Christmas Tour of the Governor's Mansion

Yesterday we toured the Wisconsin Executive Residence in Maple Bluff.
It was about 24 degrees with a wind, and we waited about 30 minutes.
I had been to the residence about 30 years ago, but B and the boys had never been.
Now I want to find out how to be a docent here.

Built in 1920 for the Johnson Family, the current residence are Governor Scott
and First Lady Tonette Walker.

J and S on the Mendota Lake side. What a beautiful view, state capitol and all. You might notice white at the shore line... that's ice forming!

I love the iron fence.

One of the urns and lions outside the home.

The garland wraps around the entire staircase.

The Ladies' Room, very feminine.

The dining room had hand painted silk wall coverings,
and a a rug with woodland violets on it, which is the state flower.

China by Lenox, crystal stemware by Mikasa and sterling by Tiffany.

The large tree in the reception room, decorated as a Tribute to the Troops.

The Drawing Room had lots of light and plaid. It was my favorite.
The UW-Whitewater Reed Trio played.

The Library, with a tree decorated in the Glow of Christmas Past, in recognition of the significance of Wisconsin's role in the Civil War. The boys liked this room best... it had weapons.

The end of our tour, the Sun Room. It was very colorful and whimsical.
A delight for children.

There is still time to enjoy a tour.
Wednesday, December 14 from 1-2
Thursday, December 15 from noon to 2
Saturday, December 17 from noon to 2
Although there is no charge to tour the mansion, Governor Walker requests you bring a canned good as a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Visit to Wisconsin State Capitol

No protestors in sight.... time to visit the state capitol. Friday the boys didn't have school, so we went downtown. It was a perfect autumn day.

We have the most beautiful state capitol. We have visited many capitols across the country, and I feel safe in saying this. You also can walk right in... and walk on the grass (or picnic, if you are so inclined.) In the summer the Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra plays on Wednesday nights and thousands of people lay on the grounds enjoying the music.

The doors leading to the Senate chambers. Note the badger above the door.

Fromagination

Fromagination is the most beautiful store I have ever seen, anywhere.

The merchandise is lovely and the display's amazing. The store is right on the Wisconsin's beautiful Capital Square.

I bought a great wedge of Chalet Baby Swiss, my favorite Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Wisconsin's Upland Cheese Company. S loves triple creme, so a good size wedge of Delice de Bourgogne came home for him. The cheesemonger asked me if I liked blue cheese, which I do, then she gave me a taste of Rogue Creamery's Rogue River Blue. This cheese is wrapped in Cognac soaked grape leaves and is amazing. It is also the most expensive cheese I've ever tasted or bought, at $50 a pound. I bought a very small sliver of it. And I don't plan to share!

National Mustard Museum

The boys outside the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin.

J has been wanting to go here all summer. He's a little odd, but I like that about him.
The great wall of mustard, organized by nation.

We watched a film about mustard at the Mustard Piece Theatre.

Enjoying lunch, with mini hot dogs, brats and pretzels, topped with any kind of mustard available.

Here is the mustard vending machine.

We came home with several kinds of mustard. There are thousand of kinds of mustard in the gift shop, all available to taste. S won a bottle of Kopp's mustard in a ring toss game. I got two jars of Grey Poupon, just by giving a five dollar donation. We had a great time, the trip really "cut the mustard".

Wisconsin Wednesday

I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan...

Nueske's made in Wisconsin
Good enough for the past three Presidents, good enough for me.

Soft as a Baby's Behind

A friend gave me a jar of this, and my skin is as soft as a baby's butt! It's all organic, smells wonderful and is made in the USA, Wisconsin in fact! I went on their website, http://www.trilliumorganics.com/ , and looked at all their other products. I am ordering more of the body polish, I might need the 64oz. professional size, and some lotion. There is a warning on the jar: Warning: Healthy skin can be habit forming. This has happened to me, my shower has doubled in length, and B is getting sick of me saying, "Feel my skin". If anyone wants to show off some skin this summer, this is a must have. Thanks, Kimberly, for one of my favorite things!