This week's Book Nook:

Monday, May 9th at 10:05am ~ Trey Rodgers, otherwise known as THE YARD DOCTOR. He'll talk about great lawn tips and the new Briggs & Stratton lawn hotline.

Monday, May 9th at 10:35am ~ Darell Hammond, founder and CEO of KaBOOM!, a not for profit, based in Washington , D.C. dedicated to makin sure there is a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. He'll talk about his book, "KABOOM! HOW ONE MAN BUILT A MOVEMENT TO SAFE PLAY"

Tuesday, May 10th at 10:05am ~ Lauren Chattman, 'BREAD MAKING: A HOME COURSE. CRAFTING THE PERFECT LOAF"

Wednesday, May 11th, at 10:05am ~ Cindy Duerst and other Leadership Beaver Dam members will be in the studio to talk about their upcoming food drive with Central Wisconsin Community Action

Wednesday, May 11th at 10:30am ~ THE GARDEN DOCTOR-DICK ZONDAG from Jung's Garden Center will be here to answer all your gardening questions

Thursday, May 12th at 9:40am ~ Kristi Yamaguchi will be here to talk about the release of her first children's book, "DREAM BIG, LITTLE PIG". The book encourages everyone to follow their dream because you will succeed as long as you believe.

Friday, May 13th at 10:05am ~ Laura Duksta, "YOU ARE A GIFT TO THE WORLD"

Book Nook Line up for this week:

Monday, May 2nd at 10:05am:
Elizabeth Carlson, "SCREAM QUIETLY", a personal account of how the author and her family survived and escaped Nazi Poland during WWII. Elizabeth now resides in northern Wisconsin and she will be at the Randolph Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, May 7th at 7pm to do a presentation and book signing.
and
Monday, May 2nd at 10:35am
Jerol Anderson, "IS IT SAFE?", another local author (Cambridge, WI) whose mystery novel is about a young woman who goes into the Witness Protection Program after seeing a murder. Jerol will be at Watertown BookWorld this Saturday, May 7th from 10:30am-2pm.

Tuesday, May 3rd, 10:05 am
Richard Courtney and George Cassidy, "COME TOGETHER: BUSINESS WISDOM OF THE BEATLES". We'll be talking with George about the lessons today's entrepeneurs and business leaders can draw from the failures and triumphs of the most famous musical group.

and
Tuesday, May 3rd, 10:35am:
Aaron McCargo, Jr., author of "SIMPLY DONE, WELL DONE". Aaron is a chef on the Food Network and has a great new cookbook that he'll be talking about.

Wednesday, May 4th: 10:05am
Mary Lou Retton (of Olympic Gold fame!) will be on the program to talk about a cause near and dear to her heart ~ Special Olympics.

Thursday, May 5th, I'll be doing my show LIVE from Hoekstra's Market and Greenhouses in Randolph, so if you're in the vicinity, stop in to say "Hi!"

Friday, May 6th, 10:05am
Michael Griesbach, author of "UNREASONABLE INFERNECES" is the facinating story of the Steven Avery murder case and the events of the previous twenty years.


Lots of great interviews this week...

Book Nook this week:

Monday, September 13th: Herb Phillips,

"MOMMA ALWAYS SAID, PAY YOURSELF FIRST"

A great "common sense" approach to saving money!

Tuesday, September 14th: Dr. Stanley Cupery

"SCARS OF EASTON"

A medical intrigue, set in the 1960's written by retired local doctor.

Wednesday, September 14th: Martha Burns

"How to train your child's brain"

Thursday, September 15th: Mari J. Frank

"THE IDIOTS GUID TO IDENTITY THEFT"

Books and Bugs

OK, vacation is over. Time to get back to "blogging". I was in beautiful door county helping my sister prepare for her only daughter's high school graduation. We made our lists, did the grocery shopping, prepared the foods (and even had time for a pedicure that was a generous gift from my aunt in Chicago-Thanks, Aunt Bonnie!).

Last week was spent playing "catch-up" here at work and spending time with my oldest daughter who was home for a few days before heading north to spend the weekend with her high school girlfriends. They all turn 30 this year, and wanted to mark the occassion in a special way. It's good to make time for friends and family-they comprise the fabric of our lives...

I have a great line up in the "Book Nook" segment of the show this week.

Yesterday we talked with Patrick Robinson, about his newest novel, "INTERCEPT". Patrick has written many "thrillers" and his latest is all about al-Qaeda terrorists. This isn't my usual "genre" but the book is a real page turner. It highlights the stark reality that it's not the men and women running for office that can protect us; but the military, the CIA and the Special Forces Commanders who will be in place long after the politicians are gone. A great gift for Dad, too!
Another great gift for Dad might be Brad Meltzer's new book, "HEROES FOR MY SON". Brad is also a well-known suspense novelist. This book however, was written for his son and showcases a collection of 52 men and women; familiar and unknown, historical and contemporary. I loved everything about the book; from the cover to the use of photo corners on the black and white pictures to the font that looks like he used an old-fashioned typewriter. Brad also includes his mother and grandfather and provides a final page for you to place a photo of your "hero" and space to write why. Again, this would make an excellent gift for a Dad, a grad or anyone who is a special part of your life.

Today I spoke with Michael McQueen, a Sydney-based speaker, social researcher and business owner. His book (or journal really), is titled "MEMENTO" and offers a way for younger generations to connect with their parents and grandparents. This incredible journal begins each page with a thought-provoking question that will coax life stories from loved ones and will become a treasured keepsake.

Wednesday, we'll be talking with Melissa d'Arabian (host of the Food Network's $10 dinners)
Thursday, we'll feature Dr. Eric Maisel who will discuss his new book "BRAINSTORM", and how we can harness productive obsessions. Also, Dr. Brenda Shoshana will talk to us about her new book "FEARLESS", and how we can discover our strenghts through our fears.
We'll wrap things up on Friday with Todd Davis. His book, "HANDYDAD". His book showcases 25 projects that dads can do with their kids.

We talked about carpenter ants today and how to get rid of them. I found out that in order to really get rid of them, you need to find the nest and kill the queen. Then and ONLY THEN will you rid your house of carpenter ants. Happy Hunting!

Wine and the Weekend

Today is Wine Day...

Did you know that moderate wine consumption, (defined by the American Heart Association as one to two four-ounce glasses a day), may help you live longer.

If you don't always know how to select a great wine, relax! You're not alone. Pick up a copy of "HOW TO BUY WINE" by Jonathan Ray ($15.95). You'll find out which wines pair best with different foods, the correct way to store wine, a road map for deciphering labels and an invaluable pronunciation guide.

This weekend marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season with the Memorial Holiday Weekend. We spoke with Cooper Munroe, spokesperson for "Planning the Perfect Picnic" and I shared these tips, if you're going to be getting together with family and friends this weekend:

• Make getting to the picnic a “scavenger hunt”. Leave clues or a “treasure” map for your family to find their way to the picnic destination.
• Bring along a board game, bocce ball, softball and catcher’s mitt, Frisbee or football for some outdoor fun
• If kids will be joining you, try to pick a park with a playground nearby.
• Plan a hike and bring the picnic with you. Stop when you get hungry or find a scenic spot to eat.
• Avoid mayonnaise and ice cream-based dishes that can turn bad or melt in the sun
• No basket? No worries! Load your goodies into a sturdy cardboard box, plastic bin or even a backpack.
• Set the mood with a sunset picnic. If it’s allowed, bring a few votive candles and a small bouquet of flowers to add to the ambiance.
• Consider packing a picnic for others, whether it’s for your kids in the backyard, your neighbors or even a coworker in need of some lunchtime fun.

Today's Quote: "Not everything that is faced can be changed.
But nothing can be changed until it is faced."

May is the month for many celebrations including Mother's Day and I am blogging this at almost the end of the month!

Experts say it takes 21 days to create a "habit" and so I am really going to try to blog for the next 21 days. My thought is that after 3 weeks, I will have carved out time in my hectic, busy day and I will be more inclined to be sure to get my thoughts down regarding the show, or the books I've read, or the interesting bits of information I can share with you.

I've had some GREAT interviews and read some very interesting books this month.
If you are looking for a great birthday gift for a girlfriend, sister or just a great read for yourself get a copy of "Life's Too Short to fold Fitted Sheets"-by Lisa Quinn. There are some great shortcuts and tips for cleaning, entertaining and just getting yourself a little more organized without feeling that you have to "do it all". Lisa also gives permission for "Tiara Time" - a chapter in the book that you will want to check out.

"How to have your second child first" by Kerry Colburn and Rob Sorensen, is a great book for first time parents. The book is sprinkled with humor and lots of practical tips and advice. Tip #1 is: you don't need to buy all that stuff!" It's a great reference book for both MOM and DAD.

While reading "52 Loaves, by William Alexander", I had the strongest urge for a piece of fresh baked, crusty, warm, French bread! William covers the 6000 year history of a food that uses only four ingredients: flour, salt, water and yeast. He sets out trying to bake the "perfect loaf of bread (one loaf per week) and chronicles his journey to achieve his quest.

Whether you are a history buff, a poetry lover, or follower of Emily Dickenson, you may want to pick up a copy of "Maid as Muse", by Aife Murray. She shows us how the servants in Emily Dickenson's life influenced her life and the poetry she wrote. Beside her poetry, Emily Dickensen was also a wonderful baker and included in the book are many of her recipes.

If you're ready to start your spring cleaning (the weather hasn't really been warm enough for me to tackle my windows!), you can clean almost everything in your home with plain soap, baking soda and vinegar.
Kitchen and bathroom floors: (not recommended for wood floors): Use vinegar, either straight or mixed with water. Vinegar and a stiff brush will work great for cleaning grout as well.
Sinks: make your own sink scrub with one part vinegar and flour parts baking soda. Scrub on the paste, let sit for a few minutes and rinse.
Tubs and toilets: Spray with vinegar; sprinkle with baking soda. Scrub and rinse clean.
Windows: Spray with vinegar; wipe with crumpled newspaper or a lint-free towel. Avoid streaks by not clenaing windows in direct sunlight.
Carpets: To absorb odors, shake baking soda over carpet; then vacuum. For spot cleaning, spray vinegar and scrub with clean towel. Don't worry about the vinegar smell, it won't last long.

Animals and Alzheimers

On Thursday, I had the chance to interview Dr. David Dosa, author of the book, "Making Rounds with Oscar-The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat." Although I'm not really a "cat lover", I had read excerpts of the book in both Guideposts and Readers Digest and knew that I wanted to learn more about Oscar. In case you aren't familiar with the story-Oscar is a cat that resides at a nursing home in Rhode Island and he has the uncanny ability to know when one of the residents is near death. He will climb up on their bed, or the window sill and hold his vigil until they have passed on. The book is touching and inspiring. Over 5 million Americans are afflicted with this some form of dementia and the book also addresses the many issues of caring for a loved one with this disease. It will introduce some topics that may be difficult, but that need to be discussed.

It is so important to eat a good breakfast! If you are "crunched" for time in the morning, try one of the following:
Morning Monte Cristo- Top a low fat whole grain waffle with 3 slices of honey baked deli ham and 1 oz. reduced fat Swiss cheese. Place in toaster oven toast until cheese melts. Remove from oven and drizzle with 1 tsp. light pancake syrup; top with 2nd toasted waffle.
Banana'wich-Spread 1 tsp. peanut butter on hot dog bun. Add 1 small banana, sliced, and drizzle with 1/2 tsp. honey.
Eggs-in-a-wrap-Spread 1 oz. goat cheese on 100-calorie whole wheat wrap. Add 1 egg, scrambled, and 1 c. baby spinach leaves; fold wrap.

Happy Birthday to my daughter Sarah-
~the start of a whole new decade to explore and enjoy!

Happiness Project

If you missed the program today, I talked with Gretchen Rubin author of a great new book,
"The Happiness Project: Or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle and Generally Have More Fun".

It is a great book and one I highly recommend!

Gretchen spent one year trying to be "happier". Focusing on a different subject each month, she made resolutions and then charted them. For the month of March she focused on work-her challenge was to "aim higher". Are you happy at work? Are you happy with the kind of work (career) that you do? Check out Gretchen's website www.happiness-project.com or pick up a copy of her book. It's a facinating concept. If we all try to make our homes, family relationships, friendships and workplace just a little bit "happier" we'd all reap the benefits.

I also found a GREAT website: www.stilltasty.com. If you aren't sure about the food in your refrigerator or pantry, this is the place to go. Just type in the food or beverage, indicate how long you've had it and you'll find information as to its "shelf life" in both the fridge or the freezer. It's also great to check those spices and other staples that have been sittin on your shelves. Check it out and let me know what you think.