17 plays

Ramps:

Each spring, ramps inspire the breathless praise and devotion of foodies and foragers. Writer Brett Laidlaw explains the appeal of this wild edible.

Brett Laidlaw is the author of the book Trout Caviar and the blog of the same name.

Photo by killacam

 

16 plays

The Birds:

May is prime bird-watching season in Wisconsin as many migratory birds return to nest or stop to refuel on the way north. Commentator Eddee Daniels tells us how he learned to hear the birds of spring.

Eddee Daniels is a photographer and writer in Milwaukee.    

Photo markkilner

430 plays

State-in-law:

Many of us come to love Wisconsin by birth. But for others, it comes through marriage. Writer Benjamin Percy tells us how Wisconsin became his state-in-law.

Benjamin Percy is the author of two novels, Red Moon and The Wilding, as well as two books of short stories. He’ll be at Boswell Books in Milwaukee on May 14th. 

Scenes from Rosie’s Cafe in La Crosse where Rosie Perez and her daughter, Teresa Kerns, work and cook together daily.

Photos by Maureen McCollum

66 plays

Breakfast at Rosie’s:

Every morning at 5:30, Rosie Perez and her daughter, Teresa Kerns, open up the quaint and cozy Rosie’s Café in La Crosse. They’ve been working together for almost 30 years. Rosie’s usually in the back making soup, pies, cinnamon rolls from scratch, while Teresa switches between serving tables and cooking on the grill. In honor of Mother’s Day this weekend, WPR’s Maureen McCollum spent a morning with them and found that their secret to success is working together as a dependable team.

118 plays

Slimey Crud Run:

There are many organized motorcycle rides and rallies in Wisconsin. But writer Ron Davis has a special place in his heart for one particular ride.

Ron Davis teaches English at UW-Stevens Point.

Photo: Ron Davis 

48 plays

Spring Planting:

Spring is planting time for gardeners and farmers. Writer and farmer Justin Isherwood shares his reflection on the ancient art and annual practice of planting.

Justin Isherwood is a writer and farmer in central Wisconsin. 

Photo skylarprimm

Share your story! Wisconsin at Work, Wisconsin at Play

This spring and summer, we’re looking for your stories of work and play in Wisconsin. Share your story on Recollection Wisconsin, a place to discover historical resources and share your Wisconsin story, and you may be featured on Wisconsin Life! 

We’re looking for stories and photos of your first job, what you make or do now, or what lessons your work life has taught you. Tell us about your summer vacations or your summers at camp. Just about any topic is welcome within the theme as long as it is a personal narrative with a strong connection to Wisconsin.

Need a nudge? Here are some ideas to help you get started.

Work:

  • Do you work in a family-owned business? How has the business changed from your parents’ or grandparents’ time?
  • Does your job require a special language? Is there a “lingo” unique to your work?
  • What about any special tools or equipment or clothing needed to do your job? Have you ever built or customized or “hacked” any tools to get the job done?
  • Housework is work too, of course. Tell us about learning to keep house. Are there tips or tricks learned from previous generations that you still use today?

Play:

  • Did you spend your summers at camp? Where? Tell us about your adventures (or misadventures).
  • Did your family have any summer traditions when you were growing up? Or have you created any traditions now? What and why?
  • Do you have a favorite summertime game or activity? Why do you look forward to it? How did you learn to play?
  • Did your family have a cabin “Up North”?

Go to Recollection Wisconsin for rules and to submit your story. All approved stories and photos will be archived and publicly accessible through the Recollection Wisconsin website.

You may submit materials at any time, but the deadline to submit stories for consideration for airing on Wisconsin Life is June 15, 2013.