Takin' the Blog for a Walk

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The first interested person to contact me in the comment section of this post can have this bike for free. It's a dark blue 12- speed Firenze in almost-new condition with no mechanical problems. I've only owned it three days.

The blog took me for a walk Saturday and insisted we bring this one home even after I told him we already had too many. Like several of my bikes, this one was picked up at the curb after being set out for trash.

I've often wondered why someone would toss a perfectly good bike. Either they're moving, the bike needs more repair than they care to give it, or they just grew out of it. Maybe the kids moved out of the house? Many of the bikes I find, including this one, needed just minor repair. I do understand tossing out good stuff. Often it's done with knowledge that someone like me will recycle it before the trash haulers get to it. But now? With gas prices past $4.00 a gallon?

Check out Waukesha County Freecycle if you have items you don't need but don't want to throw away. 

If you'd like this bike, be sure to add an email address in the "your URL" area of the comment section so I can contact you 

************5/29 addendum**********

Two days and no takers? Everybody OK with gas prices? It's a decent bike. We just don't have room for it. Is it because it's a men's bike? OK, the first person to contact me can take their pick; I also have a nice women's Schwinn 10 speed with full fenders that's also taking up too much space. Hey, what can I say? I'm a collector. We have a dozen rideable bikes here. Need to make room for more!  

I wonder if the writers at the Journal Sentinel tried to make one of today's headlines sound funny: SHEEP SHEARERS IN SHORT SUPPLY. Strength-sapping, specialized, seasonal skill seeks students by the seashore. Well, OK, I did add "by the seashore" and changed one other word, but try swiftly saying it seven times.

We've all heard it before. Excuses made for serious crimes or accidents. Like having alcohol or drugs in the system somehow explains their actions and lessens the responsibility for them. How about the people causing crashes who blame inattentive driving on adjusting the radio, dropping a cigarette, yakking on the phone or your distraction here? 

One memorable distraction of my own was 16 years ago when I left work early because I felt nauseous. I ended up throwing up while driving I-94 at 65 mph. Like many distractions, this one came without warning or enough time to pull over. Unlike the latest distraction of the trucker who slammed into the school bus, I was able to stay in my lane and never lost sight of what was in front of me.

It's said the truck driver was drinking from or choking on a soda. Doing around 50 mph he slammed into the bus, stopped and with flashing lights. 16 un-seatbelted kids all survived the horrific crash. Miraculously. Thank God for all the mandated safety features of school buses. Because there was fire, things could have gone the other way. No amount of safety features could have protected the kids from a gas-fueled fire.

If you were driving a 50,000 pound bomb 50 mph down a road where school buses are common at 3:30, would you allow yourself to become so distracted that you don't see flashing red lights of a school bus or even slow down? There must be more to this story and it'll be interesting to see what, if anything, the driver is charged with.

There's too many similarities of this accident with the Bukosky accident: all the victims on the way home from school on a Friday, all hit from behind by a larger vehicle doing around 50. Didn't appear any attempt was made to slow down or stop.

The difference in the accidents is all in Jennifer Bukosky's car were wearing seatbelts, and three didn't survive. None of the kids on the bus wore seatbelts, and all survived. It's a testament that safety features on buses really do save lives.

On another matter: a couple days ago we learned a Milwaukee man blew a 0.03 when he showed up at the Waukesha County Courthouse for his seventh OWI. He had been out on bail and was told not to drink as one of his conditions. Are any brain cells left? This guy wasn't thinking.  

********6/3 update: trucker gets wrist slap***********

Truck driver ticketed in school bus crash

A truck driver who slammed into the back of a Wheatland Center School bus May 23 won't face criminal charges, but he has been cited for the crash that injured 16, authorities said.

Mark Irek, 51, of Elkhorn told investigators he began choking after he sipped water, and that he closed his eyes as he coughed.

Irek was ticketed for inattentive driving and for failing to stop for a school bus, sheriff's Lt. Paul Falduto said.

Beyond that, "the investigation determined there was no criminal negligence involved," Falduto said. "The case is closed. The tickets are issued."

Just over a year ago we were given the opportunity to see Les Paul, hear him play, and have a nice dinner...all for a mere $300.00. It was a fund-raiser that sold out but was a little steep for me and everyone else I talked to.

A short while ago we learned that Les will be in town for the June 21st opening of the Les Paul interactive exhibit at Discovery World, "Les Paul House of Sound". Today I'm happy to report he will be playing here again, at age 93, and tickets will be much more affordable - starting at $50.00, but won't include dinner. There is, however, the opportunity to view the Discovery World exhibit included in higher level ticket prices.

This concert is being billed as "An Evening with Les Paul and Friends: His 93rd Birthday Celebration in Music." The ticket price for the concert and admission to the exhibit is $93.00 - one dollar per year of age.

Today's Journal Sentinel reported that tickets will go on sale Friday May 23rd, for the Pabst Theater concert June 21st, but actually go on sale next Friday, the 30th. Call 414-286-3663 or visit www.pabsttheater.org to order.

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The world''s largest coal-fired steam locomotive was in town (Milw.) today after filming of "Public Enemies" in Chicago. Saw it at Amtrak on my way to work. It weighs nearly a million pounds.

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Saw my other niece today and almost didn't recognize her. Selena just got her hair cut for the first time in her six years, and I'm so proud of her. Six years old and she donated a foot of hair to Locks of Love. It was her choice - Mom and Dad didn't make her do it. She knows a young girl with leukemia and she thought it was the right thing to do.

What a great kid!

This week was Bike to Work Week in Wisconsin and I tried to take advantage of it as much as I could. Now that winter's over I'm no longer walking the last mile and a half to work after disembarking the county bus on Wisconsin Ave. in Milwaukee. The bike allows me more free time before work begins and I used it this week to explore the lakeshore and riverfront, besides interesting neighborhoods. It's a good way to start the day and a fun way to get to know your city.

As in other years, Milwaukee had something planned for every day of Bike to Work Week. Tuesday, before stopping at Sigma Environmental on Canal Street for a little coffee and conversation, I visited the Hank Aaron State Trail's display of really nice student art. Both painted on the walk and attached to the fence, the art with Civil Rights leanings gives the viewer something to think about as the trail winds it's way west next to the Menomonee River.

Wednesday through Friday of this week I made sure to stop at Alterra Foundry coffee house on First Street for some complimentary fresh coffee and very delicious and generous bakery. The cookie I had yesterday was at least 6" diameter and normally sells for over $2.00.

Today we visited the Waukesha Police bike auction and came away empty-handed. I estimate between 150 and 200 people were there at the beginning and the bidding seemed high. It was good to see there is still quite an interest in two wheeled transportation. Could gas prices have anything to do with it?

Ever notice how much the phone sounds like the alarm clock when it rings at 5 a.m.? Me either. But the phone did ring this morning and I was very happy. It meant my newest niece was born into the world today. A little early but healthy. 

congratulations to Mom and Dad, my brother and sister-in-laws. I can't wait to see her.

**** 5/25 update****   came home from hospital today

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Yesterday was almost perfect; the weather sunny and calm, many things are in bloom, not too hot or cold and no bugs. This is a great time to welcome the birds that were away for so long. There's cute baby bunnies hopping around the yard lately, and there's just a couple huge bees busily polinating around the house.

Once again I was able to avoid yard work so Sir Fido had time to take me for a walk. Of the three rummage sales we encountered, two were closing for the day, and we fortunately didn't come home with any more junk. He loves the walks as much as I do; while he's eagerly checking out every scent like a curious child, I'm enjoying the people I meet and nature I encounter. 

The Waukesha Farmer's Market opened for the season yesterday with live music, give-aways, police and fire departments and lots of delicious food. Because I put so much thought into some hanging baskets attracting more bees, all I left with was a sturdy cloth shopping bag full of fliers, however. The market has come a long way. When I had produce myself to sell 25 or so years ago, we just went down to the river on Saturday and set up a table. There was little advertisement and few customers. Take a look now and you'll see all kinds of food, plants, handmade things... and lots of community support and advertising. Many downtown businesses have taken an interest in the market now because, thanks to the BID and stall charges, word is getting out, there is variety and freshness, and people are coming.

The Pewaukee River Run was finally held yesterday - the water too high in April when it was originally scheduled. It was fun seeing canoes and kayaks full of people wildly paddling toward Frame Park on the Fox. Hopefully no one piled their boat into a river obstruction, of which there are quite a few.

North picked a great day for it's prom. At the grand march we saw hundreds of teens in their finest, my son and his girlfriend among them. The gym was packed with enthusiastic parents, relatives and friends for the introductions and prom court selection. After the march a dozen or more limos were among vehicles used to transport the juniors and seniors to the PAC  Milw. for a night of music, food and fun.

The best part of the day for me was waking up at 4:50 in the morning because that meant HOT AIR BALLOON SEASON HAS STARTED! Two balloons launched from a field next to Boomer's Pub in Pewaukee and headed south-west with me driving one of the chase vehicles. They both landed in the area of Wern Valley Sportsmens Club, a beautiful area with lots of birds and farmland. The couple in our balloon were a pleasure to meet - very friendly and funny - and it was their wedding anniversary. The light wind was so perfect for their flight, taking them over Retzer Nature Center and much wildlife. What a great way to celebrate 22 years of marriage.

Two weeks ago today a terrible accident shook Oconomowoc. The aftershocks are still felt in the Milwaukee Metro area and now, with talk of changing the laws, in all of Wisconsin. How do you forgive a former doctor for recklessly ending the most innocent of lives?

Everything about this tragic crash was wrong. Everything from the speed of the SUV, driven just two days after suspension of driving privileges, to the kind of drugs he was on his way to pick up. How do you forgive someone who was so doped up on drugs that he couldn't even see a car in front of him, yet thought he could still pick up some Viagra?  

Reading the online guestbook, one notices how very many people were touched by the tragedy but had never met Jennifer. The fact is everyone knew her. Everyone has a mother. Had a teacher and a principal. Everyone has known someone expecting a baby. Has birthdays. How do you forgive someone who kills another in what was probably their happiest time of life?

Mrs. Bukosky was doing what mothers all over the world do every day. She was transporting kids home from school. She was looking forward to her 40th birthday the next day. The new baby on the way. Her life with her new husband and family. She was looking forward, as always, to seeing the kids at the school who love her and she them. How to forgive someone who wasn't looking forward?

I feel this accident has affected more people. Personally, other than one involving my own family or friends, I can't imagine a worse accident. The baby Jennifer was carrying was not only loved and wanted but was treated as fully human, as it should be. Her 10 year old daughter? What had she done to not deserve to grow up and have kids of her own?

How do you forgive someone who was trained to save lives but instead took them?

Condolences to fellow WaukeshaNOW blogger Steve Bukosky, Jennifer's father in law. Our prayers are with you now and always.

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******BaysideNOW******   ***********Fairly Conservative**********

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A decent article it today's Journal Sentinel goes a long way to clear up many questions. How did Discovery World's "Les Paul's House of Sound" come to be in such short order? Who was behind it and what was the motivation? What are they trying to take away from Waukesha Historical Society's efforts, if anything?

I feel a lot better knowing a former Waukesha alderman and friend of Les' was the prime motivator. Richard Cook is the same alderman who persuaded fellow aldermen to rename the 164 bypass Les Paul Parkway back in the 1990s. His former bandmates and people they know worked hard to bring an exhibit on Les to the "perfect" setting of Discovery World. The news was so unexpected because few knew of the plans and because of the short notice.

All the musicians involved in this project work well together because they all love Les and want to honor him with something he himself can enjoy. It's reassuring to know their intent isn't to upstage Waukesha's efforts. It may even help or motivate them.   

additional coverage in May 6th editorial

Someone made off with the kid's bike last week at North. It was a green stunt bike we picked up last year at the police auction for a few dollars. It was locked with a pretty good sized Master lock. They didn't cut the cable, but smashed the combination lock.

Since we purchased the bike at a police auction there's a fair chance that it was stolen once before. I wonder if we'll have another chance to buy it at this year's auction?

The police auction this year is May 17th at the station on Delafield St. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and bidding starts at 9:00. Last year there were way more bikes than bidders and many were going for a dollar or not even sold at all. It's a great deal for large families especially, but anyone needing just one bike part can buy a whole bike cheaper than a new tire, seat, etc.

Many outdoor activities were planned even though the weather didn't cooperate. It was cold and wet Saturday for the many benefit walks scheduled; the HAWS Pet Walk-a-Thon, RiverWalk for Breast Cancer and the one I was on, Parkwalk for Cancer in Mukwonago. It was also opening day of fishing, Art Crawl...

Yeah it was cold and wet yesterday, but probably not as cold and wet as it was for the two young women caught skinny-dipping in Pewaukee Lake Thursday morning after bars closed. And I'm presuming no one in Waukesha took part in World Naked Gardening Day Saturday? At least I didn't see any freezing gardeners in my neighborhood. 

I joined Tim's team, Walking With Tim, for a little fund-raising walk in the rain:

 It was my first time at Mukwonago Park and I enjoyed what I saw from under an umbrella. It was also the first time seeing Tim and his family since his dad left my workplace. It was good to meet his extended family and friends. He seems to have a good support group and was in a good mood despite the weather.

The light rain didn't do too much to dampen spirits yesterday. Everyone still enjoyed the walk.

Use the comment feature below to let us know what you did on Saturday. Did you do a walk or catch any fish?

I had to attend UWW's String Ensemble and University Chorus Spring Concert Friday. The price was right, (free) it was easy to get to, and it's the last concert of this school year. Though the audience could have been larger for this great performance, those in attendence were appreciative and enthusiastic.

Spring was the theme among the twenty or so pieces, split between the violin trio and chorus, some going back 500 years. While many folks have difficulty just singing in English, this finely-tuned choir sang equally well in French, German and Italian, as well as English. With ten sopranos and only three altos the higher voices really carried the songs. Everyone seemed to enjoy being part of such an amazing and pure performance and there were plenty of smiles on display.

Though the String Ensemble was amazing, especially in their last piece - Pachelbel's Canon in D, I didn't much care for the one piece the men's chorus performed. Maybe it was the piece itself, but their version of Toller's A Red Red Rose seemed to lack enough feeling to match the lyrics of the song.

Having all year to practice together as a chorus really paid off. This was their finest performance of the year by far. I'm so glad the rest of the audience enjoyed it as much as I. We gave them a well-deserved standing ovation and called them back for a very fun encore of Passereau's Il es bel et bon.

Because director Brian McLinden chose to not have an intermission, I was back home less than two hours after I left. I seriously wasn't even missed. How unfair is that?

I have my ticket for today's Waukesha Choral Union production of Mozart's Requiem at St. Joe's. If I enjoy it half as much as UWW's concert it will be money well spent.