Fiddler

I recently attended the play, Fiddler on the Roof, at the Overture Center in Madison. What a wonderful show! Highly recommened.

North Dakota

I was in Grand Forks, ND this past weekend. Man, it was cold! But its good to see an economy that seems to be booming. The new oil patch and the employment it is creating is wonderful.

Super Bowl XLVI

This was best Super Bowl game in sometime. And the best team won!

Puerto Rico

It has been several years since I have been in Puerto Rico. Will be there this coming week. I will be interested in what changes have occurred over the years. And I am quite sure the weather will be a welcome change.

Listened with interest to Governor Walker's state of the state message last night. Why can't people, regardless of opinions, treat people with respect? Both sides of the collective bargaining issue have acted like school children, at times. C'mon folks. Why can't they do what is best for their constituencies, even if there has to be compromise?

Depression in Packerland

I attended the game in Green Bay Sunday. Unbelievable. Had to be the poorest game they have played in over 3 years. But you know, there are lots of people who would trade a Packer loss for their ailment. Be thankful if you and your loved ones enjoy good health and happiness.

First Big Storm

Being originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan I am always amused by the attention given to a 4 inch snowfall.

Interest rates continue to be at historic lows. If you have a home loan you should be checking with your lender about refinancing options. If you can reduce your rate enough to offset the refinancing costs, why not refinance?

Call us at 441-6000 or check out www.oakbankonline.com.

Weather

There is really something to be said about this kind of weather. January 10 and no snow on the ground!! And I think the best team clearly won the national college footbabll championship game last night.

Rose Bowl

I just returned from the Rose Bowl. What a game! And being with first time attendees like my daughter Amy and grandson Prentice was truly special. It's one of those events where you wish everyone who is or has been close to you could be there with you. The Badgers have nothing to be ashamed about. They played a very good team and except for having one turnover too many, would have won. I am already looking forward to next year.

Our Wishes

It is my hope you will take time to reflect on the many blessings we all share and begin the new year with a renewed vision, focus and energy for your family, job and community.

And may our politicians get their acts together in 2012!

Smell the Roses

Rose Bowl.... here we come.

Idea for the Holidays

Each year our entire family rents a cabin at the Wilderness in Lake Delton. Kids love the waterpark. Beautiful cabins. Recommend it.

Bells Ringing

I hope everyone empties their pockets of loose change whenever you pass a Salvation Army bell ringer. This organization does such a great job of serving the less fortunate during this time of the year. You will never miss what you give!

Payback Time

Well, the big game is almost here. Go Badgers! It certainly has been a good year to be a Wisconsin resident. Brewers, Badgers, Packers. Now if we could just get civil discourse among politicians!

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!