Need gifts? Please support local businesses & people!

During this pandemic, we could all use a break.  With holidays coming up, some of us are wondering how we're going to pull it off, and not that gift-giving is the most important, but, let's face it, it's nice to do, or at least have a little extra to do something nice with the family.  So...  here it goes.

A fun morsel in the West Racine business district is Refined Salvage & Pallet Design, where you can find some fun, interesting, unique items for your house, as a gift, and these are perfect for those who just got into their 1st home!

While you're there, stop by at Wilson's Coffee & Tea, because they really have the best coffee, and stop in to get some kringle at Bendtsen's Bakery.  They definitely have the BEST kringle, this side of the Atlantic.  Then there's Gold Bear Trading Company, all here in the same business district, on the same side of the street.  Please don't forget to check out the new bakery, which offers items that aren't at the Danish places, and pick up your Christmas cookies from Nissi's Cake Room!  

Downtown, there's Lighthouse Gallery & Gifts, perfect for out of town people you're sending gifts to.  Their items range from pictures to T's to coffee mugs, all featuring Racine, WI!  I remember stopping in at Plumb Gold LTD as a college student when I'd ride the bus all over, and would walk down to check them out.  They just expanded, and have a 2nd store, called Plumb Silver.  I haven't been there, so I'd love to check that out someday as well.

I also have friends who could use a boost for the holidays, and here are some of what they can offer...

Kira T - Rustic Stone Jewelry & Gifts - please order on Etsy for your unique gift to your special gals in your life!

Mike Phipps - for your computer needs - he can fix your laptop & desktop at a great price, guarantees his work, & is better than many of these places where you spend an arm and a leg for...  When you message him, please also ask about vintage gaming units & classic games he has available.  Perfect again, for gift giving this holiday season!

Laura Fogel - She is a professional Mary Kay dealer, and can help you from skincare to makeup, men & women both!

Lika's Professional Resume Services - ask me what I can do for you, so you get an interview, even during this pandemic.  You're worth the investment, right?  Do it for you!

Because I need money, just to get to the end of the year...  I'll have to figure out next year after the 1st...  I also have these items for sale.  Please message me - lika.yvi@gmail.com if you're interested:

Greenbay Packer men's medium leather jacket - $30:  

Vinci R tenor saxophone - $250:

Sony Stereo with JVC speakers - $225 takes it all or individual components at prices listed below:

Sony stereo system - $150 if buying sony set
Sony receiver - $75
Sony dual cassette w/ radio - $30 - sold
Sony 6 - CD changer - $50
The stand is free, if purchase above, or $20 just for the stand

JVC surround speakers - $150 set
Bar style woofer SP XC 33 - $30
Subwoofer SX pw100 II - $65
Surround speakers (4) - $60 for all 4 or $40 for 2 or $20 for 1
Cord hook up & remotes available. Free if purchase the above, ask about ala carte pricing

It's been pampered, kept in pristine condition. Nonsmoking home.

Available 12/01/2020 - $500/month & $250/deposit, all utilities included, month to month lease. Looking for a responsible & liberal roommate, preferably female, to rent a furnished bedroom. All common areas are shared, including the laundry area. Interviews to discuss expectations & basic background checks with references needed.

Call or E-mail to schedule an interview & application to rent.

Any & all help is greatly appreciated!  Thank you in advance.

Things to do... What do you like?

I was finally able to go to a Racine Raiders football game as a regular fan...  The last game was over 30 years ago, when I was still in my high school pep band and the Lighthouse Brigade Marching Band and went to play as part of one of those...   I remember I used to have so much fun because watching the games in person is more fun than watching on TV.  I've had the pleasure of going to every home game in high school, went to watch the Wisconsin Badgers regularly while in college, and even went to a Green Bay Packers preseason game once.  So, to be able to take my son to one of these, since I'd pulled him from regular public school to do the public virtual school thing, he never had that opportunity...  It's a great family event as well as for groups of friends to attend.  I had fun making some noise with my miniature cowbell that sounds more like a wind chime...

I enjoy instilling the love of reading in young people. Teens & young adults who don't fit the social norms or haven't been introduced to much would like something a little different, such as Soldwolf’s current story in the making, Meeting the Parents (Ch. 1) In this military sci-fi story, there is a lot of action, tactical movements both from a personal & strategic perspective, and the main couple along with their Circle of Friends (Ch 36) are endearing. In Discoveries & Decisions (Ch 45), the details of the discoveries from the last chapter(s) are gradually being revealed. Certain conclusions can be drawn from these, as well as understanding the gravity of the key players' impact was on finding the intel. Some might be nominated for awards, others might be glad that they don't use guillotines in the future... A ton of info is sifted through, and this operation was bigger than anything you'd expect, so the plans on what to do next will have to be a delicate balance.

In the chapters leading up to the current point, the “bad guys” whether they are outright enemies, infiltrators, or inside traitors, The Wrath of Khan will look tame to what they are going to end up getting. Whether you’re about the military aspect, sci-fi action or personal relationships, you’ll find this to be a good read. Even though Spock says, “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few” (Star Trek), I think, in this case, the need to keep this couple safe from harm would be best for this futuristic society.

Go find that thing to do, you might find something you enjoy, and be inspired to pursue something new, get a hobby or just expand on what you already have.