My apologies - I have been absent from this blog for some time. But let me share why I've been away and then catch up on things Wisconsin.
Andy and I and our son all celebrate yearly events within ten days the first of June; my birthday the 1st, our anniversary the 7th and our son's birthday the 10th - whew! It takes some planning to arrange celebrations to honor each passage around the sun! This year, while visiting family in Ohio, the three of us said to each other - "Why don't we do something really fun? What would that be and what would it look like if we stretched the time out and did fantastic things?" So, the answer was to go to Milwaukee and camp out downtown, see whatever was going on and eat fabulous food. Great idea huh? We thought so. I got drafted as the trip planner and I was fortunate to locate some wonderful venues for our celebratory weekend. (Actually we spent three full days in Milwaukee!) Here's what we did, and let me say that Milwaukee is a great town to roam around in with exciting things to do and see. Go Wisconsin!!
Quite selfishly I wanted to stay at The Pfister Hotel, that grand old lady of Milwaukee. I had stayed there as a teen scads of years ago and remembered it fondly. So, we booked three nights there in the new Tower on the 20th floor with a view of the Lake, the marina, the Discovery Center, the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Festival Grounds. Ahhhh, what a site from the 20th floor! The Pfister is such a representative of times past, her ornate architecture, the statuesque bronze ladies here and there, the coach lights, the lovely Turkish carpets and the luxurious lounge near the front where you can soak in classical piano while you sip tea. Too indulgent!
Friday evening we dined at The Carnevor, a fusion restaurant around the back of The Pfister. What a treat! Goodness, the food was beyond tasty, especially the seafood appetizer with tiger shrimp, lobster tails, crab cakes, scallops - don't even ask me what the price on that was. Perhaps some time I will divulge what happened that evening when I went to treat my men to dinner. Just not right now! All I can say is that living in Janesville and, dining only occasionally in fine establishments but more often at Fuddruckers or Luke's Deli, does not necessarily keep you current on the going rate of food. Let's say that evening will live in our small family's memory for years to come.
With full bellies we walked to the Milwaukee Symphony's home some many blocks from The Pfister to enjoy a splendid evening of music. We saw The Wicked Divas with Julia Murney who played the initial role of Elphaba (the wicked witch) in the Broadway hit show Wicked and Jennifer Laura Thompson who played Glinda. What delight! The MSO performed selections from the opera Carmen, Chicago, Ragtime, My Fair Lady and many more. The ladies sang selections from Wicked and much more. I was entranced! We met them after the show and all the way back to the hotel I thought - I am in a fairy tale!
Saturday we walked the Old Historic Third Ward with its famous Fish Market and lots of world bizarre shops filled with fascinating Japanese soaking tubs, gongs, old chairs. What a fun day! We sat in a coffee shop and talked about everything and then, about 4 pm we strolled down to The Discovery Center and boarded The Denis Sullivan, Wisconsin's flag ship for a sail out on the Lake. If you haven't done this, consider it soon. What a trip! Two and a half hours under full sail. Last year we met family in Duluth to see The Tall Ships but The Denis Sullivan was out on the water giving tours and we were not able to see her. This time we did and what a grand adventure that is! The Sullivan is a replica of a three-masted schooner and as a flag ship she is an ambassador for our state. She does some wreck diving but mostly is a ship to acquaint people with sailing and expose them to the water in a boat without a motor. She isn't huge but she is very fast. Our sail was cold, windy and terribly exciting. Can't say we weren't a teensy nauseous when we got back but it was well worth the stomach flips to be out there on the very high waves! Do it - go - experience that, it is a peek back in time.
From the ship we walked back to The Pfister and on to the corner to The Mason Street Grill and more unbelievable food. We were seated at the Chef's Table where you receive incredible service - and lots of treats! We shared a gigantic plate of steamed mussels in butter and cilantro - oh, to die for! And then had about 5 more courses all of which were outlandishly good. I think we were there until nearly midnight talking and eating. Nice!
Sunday after breakfast we walked the mile and a half to the Harley-Davidson Museum. Now there's a fun couple hours which includes sitting on a dizzying array of Harley's. Lots of history to absorb, wonderful videos to view, exhibits that chronicle the entire story of Mr. Harley and Mr. Davidson and their dream.
As it was pouring rain when we were done, we took a taxi back to the hotel, grabbed some warmer clothes and taxied to a theater in Whitefish Bay where you can order your meal while watching a movie. Very fun. We saw Thor - just fun. We took a city bus back to The Pfister and ordered room service and some of the hotel's delectable carrot cake.
Too soon it was Monday after breakfast and we had to get our son to the airport to catch his flight home. As parents we were deeply gratified that he wanted to spend that much time with us, that he was so obviously enjoying himself and that he wished to treat us as much as we wished to do the same for him. There is no price on that. I also had a great appreciation during the weekend for the state in which I live. Sure, some people feel one big city is somewhat like another, but we've lived in many places and though that can be true to a certain extent, when you walk the streets and visit the shops and stay in the hotels, you pick up the heartbeat and the differences of a city. Milwaukee has its own rhythm, its own personality and its own joys and blemishes. It's a great place.
So, our joint celebrations ended up being a scrapbook of wonderful memories for which both Andy and I are incredibly grateful. Happy Days in Milwaukee!
What went on while I've been out having fun? You know, I heard quite a few conversations in the restaurants, on the bus and even in the taxi. Not everyone is happy with Mr. Walker and his shenanigans. Some of us citizens out there are talking about what is going on in our state. It didn't go away after the winter protests. I also hear that some of the early terror is now finding blocks to fruition - for instance the recycling issue, even Bidi Martin's ill-advised guillotine decision on UW- Madison. We The People are pushing back! It makes me hold hope that the train will make a return! I also see that Russ Feingold is doing some pushing of his own - that is great. We need to keep the pressure on.
In the meantime, if you are looking for something to do this summer, do consider a visit or stay in Milwaukee. I highly recommend your time there!
Power To All The People!
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