So, I was going to continue my wander around town and tell you a little more about the wonderful architecture here, but we had storm at sunset the other night and thought I would share that instead.  I had just finished a meet and greet for the lead singer of the GooGoo Dolls, only to walk out of work to live music in the park and a storm brewing.  Enjoy

Looking Up I

As many of you may know I love looking up.  I find some of the most amazing things in my city that way.  It makes me wonder how many people actauly look up at the artwork around them.  There are a few building here in Milwaukee that have their stonework all the way to the ground floor, and so capture your attention more so, then the ones that only have their cornices in place.  But if you're wandering downtown here are some of the things you may spy on your travels

                                        

Flowers of Summer

West Allis

So I while ago I said I would do a wander around my neighborhood.

Here it is....

Like most areas of Milwaukee my little neighborhood is fraught with road construction.

 But it has managed to maintian the hometown charm from the firehouse to the statue in front of the public library

 This is the Alexander Eschwiler building I mentioned earlier.  He did a series of service stations (gas stations)  The building stands as a historic site with a diorama inside but never actually open to the public.

I live near some railroad tracks and at night they are pretty busy, but during the day not too bad.

Kind of makes me think of "Stand by Me," that movie with River Phoenix, from the 80's where the kids walk down the railroad tracks and come across a crime...so far no crime here 

And like most places I've lived I have a large visual landmark to help me find my way home if I get lost.

Milwaukee Memorial Day Parade

 So earlier I mentioned that Wisconsin parades have a thing for motorcycles.  This is the start of the parade in Milwaukee

 I couldn't quite figure out why this guy was in the parade...or if it really was the dog I was supposed to know.  There was no sign on the car and I don't know.

 There were several nice tributes to the service people.  Its hard some time to tell if everyone or anyone appreciates what all the signs and flags stand for, but I for one was paying attention.

Until Desert Storm the only service people I knew where those that had come home.

These guys stopped several times to do tumbling routines...it was pretty impressive espcially when they did it even going up hill towards the museum.

And of course the parade ended with more motorcycles...

West Allis Memorial Day Parade

This Memorial Day I had the opportunity to attend the West Allis Memorial Day Parade.  It showed once again there are some unique things about parades in Wisconsin.  All parades may start with the fire trucks, but here in Wisconsin they are almost always followed by motorcycles.

 Coming from the School of Music I have an ongoing respect for the kids in the marching band.  Not all of them were enthusiastic, but on a day that grew sunnier and warmer by the minute they did a great job.

 I loved this guys glasses

Middle school and community bands played fun patriotic selections

This parade featured probably the most well known product from West Allis, the Allis Chalmers tractors.

 And of course, honored representatives from all the service branches

As part of becoming a little more a part of my community I recently volunteered for the Spaces and Traces Day.  It, like the garden tours in Maine, is a tour of a small part of the city where you can explore various homes that would normally not be open to the public.  Since I was working that day I did not get a chance to go around to all the sites, but I am looking forward to next year.

I was stationed at the Orrin Robertson house.  Created by Alexander Eschweiler, a fairly famous architect,

here in Wisconsin.  This house has little in common with his other creations.  One of which is near my house. (I will photograph it in my next wander so you can see it.)

Built in 1912 for $12,000.  

The front of the house somewhat hidden from the road, the back of the house giving a fabulous view of Lake Michigan.   A long slopping lawn, leads down from the back patio.   There is a home office that looks out onto the lake.  Although beautiful, I can't see getting any work done at that desk.

And of course  with any beautiful house nice landscaping and gorgeous flowers.

One of the other homes I got to vist was this duplex.  Originally buildt as a duplex it has wonderful art decco styling.  If I had the 1/2 million dollar asking price I would love it. Built in bookshelves, pantry, and drawers it has dark hard woods and a nice layout.