Arts and Entertainment

Many people had suggested we visit Malta. I don’t know what took so long. I think Malta is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. There are an amazing number of historical sites dating back to Neolithic times. Even though more bombs fell on Malta during World War II than any other place, the reconstruction maintained the island’s architectural integrity.

Malta is an island in the Mediterranean, so seafood it very popular. One day, John and I had lunch at La Nostra Padrona, a seaside restaurant in the picturesque fishing town of Marsaxlokk. The weather was beautiful – perfect for dining alfresco. John was able to pick from the “catch of the day” while I had a great salad.

I have read many articles about the health benefits and uses of coconut milk and oil. It is touted as being a lactose-free, vegan milk substitute that can be used in a variety of ways including as a dairy substitute used in coffee, ice cream, smoothies and in variety of recipes including many Thai curry dishes. John and I have enjoyed many curry dishes and breads in several countries that are made with coconut milk. Coconuts are rich in vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 plus minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Coconut oil is versatile.

Imagine 150 different flavors of soda. Decisions, decisions, decisions. I like the fact that the old-time soda fountains are making a comeback. When I was in Eagle River, Wisconsin, I had a great lunch and root beer float at Soda Pops. I passed on the ice cream, but most people did not. There is a wide choice of ice cream with 70 topping to choose from.

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has inhabited Lac du Flambeau since 1745. The word Chippewa and Ojibway are one and the same. The Band was given the name “Lac du Flambeau” (Lake of the Torches) by the French traders and trappers who visited the area and saw them harvesting fish at night by torchlight. The reservation is checker-boarded with parts in three counties.

John and I now have a new appreciation for cranberry sauce and jelly after visiting Vilas Cranberry Company in Manitowish. At Thanksgiving dinner the turkey is the main attraction and cranberry a tasty little extra. The next time you have an Ocean Spray cranberry product think of the Vilas Cranberry Company in Manitowish County – one of the major suppliers. Wisconsin is the nation’s leading producer of cranberries, harvesting more the 60 percent of the country’s crop.

Boulder Junction is called the “Muskie Capital of the World.” What’s a muskie, you may wonder? “Muskie” or “Musky” is short for muskellunge, a large relatively uncommon freshwater fish native to North America. It is the largest member of the pike family. Muskies are highly sought after by fishermen because of their explosive strikes and rugged fights. If you want to catch a prize-winning muskellunge then Vilas County is the place for you.