Friday, March 28, 2008
It’s 2am, can’t sleep, which explains why I’m adding to my blog, finally. Some of you have asked about the progress of my Home Theatre Project. (HTP) Some of you really don’t care, but politely ask. Others….really don’t give a rip. Lol Progress report: work in progress. I have purchased the first HD LCD screen and it looks pretty good. A good friend of mine gave me a 5.1 surround sound system to get me started. I have just completed the platform that raises the room 11 inches for rows 2 and 3. The same friend gave me the carpeting for the platform, which will be installed today. I will order the pub height table this weekend along with a really nice futon/couch. Curtains/drapes are next on the list to cover the two entryways. So, there you have it. The first Grand opening might be as soon as December. I mean April 5th. Some of you might have noticed the lack of breakneck speed associated with this project. Rush and retirement are not related. thank you very much. Good Morning.

Thursday, March 27, 2008
I had the pleasure of dining at the Park Terrace which is the restaurant here in Fond du Lac associated with the culinary school of Moraine Park Technical Institute. The students, a team of 8, put on 8 different lunches during each semester. Today’s cuisine was Greek and the food was fantastic. I had the Greek Saganaki, which is Kasseri cheese marinated in ouzo, pan seared and served with pita bread. Along with a tomato, cucumber and feta salad, I had the Spanikopita which is a crisp phyllo dough stuffed with Montrachet goat cheese, pine nuts, rosemary, parsley and garlic. (no, not sage) To finish off the meal, one must try the Baklava with ice cream. No, I didn’t eat all that myself, I shared. Learned that next month they will have a German theme. Can’t wait.

So the picture has nothing to do with the meal I just described. But it is food. Get the connection? Actually it is one of my creations called Parmesan Sun-dried Alfredo Prawns over Bugatini. Very nice with a Pinot Grigio. Or if you insist, a new 5 liter Fransia Box Wine.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Anybody from Wisconsin remember the historic Octagon House located here in Fond du Lac? To refresh your mind, here is a short clip from the website: http://www.octagonhousefdl.com/
This National Registered Historic Home is first and foremost a private residence. Built in 1856 by Isaac Brown, with architectural design of Orson Fowler, it holds both mystery and fascination. Constructed on an established 1814 settlement and trading post, this 12 room grout home became the wedding gift to Edwin Brown (son of Isaac) and his bride Ruth Pier, as residence until his death in the battle of Antietam, in 1862.
The Octagon House features 9 secret passageways including an underground tunnel, found by current owner, Marlene Hansen during restoration in 1975. Used for a safe house in the 'underground railroad' the home would have kept its secrets forever, if not for the foresight of the Hansen's and their efforts to save this landmark from demolition.
Today this Talking House is at the head of Fond du Lac's Historic District, preserving history for generations to come!
So that’s really interesting, John, but….OK, it’s for sale and myself and two friends were given a tour by the owners along with my realtor. What an amazing house. The history that fills and surrounds it, is awesome.
The asking price is $189,000 and included in the sale are the three outbuildings that have great significance. The carriage house, the largest, is a two story rental apartment. The occupant doesn’t want to leave and currently pays 50% of the ‘new’ mortgage. The 2nd building was the old woodshop and could easily be used as a woodshop. (Brilliant, JOHN!) Or rented as an antique shop. The smallest building is currently housing gardening tools.
There are 3-4 bedrooms upstairs along with a full bath. Downstairs has an owner’s suite off one of two kitchens. A summer and main kitchen. Besides giving tours for $10/person, the current owners hosted 6 dinners a year which included a candlelit tour of the house, buildings, and the secret passageways. She also ran a costume rental shop and guests would dress in period costumes for dinner. The house is more of a museum with 1000’s of civil war relics.
I could go on and on, but I won’t. I have started to do some homework on the house and the permits that might be required to make it a B&B. One of my dreams. I shall keep you posted as the plot thickens. Enjoy the pics.