Tag Archives: weather

2020 Fall Foliage Report

24 Thursday Sep 2020

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The local meteorologist may be tricking us into thinking summer is back again, but there’s no question that fall has officially arrived. Parents and children are starting to find their back-to-school routines, assorted pumpkins are being placed on front porches, seasonal flavors have returned to coffee shops and, of course, the greatest indicator of them are the changing fall colors.

If you would consider yourself an autumn enthusiast, you’re likely visited Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report. If not, there’s no better time to become familiar with an outstanding state resource.

Each year, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism provides the latest updates for finding the best fall colors. Regardless of your mode of transportation (hiking, biking or riding), you have the opportunity to see all of the changing leaves that your heart desires.

According to the latest report, counties around the state appear to be evenly split between beginning and moderate peak colors. Expectations show that northern counties will reach their peak in the first or second week of October, while southern counties will follow in the second or third week of the month. If you’ve been longing for a road trip, now is the time to start planning – with as much or as little effort as you’d like!

Travel Wisconsin put together a guide for 11 scenic drives to take advantage of when the leaves are turning. We were excited to see that one drive is not far from the Wisconsin Lions Camp. Did you know that three of the state’s highest points are right here in Central Wisconsin? Take in the fall foliage from a different perspective by driving along the Hilltop Tour.

If you don’t consider yourself to be a follower, you can always come up with a fall foliage trip of your own. Our state is chock-full of scenic highways and rustic roads, so we are confident that finding a unique journey shouldn’t be a trying task.

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Wisconsin. Don’t forget to open your eyes and take all of the beauty in. From all of us here at Lions Pride, enjoy your seasonably warm fall weekend!

Autumnal Equinox 2020

17 Thursday Sep 2020

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Photo Credit to the Wisconsin Lions Camp

We don’t have to tell you that the days are getting shorter and the temperature has been getting much crisper. (Yes, we’ve already seen frost advisories over the course of a few nights!) Although the changing weather is evident, it may still be hard to believe that this upcoming Tuesday, September 22, officially marks the first day of fall and the Autumnal Equinox.

If you’re anything like us, you may be wondering, “What is an equinox?” We know that it was probably an important lesson in middle school, but we all have a lot to remember. So, how about a lesson refresh?

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the word “equinox” is derived from the Latin word aequus, which means “equal” and “night.” During the equinox, day and night are roughly the same lengths of time or equal.

Equinox, of course, happens twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. The Earth orbits on the tilt of its axis at 23 ½ degrees. On the day of the equinox, at approximately 8:31 am CST, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres will trade places in receiving the sun’s light more directly. We don’t have to tell you that starting next week, the sun will begin to rise later, and dusk will come sooner.

Fall seems to be a season favorite for Wisconsinites because it means the return of football, cool, crisp weather and pumpkin spice everything. We especially love this time of year because we always enjoy watching the changing leaves that surround the Wisconsin Lions Camp.

What is your favorite part about fall? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Autumnal Equinox from Lions Pride!

Fun Facts About Homemade Pie

06 Thursday Aug 2020

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Is it just us, or has this week been downright autumn-like? The low 70-degree days we’ve been seeing has been a welcome change, compared to the previous excruciatingly hot weather. The cooler temperatures allow us to make a couple pleasant changes, like turning off the air conditioner, opening back up the windows and baking something delightful in the oven.

Last Saturday, August 1, was Homemade Pie Day. Although we may be a few days behind, we don’t think it’s too late to celebrate. Let’s commemorate America’s favorite homemade dessert with fun facts to raise your Pie-Q:

  • Apple pie is often promoted as an American staple, but the first written Apple Pie Recipe is actually believed to have been written in England in 1381.
  • Pie is most commonly known as a dessert, but up until the 19th Century, fruit pies were seen as a popular breakfast item.
  • In 2008, Crisco and the American Pie Council surveyed Americans on their favorite types of pieces:
    • 19% prefer apple pie.
    • 13% prefer pumpkin pie.
    • 12% prefer pecan pie.
    • 10% prefer banana cream pie.
    • 9% prefer cherry pie.
  • 1 out of 5 people admits having eaten an entire pie by themselves.
  • Not all pies were not just for eating. The wet bottom molasses pie known as the Shoo-fly Pie was used to attract flies from the kitchen, though the origin may never be completely known.
  • There is a theory that your favorite pie is an indicator of your personality. If you love:
    • Apple pie, then you are independent, realistic and compassionate.
    • Pecan pie, then you are thoughtful and analytical.
    • Chocolate pie, then you are loving.
    • Pumpkin pie, then you are funny and independent.

What is your favorite type of homemade pie? Let us know in the comments below!

Take this cooler weather as an opportunity to spend some time in the kitchen, making your favorite pie. Happy Homemade Pie from Lions Pride!

Staying In with Man’s Best Friend

19 Thursday Mar 2020

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person in brown cable knife sweater holding white and black puppy

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

We are living in uncertain times. We don’t have to tell about the risk of the Coronavirus. It’s all anyone has been talking about since the White House released a National Emergency concerning the global spread of COVID-19.

In an attempt to flatten the curve and reduce the very real possibility of a severe strain on healthcare systems in the coming weeks, folks are encouraged to self-quarantine and distance themselves from others, limiting their company to ten people or less.

We think everyone must work to stay optimistic when life feels particularly dark, especially when you can’t necessarily count on the physical camaraderie of friends and family. Luckily, there is one companion you can still count on – your dog.

March 23 is National Puppy Day, a day for all of us to celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives. We understand that the official unofficial holiday is still days away, but given the circumstances, we think the in-home festivities can start early. Here are a few fun ways to honor your best furry friend:

  1. Go for plenty of walks

    Although there is still a bit of snow on the ground, we have evidence that spring is coming. Take advantage of the slightly warmer days by getting out and enjoying the fresh air. Think about taking another path to explore an area of your neighborhood that might not already be familiar with.

  2. Make homemade treats

    Supermarkets and convenience stores carry dozens of dog treat options, but did you know that you can make your own goodies at home? It’s also more straightforward than you might imagine! Review these 25 simple dog treat recipes that contain five ingredients or less.

  3. Step up your grooming game

    There’s no denying that life gets busy and as a result, certain tasks never get completed. One of these jobs may be the act of brushing or grooming your dog, especially if he or she is not a fan of the process. If you have never been able to establish a good grooming routine, consider using this extra time at home to get started. It’s never too late to start a new habit. Remember to keep those homemade treats nearby for a tasty reward!

  4. Create fun toys

    Does this situation ring true in your home? You are excitedly present your dog with a brand-new toy that you just picked up from the store. Your dog chews on the toy for approximately 20 minutes before a) destroying it or b) never picking it up again. Rather than spending money on another toy, consider making one yourself from items you can find around the house. Check out these 33 DIY dog toys.

We understand that time at work can get lonesome, but don’t forget to rely on your #1 companion. We bet that these pups feel extra lucky to have their humans at home. How will you express your appreciation for your dog on National Puppy Day? Your ideas are welcome in the comments below.

On behalf of the Lions Pride Board and Staff, we’d like to send a friendly reminder to regularly check in with the CDC for resources and updates surrounding the Corona Virus outbreak. And don’t forget to stay positive. Stay safe out there!

Celebrating Wisconsin Farmers

10 Thursday Oct 2019

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abundance agricultural agriculture arm

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“Small family farmers are the only things that can save us because they take care of the land. Future Farmers of America are going to be our heroes…” -Willie Nelson

When’s the last time you really thought about where your food comes from? If you are a regular grocery shopper, it can be easy to forget about the farmers behind the produce. After all, you’re likely busy scouring prices trying to get in and get out as quickly as possible. The focus is a little more front and center when you and your significant other are strolling through a farmers’ market on a sunny, Saturday morning.

Farmers are the backbone of America. They rise before the sun, willingly participate in back-breaking labor and battle every unpredictable obstacle that could be tossed a person’s way. It’s hard to imagine what life would be like without dedicated farmers.

Saturday, October 12, is National Farmers Day; an unofficial holiday created for some of the hardest working individuals. Let’s get a head start by highlighting agriculture in our own state, courtesy of the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection:

  • Although Wisconsin is commonly known as the Dairy State, we produce more than just milk and cheese. Our state ranks first nationally for snap beans (for production,) cranberries, ginseng, mink pelts, dry whey for humans, milk goats and corn (for silage.)
  • There are nearly 65,000 farms located on 14.3 million acres in the state.
  • Approximately 62 percent of the nation’s cranberry crop comes from Wisconsin.
  • The dairy industry annually contributes over $45.6 billion to Wisconsin’s economy on its own.
  • Nearly 1200 licensed cheesemakers produce over 600 types, styles and varieties of cheese.
  • Wisconsin is listed as #12 among all states in the nation for the value of agricultural exports.

It should come as no surprise to learn that 2019 has been a particularly difficult year for farmers across America. Between excessive flooding, international tariffs and low prices, many family farms are left making extremely difficult choices. Some have decided not to plant any crops, while others have had to let go of businesses that have been part of their family for generations. Small family farms need our support more than ever before.

As you begin to wrap up your week, keep these farmers in your thoughts. If you see a farmer out and about while running your errands this weekend, be sure to say, “thanks!”

On behalf of the Lions Pride Staff and Board, we’d like to do a special shout-out to our Wisconsin Family Farmers. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to the agricultural industry. We don’t know where we’d be without your passion.

Happy National Farmers Day!

 

How to Beat the Cool Summer Blues

20 Thursday Jun 2019

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Tomorrow marks the first day of summer, but in case you haven’t noticed, the weather hasn’t felt very seasonal. If we look at the city of Madison, the average temperature range in June is 75 degrees to 81 degrees Fahrenheit, rarely falling below 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

Madison Temperatures

Source: Weather Underground

This year, however, we’ve experienced some abnormalities in terms of weather. Only half of our days have been in the average temperature range, and we’ve only seen three days reach the 80-degree mark. Days have been gloomy and rainy, making it challenging to stay optimistic about the season ahead.

We understand that it can be disappointing to see another cloudy day. Unfortunately, the weather is one of those areas that no one can control. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy the first part of June, even if it is a bit cooler than usual. We’ve compiled a couple of ideas to get you started:

  1. Participate in activities where warm weather is not essential

When you think about summertime, you probably think about activities like swimming and boating, but there are other ways to get outside. Rather than relying solely on the weather, consider taking part in other fun activities such as fishing or kayaking. If you wouldn’t consider yourself to be much of an outdoorsman, you can always plan trips to the farmers market, a local festival or outdoor concert. You might even enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or coffee to keep your hands warm. How of you have that opportunity in June?

  1. Bring your parties indoors

Many people look forward to June because they have an excuse to get out and socialize with friends and neighbors after a long, cold winter. We know it may be easier to host an outdoor barbecue, but there’s no reason why you can’t bring everyone inside for a small get-together. Invite everyone over for a potluck-style dinner, so all of the responsibility isn’t left on one person. We can almost guarantee you will be thanked immensely for being the volunteer host.

  1. Appreciate your layers

Are you familiar with the term, ‘sweater weather?’ Typically, at the end of September, a transformation happens in Wisconsin; pumpkin is added to everything, and people take out all of their sweaters and sweatshirts. We know that it might be a little too early for pumpkin season, but you can give all of your layers an escape from the back of the closet – at least temporarily.

  1. Plan a weekend getaway

Just because it is chilly here in Wisconsin does not mean that you’re going to find that weather everywhere. Cities like Des Moines and Chicago are expected to see beautiful weather on Saturday and Sunday. Even if it’s too late to pack your bags for a spontaneous weekend away, consider planning a vacation for some time this year. Studies have shown that planning a trip can make you happier than actually taking it. Remember, time away is good for you!

People of the Midwest have mixed feelings about summer. Some adore the warm, humidity that Wisconsin brings while others prefer to stay in with the air conditioning turned up. If you don’t much care for summer due to the heat, think of the cooler temperatures a gift. If you long for the warm, 80-degree days, try to stay patient and know they are coming (just look at the 10 day forecast.) Until then, try to appreciate the unpredictably of Mother Nature. How do you plan to take advantage of the cooler weather?

Madison 10 Day Weather

Happy First Day of Summer from Lions Pride!

End of the Summer Bucket List

24 Thursday Aug 2017

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The end of the summer is quickly winding down. We’re not sure where June, July Bonfireand August went, but we don’t have much time to left to take advantage of the beautiful Wisconsin weather. But you can complete the unofficial summer season on a high note by accomplishing the following bucket list:

  • Take a hike at a state park
  • Roast a marshmallow and make a s’more
  • Throw out a line at your favorite river or lake
  • Catch a ballgame
  • Watch a sunrise or sunset (your preference!)
  • Host a summer cookout with family and friends
  • Visit a state fair and indulge in a deep-fried goody
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the lush, green grass
  • Remember Lions Pride

All good things must come to an end, right? If we had summer all year round, we definitely wouldn’t appreciate the beautiful weather like we do now. Just keep in mind; it will be back again this time next year.

What items have you already checked off your bucket list, and what else would you still like to complete? The clock is ticking, but there is still time to have the best summer ever! From all of us at Lions Pride, we’d like to wish you a happy end of the summer!

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb? We Don’t Think So.

02 Thursday Mar 2017

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march-in-like-a-lion

Wow, another month has come and gone, and the most unpredictable time of the year has officially arrived. As we write, the all-too-familiar white fluffy snow continues to fall, adding to our fresh piles. It looks like March is coming in like a lion so it will go out like a lamb, right?

As we all know, there is no shortage of catchy weather sayings:

“Red in the morning, sailor’s warning. Red at night, sailor’s delight.”
“Doors and drawers stick before a rain.”
“The sharper the blast, the sooner ‘tis past.”
“If spiders are many and spinning their webs. The spell will soon be dry.
“When your joints all start to ache, rainy weather is at stake.”

But are there are any truths to these sayings?

You may be surprised to learn that all of the listed folklores are true, except – you guessed it – our lion and lamb saying. Read through more true weather folklores.

We have all experienced Marches that began with wild snowstorms and ended with blue, clear skies, but there are no scientific facts that provide evidence to this being a valid claim. Of course, we can hope that March starts off cloudy and snowy, and then ends with warmth and sun, but the key word is hope. Sadly, this particular lion saying appears to be more of a rhyme than a weather predictor.

Fortunately, we can quickly come up with a lion saying that we know for a fact to be true. “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.” Each year, Lions like you are making a difference in their communities all over the globe, and we have proof!

LCIF recently released their 2015-2016 Annual Report, where they announced that they received over $39.4 million in generous donations. The foundation then awarded 453 grants totaling over $45.2 million to support the work of Lions around the world. These grants made a positive impact on the lives of more than 44 million people. Now, that’s what we’d like to call making a difference!

On second thought, “In like a lion… out like a lamb” is obviously a false claim because Lions come in Lions, and come out like Lions, everyday of the year (regardless of the month.) From all of us at Lions Pride, thank you for all that you do and keep up the good work!

Wisconsin 4th of July Events

23 Thursday Jun 2016

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4th of July FireworksWe hope all of our traveling Lions are enjoying their time in Fukuoka, but for those of us still of us in the United States, are probably busy preparing for America’s birthday! Next Monday is Independence Day; do you have plans set? If not, it’s not too late to get something scheduled before the big holiday.

Wisconsin is an outstanding place to celebrate July 4th because it’s a magical time of year where we are blessed with beautiful weather. Typically most celebrations include food, fireworks and fun. What’s better than that?

No matter where you are in the state, there is bound to be a place nearby celebrating our independence with a fun event, but here are a few standouts from Travel Wisconsin:

Riverfront Rendezvous – Located only 17 miles west of Lions Pride, Stevens Point celebrates Independence Day the weekend before the holiday with live music, food and fireworks. Since the event takes place on the Wisconsin River, it’s also the perfect place to show off your boat in Saturday’s boat parade.

Downtown Milwaukee Fireworks – One of the largest shows in Wisconsin, Milwaukee’s Lakefront has become a popular location for July 4th Festivities (happening on Sunday, July 3). If you plan on attending this show, be sure to get there early to get a prime spot. Activities take place all day long.

Fireworks Cruise – Enjoy fireworks out on the St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisconsin. You’ve never seen a display like this before! The cruise takes place on both Sunday and Monday. Both cruises board at 7:30 pm and cruises take place from 8 pm to 11 pm.

4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza – If you love fireworks, this is a display you won’t want to miss. The Downtown Dells is planning a show with over 1300 fireworks. Refreshments will be served on site, and the display will start at dusk.

July 4th Celebration – Spend a day of fun in Manitowish Waters. The celebration begins at 9 am and includes arts and crafts, live music, a cookout, airplane rides, water ski show and more – truly something for everyone!

These are only five of literally hundreds of events happening over the July 4th weekend (245 events to be exact). How do you plan to spend America’s birthday?

The Groundhog’s Spring Prediction

04 Thursday Feb 2016

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Can you believe that Groundhog’s Day has already come and gone? Is it just us or did we not see as much media coverage on the famous furry meteorologist as we usually do? We guess it was because most of us were all buried in snow!

If you missed the outcome – Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, so we are on track for an early spring. Don’t believe ole Phil? You might be surprised to learn that the findings were independently verified by Canada’s very own groundhog, Shubenacadie Sam, who also did not a shadow.

Whether or not you believe the shadow reader’s weather report, it may be comforting to learn that the first official day of spring is only 44 days away. That doesn’t seem to long away, right? We don’t think so because Christmas Eve was only 42 days ago and that feels like only yesterday!

While we are as excited about spring and summer (the first day of Wisconsin Lions Camp is 128 days away to continue with our countdown theme), we don’t want to wish our days away. The truth of the matter is there are plenty of things to like about this time of year, even if you wouldn’t consider yourself a winter lover. Think about it, in the wintertime, we get to see the sunrise, bundle up with a warm cup of soup and see the world in a different perspective. What is your favorite part about winter?

Remember, without winter, we wouldn’t appreciate the other three seasons that Wisconsin has to offer. From all of us at Lions Pride, don’t forget to enjoy the last 44 days of winter!