-serving politics, he probably has done nothing illegal.   Give Tommy a break.

It has been reported often that Tommy had numerous extramarital affairs and many viewed that as too much of a political liability for Tommy to consider running for public office again.  I don’t believe Tommy’s sexual habits should be a consideration and in fact he would be considered a hero in France or Italy.  The only person that should have an issue with any of Tommy’s alleged affairs is his wife Sue Ann, who is a very decent person.   Give Tommy a break.

Tommy has refused to make his personal income tax returns public.  Obviously he has made a lot of money and the potential conflicts of interest are already public.  The man has met the financial disclosure obligations for candidates.  Give Tommy a break.

Many conservative people believe a marriage should be between a male and female.  Tommy’s anti-gay positions would suggest that is probably his belief.  Or maybe between a man and a woman and a mistress and …   I don’t agree that a religion based definition of marriage should become a legal/constitutional position, excluding a significant portion of our population from the rights and benefits they deserve.

Tommy’s anti-gay position is well known.  On the Chris Matthews show, Tommy said that employers should be able to fire workers because they are gay.  After someone with greater intellect suggested to Tommy that his comments are offensive and outdated, he attempted to suggest he misunderstood the question.  That is actually possible. He also reiterated his position at a 2008 Republican Presidential debate.  

However, Tommy’s campaign recently decided to attack Tammy Baldwin based on her sexual orientation.  They planned to show Tammy having fun at a Gay Pride Fest rally, suggesting she is unable to speak to “heartland values”.  Tommy hasn’t publically denounced this campaign tactic, implying he agrees.  If only Tammy would have married a man and then had serial affairs.  Tommy would then have to talk about the real differences of policy that mark this election.

Tommy is not fit to represent the 21^st century United States.  His publically espoused exclusive views preclude him from representing the populace.  Tommy, if you are reading this, the translation is that a bigot shouldn’t be a Senator.  Stick with your current gig-many of your people are jealous of what you have accomplished, on multiple fronts.

I can only think of two other men that I have as little respect for.  Tommy, you are a piece of crap. You don't deserve a break anymore.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jdTLzzpYMo

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvP_vYI6GHc

 

 

Weekend at the Lake

Every year our family gets together for a weekend at my Father and his wife’s home on the lake.  The lake is one of the best in the Midwest.  I am the oldest of five sons and everyone is scattered around the U.S., and occasionally the world.  In addition to my brothers, our children and grandkids come to have fun.  This week is also my Father’s 81^st birthday.

The weather was perfect with plenty of sun and low humidity.  Everyone enjoyed the boats and jet ski, and the kids did well fishing.  The food served was excellent, and beer and wine were plentiful.

This is generally the only time all five boys are together.  Historically we struggle to discuss certain subjects, such as politics and it is usually considered off limits.  This weekend the political discussions were actually civil and all of us were impressed.  We did have one minor argument over the passing of a family heirloom to the next generation, though it quickly ended.  I guess this happens in families.

I had a great time seeing everyone again and enjoyed talking with people that have a similar sense of humor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Grandson's 2nd Birthday

My Grandson celebrated his 2^nd birthday this past weekend.  My Son and Daughter-in-law held a small party at their house, with good food and beer served.  My Grandson had incredible energy throughout the afternoon and evening.  He is a typical little boy in love with his toy cars and trucks.  During the party he put down his toys and decided to throw rocks at the windows, shattering one on his first try.

My Son cooked rotisserie chickens which were delicious and served with an incredible tuna salad and a potato salad.  My Daughter-in-law and her sister made an owl themed cake, cupcakes and decorations.

During the cake eating and present opening, we cheered and clapped many times, at my Grandson’s direction.  It was a very fun celebration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richland Center, Wisconsin

I am currently working in Richland Center, Wisconsin.  This small town of 5,000 people is located in Southwest Wisconsin in an area known as the "driftless" area.  The geography is unusual with high hills and deep valleys.  It is believed the last round of glaciers missed the area.  The countryside is beautiful. The Pine River runs along the city and is spring fed.  Trout fishing in the area is excellent.

Richland Center is a city that time seems to have passed by.  It has a Mayberry feeling and look.  That is not meant to be a bad thing, however the humble little downtown probably hasn't changed in 50 years. The red brick county courthouse is amazing. I went to the local furniture store to buy a bed, and the lady recognized me as someone from out of town. She seemed excited that I was moving into their town and told me about some upcoming events, including a country music festival and tractor pull.

Country music plays everywhere and the town has its own radio station. I originally thought there were only 10 country songs ever recorded, but I now know there are more than 20.  Just kidding country fans.

I have developed a nice little routine to my life here.  First thing in the morning I go for my run and workout at Symons Recreational Center on the UW RC campus.  It opens at 4:00 a.m., so I can get a full workout in before work.  On Fridays, the Church of Navarone near my apartment sells bratwurst for  $2 including sour kraut and onions. 

Two blocks away is the Alcam Creamery which has the most amazing butter, produced from the milk of nearby Amish farms and then handrolled.  Rumor has it that the Ruth's Chris steak chain uses their butter, and melts some on top of their steaks.  I now know their secret. Surpisingly, I first heard about Alcam while living in Taiwan.  An ex-pat friend living in Taichung told me about the great butter he found while visiting a factory nearby.

Richland Center has a number of large dairy processing plants, a foundry, a Rockwell automation factory and other manufacturing plants.  Employment seems plentiful here and finding a decent apartment is tough.

I am a fan of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.  While most people think of him as a resident of Spring Green, he was born in Richland Center.  Only one building in town was designed by the master-the A.D. German Warehouse.  The building is famous with Wright fans and many people seek out Richland Center to see his early career work.  Once I moved here, I planned to go find the building.  One night I was cooking dinner on the grill on my second story deck. I looked up and realized the building was across the street.  I recognized the Mayan patterned tiles around the top of the building, peering through the trees.

Richland Center has a super Walmart and I'm thankful for that.  Life here isn't too bad.  The people are friendly and it takes me between 3-5 minutes to get anywhere, including work.  I've never before had a job that I lived so close I could go home for lunch.  That's kind of nice.  On weekends I return to our home 2.5 hours away to enjoy my life there.

Madison, Wisconsin

My wife and I spent two days in Madison, Wisconsin.  She had been to a conference at UW many years ago, but had never spent any time touring the city.  Everyone I have ever met that has either gone to school or lived there loves the city and I can understand why.  I had to show her Madison. 

The night before, we had dinner at the home of my wife's friends from China.  Their 14 year old daughter, a food network junkie, prepared a multi-course dinner that was fabulous.  Such a talented young woman.

After sleeping in late, we went to tour the State Capitol building.  I had been there on school tours as a child, but not since.  The marble work is incredible and the views of the city from outside the rotunda are amazing.

My daughter-in-law and son, both UW alums, suggested we eat lunch at Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry.  Dotties has the best burgers and we looked forward to the lunch.  When we arrived, workers were renovating the building and the owner was standing outside supervising.  He apologized and said they were closed until the following week.  We had no plan B, so we walked towards State St. and had lunch at State Street Brats.  The weather was nice and we sat outside drinking local beers, eating bratwursts and deep fried cheese curds.  A more Wisconsin lunch you cannot find.

Montee Ball, the University of Wisconsin’s Heisman award hopeful running back, was badly beaten by five men after leaving State Street Brats late at night.  It wasn’t my wife or me; we were both sleeping at our hotel at that time.  The beating is alleged to be revenge for an earlier fight involving Ball.  Again, it wasn’t us; we did not fight with Montee.

After lunch we walked to the Memorial Union on the lakefront for an ice cream.  We sat on the patio watching the sailing students launch their boats and people ordering brats and beer from the outdoor stand.  It was very relaxing.

Later we went to Monona Terrace, the Frank Lloyd Wright designed conference center, built 40 years after his death.  The views were incredible and a FLW history pictorial was interesting.  I borrowed some photos from the website.

Madison is a very livable city and a great place to visit.

Fun Weekend

My good friend from Texas visited, as he does every year at this time.  On Saturday the two of us joined two other good friends for golf.  The weather was hot and humid and the cold beer served by some talented employees on the course was very tasty.   After golf, my friends and their wives, my son and his friend, wives and my grandson came over to the house for a party.  There was a great deal to talk about, and a number of new stories told and old stories repeated.

On Sunday morning my son’s friend invited us to his apartment downtown for drinks and then took us to the professional beach volleyball tournament at the lakefront.  He played volleyball at Ohio State and was one of the NCAA kill leaders during his day.  So his perspective was good. Sunday’s weather was cooler with low humidity.  The Jose Cuervo girls handed out free stuff and generally entertained the crowd, especially the males.  We watched a few matches and then enjoyed the beach, where my son, daughter-in-law and grandson were having fun.

The weekend was great fun and very relaxing.  My friend left the house this morning at 4:30 a.m. and I drove long distance to my job.  We have been enjoying a version of this weekend for years and I hope there are many more ahead of us.