Palaces of Ice

Heading north in winter is not something I’d normally recommend, but the islands off the coast of Bayfield, Wisconsin offer breathtaking beauty worth the wearing of a few extra layers. If you're very, very lucky, you might experience the ultimate beauty: the Northern Lights (at left).

The Apostle Islands are a cluster of islands reachable by ferryboat most of the year, until the bay between Bayfield and Madeline Island becomes frozen. At that point, island bound visitors can actually drive across the bay via the ice road. While this in itself is a fun and unique experience, it doesn’t compare to the splendor of the island’s ice caves.

Imagine walking or snowshoeing across the ice and into a one of these incredible ice
palaces! Keep in mind that visiting the ice caves requires a 2-mile hike (round trip) and it’s important to call the Ice Line at (715) 779-3397 - extension 3 for the most current ice conditions. For more information, check out this website: http://www.nps.gov/apis/mainland-caves-winter.htm.

Winter spelunking is not the only outdoorsy thing to do on these frosty islands. Try cross country skiing, ice fishing, and winter camping (brrr…no thanks). Or for something really different: dog sledding. You can go for the annual dog sled race in February to watch the fun, or, for a fee,
actually ride a dog sled!

Thanks for stopping by. PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT for a chance to win a copy of Lynda Lee Schab’s Mind Over Madi, a delightful book about a woman trying to reconnect with her
husband, her faith, and her kids while trying to ignore the Edy’s Dibbs calling to her from the freezer.

Take the Plunge!

Today I’m welcoming author and literary agent Linda Glaz, whose Kindle edition of Polar Bear Plunge is available starting today from White Rose Publishing. Linda’s fascinating background could be a novel in itself! She is an Air Force veteran, soccer nut, karate instructor and theatre buff, in addition to being an agent with Hartline Literary. Read on to learn a little bit more about Linda and her novel, and as always, LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF POLAR BEAR PLUNGE.

Congratulations to Lynda Schab, who won a copy of Thyme for Love by leaving a comment on the previous post.

Synopsis of Polar Bear Plunge:

Brice Taylor might not be on Aleni Callan's Christmas list, but she finds him under her tree anyway.

Nurse Aleni Callan's anger toward God is fueled when Brice Taylor enters her life. Not only does Brice have no regard for his own life—as evidenced by the concussion and hypothermia he suffers after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge—he escaped the war in Afghanistan and lived to tell his story in a bestselling book, while her precious husband was killed.

But little does Aleni know that God’s will can be orchestrated in all kinds of ways…sometimes through a meddling but loveable mother-in-law who conspires with Brice and Aleni’s son, Tyler, to force her from a lonely, bitter life.

Q. Linda, what inspired you to write this story?

A. I have to laugh, because this was a love offering. My oldest daughter, who is a nurse, always wanted me to write about an nurse named Aleni. When White Rose sent out the word that they wanted Christmas novellas, the story just fell into place (with a nurse named Aleni)!

Q. Did you have any particular challenges along the way?

A. Honestly, this was the easiest book to write of any I’ve done. And with the wonderful crit partners I have, that made it even easier.

Q. What message do you hope will resonate in reader’s hearts after reading it?

A. That life does go on if we give it a chance. No matter HOW difficult the future looks.

Q. Will we be seeing these characters in future books?

A. I’m hoping to do a Valentine’s Day or another holiday themed book with some of the characters here.

Q. Where can readers purchase Polar Bear Plunge?

A. White Rose Publishing and Amazon. And during the month of the December, it’s only one dollar.

Q. Tell us about the apple pie recipe that follows.

A. We just had it again for Thanksgiving and it was yummy! I always eat too much of it. My mom always taught me that good apple pie has different kinds of apples and that gives it the tart/sweet combination that makes the pie taste so good.

REALLY SCRUMPTIOUS APPLE PIE

Crust:
2 cups flour
3/4 cup Swiftning (this includes animal fat, but you can substitute 2 Tbs. of
butter for 2 Tbs. of the vegetable shortening instead.)
2 Tbs. sugar
Approx. 1/4 cup ice cold water (you might need a bit more)

Cut flour and fat with two knives until coarse. Add water, a couple teaspoons at a time, until the dough pulls away from the edges. Roll into a ball. Allow to sit for a few minutes.
Roll into very thin crust and line a pie plate. Reserve the rest for the top.

Filling:
Good apple pie needs different varieties of apples for full flavor.

8-10 medium-sized apples of different varieties. Try:
Macintosh, Spies, Empire, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonathans, and Ida Reds.
These are all good for pie, use at least 3 kinds.
Slice very thin and mix with:
1-1/2 cups white sugar (depending on how sweet you like it. I like 1 ½)
1 scant tsp. of cinnamon—no nutmeg!!!
3 rounded Tbs. flour

In the bottom of the pie pan, sprinkle a couple tablespoons of the sugar over the bottom crust. This helps keep the bottom crust from getting soggy. Pour in the apples until they form a mound in the middle. You should have a 2-3” peak of apples when you are done. Dot with 2 tablespoons butter in pieces. Roll and place top crust. Pinch edges or add a decorative edge if you like. Cut lots of slits in the crust and bake 15 min. at 425 degrees on a lower rack. Then switch to 375 degrees for 35-40 min. Will be golden brown. You can spray water over and sprinkle lightly with sugar the last 15 minutes if you want a glaze. Allow to cool to lukewarm before serving.
Optional: You can also spoon some slightly diluted caramel (I use Kraft caramels melted with
a bit of milk) over the top about 10 min. before it's done and then sprinkle with all kinds of
chopped nuts. Finish baking. That is to die for!

Thyme for Love!

Congratulations to fellow writer Pamela S. Meyers, who’s debut novel, Thyme for Love, was recently released by OakTara. This romance with a twist of murder mystery is set in one of my favorite places, the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area, which happens to be where Pam grew up. Here’s a quick blurb about the book: When April Love signs on to be an in-house chef at an old mansion in Canoga Lake, Wisconsin, she has no idea that her former fiancé, Marc Thorne, works there. It doesn’t take long for the old magnetism to recharge, but April can tell there’s something he’s reluctant to reveal. When their boss is killed, Marc is accused of the murder. Read on to learn more about the book and author, and…LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF THYME FOR LOVE!

ALSO…Congratulations to Laury Hubrich, who won a copy of Mind Over Madi by leaving a comment on the previous post.

One of the lessons we writers learn from the get-go is “write what you know.” Now that doesn’t mean we can’t delve deep into our imaginations, it simply means we should pepper in people, places, bits of dialogue, images, and experiences from our life to add color and realism to our books. Pam did that in a big way with her character, April Love, who is a chef. Pam loves to cook (making her a perfect guest on Taste the World), and was raised in the area where her book is set. I don’t know if she ever had a hotty like Marc Thorne in her life, but we’ll let Pam keep that mystery to herself.

Q: Thanks for joining us, Pam. I love the combination of romance and mystery in Thyme for Love. Can you tell us a little more about it?

A: April Love has always dreamed of being a chef. When her Aunt Kitty hears of a in-house chef position for a non-profit organization housed in a lakeshore mansion next door, April returns to Canoga Lake, Wisconsin, where she’d spent many summers growing up, to apply for the job. When she discovers her former fiancé Marc Thorne working there, she wonders if this position was really God’s intention for her. After all, Marc all but left her standing at the altar to chase his own dreams in California. It doesn’t take long to realize Marc is hiding secrets and despite returning feelings for the man, April determines she will not make the same mistake as she did eight years earlier. But when their boss is found dead and Marc is framed for his murder, April has no choice but to turn sleuth to keep Marc from being accused of a murder he didn’t commit.

Q: What inspired you to write this story and use the Lake Geneva setting?

A: I’ve always loved romance and mysteries, and decided to write a story that married the two elements together. I grew up in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and have always been fascinated by the many 20th Century mansions that dot the lake’s shoreline. I toyed with the idea of setting the story in one of those homes, but decided to create a smaller lake and village just to the east of Lake Geneva to gain more freedom with some of the details of the story and its characters. I loved having the area located close enough to Lake Geneva that April and Marc could go there for a meal at one of the actual restaurants there. I also gave them backgrounds that involve working on Geneva Lake as many college students do during the summer months.

Q. Will there be a sequel to Thyme for Love?

A. I’m so glad you asked. Thyme for Love is part of a three-book series called On the Road to Love. Books 2 and 3 involved April and Marc, and both are set in Canoga Lake. In Book 2, Love Will Find a Way, April moves into an old Victorian home with plans to turn it into a restaurant and catering business. It isn’t long before a discovery made while they are renovating the home threatens to hijack plans for the grand opening. In Book three, Love’s Reward, April and Marc’s wedding plans are in full swing, until it becomes apparent there is someone who doesn’t want them to marry.

Q: Will we be seeing other books from you in the near future?

A. Oh yes. I’m very excited about Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, coming out in June 2012 from Summerside Press. It’s a 1933 historical romance, and I had a blast researching for the story.

Q. When you aren’t writing, what fills your days?

A. I volunteer at my church in the multicultural ministry, helping Japanese women learn to speak English and lead a women’s small group Bible study. I’m also chapter president of my local ACFW chapter which meets monthly. Also, I enjoy reading (surprise, surprise) and movies.
I love to cook and find new ways of making things. You’ll find an adaptation of a recipe someone gave me called Chicken George at the back of Thyme for Love. The original recipe involved canned soup. Very tasty, but no trained chef would use canned soup in a recipe, so I set out to break it down and compose a healthier recipe from scratch. I thought it turned out well, but what would my friends say? I served it at my women's Bible study Christmas dinner and everyone raved about it. I loved having April prepare it in the novel, and look forward to experimenting with more recipes for the sequels.

Pam was kind enough to share her Chicken George recipe so we can all give it a try. Thank you, Pam – it sounds delicious!

Pam’s Revised Chicken George

6 boneless chicken breasts, split
8 oz. sliced Swiss cheese
10 oz. sliced Baby Bellas (mini portabella mushrooms)
1 medium chopped onion
1-1/4 cup Sour Cream (non or low fat)
1-1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
½ Cup regular sherry (not cooking sherry)

Saute mushrooms and onion in olive oil. In medium bowl mix sour cream and chicken broth (I used an electric hand-held blender tool) until blended and smooth. Add mushrooms, onions and sherry to sour cream mixture. Mix together.

Arrange chicken breasts on bottom of 9 x 13 pan. Layer Swiss cheese over chicken.

Mix herb stuffing mix with Smart Balance (I use that in place of butter or margarine). Layer over cheese.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Remove cover and bake additional ½ hour.

Mind Over Madi

Congratulations to Donna Winters, who won a copy of THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS!

I am excited to feature my good friend and awesome crit partner Lynda Schab today. Lynda and I have been travelling the rocky road of writing together for a couple of years now. We first met at an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference and soon had the same agent. When I responded to Lynda’s request for a critique partner, I never knew the writing relationship would quickly blossom into a friendship…but I’m grateful that it did. Now I get to celebrate with her as she launches her debut novel, the first in a 3-book series, MIND OVER MADI. Here’s the Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Madi-Lynda-Schab/dp/1602903034/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320949762&sr=1-1

So come and meet the fabulous Lynda Schab, and…

LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN MIND OVER MADI.

Q. Lynda, we crazy writers seem to have this driving need to put the stories in our heads down on paper. When and how did you get started?

A. I’ve always loved to read, which seems to be a precursor for all writers. I don’t remember exactly when I picked up a pen and started to write, but I remember writing a story in 6th grade called The Summer I Went to Honolulu (no, I’d never been there – and still haven’t!), complete with caricature drawings. I moved on to writing plays for my cousins and me to perform for our parents, then tried my hand at poetry. In high school, it was all about poetry – some of it was pretty good, but some was very, very bad. I still love to write poetry, but prefer to create funny, rhyming poems for retirement parties, milestone birthdays, bridal or baby showers, and other fun occasions.

Now that I know that, I expect my very own Lynda poem next birthday.

Q. What was the first thing you ever had published?

A. Besides a little blurb in a high school newsletter, my first professionally published works were greeting cards for Blue Mountain Arts.

Q. Who has encouraged you most on your writing journey?

A. Definitely my mom.

Awww…I thought it was me. But I guess there’s no trumping Mom.

A. (continued) Mom has always believed in me and encouraged me in my gift. Professionally, one of my greatest cheerleaders has been Deb Porter, administrator for FaithWriters.com. From the moment I joined FaithWriters in 2004, Deb spoke blessings and positivity into my life and motivated me more than she’ll probably ever know. Another organization that has blessed me so much is ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Joining was the best thing I’ve done for my writing career. The members, many of them published authors, have served as mentors to me and some have become fabulous friends.

Q. What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

A. Favorite: The creative process. Thinking a story through from beginning to end and then seeing my vision come to life through the characters and situations I create.

Least favorite: Definitely the self discipline it requires. Time management is something I’ve always struggled with. Making myself sit down and focus when I know the basement needs cleaning, laundry is piling up, my office needs to be organized, or I want to watch the episode of Survivor I missed the night before is my biggest challenge.

Q. Okay, now for the big question: What is Mind over Madi about?

A. Madi McCall is a 38-year-old mom of three whose insecurities are destroying her marriage. When she suspects her husband Rich is cheating with the mother of one of his fourth grade students, she kicks him out of the house and he moves in with his bachelor brother. Madi is then forced to take a deeper look at herself and her insecurities. She does this with the help of a counselor, her best friend Sylvie, and a few cartons of Edy’s Dibs. At a 20-year get-together with former high school classmates, Madi runs into “the other woman” and things come to a head. It’s a lighthearted story about taking a true look at ourselves and accepting God’s grace when we think and do dumb things.

Q. On the cover photo, Madi is wearing a tiara. What is the significance in that?

A. Madi’s therapist challenges her to think of herself as a princess – the daughter of the King. Madi has never thought of herself this way, and throughout the story, there are references to various Disney princesses as Madi tries to figure out which one she most relates to. I had fun with the theme, even giving “the other woman” the fairy tale-ish name of Fawn Witchburn.

Q. As a Christian writer, I know you want your stories to touch reader’s hearts with a message. What do you want readers to take away from Madi’s story?

A. An understanding of just how infinite God’s love is. That no matter what we’ve done, God will never stop pursuing our hearts or desiring a relationship with us. His mercies are new every morning and His grace covers our weaknesses, our mistakes, our ignorance.

Thanks, Lynda. Great answers – I expected nothing less! I’m sure you’ll have many readers looking forward to the next two books in the series: MADILY IN LOVE and SYLVIE AND GOLD.
How can readers connect with you?

My website address is www.lyndaschab.com. I also have a blog with various writing and reading-related material at www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com. You can also connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.

Lynda is the mother of 18-year old Zach and 14-year-old Lyndsey, and has been married to her husband Rob for over 23 years. Today she’s sharing one of her family’s favorite recipes, which is mentioned in MIND OVER MADI and is included in an eBook titled NOVEL MORSELS – a cookbook featuring recipes from 65 Christian Fiction authors, based on their books/characters.

Here’s the link to purchase the eBook, and here’s a little secret…USE THE CODE LYNDASCHAB TO GET THE BOOK FOR FREE!!

http://nicoleodell.com/parent-side/nonfiction/novel-morsels/

Excerpt from MIND OVER MADI:
I feel like Mother Hubbard. My cupboards are almost completely bare. But wait—an unopened box of mostaccioli pasta and a jar of sauce sit side-by-side on my cupboard shelf. My mostaccioli rocks, if I do say so myself. I got the recipe a long time ago from a magazine and I tweaked it a bit, perfecting it over the years. It’s the one homemade dish I make that I’m actually proud of. Okay, to be honest, it’s pretty much the only homemade dish I ever make. My family loves it. Then again, from the way Max shot down my offer to make a mostaccioli dinner for Sam sometime, I’m thinking perhaps it’s not quite as scrumptious as I’ve convinced myself.

My recipe that's featured in Novel Morsels (and Mind over Madi):

Madi's Mean Mostaccioli

1 pkg. (16 oz.) mostaccioli pasta
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 t. pepper
1 t. Italian seasoning
1 jar (28-32 oz.) Spaghetti sauce
1 can (11 oz.) Cheddar Cheese soup
3 cups (12 oz.) Shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350.

Brown ground beef and drain.

Prepare pasta, as directed on package. While pasta's boiling, add seasonings, spaghetti sauce and soup to ground beef.

Simmer until pasta is ready. Drain pasta.

Combine ground beef mixture, pasta, and 2 cups mozzarella in large (3-4 qt.) baking bowl or casserole dish.

Mix well. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese, if desired, on top. Bake 40 minutes.

Embrace the Spirit

Ornaments, trees, and gift wrap already fill the aisles of all the department stores. Do you ever feel like the hustle and bustle of Christmas distracts you from the amazing miracle of Christ’s birth? Sometimes I just feel deluged with shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, and shopping some more. And then…I go to Christmas service, and let myself get enveloped in God’s love—a love that sees beyond my sins and flaws, washes away my past, gives me hope and a future. Last year, I had the opportunity to write a story for The Spirit of Christmas anthology, with a forward by Debbie Macomber, just recently released by St. Martin’s Press. If you think you'll be needing some Christmas Spirit in the months ahead, the kind based in LOVE, not gifts; PEACE, not chaotic shopping trips; HOPE, not stress, check it out.

HOW DO YOU EMBRACE THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS?

LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS.

My story, "Christmas Rainbow," begins in 1964 and reflects the changes in our Sicilian family through the decades, as we married, had children, and blossomed into a multi-cultural family with different backgrounds, personalities, opinions, and perspectives, but strong in our conviction to love one another, as Jesus said to do. His command had no “small print,” no caveats regarding skin color or country of origin. Just “Love one another, as I have loved you.”

Mine is one of 42 short stories in the book. I hope you enjoy it.

China--Country of Contrasts

I just finished reading Patti Lacy’s fourth novel, RECLAIMING LILY, which is partially set in China. I truly believe it’s her best one yet! The book was just released Oct. 1 by Bethany House, and I had the privilege of reviewing it for Faithfulreader.com. Here is the link to the review.
http://faithfulreader.com/reviews/9780764209413.asp

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF RECLAIMING LILY, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LISA LICKEL WHO WON LOST IN DREAMS!

Patti is graciously stopping by Taste the World today to share some thoughts on China, Reclaiming Lily, and her writing in general.

Q. Patti, your plots encompass family secrets, fractured families, segregation, and illness. Do you see an "author's theme" developing through your work?

A. God gifted me a career verse, Romans 8:28, as a theme for my “Spanning Seas and Secrets” novels. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Dear ones, He will work for your good even in the throes of abandonment. Rape. Rejection. Miscarriage. Fatal disease.

Q. In researching Reclaiming Lily, you traveled to China. Do you claim any social, business, or cultural ties to that country?

A. In 1987-1988, my parents taught English in China via the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board. YEARS later, God whispered, “Write Reclaiming Lily,” which tells the story of a brave Chinese doctor who just HAPPENS to be Mom’s physician. Can you believe God’s ways? To capture China on paper, I just HAD to go. In May 2010, China unfolded in a BEAUTIFUL way. A soulmate friend who’s a Chinese national guided me to areas rarely seen by Westerners. I explored the complexities and incongruities of this great land.

My passport proves I spent 17 days in a glorious land. I spanned over 15,000 miles, drank gallons of green tea, dined on food rivaling Europe’s gastronomic delights, tiptoed through courtyards where emperors lived, amid their 8,000 buildings and countless servants.

Contrasts abound: Women rinse clothes in a stream swollen with garbage. Women dressed haute couture stroll by. Mercedes limos swerve past rickshacks. Post-modern, neon-lit skyscrapers tower over timeless hutongs (walled neighborhoods) fueled by propane, most with no running water or modern bathroom facilities. My heart found the rhythm of these neighborhoods where we sat on stoops and shared drinks and food with locals. Though I inhaled China books (over 20), the great lady blew to smithereens my every preconception.

Q. How was the street food?

A. We survived (THRIVED) on street food. Locals who saw us eyeing their entrees waved us onto compact stools and said, “Dig in!” Chopsticks tweezed food into six mouths, then back to a communal platter. Never ate better. Never felt better. Since Chinese only eat right-handed, I was a CELEBRITY…and lost eight Midwestern-winter-gained pounds while gobbling stinky tofu, chicken stomach and feet, quail eggs, dumplings stuffed with wild mountain greens, and a dizzying number of delicious veggies and fruits.

Q. Other thoughts on China?

A. China is a ginormous place. But Oh. My. Her beauty swept me away.
Did I gain admittance to orphanages? Interview one who’d relinquished hold on a beloved child? No. Yet if I got it right, China and its people infuse every page of Reclaiming Lily.

China. Kinda like life. The more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know.
Oh, China, I do not know you. But I love you.

Thanks, Patti. And what would a “Taste the World” author interview be without a recipe? Here’s a Chinese recipe that Patti sent to share.

Black Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast, about 8 oz. (cut into thin strips)
1 onion (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (cut into thin strips)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (use 1 tablespoon to marinate the chicken)
1 teaspoon freshly milled black pepper
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon Maggi seasoning
2 tablespoons oil

Marinate the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for 10 minutes.
Heat up a wok and add cooking oil. When the cooking oil is hot, add the sliced onions and quickly stir-fry until aromatic and follow by the bell pepper and black pepper. Stir-fry for 1 minute and add in the chicken strips. Continue to stir-fry until the chicken is cooked. Add in soy sauce, Maggi sauce, and sugar. Continue to stir-fry until the onions are caramelized. Dish out and serve hot.

Kickin' Back in Kenosha

My blog has taken a 3-month hiatus (maybe it was travelling the world) as I’ve pursued some writing goals and prepared my next travel show. Now I’m back and it’s back, so let me tell you about a fun little stop we made on our way to the Dells this summer. But first, I must announce the cookbook winner, chosen from those who left comments on the previous post.

Congratulations, Tammie Shaw! You have won the Beef, Pork, and Lamb Cookbook, composed of recipes by various chefs. And since you waited sooooo long to find out, you’ll get a little something extra, too.

LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST TO WIN THE YOUNG ADULT NOVEL, LOST IN DREAMS, BY ROGER BRUNER.

Today’s destination: Kenosha, WI, which actually is not on the way to the Dells from my Chicago suburb, but was worth the extra travel time. We chose Kenosha for two reasons: 1. They have a diner there that was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (more on that below); and 2. My next travel show is Taste of the Midwest, and I needed photos of Kenosha’s Civil War Museum. Now we have another reason to return to Kenosha: Tenuta’s Italian Grocery and Deli. Love it!

So, for all you Food Network fans out there, here’s the scoop on FRANK’S DINER, located at 508 58th St. Unless you were specifically looking, you would drive right by it. Small front, a few tables along the sidewalk, nothing to catch your eye. But inside…pure delectable deliciousness. Their claim to fame is the “garbage plate” – a sumptuous combination of hashbrowns, green peppers, onions, jalapenos, eggs, and choice of meat and a variety of veggies. Prices run from $6.50 to $10.50, depending on the ingredients and whether you choose half or full size. Half is normally more than enough for a man-size appetite. Other signature items include cinnamon swirl French toast and a chili and cheddar omelet. We ordered a deep fried Twinkie, just for kicks. Yech. Enough said. Expect a long wait if you go on a weekend, but also expect the unexpected.
www.franksdinerkenosha.com

CIVIL WAR MUSEUM AND LAKEFRONT, 5400 First Ave. – The best description comes for their own website: “Through state-of-the-art museum technology, life-size dioramas, and interactive engaging exhibits, visitors travel back in history to the social, political and economic influences that contributed to the Civil War.” Across from the museum is a huge flea market and craft fair, which I believe runs every Friday throughout the summer. Across the street, the beautiful lakefront, complete with lighthouse, beach, and rocks for climbing or resting on as you gaze at the water.

TENUTA'S – Even before entering the store, you’ll know you’ve found a gem. In nice weather, the outside café is open, with menu items like eggplant sandwiches and Tenuta’s homemade Italian sausage. Inside, Italian food galore…and more! First, the piano player greets you with old-time music and a corny joke as you enter. That alone is priceless. As you proceed, you’ll find entire aisles of pasta, olives, giardiniera, and a huge variety of imported olive oils (the good stuff). And the delli, mama mia! Not only fresh meats and cheeses, but fresh cannolis and a plethora of other rich, gooey desserts. That doesn’t begin to cover it, so check it out for yourself if you get the chance. Here’s their website: www.tenutasdeli.com.

If you go to Kenosha, don’t miss the OUTLET MALL, which is technically in Pleasant Prairie, but close enough. All in all, a great place for a day or weekend trip.

REMEMBER…LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN LOST IN DREAMS.