Year in Review -- By the Numbers

2017 was a busy year. The adventures added up quickly.

Here's a quick look back on 2017 by the numbers

• 13 official bucket list adventures
• 50+ extended bucket list adventures
• 2 countries
• 10 states (11 if you count all the time I spent in the Atlanta Airport)
• 119 Counties (42 new ones)
• 8 states watching baseball in (4 new states)
• 1 state we played mini golf in (1 new state)
• 6 Major League Stadiums visited (4 new ones) for a total 8 major league games
• 5 Minor League Parks visited (4 new ones) for a total of 6 minor league games
• 3 state parks (2 new ones)
• 9 Museums 
• 1 World Heritage Site
• 2 wineries
• 3 movies in the theaters
• 123 Books Read
• 63 new movies watched

I can't wait to see what 2018 has in store for us.

Year in Review: Library Fun by the Numbers

I always see posts on Facebook about why do we still need libraries if everything is going digital. Well, besides the obvious answer of many people love the feel of a real book, there are numerous reasons why we still need libraries. Most of them have embraced the digital age and use it to their advantage while still being a traditional library.

I am lucky that I live in an area where I am within 20 minutes of 6 different libraries from two different library systems and with 30 minutes of probably 10 more. I have come to appreciate this little corner of the world greatly.

In the last year, with the help of these 6 libraries, I have:

• checked out 50+ books  -- I rarely buy books (unless they are free Nook books) anymore. I check them out at the library. It saves money and space. I go online randomly pick 4 or 5 books from my to read list at a time and reserve them. When I lived in Neenah, I'd go to the library and browse the new books for something to read.

• checked out 6 movies -- If you are frugal like me or just trying to save money, the library is a great place to check out movies. They have great new releases and old classics... and you get to keep them a week. My friend dropped her internet and solely relies on the library for movies

• Picked up 4 different FAN Passes and enjoyed some nice events in the community. I was able to make some glass creations, go on the SOUP walk, and even visit a museum at no cost to me. My mom, who lives closer to Milwaukee, was able to check out the library's zoo pass for a day of her choosing allowing my brother and his family to visit the Milwaukee Zoo for free. It is a great way to visit local places for free. I'm hoping they continue this next year and I will have the chance to try and go to more community events.

• Besides checking out movies, I was able to see 1 movie at the library. All the area libraries show several movies during the month at various times. Most of them are recent releases and are geared towards families for the most part. Another great way to save money and get out of the house as there are usually snacks served as well.

• saw 12 different authors speak including 10 at the Fox Cities Book Festival. Many of the libraries will have authors come in and talk. I always enjoy hearing them speak and getting a signed copy of their book. 

• Made 3 different art projects. I've painted plates and scarves and made a collage. Depending on the library, depends on the art project. Many of the libraries offer art projects for kids and families during breaks or special events. It's harder to find adult only art projects. I'm like art projects even though I'm not very good at them. 

• I also went to 3 different artist-in-residence events this fall which included more art projects. Some libraries had events while others just showed the work of a local artist. Either way it's a way for the library to come together with the community.

• The hubby and I attended 1 history lesson at Neenah Library. Neenah offers a community monthly history lesson about something in Neenah's history. They are very entertaining but the scheduling doesn't work very well anymore. I kind of wish more libraries would do this.

• I also attended 2 live theater/music events including Shakespeare and Elvis. Many libraries offer concerts throughout the year. They just don't really appeal to me but they are great for music lovers. It also teaches music appreciation. Neenah library actually offers ukulele lessons. You'd be surprised what you can find at your library.

• attended 4 cooking classes. My favorite new library program is Culinary Thursdays where I learn how to cook something different.. salad dressings, squash, root vegetables. Again another way the library is trying to reach out to people of all ages.

• I helped put together a community jigsaw puzzle. For people killing time in a library it is a great activity besides reading. The Kimberly-Little Chute library offer a puzzle swap so you can bring an old puzzle and get a new to you one to do at home. 

Now that's just the tip of the iceberg of what I could do at the library. Reviewing the library calendars, there are story times, book clubs (one of which I attend) for people of all ages, Memory Cafes for those suffering from memory loss and their care givers, fitness classes, nature and gardening programs, the list could go on.

Besides all the fun programs and events, libraries are also great mini museums. Many libraries have showcases that change on a monthly basis. Until recently I never paid much attention to them but since someone pointed them out to me, I think I will make a point of seeing what displays are in the libraries. 

There are many community outreach programs and resources at the library as well. I noticed a coupon swap box at Kimberly Little Chute library. Everyone loves to coupon. Appleton offers a seed catalog that you can plant a garden with and donate your seeds back in the fall. 

The library is more than a building with books in it. It's an adventure waiting to happen. I was one of those check out books and that was it kind of people until a friend told me about the now defunct cookbook club and then I started really seeing what libraries really had to offer. Things come and go as libraries try to keep up with the times but I enjoy finding new and different things to do with my time. 

I definitely have my favorite libraries and programs but I am always looking for new things to learn and do. I am consistently checking out what the different libraries are offering -- online calendars are great resources. I follow all the libraries on Facebook (and a few on Twitter) so I get updates to what new and exciting programs are being offered. I get library newsletters in my email every month. If you make a point to check out what is offered every month you will find something new and exciting eventually. 

I can't wait to see what the libraries have in store for 2018. 

3860. Go to the Paper Discovery Center in Appleton

One of the places I wanted to check out in the valley has been The Paper Discovery Center in Appleton. I have had several opportunities to pick up FAN Passes but never seemed to have the time to use them so I never picked them. I received a couple a dollar off admission coupons awhile back and they were about to expire. The hubby reluctantly agreed to accompany me. He was concerned this was a place geared towards kids.

The Paper Discovery Center is located on the Fox River in Appleton. It is a hands-on museum that showcases the paper making process and the history of making paper. The museum is just one large room but is filled with a lot of information and hands-on experiences.

One side of the museum gave you an insight of making paper (toilet paper) from the trees to the finished project.

The other side was the history of paper making including history of the Atlas Mill in Appleton. The windows even had shades that pulled down with facts.

In the back there is a arts and crafts area that featured snow and paper crafts and a children's play area. We made snowflakes. Mine actually turned out pretty good.

Another area had some holiday origami -- you could make a tree or a Santa. At first the tree seemed a bit tricky but I actually got through it.

In the way back was the whole reason I HAD to get to Paper Discovery Center before the end of the year... the Display on Pop-Up books. It was a library all of pop up books. I was in heaven. Too bad the hubby was with me and I could spend much time reading and exploring pop up books. Oh well, I would be there all afternoon if he let me.

Probably best the part of the Paper Discovery Center is Paper Making Station. A Museum worker will walk you through the process of making paper. The hubby was shocked to learn I never made paper. Hello, I didn't grow up in the Paper Valley. However, in the span about 10 minutes, I made a piece of paper. It is actually a really easy process... Rip up a sheet of paper, add some colored squares and glitter, toss in a blender with a cup of water, mix for a few minutes, pour into a mold, drain and press out all the water. Viola! A piece of paper.

The Paper Discovery Center is totally worth the price of admission ($7 adults). It was a nice way to spend an hour or so on a cold winter day. Unless there is another exhibit I want to see in the future, I may not get back there for a while. It is a great place for kids and if I had some we may visit more often.

5873. See an Elvis impersonator

When I saw that Kimberly-Little Chute was having an Elvis Christmas show, I knew I had to go because it's Elvis (and who doesn't like Elvis) and it's Christmas songs. Hello, no brainer.  I also knew Grandma would love this as well. So we headed to the library for some Elvis.

What an hour it was. Before the show, Elvis, dressed in red, circulated the crowd posing for pictures and talking to fans. Then he changed into a blue jumpsuit and sang many of his classics and Christmas tunes. 

There was plenty of room of front in case you wanted to dance. One couple really cut a rug and was just as entertaining to watch as Elvis. 

Elvis would start a song and then make his way through the crowd. He made sure to shake everyone's hand throughout the evening. Some lucky women even got serenaded including Grandma. Some were even luckier and ended up with a scarf from the King himself. Me.. I got a handshake. 

Grandma wanted to hear more Elvis songs.. me I wanted Christmas songs. The one song that he didn't sing was "Jailhouse Rock". Oh well. there is always next time. 

Since Elvis is from the area, I'll be on the look out to see where Elvis John is performing again. There were plenty of people there that are regulars at his shows. It was great evening and many thanks to the FOLKS who sponsored the show. I made Grandma's year. Too bad she didn't want her picture taken with him... alas next time.  

Christmas on the Pond

Kimberly was having a community Christmas event called Christmas on the Pond. I wanted to go because I love all things Christmas. The weather was gorgeous so I dragged the hubby with me.

After a quick Googlemap search, we found where Memorial Park was in Kimberly. I never heard of it and I didn't think they would have had the event in Combined Locks but say it was in Kimberly. It turns out it is the site of the old Paper Mill which right on the main drag in Kimberly. I didn't even know they turned that into a park.

I really didn't know what to expect. They were advertising a luminary lit path, a story walk, s'mores, and Santa. I wasn't sure if this was going to be cheesy or actually something worthwhile. As we drove up, it almost looked cheesy. I told the hubby if it was cheesy we could pass. Well, it didn't look too cheesy and we decided to check it out.

As we walked across the street to the park, I noticed several wooden cut outs where you could take your picture in. Most of them were being utilized. I did manage to get my picture taken in one of them at the end  -- even though I was wider then than the wood. Santa's sleigh with the reindeer was a big hit with everyone. If the hubby wasn't so much of a Grinch, I would have loved to have taken a picture in the sleigh.

The luminary light path was actually quite dark as many of the luminaries did not have holes cut in the bags to allow light to escape. Luckily there was enough park lightening to be able to take the book walk.

Kimberly-Little Chute Library put on another book walk. As you walked the path around the pond, you could read Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert E. Barry. Laminated pages of the story were spaced along the path allowing families to read a story and get a little bit of exercise. I love when I stumble upon a book walk.

I did not partake in the s'mores even though I would have if the hubby wasn't there or if I knew if there was a charge or not for them. The s'mores stations were semi dark only lit with the light of the fires. It appeared that there were several stations.

Christmas on the Pond was a nice family event especially with the weather being so mild. Even though it would have been better with snow on the ground. Even teenagers and adults could have enjoyed this event as well. I am hoping they continue to grow this event in the future. I would make this part of my holiday tradition.

Origami Masterpieces

Stephanie showed us a origami cactus at book club last month saying it was done with one piece of paper. She said it was part of the origami exhibit at the Trout Museum of Art. It sounded cool and decided I wanted to check it. As luck had it, I stopped at the Menasha library to see if they had any FAN passes and admission for four to the Trout Museum was one of the FAN passes available. Guess Danielle, Gavin, and I were going to have an adventure.

We headed to the Trout Museum this morning. I forget how small the Trout is. It is only two floors and really eight walls and one floor of exhibit space. The origami exhibit is the only exhibit at the museum. The exhibit features origami creations by Robert J. Lang. It is only at the Trout Museum until the end of the month.

Yes, that's all one piece of paper

Despite the small space, there is plenty of origami creations of varying sizes and themes. It is tough to keep a 6 year old excited with folded paper but luckily there were origami bugs. I was surprised to see how in depth some of these pieces were. All of them were created from a single sheet of paper folded hundreds if not thousands of times to create masterpieces.

I personally loved the butterflies since they reminded me of Costa Rica.

I did not care for the video they showed about origami and nature. I really didn't need to see the intricate details of ladybug folded wings and the folds of my brain. Because of these aversions, we did not watch the whole movie.

After wandering through the museum, which probably took about 15 minutes, we attempted to create our own origami masterpiece to add to the community art project. Danielle successfully made the swan. I made it to step 5 of the paper crane. That one was challenging. I always wanted to make a paper crane after reading Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Well I still haven't made one yet.

The steps to make a paper crane and I only make it to step 5

Gavin made a puppy since he made one in school earlier in the week. So if anyone wants to know why there is a dog and a cat in the mix of swans and cranes... that's why.

I probably won't pay $6 to see this exhibit, or any exhibit, at the Trout Museum because I don't think the museum is worth it but I will be glad to visit if I get another FAN Pass. It is a nice, small art museum but I'd like to see more art for my price of admission. Maybe I am just frugal but I just don't think it's worth it. However, don't let my frugalness stop you from enjoying this small art museum.

I Tried Squash and Survived

Little Chute and Neenah both had library programs I was interested tonight. Based on the times of the events, I opted for the one at Little Chute even though I don't even like squash. Kimbery-Little Chute Library started offering Culinary Third Thursdays where Megan will demonstration demo, teach, and let us sample new foods.

Image courtesy of Google

Like I said I am not a fan of squash but I figured since I was impressed with the salad dressing class, I might find some kind of squash I do enjoy. So instead learning the history of grocery stores in Neenah, I learned about making squash just in case I get some gifted to me or I go off the deep end and decide to buy one.

Megan came prepared to teach us how to make 5 squash dishes using a variety of squashes. You mean there is more than 1 or 2 types of squash? Apparently there is more than just acron and butternut. There's also honey nut, Kabocha, spaghetti, and a list of others. I really should have taken notes just in case I need to buy a squash (or decide to make one of these dishes again).

Since it was a quick paced class with some of the prep work done last night, I am just going to highlight the different squash dishes I tried.

Roast Honey Nut Squash
Honey Nut squash is the little cousin of the acorn squash. Megan prepped this last night basically just peeling and slicing the squash in half, scoping out the guts and sprinkling it with brown sugar before roasting it. I was told this is a good squash to stuff. I actually liked this. It is sweet.

Honey Nut squash at the top and oven roasted at the bottom

Oven Roasted Squash
I don't recall what kind of squash was used in this dish -- it might have been Kabocha. This again was prepped last night. Megan roasted the squash tossed with oil, honey, and thyme. This was very good. I would definitely consider making this in the future if I ever needed a squash dish for something.

Oven Roasted Acorn Squash
This one was prepared in front of us. Megan sliced the acorn squash in half and scoped out the guts. Then sprinkled it with brown sugar, cumin, chipotle chili powder, and another spice. Along with the squash, Megan added sweet peppers, garlic, and butter before sliding it in the oven for 20 minutes or so. This one I was apprehensive of but like the others, the spices and flavors really came out and made the squash really good. Apparently the only squash I've tried was not prepared like this.

Squash Bisque
Technically as Megan said this was cream of squash soup since it didn't have seafood in it. However it was really good. To start this soup, Megan add some mirepoix (carrots, celery, onions) along with some apples to a stock pot and let it cook down. Then she added vegetable stock and the roast butternut squash and allowed it to cook til the squash was soft. Wine was added too (either now or later). Once the squash was soften, Megan pureed it and added some heavy cream to it. I believe some spices were added at this point to. YUM. It was good. Even though the texture wasn't quite smooth, the apple and mirepoix helped bring out more than just the squash flavor. This recipe is similar to what Megan made. You can substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream as well as chicken stock for vegetable stock.

Squash Curry
This ended up being my favorite. After sauteing some onions, Megan added red curry paste and garlic. Once that was nice and toasted, some squash (I think Kabocha) was added along with soy sauce and vegetable stock. Once the squash was soften, coconut milk was added. Then it was garnished with cilantro and lime. The flavors were amazing-- it was a mix of Asian and Costa Rican. This actually reminded me of having lunch at work in Costa Rica. This is a similar recipe.

Now I won't say I have a love of squash but I do appreciate it. If it was prepared flavorfully I might actually eat it. The bisque would be good for a soup cook-off. I am looking forward to other cooking adventures with Megan at the library as this sounds like it will be a regular thing.