Part of Neighborhood Services this is where you come to get a permit to build a fence or other home…read moreimprovements. So much better than corporate customer service, there's no grating business jargon (i.e. "Did we exceed your expectations today?") or the tortured idiot-English of the day (i.e. "have a nice rest of your day," or "I'll help the next customer in line here please"). Instead an efficient, knowledgeable, helpful receptionist immediately interpreted my confused old man look and stepped out of her reception desk area to look at the application I had in my hand and asked immediately, "do you have a corner house?" I do, so that meant I would have to come back the next day, before 3:30 when the people who could help me would be back in. I did that, and the line is very high tech, I could see on the screen what my wait time would be, and then when it was my turn I was texted as well as called in. The desk meeting was comfortable, friendly, he was very helpful not just in the fence matter but answered some other questions I needed that weren't related to the fence. Friendly, polite, that's good but not enough, he was very competent and knowledgeable. That's the combination of customer service missing for the most part in the privately owned corporate world of scripted responses and trained incompetence. I did not have to repeat myself once here. So refreshing. Now if only they could straighten out my prescriptions at the big corporate pharmacy I go to.

This is Michigan's largest city known for beer, fish fry , brats & cheese curds. The Public Market…read moreshowcases local cuisine. There is a lot of culture, a striking art museum, Summerfest the largest music festival & a theater district. Miller beer & Harley Davidson have a big presence here. Milwaukee Brewers play baseball & the Bucks baseball, it's also home to Marquette University. There are many independent bookstores & art galleries in the city. The nickname "Cream City" comes from the distinct cream-colored bricks found on many of the city's buildings. Although downtown is very walkable, there is a bus & trolley system. However, the curb's & sidewalks aren't in good shape & need attention. People are friendly & helpful here.

Milwaukee is a nice town. It's one of those that can have a small town feel even though it's about…read morehalf a million people. And I haven't been here as often as I probably should have for as close as it is; it's about an hour or hour and a half away so it's an easy day trip. Known for breweries and bratwurst, one or the other of those are on practically every corner. I've not historically been the biggest fan of bratwurst but had a Reuben bratwurst that makes my mouth water thinking about it. I had fun going to some shops with my little one, including a couple children's shops (BlackBear Boutique and Rainbow Booksellers, in particular). Rainbow Booksellers is only open a couple days per week so make sure to prioritize it if you are wanting to go. I'd planned to take my kiddo to the children's museum, but she fell asleep so that will wait for another trip. I think there are at least a couple children's museum-like places here. And in the downtown area there are several music venues; I've only been to Pabst many years ago, and I'd love to visit the High Life Theatre as well. And soon will attend a Brewers game to see the sausage race live and in person!

Zero Accountability from Wauwatosa Leadership -- Not One Response Until I Went Public…read more On August 1st, I experienced an incident with a Wauwatosa Fire Department engine that likely caused permanent worsening of my tinnitus. I immediately sent multiple detailed emails -- including my personal phone number -- to: Fire Chief Jim Case - No response Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Stanwood (emailed twice) - No response City Attorney Jennifer Tate (emailed twice) - No response Mayor Dennis McBride - No response Fire & Police Commission Chair Danielle Long - No response It took a public social media post over a week later for anyone from Wauwatosa to respond -- and even then, it was Administration Assistant Chief Barbara Kadrich, who tried to spin it as me not getting "the response I was looking for," when the truth is I got no response at all from any of them. Barbara also refuses to correspond via email, meaning there's no written record -- which is unacceptable for public accountability. Every single one of these officials had my email address and phone number from day one. If they had time to talk among themselves about my post, they had time to talk to me directly. This city government is tax-funded, yet clearly believes basic constituent communication is optional. If this is how they treat legitimate concerns about safety and injury, imagine how they handle everything else. Wauwatosa residents -- remember this when these names come up on your ballot. Public service means serving the public, not ignoring them until they cause a PR problem.

A lot of guys see the pictures I post, and say Wow@toesof Barbie. But this is not related to that…read more This is a nice old time 70's style suburb west of Milwaukee where there is a massive old hulk of a mall that a lot of people go to called the Mayfair. Milwaukee has a lot of western suburbs, and this one is quite far from the downtown area but it's also a nice place and one with the good custard and some good food. Not bad at all. But it doesn't have Becky with the good hair.

I was blessed to visit this military enlistment center when a friends son enlisted recently…read more Parking is ample, but be prepared to walk because a lot of the parking is reserved for military personnel. Upon entering the building you are processed through security. After screening there is a sign in process and a lot of waiting. We were given a specific time for the ceremony but waited almost an hour for it to begin. Inside the ceremony we watched our young men and women take the oath to serve and protect in the branch thy enlisted. After the ceremony we again waited over an hour for a family meeting. At the meeting information was quickly given and in the rush of getting the enlisted officers off to lunch before their shuttle ride to the airport, some Information was left up in the air and was confusing. I suggest they have a welcome pamphlet for new military families so in the emotional rush they can access the information at a better time. After the family meeting we were asked To wait outside as the officers walked to the shuttle. It was below zero and we were Freezing! But staff was courteous and efficient in what they all needed to do. I thank all our armed forces for the jobs they do.

I had an appointment for orientation earlier this week, that I learned hours later the program…read morewasn't a good fit for me but I'm grateful for the experience. A Warm & Welcoming atmosphere from check-in at the front desk to the information desk on the lower level- Everyone was very professional. The orientation was highly organized, clean and started on time. "Monica" created a sense of belonging to each individual and provided clear overview and necessary tools needed to be successful- not overwhelmed. Maximus Team you get a gold star!

There is no gym here, but there are a few social services in house. For example, there is a program…read moreto help you find a job and get transportation to said job. There is another program to help fathers paying child support get adequate employment and keep it. There is another program that gives rent assistance if you are in danger of being evicted or homeless. there is even a program that will give you clothes for work. Everyone i have talked to here is very kind, and thety are all willing to help in any way they can.

On August 1, 2025, I experienced an incident at Hwy 100 and Capitol Drive involving a Wauwatosa…read moreFire Department engine that blasted its air horn directly behind my vehicle at close range for an extended period. I suffer from tinnitus, and this has likely caused permanent worsening of my condition. I immediately emailed detailed accounts of the incident to: Assistant Chief of Operations Ryan Stanwood - Wauwatosa Fire Department (sent two separate emails -- no reply to either) Fire Chief Jim Case - Wauwatosa Fire Department (no reply) Barbara Kadrich - Administrative Assistant Chief, Wauwatosa Fire Department (refuses to correspond in writing) Danielle Long - Chairwoman, Wauwatosa Fire & Police Commission (no reply) Jennifer Tate - Wauwatosa City Attorney (sent two separate emails -- no reply to either) Mayor Dennis McBride - City of Wauwatosa (no reply) Not one of them responded -- not even a basic acknowledgment. This is disgraceful from a taxpayer-funded department and city government. My emails were sent on August 1 -- over a week before the August 10 flood -- so "emergency workload" is not an excuse for ignoring legitimate public safety concerns. The only person who acted with professionalism was Cody Xiong - Community Outreach, Wauwatosa Fire Department, who promptly answered emails, returned calls, and treated my concern with respect. Cody is the sole bright spot in an otherwise unresponsive and disappointing leadership chain. If this is how Wauwatosa's leadership handles reports of dangerous conduct and potential permanent injury, the public should take note. Accountability and basic courtesy are non-negotiable when your salary is paid by taxpayers.

When the Mister and I were looking to buy our first house 13+ years ago, we vowed we'd never leave…read moreBay View or live far from the lake. Well, we ended up with a house in Tosa and I've never regretted it for a second. Why live here? *Property taxes are lower than most communities in Milwaukee county, because Tosa has a robust business tax base (see more on that below). *Even though we have lower taxes, we get great services. Snow removal is prompt, as is garbage pick up. We've never had an emergency reason to call the police but we have contacted them on occasion ("Why are two teenagers prying up the manhole in the middle of our street?") and they've been quick to respond and friendly to boot. *Tosa has done an absolutely AMAZING job of attracting new businesses. Case in point - North Ave which is hopping with new bars, restaurants and retail. So is the Village. There's a monster redevelopment of unused land near I45 and Burleigh which includes shopping and retail. All of these things keep my property taxes low and my home value high. *Even though Tosa is a suburb, it feels like the city. I have sidewalks, I know my neighbors and I can walk to all the fun stuff on North or down to the Village. It's a generally safe place to live and the schools are highly rated. I'll agree that it's nowhere near as cool as Bay View or Riverwest, but let's face it - I'm old and belong in the suburbs anyway.

Happy Birthday to a Milwaukee Landmark... the Allen Bradley Clock! Unveiled on Halloween Night in…read more1962. Nicknamed the Polish Moon Was the worlds largest 4-sided clock for many years (yes bigger than Big Ben!) until those damn Saudi's put an end to its reign. (Not just by a little).

First to review? How is that ??? OK. 5 stars! Done. Yes…read moreSir! It is the best clock I have ever seen in my life. In my opinion. Another bonus is the Thermometer Tower, extra double rainbow! Another iconic sight to see in Milwaukee is the Allen Bradley clock. It's considered the largest 4 sided clock in the western hemisphere by Guinness book of world records. A great landmark for Walker's point. It accurate let's the employees know they are running late or early. It's also used as a navigational aid to boaters of Lake Michigan. It's dedication was Oct 31, 1962. I'm sure they will celebrate it's 50th birthday this year, I guess. I could have scampered in from the street. They don't let people just wander on in, you may have to do a drive by check in. BTW. Rockwell automation purchased the name and is a leader in automation systems, sensors and programming. I'm sure we all know someone that works @ the worlds headquarters in Milwaukee. Come on Milwaukee Yelpers this should be Slightly more popular than an old water tower on St. Mary Hill or Bronze Fonze, Henry Winkler? (I'm ready to catch Hell for that.)

After I saw the commercials for the open house, I knew this was something I had to see…read more Outside the gates, the execution was well thought out. Plentiful parking and short security lines got us onto the tarmac quickly. Once on the tarmac, be prepared to wait a long to time to see cockpits. For example, we waited over 90 minutes just to catch a glimpse of the C17. They were so backed up that once we got inside, they told us we had to keep moving. That was clearly not the messaged relayed early in the day. Looking around, those types of lines were similar at the other planes. We quickly moved on to see the fighter jets and helicopters before closing.