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| Bridge, 2011 |
Life is full.
The last several weeks and day have offered up an amazing array of opportunities and occasions. The short list is really a long list. Some of these moments become featured events in my memory.
Last Sunday, during the first weekend of June, we went on a late afternoon jaunt to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. The weather near the lakeshore was sunny, lovely and somewhat breezy. First, we stopped inside the building where we had to tear ourselves away from the indigenous prairie seeds and wildlife plus toys in the gift shop to begin our mini-hike before closing time at the park. Next, we wandered down to the beach that inhabits the Audubon Center and borders Doctors Park. We enjoyed sand between our toes and avoided just a few alewives who had pitched themselves on to the beach.
Our tour continued along nice trails through all manner of Wisconsin ecosystems, all found at this local treasure. On a northern loop, we found ourselves across the ravine from two wild turkeys. I'd never seen the large birds while on foot before. They were much bigger than I expected. Hiking further along the path, we spent some time peering at tadpoles in one of the many ponds in the park, and some large frogs in another.
Our tour continued along nice trails through all manner of Wisconsin ecosystems, all found at this local treasure. On a northern loop, we found ourselves across the ravine from two wild turkeys. I'd never seen the large birds while on foot before. They were much bigger than I expected. Hiking further along the path, we spent some time peering at tadpoles in one of the many ponds in the park, and some large frogs in another.
Just passed some old farm equipment, we commented on a fresh set of deer tracks in the mud along the path. Seconds later, their makers appeared. Happily unaccustomed to visits from humans, the two deer munched on their late afternoon snack of buds and grasses. Continuing around the next turn, our view got even better – we were probably no more than 20 feet from the pair.
So much wildlife in one lovely park just a short drive along Lake Michigan from downtown Milwaukee. We will be visiting again.
Last week, I started playing with my brand new Verizon iPhone 4 The rumors are true, it puts my Android smart phone to shame in functionality and quality. I can actually use apps on my new phone. Amazing. Plus, it doesn't randomly call my closest friends while I'm on the phone with my dad.
So, I've started snapping mobile photos everywhere and at events again. The one above is on the State Street bascule bridge, en route, on foot to the Journal Sentinel building last Wednesday. Just over an hour later, I dipped my toe into the "Summer of China" at Milwaukee Art Museum, thanks to a kind invitation by Art and Architecture Critic Mary-Louise Schumacher.
As an Art City Contributor, I was delighted to be part of a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the breathtaking featured exhibition The Emperor’s Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City. The show appealed to me on so many levels. I hope to go in-depth with my thoughts, ponderings and reactions soon. For now, I'd just like to say that MAM is offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some of these exquisitely crafted pieces will never be on full display again, even once they return to their original architectural locations within the Qianlong Emperor's Private Garden inside the Forbidden City. I recommend seeing them this summer, while you can.
