Recall

I hope we have not entered a new era where dissatisfaction with enacted legislation results in a recall effort. I have always thought election days were for expressing our agreement or displeasure with elected officials.

Give Thanx

If you are looking for something special to do on Thanksgiving Day morning, check out the Berbee Derby in Fitchburg. It is a 5K run/walk or 10k run. Great way to start off the day of food, football and giving thanx for all the blessings we share.

Philanthropy

Last Friday I was presented with the Lifetime Achievement of Philanthropy by the Association of Fund Professionals. The luncheon was held at the Overture Center and was attended by some 400 persons. It was a wonderful event. It is at times like this that you are reminded of how much generosity truly exists in our Dane County community.

The Beauty of Wisconsin

On some of the recent beautiful days, I have taken short bike rides out into the rural areas. Observing all the farm machinery working in the fields reminds me how important those folks are to all of us. Long hours, big risks and love of independence gives us farmers who provide for our food needs. But it is so difficult for the smaller farm to survive. It is encouraging, however, to occasionally see signage that some farm land is a "No Spray Zone" and is organic.

Economics

You likely notice any new economic news on this blog. There is really not much to report on. Interest rates still historically low. If you have a home loan and have not refinanced within the last six months, you really should go to our web site at oakbankonline.com and check out the rates. My guideline: if your loan balance is over $200,000 and you can reduce your rate 1/2 percent, you should consider refinancing.

How About Those Cardinals?!

Two months ago the Cardinals were so far out of the pennant race that next season was already being planned. But here they are.... world champs! Just another example of Jimmy Valvano's "Never give up".

Hail Mary

I'm still suffering from the UW loss Saturday at East Lansing. It is always exciting to watch these Hail Mary attempts when it involves other teams; but hurts like h--- when it happens to your team AND it is successful! MSU is a good football team but I hope we get another shot at them in Indy on Dec 3!

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

Well, it was a great run for the Brewers. I was at the game last night. Not usual for me to leave a game early, but I did. Couldn't stand to watch Cardinals celebrate on our lawn! I wonder where my grandkids get their competiveness?

Still got the Pack and Badgers!

Wow!

Can you ever remember a nicer week of weather than this? Brewers better cap off things tomorrow night. Don't want to be the first National League team to lose playoff series after leading 2-0 in best of five!

What a Weekend!

Has anyone experienced a more exciting sports weekend in Wisconsin than this weekend!? I had to give up Brewer playoff tickets for today's game, but will be going to Brewer game tomorrow. But had to give up Packers tickets for tomorrow! Thank goodness for grandkids!

Autumn

Ah, Autumn! My favorite season. Beautiful Wisconsin weather; Badger and Packer football. And this year.... the Brewers possibly in the playoffs!

I've been attending a lot of funerals lately. Reminds you that life is like a strand on a spider web. Fragile and too brief.

Enjoy every day. Especially this time of year!

T'is The Season

This is the best time of the year, in my opinion. Brewers in contention; big expectations of both the Badgers and Packers; wonderful weather and the anticipation of the changing colors of nature!

Enjoy every day!

Here and There

It is refreshing to see the political scene quieting down. There has to be compromise but the huge debt our grandchildren are going to have to service is a major problem. It will take sacrifice and courage to solve that dilemma.

Is this a great time for sports in Wisconsin! The Brewers, Badgers and Packers are among the best, if not the best, in each of their sports. A great time to be in Wisconsin!

As Madison trys to find a way to meet its budget problems, why is no one talking about the raises given public employees prior to the collective bargaining law taking effect??

Glorious Ride

Last Saturday I did a 100 mile bicycle ride as a fund raiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We had 400 riders from all over the country and raised over $1 million, a record for a ride. We started in LaCrosse, crossed into Minnesota, then down the Mississippi to Lansing, Iowa. Then a 20 mile loop in the hills and back to Lansing for the return trip up the Missisip.

What a great group of riders. We had about 80 riders from the Madison Chapter of JDRF who will be friends forever. Hopefully a cure is in the near future.

Build Consensus

Hopefully our adverse political climate will return to some form of sanity. We need leaders who have courage to do what is right rather than cowtowing to special interest groups who contribute the money to get them reelected or elected. There is something wrong when it becomes all about money. And I am not against money, but it should not buy power.

Brewers, Badgers and Packers

I know of no other state that can be as proud of its three major sports teams as we are in Wisconsin! Brewers in first place in their division; Packers strong contenders for another Super Bowl; and the football Badgers talking about a National Championship!

Beauty in Wisconsin

If you have never taken a drive on the country roads in and around Hollandale, you need to do so. Just go out toward Barneveld on 12/18. Just before Barneveld, turn left on County Hwy K. A stop at Botham Winery is suggested. Then just meander. Incredible views.

Rocky Mountain High

Just got back from Denver. I was impressed by the cleanliness of the city. The views of the Rockies are awesome! And 300+ days of sunshine! But most of all, I was impressed by the friendliness of the people in Denver. Especially the police. How refreshing to meet public employees who really want to please you; unlike those who have forgotten who their "customers" are.

Summer is Here

Hopefully this summer will give our society time to discern the serious predicament we are in internationally, nationally, state-wide and locally as to the amount of debt we have accumulated. Keep in mind that the debt service requirements for interest alone accounts for a significant portion of our total governmental revenues. And this is during a historically low interest rate environment. Think of the additional burden when interest rates rise to more normal levels!

High Schools

I had the pleasure of attending one of my grandson's high school graduation this past weekend. He graduated from Evansville High. Over the years this grandson has participated in many musical and dramas at the school. I have been so impressed with this school's arts and music program. The school does an excellent job of balancing its arts and music program with its athletic program.