Welcome Harris Channing

Much like Susan and Anne, Harris is a particular friend of mine. Since she’s been kind enough to offer a free copy of her new release, Goldie and the Three Behrs, we’re going to have a contest. Leave a comment here between now and Thursday night. Friday I’ll have her pick the winner and I’ll make the announcement here and in my sidebar (at the top of the one on the right)

If you can’t wait that long, click on the cover art.

Harris Does Milwaukee

Before I met and married my husband, I had only thought of Milwaukee as the home of Laverne and Shirley. And of course beer. Yes, Milwaukee is very much known for its beer– Pabst, Schlitz and Blatz are just a few that come to mind. But don’t be misled into thinking that’s all there is to this diverse city.

While on vacation this month I had the pleasure of visiting some of the wonderful places Milwaukee has to offer and not one of them had to do with beer!

My first stop was the Milwaukee Art Museum You walk in and you’re immediately greeted by the crisp architecture of Windhover Hall and a grand view of Lake Michigan. I was lucky, the view that day was bright and clear and absolutely stunning.

From there my family and I meandered through various rooms filled with paintings, gilded, ornate clocks, a suit of armor (you wouldn’t believe how very short knights in shining armor actually were!) and statues. All the items beautifully displayed and well cared for. The ambiance was pleasant and un-rushed. It was the perfect way to spend a sweltering summer day.

After an afternoon of touring the museum we sat outside by the fountains and watched the wings of the Burke Brise Soleil open and close. Turns out the museum building itself is art!

From there, my family and I went to the War Memorial Building where we had reservations to watch Independence Day fireworks on the deck. The entire downtown was alive with people and seagulls, barges and kites! Yes I said kites! Huge, magnificent kites. (See bottom)

We settled in and waited for the show to begin. And when it did, we were not disappointed. Three separate launch sites had us turning our heads as the sky was filled with a grand fireworks display, none like I’d ever seen before. It was the perfect punctuation of very enjoyable day.

Down the street from where we watched fireworks, Summerfest was in full swing. Walking to the bus to go home, the air was filled with the spark of excitement and a festive feel akin to an amusement park. Although I didn’t attend the music festival, I decided that I would like to next year!

Another site we toured during our stay was the Mitchell Park Conservatory or The Domes Three separate greenhouses hold a vast collection of plants for patrons to study and admire.

The first dome we entered was the Tropical Dome. Paths lead you past lush greenery, orchids, trees and water features. Birds sing as you peruse the collection of bright flowers and tropical fronds. It’s a peaceful tour and I wouldn’t have minded spending time sitting and just watching the plants grow…but no…

On to the Arid Dome. And it is just what you think it is. Cactus and succulents, sand and desert greet you when you enter this dome. Dry heat warms your skin as you walk the paths and study plants from as far away as Madagascar and as close Arizona.

And last but not least, the Show Dome. The theme was obviously Southern Americana and Mark Twain. Lovely flowers met your gaze, an adorable gazebo, a small foot bridge, and a dirt path. This dome had a whimsical feel to it and although the Tropical Dome was my favorite, this was second in line.

Now on to another favorite of mine…FOOD!

Being in Wisconsin, you know cheese is right there at the top of the list of things to eat. But there again, you’re only focusing on one portion of the buffet that is spread out in front of you. (Yes, my pants are a bit tighter now that I’m back from my trip!).

Milwaukee boasts just about every conceivable food for your consumption! American, Italian, Mexican, Greek, German, Polish, Tai, Chinese… (Sorry if I left anyone out!). And we ate and ate and that’s not even counting the food our family offered us! I enjoyed it all…

But I’m not finished yet! After I downed whatever I wanted, I topped it off with a favorite! Frozen custard. Right down the road from where I stayed is Leon’s Frozen Custard, a staple in Milwaukee since 1942. It’s a must stop for my family whenever we visit Milwaukee…a must stop and a multiple stop!

So, all in all, Milwaukee is not just beer and cheese. It offers so much more and if I hadn’t met and married a Milwaukeean, I would still be under the impression that it’s beer and cheese, Laverne and Shirley and not a whole lot else. In actuality, it’s a vibrant city full of a diverse group of people with a diverse group of interests. And I look forward to exploring more of during my next visit.