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The dysfunction of our President isn't because he is incompetent. His apparent incompetence is a diversion, and his mission is controlled chaos.

My wife and I traveled to Milwaukee this last weekend. Our mission had three items on the checklist. My wife's favorite hairdresser had set aside time for her. We had tickets to the Rep theater's performance of "Disgraced." We connected with three people on our long list of friends in Milwaukee.
I have no comment on the first item other than the stylist does a nice job, and her highness is happy. Happy woman, happy household. I'm cool wit dat.

"Disgraced" is by far the best play I've seen since we saw "Doubt" on Broadway. There are five characters in this play. The elevator description sounds like the beginning of a classic joke scene. There's a dinner with Pakistani-American attorney, his Caucasian artist wife, a Jewish museum curator and his African - American, attorney wife. The two attorney's work together at the same firm. The curator is looking a the artist's work for an exhibit at the museum. Ethnicity comes up in the dinner conversation. Pull back the curtain on the picture of the world we live. I suspect because this play is written by a local actor, writer and director will get a lot of regional notice. If it's produced and played by the actors as well as it was done the night we saw it.... Well, let's just say, in my opinion, they could just move this production to Broadway. No problem.

We were invited for drinks at the abode of our friend Anne Steinbach. Anne is a 'collector.' A collector is not a hoarder. Collectors display their stuff in some semblance of order. The collection symbolizes some active interest they pursue.
In Anne's case, she gathers interesting hats, dishware, art, historical greeting cards and many other things. I think to summarize; I will share with you my, wife's first comment once the enormity of the sight before us. She said, "If you ever move, do not call me to help."

We went to dinner with Anne her sister Kate and John Menzel. John is always interesting to meet with, in that very few people are as networked as widely as John. That and he promised to teach me how to tie a bowtie.
(Note to self: Gently but firmly refuse to go to Victor's for dinner again. This was the second time the fish was undercooked.)

Saturday morning we woke up in our room at the ALoft. I suspect when the Buck's get their arena, we won't be able to get a room here at the discounted price we enjoyed, but it was a decent room, and the staff was friendly and professional.
We opted for valet parking. It was great until the attendant told me they had to run three blocks to get the car. The lot they used to have was across the street. It became unavailable when the new arena construction started. I overtipped him because I was feeling guilty and he was able to cancel his gym membership.

A morning with Whitney Gould is such a great experience. As I told my friends John and Janet Brownson, anytime there is a conversation, and Jeff Jordan doesn't say anything for a half hour, there is greatness in the room.
Whitney has so many friends and experiences that the stream of stories, antidotes and situations are endless and interesting. Many people know her from her days as a Milwaukee Journal columnist. Her abundant knowledge of architecture and art is boundless. She is my living treasure.

Before we had to head back to The Valley, we were able to stop and visit Pam Frautschi and Richard Ippolito. The occasion was Richards third annual 79th birthday. Not only do these two put on more miles than a British Airlines international pilot, but they also manage to take in any live theater performance that produced in the near city area.
When I moved to Milwaukee, someone remarked that I was pretty well connected for a new guy.  I was told that If I meet Pam Frautchi and Bill Sell, they will introduce me tp everyone I had to meet. Good advice. Good People.

From the soggy, frozen and miserable shores of Lake Maria, this is Poppa Jeff saying till we meet again, Via con Dios or Mother Nature if it's your choice.
(He drops the mike)

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