Happy Festivus!

Xmas eve was spent wine-tasting at Waterford wine and and also Thief Wine at the public market. Roger treated! :) Then we went to Simone's for a Brazilian birthday party.Xmas day, after airing our grievances  (see festivus) I spent a pleasant holiday with my family. First I met my son and his fiancée at the M&I Xmas display-free of course, and free parking! We went to my sister's for a wonderful prime rib dinner-free for us but $150 for them! Maybe that's why we never have that. :) I'm currently at the laundromat using their freeWI-FI, then going to the Chancery to meet up with my sister and neice to watch the Packer's game. Maybe she'll buy the beer! :)

The day after-Thanksgiving

I spent most of Thanksgiving day writing exams-almost harder than grading them! Went to Dan's for a few glasses of wine and talked to his son, daughter and ex-wife.I never get invited to anything with my ex! :) Then went to my sister's for traditional turkey dinner with pumpkin pie, naturally. Roger made drunken cranberries which fit in since we were on our 3rd bottle of wine by then! Today we're going to see Burlesque (Cher) at the bargain matinee, natch. Then to the 3rd ward for holiday specials and entering contests-then to a bar for cocktails (2-for-1) finally going to Ned's for yummy leftovers.

Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive!

After teaching last night I met up with Roger and Joe at a Beaujolais Nouveau fundraiser downtown-it was the 3rd Thursday in November, after all! Since it was 30 minutes before the end, I just walked in and didn't have to pay the almost $40 fee-but got to drink my share of wine and had great appetizers. I even tried quail eggs!

Friday morning I sat in on a live WUWM radio broadcast at Chase Tower. I got free parking and they had free coffee and doughnuts. Oddly, they were talking about local, organic food, and Klements was there. I should have had sausage!

Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

Roger volunteered at the MKE Public Market last night for Chef Pierre Briere-late of Elliot's Bistro. Here's a description of the class:

Come see for yourself as Chef Pierre Briere shows that you really can make entire Thanksgiving dinner, including a 15-20 pound turkey, in less than two hours!  He’ll also share accompaniments to make this special meal complete.  You won’t want to miss this!

So, of course, that was our dinner as Roger got to take home the leftovers for free! Turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie and a bottle of wine hit the spot on a cool, rainy November night!

Halloween

We went to a Halloween party in Brewer's Hill last night. Got our costumes at 60% off at a local shop. Free food at the party, of course. We took wine. Today, Halloween, we're going to see a murder mystery play this afternoon. We got 1 set of season tickets-just have to get one extra. Staying away from handing out that expensive candy this afternoon. :) Dinner at Ned's tonight-great food at the right price-free!! :)

Gallery Night in the 3rd Ward

Thursday night we went to the MKE film volunteer appreciation party-free food and drinks at Moct bar. A warm night so the windows were open. Friday night was gallery night and we wandered through the streets of the 3rd ward having free appetizers and wine at various stops. Ended the night at Transfer pizzeria using one of our groupons. Tomorrow we're seeing Cabaret at the MKE repertory-free tickets we scored.

Milwaukee Film Opening Night

Using my volunteer voucher I attended the premiere of Milwaukee Film. I stayed at the opening night party until 1 am. It was at Discovery World-a beautiful night to be out on the top of the pilot house with a 360 degree view of downtown Milwaukee. Free appetizers, music and drinks made for a great warm Autumn evening.