Jasper's

Last night, Beth and I checked out Jasper's, the new gastropub in the old space occupied by Ponzu. What an improvement!


In addition to a cute bartender from Wauwatosa, the place now offers a better menu, tastier food and a more pleasant ambiance. The crudo - thin strips of fish marinated ceviche-style - was superb. My only complaint is the dim lighting, which made the menu nearly impossible to read. (I'm sure the problem isn't my aging eyes.)

Muttville

Muttville is an organization that specializes in older dogs. They rescue them from shelters, clean them up a bit, then find new homes for them.


I've decided to foster this guy. He was seized from his owner who left him in the backyard for more than a year with no food or water. He survived because of the kindness of a neighbor who fed him through the fence. Stay tuned for more details.

Golfing with Shaelin

My nephew is 7 and, boy, do they grow fast when you only see them once or twice a year!


Grandpa and Grandma gave him golfing lessons this summer.


Look at that form!


You can't call it a golf outing unless you finish it off with lunch.

Miller Park

Brian, Mike, Kristine and I went to see the Brewers win - again! - on Tuesday night. If you're following baseball at all this season, you'll know that Milwaukee can do no wrong. World Series? In my hometown? Time will tell.

V Bar

San Jose, hip? Who knew? Last night, my colleagues and I met at V Bar on Santana Row for happy hour.


First off, Santana Row is an outdoor promenade and shopping area. I thought it had a really quaint, European feel.


Then, V Bar is a rooftop bar with lovely views and stunning decor. Every place in San Jose has outdoor seating because the weather is always so lovely - certainly a nice break from cold and foggy SF.

HSBG (to those in the know)

From Elbow to Emmylou. And Ryan Bingham to Fitz and the Tantrums. I'm already excited about the 11th Annual Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. Usually, I hate big outdoor concerts, but I've attended every one (except two) of these extravaganzas and they keep getting better and better.

Ranch Dog #2

This is a photo of Lulu, courtesy of her owner. If this photo doesn't make you smile, nothing will.