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Writers’ Police Academy 2016

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Hundreds of crime/mystery writers swamped Green Bay August 11-14 for the eighth annual Writers’ Police Academy. They came from all over the United States and other countries. One author came from Bangkok. I almost feel guilty that I only had to drive thirty miles. Almost.

On Friday morning, the Eagle III rescue helicopter appeared to transport the injured from an accident simulation. We were able to see how EMS react to a deadly collision.20160812_131614535_iOS We viewed a “deceased” person on the hood of a car and live bodies pulled out after the jaws of life was employed.

On Saturday morning as we were in the lecture hall for announcements, we heard someone screaming for assistance. He had been stabbed and soon other people were also attacked. We were in the middle of a simulated mass assault. Luckily there was a rescue after police were called. They came in with guns and had us keep our hands locked on our heads for what seemed like a long time. They needed to make sure the perpetrator was not posing as one of us. Even though I knew it wasn’t real, my heart pounded harder and it was interesting to understand what is done in that situation.

The entire conference was a learning experience as I attended many sessions, but there wasn’t enough time to do all that I would have liked. Maybe next year? I bet they’ll have new classes that I’ll want to attend, so I’ll probably never get to them all. Not a bad problem to have.

After all of the stress and excitement, I took a break at the casino in the Radisson before the banquet Saturday night. The keynote speaker was author Tami Hoag. She was entertaining and I laughed out loud at her stories.

What a wonderful experience at Writers’ Police Academy 2016!

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Tall Ship Festival

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Rubber Ducky, you’re the one! The largest rubber duck in the world made its way to the Tall Ship Festival in Green Bay. I took this picture from the water as some friends and I took a cruise on one of the ships. The huge sails were pulled up once we were on the water.

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Nine tall ships were on display including a possible replica of a Viking ship. We learned there is no actual blueprint for that ship, so it is the builders’ version from gathered information.

More tall ships were on the other side of the duck. I thought the rubber duck spoiled the vision of the long line of ships, but the kids at the festival seemed to enjoy it. Fun day!

Plae Bistro

A few weeks ago, a friend and I visited Plae Bistro for lunch in Green Bay. We each had been there before, but not since their expansion. There are now three large and tasteful spaces with a good size bar and an outdoor area. Even though the previous area was cozy, we both appreciated the more upscale look.

Now to the main event – our meal!

20160519_170004790_iOSMy dining companion and I decided to try salads on this outing. Yes, you’re reading that right.

I ordered the Grilled Shrimp and Beet Salad. The shrimp topped crisp mixed greens, beets, avocado, red onions, and feta cheese. It was dressed with a Dijon vinaigrette. I have to admit this was one of the most delicious lunches I’ve ever had. It was definitely my favorite salad. I love beets and avocado, but it was the flavor of the shrimp that sold it for me. I’ve thought about those shrimp more than once since then and I’m anxious to return and order it again.


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My friend ordered the Grilled Caesar Salad with Salmon, which was seasoned and drizzled with olive oil. It highlighted the grilled heart of romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, and croutons. Then it was topped with a tangy house-made Caesar dressing. She was more than happy with her entrée salad, too.

A warm slice of bread accompanied each salad and hit just the right note. If you haven’t taken a trip to Plae Bistro since its renovation, wait no longer. If you’ve never been there, now’s the time. The atmosphere is lovely and the food is extraordinary.

True Nosh or Truly Nauseous?                   You Decide!

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While enjoying the warm sun of this beautiful day, I started anticipating the arrival of lilies in my garden. Here is a picture of one of them from last year. I hope this year’s flowers are as captivating.

The Waterfront Restaurant

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The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria, Florida is one of our favorite places to dine when my friend and I are there on vacation. One can relax with a nice view of the water while enjoying their delicious food.

On this outing, my friend ordered the grouper tacos, which were fresh premium black Gulf grouper seasoned and lightly seared in flour tortillas. It was served with jicama slaw and fresh chopped pico de gallo. She said it was the best grouper she had ever eaten.20160325_162815004_iOS

 

 

I ordered the Cajun shrimp served with a Floribbean sauce. It was spicy with a bite, but that’s why I liked it. We both had edamame salad, which was delightful.20160325_162808000_iOS

 

 

 

I also ordered truffle parmesan fries to share. What a treat! I had a glass of Jai Alai IPA which has the grapefruitty zing that I love.

We both loved our meals and plan to return.

True nosh or truly nauseous?   You decide!

 

Coalition – Excelsior, MN

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A few weeks ago I visited my sister and her family in Minnesota.  Living in different states, we don’t have the opportunity to get together enough.  Jeanne and I were able to enjoy several days together and catch up. Along with shopping and watching movies, we both delight in the pleasures of the feast.  On this day, we chose to try Coalition, an upscale restaurant in the delightful village of Excelsior.

The top picture shows my order of Korean Tacos.  It included marinated beef, Kimchi, cream, cilantro, and lime.  Part of the reason I picked this for my lunch was to try Kimchi. It had a wonderful bite, just as I was hoping.  I was happy with my choice and would order it again.

The bottom photo shows Jeanne’s selection of a grilled chicken sandwich.  It was embellished with Brie cheese, balsamic fig jam, arugula, and served on focaccia. She was also quite pleased with her lunch. 

True Nosh or Truly Nauseous? You Decide.20151125_180249746_iOS

Brett Favre’s Steakhouse

When my friends and I were staying in Green Bay for a few days, another eating establishment we visited was Brett Favre’s Steakhouse.  The other two delighted in their steaks, but I, for once, was not that hungry. I chose an appetizer and salad for my meal. I picked the jumbo breaded shrimp with rich coconut, served with a lime chili remoulade and the apple-gorgonzola salad.  The salad was chopped lettuce tossed with apples, dried cranberries, spiced walnuts, Gorgonzola, and Italian dressing. It was filling enough to have been a meal at any other place.  I love coconut shrimp and these didn’t disappoint,  They had a good crunch and the remoulade gave them an extra20151023_000210817_iOS20151023_000228369_iOS tang.  The salad was delicious and huge.  The flavors mingled perfectly. It had been a while since I had been to that steakhouse, but I won’t wait so long for another meal there.

True nosh or truly nauseous?  You decide!

1919 Kitchen and Tap – Lambeau Field Atrium Restaurant

20151023_175955858_iOSTwo good friends and I met in Green Bay recently to spend a few days together.  We shopped, had drinks, and went out to eat all without thinking about the drive home.  When we went to the stadium we were able to do it all in one spot – 20151023_180001141_iOS20151023_180010133_iOS browse at the Pro Shop, and eat and drink at 1919 Kitchen and Tap,  All of our meals ( wild mushroom flatbread, apple salad, and Friday perch dinner) were excellent and the laughter never stopped! We are never too old to enjoy good times with wonderful friends.  When the three of us are together, it’s like we’ve never been apart.  We carry on as much as we did when we met over thirty-five years ago.

 

Lautenbach Winery’s Romance and Wine Event – Door County

I had a wonderful Friday at Lautenbach’s Winery near Fish Creek.  My fellow presenters, Val Clarizio, PJ Fiala, Virginia McCullough, Steve Mitchell, Barb Raffin, and I paired one of Lautenbach’s wines with a section of one of our books. We read the excerpt while the audience sampled wine and snacks.  I came home with a lighter load of books, but a heavier load of wine! Please check out these other fabulous authors’ books, too.  We’re all having so much fun that we’re planning on more Romance and Wine Events. I’ll keep you posted.20151002_203533178_iOS