The first work trip of 2011 took me back to Mosinee and Wausau, Wisc., to visit my one out-of-state client. The weather was MUCH colder than the last time I visited.

The client warned my boss and I ahead of time that we would experience weather in the negative temperature range without the help of a wind chill, and that was not an exaggeration.

The rental car read -12 degrees Fahrenheit the first morning we headed to their offices. It was like being hit in the lungs every time we walked out of a building.

I’m pretty well accustomed to temperature extremes thanks to the ever-changing Ohio weather, but I quickly learned that a 4 degree high in Ohio is not the same as a 4 degree high in Wisc. The air is so clear and crisp and there’s very little cloud cover, which apparently translates into bone-numbing temperatures this time of year!

In addition to successful work-related meetings, we had some really nice dinners in downtown Wausau. The first night we headed to Back When Cafe for a wonderful dinner– I had a chicken dish with mushrooms and artichokes, and as we waited for everyone to arrive, I snapped a few photos of the main lobby/bar area on my phone.

It was a little like a lodge, and I know my boyfriend would have appreciated the atmosphere. The second night we headed to Great Dane Pub, a popular microbrewery where I feasted on bangers and mash. Delicious!

Each time I’ve visited, we’ve had exceptional food. I’m willing to put up with the weather for good eats!