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