Here, There and Everywhere

We recently took a trip to exotic Milwaukee with friends, taking in the sights and enjoying a brilliantly gorgeous fall weekend with blue skies and mild temps.  The Art Museum with it's iconic ship appearance was our morning outing, to see the modern art exhibit.

A stunning glass sculpture created by the world renewed glass artist Dale Chihully greets the museum guests at the front entrance, the vibrant colors are in contrast to the cool whites inside and out of the museum halls.

Having a guide made the experience meaningful for us, his knowledge of the artists, their times, and techniques brought the flat surfaces to life in a manner our simple viewing would never have given us.

Off to lunch and then onwards to shop at a world market where I purchased an armful of wonderful spices.  The minced candied ginger has already been baked into gingerbread scones this morning, along with the most heavenly cinnamon to grace the earth.  We jammed in a visit to Lakefront Brewery for a tour of the bottling process, where our guide was catering to the let's get drunk crowd and we were hideously out of place among the bachelorette parties and young adults slamming beers.  The night was mild and we opted for outdoor dining along the riverfront, to watch the excursion boats glide past and do some people watching.  H had a unique experience being upbraided by a belligerent homeless man in a darkened parking lot, chalk up a mental reminder never to go in iffy locales again.

The next day was a unique trip to the estate home of the Broadway actors Alfred Lunt and his wife Lynn Fontaine, where our docent, clad in white gloves, led us from room to room explaining the lifestyle, decor and guests that held court in this midwestern gathering spot for the celebrated actors of that time.  The second docent followed our group of 8 merely to lock each door behind us as we processed through the home, her eagle eyes were dedicated to ensure no guest picked up an item as a  souvenir.  The women had to leave purses at the visit center in a locker, but our guides were enthusiastic and well versed in their subjects.

While we wined and dined in our deluxe vacation spot, the favorite son took his first vacation in 5 years to enjoy the tropical delights in Central America.  Poor guy, forced to go on zip lines through the rain forest, rappelling down waterfalls, hot pools at a volcano retreat, daily yoga, ocean sunsets.  What a burden!!

Look Mom - no hands!

That's the news from our corner of the world, where all the women are strong, the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.  Thanks Garrison, for gifting our world with that phrase.

Namaste.