7771. Go to the NFL draft

 When Green Bay announced they were hosting the NFL Draft in 2025, the hubby said he wanted to go. We signed up for the free entry as soon as we could back in March. 

As we got closer, we made plans to do the NFL Draft Experience on Friday since the hubby had games every other time. Then it rained and rained. The hubby's games got rained out of Friday and moved to Wausau on Saturday. He opted not to go to Wausau. Since we didn't want to get wet, we decided to go on Saturday when we could actually see part of the actual draft. 

Initially when we were going to go on Friday, we talked about parking downtown and taking the free shuttle to Lambeau. That kind of seemed the best option at the time. The hubby talked to his buddy who gave him his parking pass for his office. At the end the hubby decided we probably could park on a side street and walk like we used to do on game days. We ended up parking by the Ashwaubenon Library which was about 3/4 of mile walk. The hubby got his walk in. 

Getting through security was a breeze. I was going to bring my small crossbody bag then remembered they probably have a clear bag policy and just gave the hubby my stuff to carry. Yup. Definitely the same game day bag policy. Glad I didn't have my bag and was smart enough to think ahead about a bag policy. 

We headed down towards the draft theater. It was not that bad. We were able to get pretty close to the front of the free area. We got there just in time to hear the Packers latest draft Pick, Barry Sorrell, get drafted and then speak to the crowd. It was pretty cool. There was a lot of Go Pack Go.

They had entertainment between every pick. We were there for when the Badger Band played. It was a great atmosphere. 

After watching a few draft picks, we head back towards the NFL draft experience but first a stop in the team store for some pins and a magnet. Prices were not bad. The line to pay did snake through the store but moved pretty quick.

We then headed to the NFL Draft Experience. The line to check out the Super Bowl Rings was too long for the hubby.  We did stand in the line to get our picture taken with the Lombardi Trophy. I was kind of disappointed. Any time I've been able to see a World Series trophy that was on display (and not part of a an exhibit), it was never under glass. The Super Bowl trophy was under glass and you couldn't touch it. They had to take a picture for you. You could do an individual or group but not both. It was very regimented. It was not what I thought it would be.

There was a lot more to see and do at the Draft Experience but the hubby is not all about the freebies and drink tasting. If I was there with Danielle we would have totally checked out everything there was to offer. 

We did not eat at the draft as I was not paying $12 for a hot dog. There were a handful of food trucks outside of the draft but we passed on those too. 

Overall it was a great experience. A lot of people thought we were nuts. It was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. It was getting busier as we left. I thought Game Day (or even Disney) was worse. Maybe it was the time of the day we went but it was not overly crowded. Now I would not would have wanted to be there on Thursday Night for Round 1. 

If the NFL Draft ever comes back to Green Bay, I would totally go again. As cool as an experience it was, I am old school and prefer the original setting of Radio City Music Hall. But the NFL is all about the show and the show was a good one. Now to experience the MLB All-Star Game. 

A Quick Packer History Lesson

 The NFL draft was in Green Bay this year. About a week before, my brother texted me asking if I wanted to do a walking tour at St. Norbert's College that talked about the relationship between the college and the Packers. After rearranging a few things, I was told him I could go.

They were only offering tours Tuesday and Wednesday before the draft. The tour was part of a internship class. It was researched and led by students. We opted for the 4 o'clock tour on Wednesday. Since the hubby got rained out, he tagged along. Okay so maybe, I whined enough and made him drive me. It was a gorgeous spring day out. 

The tour highlighted the time the Packers stayed at St. Norbert's during Training Camp which started in 1958 and ended in 2020. We were able to learn about the various buildings that they would have used for meetings as well as where they stayed and ate.

We walked through the chapel where Vincent Lombardi would often visit. 

We were able to stand on the steps on Sensenbrenner Hall, the dorm the Packers stayed in during training camp, and recreate a picture from the 1960s.

We actually got in the dining hall to see where they players got their food and the ballroom where they would have ate. 

We also had a chance to visit the photo exhibit of Super Bowl 1 pictures by Vern Biever. This is what I was looking most forward to. Growing up in Port Washington, I was well aware of Vern Biever and his photos. It is always great to see his pictures. 

We ended the tour at Stop #25 on the Packer Heritage Trail which is marker signifying the relationship between the Packers and St. Norbert's. 

I learned a few new pieces of Packer (and NFL) history. It was very well done and I was glad I was able to partake in it. The students led a wonderful tour. Now I just need to do the whole Green Bay Packer Heritage Trail.

25 in 2025 -- Try at least one new beer, cider, or cocktail -- Lavender Mule

 We were meeting the hubby's basketball partners for dinner at Good Company. We were the last ones there. Everyone else already had their drinks so I went to the bar to order ours. I was planning on having an old fashion but something caught my eye.

It was a Lavender Mule. I have taken a liking to mules lately so I was excited to try a Lavender one.

A Lavender Mule is Vodka, Lavender Syrup, and Ginger Beer. 

The lavender was a bit strong initially but after a few stirs, it was much better. It was definitely different. I'm not sure I would get it again.

I did notice they had a raspberry mule on the menu. That has to be pretty good. Maybe next time. 

I have now tried a new beer and now a new cocktail this year. Hopefully I will be able to try a new cider yet this year. 

25 in 2025 -- Try a New Food -- BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowl

 Menasha Library has been doing a cooking series for over a year now. I've always been interested but the timing never worked and they filled up quickly. To ensure more people can participate, they now limit you one cooking class per series. Danielle mentioned the ancient grain one and we decided to try the Quinoa bowls. I managed to sign us up but Janis missed out. I knew I should have signed her up.

I never had quinoa before. and I was ready for this adventure. It sounds like something I might like and wasn't too scary or out of my comfort zone. I was actually excited for this cooking adventure. I liked BBQ chicken so I wasn't worried about the rest of it. I probably should have been....

When Menasha Library did their renovation last year, they put in individual cooking stations on wheels that is essentially a complete stocked kitchen in terms of gadgets and things. Plus there is a huge prep area but only one sink. This made prepping and cooking so much easier.

To get started, we prepped the quinoa by putting it in a water and getting it to a boil. Once it was boiling we turned down the heat and let it cook for 15 minutes.

While we waited for the quinoa to cook, we prepped the rest of the bowl ingredients. This included red cabbage, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocados, and jalapenos. Since I probably shouldn't use sharp kitchen knifes, Danielle took care of chopping and dicing. Besides she was way more efficient and neater than I would ever be. We also had black beans and frozen corn.

The chicken was pre-cooked for us in a pressure cooker. We just had to shred it. That was my job. At least I could feel productive.

Then it was time to assembly our bowl. Danielle wanted to mix all the ingredients together which was fine as long as she left the  avocado out. I am not wiling to figure out if I am allergic to avocados or white chocolate. She was fine with that.

Finally it was time to taste our creation. Despite being full of things I don't eat, it was really good. The quinoa tasted like brown rice to me. I would totally have it again but I don't think I could convince the hubby to eat it. 

Once we enjoyed our meal, it was time to pack up the leftovers. It does make a lot. We also washed our dishes and move our stations back where they are stored when not in use. It was definitely a great way to teach people to cook.

We are already planning on our next cooking adventure at Menasha Library. It will be in fall. Janis has her eye on a stir fry class in May but we will see if we get in.

I am glad my local libraries encourage cooking and learning about different foods and cultures. Libraries have some of the best (free) programs around. 

Stay tuned to see what other new foods I try this year.