Fall Vacation Day 2

Actually this is still Day 1 of our vacation, but since it is Day 2 of posting about it, I thought I would just go with it.

I have known about the city of Waukesha, Wisconsin, for nearly as long as I have known about places like Pewaukee, Mequon and Brookfield. I really haven’t spent that much time in and around Milwaukee, but I still was raised with that German Wanderlust, so if I haven't been someplace, I have still seen it on a map. 

I obviously haven’t been to Waukesha, though, because I always pictured it as being an extension of Milwaukee, filled with skyscrapers, hectic traffic and questionable neighborhoods. I am so glad I was able to broaden my horizons and get over that stereotype.

First thing we discovered in Waukesha was this cute little park. Named after the Frame family, the space along the Fox River included a children’s park, formal flower garden, and outdoor amphitheater (which I already blogged about). We ate lunch here and then wondered about the grounds.

The caretaker of the formal garden (which was just barely past its peak) told us he had seen practically a swarm of hummingbird moths in the last few days. And that two were still hovering in that general direction, he told us, pointing. Sure enough, we found the huge moths. The size of a small hummingbird, they suck the nectar from the flowers with their long beaks – ok that’s not the right term – and their wings beat much slower. They are very cool.

Downtown Waukesha, there is a river walk with some interesting features. Can you read the sign about the granma bear? What a great story, huh?

After walking the three blocks down and back to the car, we had some gelato. And called it a day.

Oh, and to get back to the wanderlust thing and my German roots, this is the restaurant across from our hotel. No, we didn’t eat there. The price was way outside our budget.

"All the world's a stage"

Today’s assignment: combine two famous quotes into one pithy saying. One example might be “Man cannot live by bread alone so let them eat cake.” You get the idea.

My husband and I are on vacation this week. We spent a few days in the southeastern part of the state, visiting places in Milwaukee and Madison, and several cute little towns in between. In Waukesha, we stumbled upon this beautiful park along the river. When I found the outdoor amphitheater, I couldn’t help myself. Does anybody else have an overwhelming desire to dance when they are presented with an empty stage?

Thus my modified quote, thanks to Mr. Shakespeare and Lee Ann Womack. 

“All the world’s a stage so I hope you dance.”

When I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be a ballerina. Good thing I let that dream go. 

Where will peculiar travel take me?

“Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.” Kurt Vonnegut, 

Jr., from Cat’s Cradle

I must be getting old. I used to jump in the car and drive by myself clear across the state for nearly any reason. Now, I don’t like doing that so much; I’d rather stay home.

Tomorrow afternoon, however, the open road is beckoning me to the southern part of the state. I have a dinner near Waukesha at five and hope to spend the rest of the evening there socializing with old friends. Saturday morning I’ll drive down to East Troy to have breakfast with my son and see his new digs.  

I wish I could say I was excited about this trip. But those long drives don’t seem so exciting anymore and all I can think of is how much I should be doing around the house.  But I am going to go and I am going to have a good time. And who knows, I’ll definitely come home with some pictures and hopefully a few stories too.