I haven't gotten a chance to go out and play in the snow yet, but before it snowed I did get a chance to go up to the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center.  I went, not for any medical reason, but because there is a distinctive building you can see from the highway that is somewhat on my way home so I went to investigate it....Although I went to investigate the building referred to as "Old Main" What I discovered was the Wadsworth Library.

A working card catalog.  YEAH.  

When I was at the West Allis Library their computers were down, they had no way of telling which books they had.  

 Although this is a working public library, when I went only the librarian was present.  A nice man who answered all my questions, but I know I was interrupting his reading.

Built in 1891 for $12,000.  The Library, considered support services, was built to free up space in the Old Main. The dark walnut bookcases in the upstairs were moved from the original reading room in the Old Main as part of the attempt to free up space.

Not a particularly beautiful building outside, but the inside was amazing.  With its hard wood book cases and charming architectural details it is a jewel.  The only sad part is the original skylight has been covered to prevent damage from water leaks.  You can see the stained glass but only with the dark backing behind it.

Well I am trying to get into the Christmas spirit.  I thought unlike VA I would definitely have a white Christmas in WI...but alas it is not to be so....  The rain pours down in buckets, and although the fog has rolled in again, this time it just seems a little dreary.  What better time to look around the city some more?

 Just a couple blocks from where I work is Grand Avenue.  Where each intersection has it's own chandelier.  The effect during the day is somewhat quizzical, but at night...

 If you wander by the river walk you will have a good view of the park and its assortment of holiday light displays.  Reindeer, candy canes, santa's castle and even soldiers trumpeting 

 On a clear evening the water is like glass.

Across the road in front of Starbucks is the ice rink.  It has just opened, with the drop in temperatures.         The rink is surrounded by decorated Christmas trees from the various businesses.

All the lights do help to get in the spirit of the holiday.

Rainy, snowy, foggy, or a pleasant sunny green...Whatever you holiday forecast is I hope it is a beautiful one.  Happy Holidays

So the first snow has melted and the night is filled with fog....one of my favorite times to wander the city.  Everything has an air of mystery.

Just a chance to share a little more of my new city.  I promise as the days go I will start traveling farther afield, but for now you get glimpses of the area downtown where I work.  

Here is a view of the Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Co.  (a.k.a. the backstage area of the Rep) with the tiny Rep sign showing between the buildings 

 The beautiful top of the Pabst Theatre and its detail 

The clock at the top of the old courthouse across the street.  It is details like this that make me wonder if part of my love for architectural  details didn't come from some of these buildings when I was a kid.

So it is Christmastime in Wisconsin.  I had planned to spend the last of the good weather and my time between matinee and evenings show documenting this beautiful city...but today I got sidetracked by Santa.  Actually a whole swarm of Santas, elves, reindeer, snowmen and other people riding on their bikes through downtown.

Known as the the Santa Rampage their page says there were going to be upwards of 700 Santas taking part in the ride.

Most of them came by where I worked at the Marcus Center and all around people were getting into the Christmas spirit.  How could you not?

It was hard not to smile at this happy cast of characters

Sylvain Michaud, Canada

Robert Vencl, USA

MilanBogner, Germnay

 Recently Northern Virginia hosted the World Police and Fire Games.  It was police and firemen from around the world competing in sporting events.  I was a volunteer for the event and got to attend a couple of other events.  Although not well publicized the events were free and open to the public.  The next games will be in Canada in two years.

Brian Wright, USA

Oliver Bulla, Germany, 240Kg

Christopher Cotillo, USA, 288Kg 

Rahal Alain Bruno, France

Well the other day I found myself at the Manasas National Battlefield Park. It was the wonderful late afternoon light.  There are only a couple of marked paths around the park, but the walk is nice.  Although I have lived in the area for six years,  I had not been to this park since I was touring with Chamber Theatre years ago.  As I indulged my nostalgia I was joined by several couples doing their engagement photos.  Apparently I wasn't the only one that likes that late afternoon glow.

Mason Neck State Park, VA

So the other day I went to Mason Neck State Park and the National Wildlife Refuge.  The Osprey were nesting and these beautiful blue birds were twittering around.  The pond was filled with all sizes cute box turtles.  And in the river was a person, showing me the next thing I want to try to do.  :-)

Here's hoping you are enjoying your Spring!