This week from sunrise to sunset, The Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy in the Town of Middleton invites the public to attend its annual Sunflower Days. 

Bring the whole family and your camera to the free event, which runs from Aug. 12-20. Just be sure to leave your dog at home and refrain from touching the flowers.

Hundreds of thousands of sunflowers grew on the 9-acre field between Old Sauk and Blackhawk roads on a hill that overlooks Lake Mendota in the distance.

While most people pick a direction and walk around the field, this year there is also a trail that carves into one of the corners so they can get a closer look.

From a distance it may seem like all the sunflowers are alike, but as you walk the perimeter you'll notice

Ask Kari Apel, CPA, what her perfect client looks like, and she'll tell you, "It's the one who values what we're doing, and partners with us for their own success." Apel enjoys working with clients that are dedicated to making sound financial decisions, and who are ready and willing to let her and her team help with the process. "We've found that the investment in working with a good accountant is easily recouped in the tax and other financial savings our clients receive," Apel says.

Apel's focus is helping clients in all areas of their life. She knows that many times the business and the personal finances overlap. In these situations, she can help clients determine their tax options, including whether a home or other property can be listed as a

Growing up in the country, I spent many summer days chasing swallowtail and sulphur butterflies through the hay fields. But one of Wisconsin's most recognizable butterflies, the monarch, has been facing a population decline over the last decade.

Some city neighborhoods, including many along bike paths in Madison, have established gardens with prairie plants like milkweed to try to bring back the orange and black beauties and other insects. If you're having trouble spotting them on your own, Olbrich Botanical Gardens on the east side offers a Blooming Butterflies exhibit that features thousands of butterflies for the public to see from mid-July to mid-August.

While some butterflies are naturally drawn to the outdoor gardens at Olbrich, the indoor

It's a grueling test of athleticism, physical fitness and endurance. The Reebok CrossFit Games attracts competitors from around the globe. Now, after 10 years of games in California, the CrossFit Games have moved to Madison. The games open today at Alliant Energy Center, and feature the top 40 male and the top 40 female athletes from around the world. In addition, a masters competition and a teen competition have opened the doors to more competitors. 

It seems appropriate for Madison to host the CrossFit Games. Fitbit did a study of the fitness information recorded by its users. After measuring all the data, it named Madison the fittest city in the United States.  Livability ranked it #3 in its list of top 10 healthiest cities. Other sources have

There is a lot of discussion presently about green energy, and the use of renewable energy sources is increasing in the Madison area. One option available to homeowners is solar energy. Solar panels are being included in many new construction homes, but they can also be added to existing structures. It can make sense for a homeowner, especially if the roof faces south, and is not heavily shaded. 

"The cost for solar energy has dropped about 75% over the last 5 years," says Chris Collins, Regional Project Developer for SunVest Solar Inc.  "Many customers choose to amortize the cost of the solar installation into their mortgage. Customers who do amortize the cost of a solar electric system often find that their payments are less than what they would pay

Tax strategies and tax preparation may not be the most exciting part of your business, but doing it well is crucial to your success. Meicher CPAs know this, and enjoy partnering with clients that have more complicated tax matters, like small businesses, real estate clients, and clients with larger investment profiles. Their CPAs specialize in a wide range of business models, so business owners can be confident that the CPA they work with will have some inside knowledge into what they do.

Every business, and even every owner can require different strategies. For example, some clients like to publicize their charitable giving. Others like to give generously, but keep their donations a secret. Both types can benefit from specific (and likely

"Let's eat out." 

It's a phrase often uttered begrudgingly at the end of a long work day when there's little time – or motivation – to cook. But add an exclamation point and suddenly it takes on a new meaning.

Let's Eat Out! is a summer series of rotating food cart dinners at more than a dozen outdoor locations in the Madison area. People can stop by various parks from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, weather-permitting, until Aug. 3 to grab a bite to eat from nearly 30 local vendors.

"Let's Eat Out! promotes and advocates for the success of local mobile food entrepreneurs while bringing neighborhoods together and expanding access to local food," according to its Facebook page.

Even though many meals are made quickly, you don't

On any given summer day at the UW Arboretum, you'll likely cross paths with bikers, runners and perhaps even a turkey.

The free, public space south of Lake Wingra includes 20 miles of trails that wind through woods, gardens, prairies, marshy ponds and oak savannas. This time of year they are bursting with colorful wildflowers and chipper critters.

Take in the beautiful sights and sounds at your own pace from dawn to dusk. And be sure to stop by the visitor center to fill up your water bottle, ask a volunteer for a map, and check out the bookstore and art gallery.

You can also bring along your binoculars or camera during guided hikes, often held Sunday afternoons, and learn about everything from butterflies and birds to blooming plants and

When tents start popping up next to gas stations along country roads, you know it's fireworks season. 

But sometimes it's best to let the pros handle the big shows.

The Madison area is full of events where you can watch the colorful displays and hear the booms, from summer festivals to Fourth of July celebrations.

Most of the 10 events listed below around Dane County for 2017 are free to attend and also offer live music, food and kids activities. Fireworks will kick off around dusk (most start between 9:20-10 p.m.), so be sure to get there early and check the event websites just in case they are canceled due to unfavorable weather. And have fun!

Friday, June 23

Oregon Summer Fest
Kiser Fireman's Park, 245 Brook St., Oregon

Saturday,

Known for its disc golf course and splash pad, the largest community park on Madison's west side welcomed a new family-friendly attraction this month.

The Elver Park Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning throughout the summer, featuring educational displays and nearly a dozen vendors selling fresh foods, flowers and other locally sourced and made products.

The market is visible from McKenna Boulevard, located in the corner of the parking lot between the playground and splash pad. So while parents are scouting out sales on produce, kiddos can put on their swimsuits or sneakers for a morning of fun.

Families who live nearby can ditch their cars and choose to walk or ride their bicycle to the park since it's conveniently located along a