Wildflowers Pt 2!

I know it has been awhile since I have posted more pictures of my wildflowers I am sorry. It has been a busy month for us with Drew's bird migration, my daughter and her doctors appointments and my own doctor appointments for my knee and back.

On Mother's Day Drew took me out looking for some of my wildflowers. We went to Sanders Park in Mount Pleasant Wi., Prichard Park in Racine Wi. and Evans Park in Mount Pleasant Wi.. We found a lot of wildflowers at Sanders Park, no wildflowers at Prichard Park and the same wildflowers at Evans Park. Then when we came home Drew cooked out on the grill, no not his chicken wings but we had steak and chicken kabobs.

Here are the wildflowers that we did get pictures of:

This is a Large-Flowered Trillium in some places it was like a bed of them. Kk I know how much you like this flower.

T

This is a Large-Flowered Bellwort. 

                                                             This is a Lanceleaf Trillium.

                                                              This is a Wood Anemone.

                                                             This is a Wood Violet.

                                                          This is a Common Blue Violet.

                                                              This is a Shooting Star.

                                                             This is a Bulbous Buttercup.

                     This is a Grape Hyacinth. This one was really hard for me to find to identify.
I hope that everyone enjoys the pictures because I do enjoy going out and finding the wildflowers to share with everyone. This is just the start of all the wildflowers coming up and more pictures to keep coming. 

Dear Madame Zoltar

Madame Zoltar is off on another one of her jaunts to exotic locales.

She hopes to return next week.

Open Blog - Wednesday

Um, no thanks.

"Stick it to the ticket!"

From Racine County Corruption:

"An editorial from RCC!

"Schmaling and Hanranhan, get your heads out of each other’s posterior"

Read more: http://racinecountycorruption.blogspot.com/2014/05/stick-it-to-ticket-editorial-from-rcc.html

"Some Bar Owners Locking Their Doors After Robberies"

From Racine County Eye:

By Denise Lockwood in Business · May 18, 2014

"In response to a number of armed robberies in Racine, several bar owners have started to lock their doors at night to control who comes inside.

"Over the past several months, several gas stations, bars, convenience stores and other businesses have been robbed at gunpoint.

"Carrine J. Fenkl, who owns the Cham Tap, 2511 Durand Ave., said she started locking her doors after her bar was robbed in the early morning hours on Thursday."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/2014/05/18/bar-owners-locking-doors-robberies/

Open Blog - Tuesday

Rah! Rah! Rah!

Epic Migration

My birding vacation has come to a closing... Tomorrow morning I wake up to the sights and sounds of heavy machinery instead of chirping birds and fresh air. I have no regrets, for I witnessed a migration of epic proportions. This was beyond my wildest dreams!

I couldn't pick a better week to be off! Storms pushed the cold air masses to the north and opened the floodgates for the migrants. Last week Saturday morning started off with a walk at Colonial Park in the early morning hours. Migration had been a slow start already. That was the vibe when I walked down the first trail past the first bridge. I had seen a few warblers, some woodpeckers, nothing major. By the time I made it to the second bridge, it hit! BAM! A wave off warblers hit the forest and flooded it with song! Chestnut Sided, Magnolia, Bay Breasted, Wilson's, Yellow Rumped, Blackburnian and 12 other species of warblers fell before my binoculars like a slideshow. I had no time to pick my camera! Three hours later and more sightings of tanagers, vireos, orioles and others, I walked out the park with 65 species for that morning. A personal best outing since Harrington Beach last summer.

That afternoon, Tender Heart and I set out to drive through Bong in Kenosha Co. Another great outing! Many of the typical prairie species had returned. Eastern Kingbirds, Orchid Orioles, Savannah Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlark (shown singing below), Eastern Towhees as well as others. Even saw my first ever Tuffed Titmouse! Finished that outing with 62 species... A great day!

 
During the duration of the week off, I spent my time birding locally with visits to Myers Park where I seen this (see below) beautiful breeding plumaged Black Bellied Plover, Soras, Green Herons, Great Blue Herons, American Pipits as well as many gulls and terns

  
North Beach can be another hot spot for migrating shorebirds... Yeah, I saw the huge flocks of staging Ring Billed and Herring Gulls hanging nearby flocks of Caspian, Fornster's and Common Terns. The highlights were the Sanderlings, Semipalmated Plovers, Willets and this endangered Piping Plover that skittered past me! (see below)

We also made visits to Smolenski Park, River Bend, Shoop Park, Grant Park in South Milwaukee, Chiwaukee Prairie in Kenosha Co. Many species where seen! Among those highlights were this vagrant specie, a Northern Mockingbird (see below) at the lighthouse.

This migration was getting HOT, in reality, the water was just boiling in the pressure cooker.... Tender Heart and I learned this the "fun" way at Horicon Marsh last Saturday. Our slow drive down the shoulder on Hwy 49 proved quiet save for some Canada Goose, Mallard, Redhead Ducks, some Sandhill Cranes, a couple a Northern Harriers hunting and a Bald Eagle.

Turned into the Auto Tour & Trails, the pressure cooker EXPLODED! A beautiful Scarlet Tanager greeted us with a pose (see below). This was a good sign of things to come....

  
Some Great Egrets flew in the greet us. Saw Black Terns flying around, doing their flying acrobats with Barn and Tree Swallows over the marshes. Bobolinks, Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Wood Peewees and phoebes were in the fields. The absolute highlight was a warbler fallout we saw.... Starting with Cape May Warblers (see below)

This Blackburnian Warbler...

Magnolia Warbler...

Blackpoll Warbler....

We have never seen many warblers at one time before! Instead of looking up the trees and getting a "warbler neck", we were getting a warbler whiplash! They were at eye level, flying past us, landing just a couple of feet from us and giving us great views. Three hours later, we left the Auto Tour & Trails seeing 20 species of warblers and finished with 81 species total! My personal best day of bird watching!

The show wasn't over yet! The encore was getting started! Heading towards Dike Road in the middle of Horicon we saw an endangered Whooping Crane! (see below). Talk about luck!

 

 During our three hour drive down the gravelly Dike Road we saw some more warblers, more Canada Goose (with goslings), more Redhead Ducks, coots, a couple of American Bitterns snaking away through high reeds and great views of American White Pelicans floating around.... (see below)

All in all, this was a great week to a view migration. I'm glad that I took the time off of work to see all this. Think I'm going to do this again next year!

Secret for Longevity

 Interview  with 101 year-old Hattie Mae MacDonald of Feague,  Kentucky

Reporter:  Can you give us some  health tips for reaching the age of 101?

Hattie:   For better digestion I drink beer.

In the case of appetite loss  I drink white wine. 

For low blood pressure I drink Red  Wine. 

In the case of high blood pressure I drink scotch.  

And when I have a cold I drink Schnapps.

Reporter:  When do you drink water?

Hattie:   I've never been that sick!

 

Always knew there was a good reason to drink!!!!!

Local Loyalty - JW & Sons

Welcome back!
Today, I want to introduce you to 

JW & Sons Custom Builders

JW & Sons has been in business since the early 70's.

If you are thinking of building a new home, or garage, 

or just want to put an addition or deck on your house, 

please give JW & Sons a call. 

They're local, always have been, always will be. 

Started by dad, Jerry, and now owned by son Jeremy since 2006, 

the longevity of the business says a lot about them. 

 The owner is very hands on, and you would be dealing directly

with the top guy, who I can, and will happily vouch for.

I can attest to how quickly Jeremy corresponds, returns emails or calls. 

He's always connected, always available.

Check out their website for pictures of work they've done. 

Ways to reach them - 

jwscb.com

email - jeremy@jwscb.com

phone - 262-497-6634

As always, the 'trick question' 's 3 words he chose - 

1. Honest

2. Caring

3. Respected

If you are in need, I hope you'll give Jeremy a call, 

and as always, please tell him you saw it here!!

Open Blog - Monday

Have a good day.

"Racine’s Water Utility Lays Financial Siege To Its Customers"

From Racine Exposed:

"RACINE — Racine Water Utility customers could see their quarterly water bill increase by $4 to $6 this summer or fall, but only if the Wisconsin Public Service Commission gives the hike a green light. On Tuesday, the utility’s Waterworks Commission voted 4-0 to allow Racine Water and Wastewater Utilities General Manager Keith Haas to submit an application to the PSC asking for permission to increase the utility’s current rate"

Red more: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/05/18/racines-water-utility-lays-financial-siege-to-its-customers/.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOAD!

                                      We just want to wish you a very Happy Birthday Toad!

Open Blog - Weekend

Let's hope for good weather.

"Complaint Filed Against Racine Unified Superintendent"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Government, Schools · May 16, 2014

"A complaint involving Racine Unified Superintendent Lolli Haws is under investigation by the Kenosha County Human Services Department’s Division of Children and Family Services.

"The complaint possibly involves a child or children at Knapp Elementary, but authorities with the school district and Kenosha won’t give out any additional details, according to a story in The Journal Times.

“'I can’t provide any comment because this is an open investigation,' RUSD spokesperson Stacy Tapp said.

"The RUSD Board of Education met in closed session Friday to discuss a “personnel matter.” Board President Dennis Wiser released this statement, which he said was crafted during the meeting:

“'At this time, we are unable to provide any further information regarding a pending investigation related to Superintendent Haws. Please know that we will ensure that a full and fair investigation is completed and that the best interest of all Racine Unified students is our first priority.'

"Teachers union President Jennifer Levie wouldn’t confirm for the newspaper when the incident may have occurred or what is alleged to have happened."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/2014/05/16/complaint-filed-racine-unified-superintendent/

Related: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/complaint-made-against-unified-superintendent/article_331e0a16-dd44-11e3-a15a-001a4bcf887a.html

"Lion Whisperer Plays Soccer With Real Lions In A Business Suit!"

I'd like to play with big cats like that, but not enough to live with them.

"Public Service Award for Racine Uncovered Founder"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Community · May 14, 2014

"Our friend, Beth David, was honored Wednesday night at a banquet hosted by the Racine Police Department.

"Beth was given the Citizen Public Service award for her work on Jacato Drive, jumping into help a homeless veteran and his dog on one of the coldest days of the year, keeping our community safer by putting to work the power of social media to help police catch wanted parties, and to help pay the medical bills for a K9 officer facing a life-threatening condition. Beth is the founder of Racine Uncovered website.

"She doesn’t want a big deal made of this award, but we have to say it’s very much deserved.

"Way to go, Beth!"

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/2014/05/14/public-service-award-racine-uncovered-founder/


Hear, hear! Beth is a one woman army. Congratulations!

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! Many apologies for not being around much. It has been a banner spring for migration. I've been hitting the fields hard and heavy with favorable results! Anyways, here are some questions for you before I head out... again.

1) What animal(s) that you have never seen in the wild that you want to see in the wild?

2) What is your worst flavor of ice cream?

3) What is the first concert you have ever seen?

4) What is the saddest movie you have ever seen?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Enjoy your Friday.

"O&H Bakery Opening 5th Bakery in Mount Pleasant"

Photo Credit: Racine Uncovered

From RacineUncovered:

"Pending approvals from Mount Pleasant committees, O&H Bakery will take up residence in the former Towne Ford location at 5910 Washington Avenue. 

"The old car dealership will be transformed into a bakery production facility with a store out front, according to plans obtained by Racine County Eye, and confirmed by a press release from the company.
 
“'T'he planned expansion is a result of continued growth in mail order and retail sales of Kringle and other Danish pastries and baked goods. This bakery will allow for continued growth of mail order and retail sales from within a new baking facility, increased office space, and a flagship retail store,' the release reads.
 
"O&H spokesperson Peter Oleson said the new bakery should be open in spring 2015."

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2014/05/oh-bakery-opening-5th-bakery-in-mount-pleasant/


Congratulations to O&H for their continued success.

"City [Kenosha] being investigated by Racine Sheriff's Department"

From the Kenosha News:

"The city of Kenosha is being investigated by outside law enforcement agencies, allegedly for tampering with emails and other public records.

"The Racine County Sheriff's Department has confirmed it has launched an investigation into city hall, but would not comment on the details of the investigation because it is still open. Sources familiar with the situation say the investigation centers on allegations that city officials called for the scrubbing of some public records.

"'We were referred a case by the sheriff's office from Kenosha County,' Racine County Lt. Steve Sikora said on Monday. 'Our investigation just started. We're two days into it.'

"According to sources, a whistle blower within city hall contacted local authorities about the possibility that records were being deleted.

"According to law enforcement sources, the complaint was bounced from the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department over to Racine.

"'We did send something up to the Racine County Sheriff,' said Kenosha County Sheriff's Sgt. Bill Beth. 'It's something involving city hall. We don't know more because it is an open investigation.'

"For more on this story, check back to kenoshanews.com and see Friday's edition of the Kenosha News."

Read more: http://www.kenoshanews.com/newsnow/index.php#3454102


Sadly, it's not just Racine that has internal problems.

New Local Blog

It's entitled: Keep Racine's Water Rates Affordable For All

The url address is http://affordablewaterratesforall.wordpress.com/ and it's listed in our sidebar list of local and area blogs

From Keep Racine's Water Rates Affordable For All:

"It is time for the Wisconsin State Legislature to end the abuse of Racine’s water utility revenues by introducing Legislation that will end the practice of allowing local Politicians to raise water rates,  siphon off water utility revenues, or issue water utility revenue bonds for local government operations or other development activities that are unrelated to the operations of the water utility.  Ensuring safe, clean and affordable drinking water for all is the only long term sustainable option that will not jeopardize  future Generations supply of safe, clean and affordable water."

http://affordablewaterratesforall.wordpress.com/2014/05/15/a-call-for-legislative-action/


Welcome to the local blogosphere.

Best of Racine 2014 - Mexican

Who's your favorite for great Mexican food?

Whether it's guacamole, tacos, fajitas, what has the best?

Vote now!

Alltime10s Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

Thursday. Check.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my thunderstorm troopers!  How are you?  Still wringing out the water from everything?  I hope you weren’t flooded.  The rest of the week is looking gloomy with more and more rain in the forecast.  Meanwhile, Ms. Mary in Oklahoma is dying of thirst.  I don’t know if you believe in global climate change, but something sure has been wacky with the weather the last few years.

I’d like to get in a little picnicking before Memorial Day, even if it’s just in our yard.  We’ll have to drag out the trusty old wood picnic table and benches.  If they haven’t rotted out, we’ll have to drag out the trusty rusty grill.  There’s nothing like food cooked on a grill and eaten outdoors.  (By the way, “we’ll” = Señor Zanza and Junior will.)

We’ll have to be a little careful with the lighting of our grill.  Señor Zanza seems to have no conception of how much lighter fluid is needed to start the charcoal, even after past explosions.  Junior, of course, just encourages him because he likes explosions.  I want to eat my grilled chicken at the picnic table, not in the ER.

The story of the firing and rehiring of St. Catherine’s High School basketball coach Bob Letsch is a wonderful example of a community coming together to make their wishes known and heard.  Obviously, those currently running the high school heard the community and reacted by rehiring Mr. Coach.  Hurray for them and for everyone who worked for Mr. Coach’s rehiring.  May God bless you all!

I know it’s a cliché, but you should “stop and take some time to smell the roses.”  Roses come later in the season, but nature is emerging, sprouting, and bursting out all over the place.  Take some time to walk in a park with flowers and foliage.  Listen to the birds up above.  Watch the wildlife scampering below.  Even if it’s just a stroll around your neighborhood, many yards are exploding with colors and greenery.

Can’t get out?  Then watch this:

Oh my, that was glorious.  Like you, my readers, are also glorious.  You are a member of our glorious family, the JT Irregulars.  Thank you for reading my blog today.

“Will you still love me tomorrow?”  Find out: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy whatever weather you can in the coming week.  Don’t put away the snow shovel just yet.  When it’s cold and/or raining, then you can shake your fist at the heavens above and ask, “What’s amatter, You?”  Mouchard!      

Open Blog - Wednesday

The voice of Tony the Tiger recently died, but the sentiment carries on.

"Space Oddity"

Published on May 12, 2013

"A revised version of David Bowie's Space Oddity, recorded by Commander Chris Hadfield on board the International Space Station."

Read more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4olOmOgNn0


I think that's a beautiful take on "Space Oddity."

Dave Edmunds - "I Hear You Knocking"

Rosemary Clooney - "Come On-A My House"

Open Blog - Tuesday

Let spring spring.

Heroin Summit - Thursday, May 15

From Racine County Corruption:

Heroin Summit

Thursday

May 15^th.  2014

Waterford High School

6pm to 8pm

This educational summit is an effort by our many branches of local government to inform the public of the dangers of heroin to our community.

You will learn why this drug is so addictive and especially destructive for people under 24.

 

This is the last of a series of crime prevention incidents regarding heroin.

This seminar brings updated information to the public about the latest dangers of this community destroying drug.

You may have heard it said;

“it takes a community to raise a child”

It also takes a community to save a person,

and we do that one person at a time.

  Read more: http://racinecountycorruption.blogspot.com/2014/05/heroin-summit-thursday-may-15-th.html

"The Lawless and Discriminatory Acts of The City of Racine EXPOSED!"

From Racine Exposed:

"Does the Common Council of the City of Racine actively espouse an agenda of discriminating against Inner-City residents and Businesses?

"The answer is YES, as Alderman Krystyna Sarrazin of the Second District makes this stunning admission!"



Read more: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/the-lawless-and-discriminatory-acts-of-the-city-of-racine-exposed/

"The Lawless and Discriminatory Acts of The City of Racine EXPOSED!"

1983 - 2013

 

 

 

Todays Help

Winebulance

My kind of vehicle....

Under Water Video

Pretty Neat Video

Under Water Picture (video)

Local Loyalty - Havahart

Welcome back!
This week, brings up to

 

HAVAHART PETS 

Located at 6500 Washington Ave. 

between Stein's and Jose's Blue Sombrero.

HOURS - 

Mon - Fri 10am-8pm

Sat 10am-5pm

Sun noon-5pm

I remember going to Havahart with my mom, shopping for fish for her aquariums while we were growing up. I've seen Havahart expand, and grow and become a really amazing place, with amazing people. 

I love that the staff size is small, and that you see the same people every time you visit. They know their stuff, and can help you with anything you may need. 

They offer on site grooming, to make your pets as adorable as possible :)

Havahart had a hand in me becoming Lizardmom, as my very 1st iguana was purchased there, at the tender age of about 2-3 months old. They have reptiles, fish, furry critters, almost anything you can be looking for, and all the supplies and things your pet could need. The personal feel of a smaller place is what makes them stand out above all the other places. 

Havahart opened in 1979, when 2 brothers, with a shared love of animals, decided to do something with that love, and look what they have today!

Besides their website (clickable link on their name above), they can also be found on Facebook and Twitter. 

The 3 words chosen to describe Havahart - 

1. Knowledgable

2. Friendly

3. Community

Stop in and check them out, you'll be glad you did!
Don't forget to let them know you saw it here!!

Open Blog - Monday

I believe that the sentiment has been expressed here before, but not the image.

A Good Day

Should be a good day today, no ice is predicted....!!!!

Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

ALL YOU IRREGULAR LADYS

 

 

THE FIRST CALL

From:  thedownanddirty.blogspot.com


THE FIRST CALL
                  
                  From the words of a Mortician

There is a job not many know

Many sorrows we can never show

That involves just so many things

Of what the twisted fates may bring.

There is a happy season to be born

And as loves in your life are left to mourn

Comes the season to wither and fatefully die

Where the beginning of the end indeed draws nigh.

I saw my friend Jim, walking just the other day

There was something he really wanted to say

He greeted me, smiled, and tugged my sleeve

But he just turned away so quickly to leave.

I wish I had insisted and chased him a stride

He could not say any,  he had too much pride.

His eyes did not sparkle and he looked just so pale.

I turn now at night and wonder just why did he fail.

In the late night hours the death call came in

A  faltering sad voice of  some next of kin

I knew what it was as I stood up to answer

Was it a homicide, accident, some form of cancer?

   It was Jim's own son calling who lived so  far away

               He said he had many troubles until  his dying day,                      Telling the story of his hanging and details of this case.

 Soon he will be interred into his final resting place.

When I heard of this news I felt a cold chill

I cursed the Reaper for yet another friend to kill

Picturing a broken sad man hanging from the rafter

Who will never again imbibe life, love or laughter.

The FIRST CALL is the start of what was to follow

The family must plan while in grief they shall wallow

An appointment to meet and most details taken

Making plans for a man that shall never reawaken.

I then met the Coroner at the scene of Jim's death

On a clean white sheet as we noted no breath

After the rope was cut and he was lowered to the floor

His body was stiffened for he went through Death's door.

Jim was taken to the morgue then I headed for home

I left his remains there on the prep table all alone.

Crawling back to my bed on this crisp autumn night

Why in God's name did Jim give up and end his plight?

I should have seen the signs in my depressed fading friend

Could have deterred him from the planning of  his life to end

I wished I had made some time to invite him for some tea

The only help that is left to offer is of my trade professionally.

I know I will do my absolute best as to how it all should be

I will even put a smile on his face for everyone to see

Everything to be perfect, his suit, his shoes, his casket

By his feet is a token from me, a note in a flower basket.

It is a very deep and personal note between just him and I

An apology to him and a very sad and personal goodbye.

Hiding it there to go unnoticed by mourners who attend

I'll remain in good with our Maker so to see him in the end.

Good Bye My Dear Friend.

We lose our friends and family, too.

copyrighted
2014

Open Blog - Weekend

Party time is here!

How to Stay Positive While Looking for a Job

I thought I’d share something a bit different for those of us who are looking for a job.  It can be tough, after all! 

When doing so, you might apply to a lot of positions but not get as many interviews as you'd like.  Often you don't even get a response, let alone a rejection.  It can get depressing.

Here are some ideas for staying positive and productive.

Have a routine

If you're at home and looking for a job, design a routine that you can stick to.  For instance, you might decide to get to work looking for a position at 9am, go until 12, take a lunch break until 1, and then keep at for a few more hours.

Having a routine that you can stick to and that guides your day can keep you productive and focused, reducing the mental pressure you feel.

There's a common saying, after all, that looking for a job is a job itself. 

During job search hours it's a good idea to shut off Facebook and other distractions.  On the other hand, you might also want to force yourself to relax and take it easy during the off hours.

Give yourself goals

Set goals to meet like, "Apply for 2 positions a day (even if I'm not perfectly qualified)" or "Find two people a day in my industry and send them a friendly, introductory email."

Having goals can lower the frustration of not getting immediate results.  That's because you know you are making progress and achieving something.  Goals can also help keep you on task and productive.

Don't just apply online

There are a variety of ways to look for a job. 

One very popular way is to use websites like Indeed to search for openings and apply.  It's easy to do.  That said, it may not always be the most effective way as a large amount of people apply for those positions.

A good idea is to also try building contacts and using your network.  A great method I recommend is to find people in your industry who might be able to help out.  Reach out then try to set up an informational interview (here is a New York Times article on what that is) where you casually meet and ask questions about their work experience. 

If you went to college, you likely have a database of alumni which you can use. 

You can also try finding people in your field who have blogs.  You can then comment on their posts or send an email with a question about something they wrote. 

Establishing an initial connection is usually not too hard and you can then meet in person.

Work on improving your skills

You can also spend some time on improving your skills.  You might have worked with a tool or product but not know it well enough to put on your resume.  Now you can learn it a bit better so you can.

Or you can find out what skills are marketable in your field and learn the easier ones (here is a list of skills like that).  If you want to go into many business analyst positions, for instance, learning the database language SQL isn't too hard and can really improve a resume.

Make sure to socialize

Looking for a position can be isolating.  During the job hunt is a good time to reach out to friends and catch up (getting coffee is a low cost idea).

Not only can it relieve stress, it can also sometimes lead to a friend referring you to someone who might be able to help find a position.

You can also go and meet new people.

Meetup and Eventbrite are two sites which make it easy to find meetings and events to go to.  Using Meetup, for instance, I recently found a talk on data mining methods used in biology which seemed quite interesting (since I'm into biotech).

These types of meetings can be fun and you might meet interesting people.

Give yourself rewards

If you're putting in a lot of effort, every now and then reward yourself!  If you spent a week or two on top of your job search game, that can deserve doing something nice.  Even if things don't work out immediately, you're trying hard.

In short

Looking for a job isn't usually fun.  It can be time consuming and get you down.  It's important to be prepared for this possibility so that you can take action to stay positive and focused on getting a good new position.