Reflections and Observations -- A Bright Passage from the Fantasies of Youth
to Illuminations of Advanced Maturity!
This Episode: The "Damnpenic"... Retaining Sanity and a Sense of Purpose in its Midst...!
In an effort to discover pleasant psychological vistas in these daunting times, I made several ridiculous videos, not to make light of the seriousness of our current circumstances, but to spread a bit of humor in dark times. Admittedly, it's quite possible that the intended humor escaped the notice of the masses, but, in the realm of happy GeezerHood, one does one's best.
Plunging ahead with the theme of this writing, I thought it a creditable idea to share some of our activities and outings, intended merely to spread suggestions, sort of like Milorganite on a withering and hungry patch of an aged lawn. (All Geezers need nourishment, after all!)
Daily Hikes, for example... SweetHeart and I have grown quite fond of the walk along the Milwaukee River in the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, a beautiful stretch of trail on the east and west sides of the aforementioned river. We tend to walk all the way from the end of Park Place, just past the Urban Ecology Center, to the water's edge, and then south, on the East Trail.
When you visit, look for the magnificent and iconic stone archway that marks one of the entrances to the trail system.
Continuing... as we trek, we pass under the North Avenue bridge to the foot bridge that spans the river leading to the River Revitalization Foundation HQ and a view of Humboldt Avenue. We trek across the foot bridge, pause midway to enjoy river views on both sides, enjoy the sights and sounds of birds and other walkers and their dogs, and eventually head back from whence we started. A delightful walk, or hike.
On other occasions, returning to the theme of Daily Hikes or Walks, we trek through a portion of Lake Park (designed by Freddy Law Olmstead, you may recall), head down to Lincoln Memorial Drive and work our way to Water Tower Place. We then climb the serpentine sidewalk-paved elevation toward the Historic Water Tower across from the old hospital, then wind our way back north and homeward.
I didn't mention Grant Park yet, did I? Trek the Seven Bridges Trail. It is a beautiful walk, well worth the time and it doesn't require a great deal of effort. At one end of the arc, you come upon Lake Michigan. From there you can enjoy a gorgeous view, and then circle back to the entrance. And, yes, if you circumnavigate the entire trail, you'll cross or at least see all seven wooden bridges. A glorious wilderness in the city. Wonderful stuff. You can even pause, strike an heroic pose and contemplate nature, your own self identify, mortality, pelicans...
Of course, there are other, more essential activities that we all must accomplish -- visits to the green grocers to purchase necessities, for example. Not nearly as much fun as trekking in wooded places or along bodies of water....
Other potential diversions? The laundromat? Big box stores, garden centers if one is an avid gardener, watering holes for those who enjoy a spirited beverage, the library, restaurants with outdoor seating, museums, backyards with nicely spaced seating and the company of jolly good chums, parks, high fashion clothing shops, coffee houses, the sewer tunnel off Lloyd Street?... But what's actually open? Might be best to call first!
Somewhat recently, SweetHeart and I traveled north a ways. A necessary drive. We had shopping to do for essentials, a delivery perhaps. We stopped in Port Washington. The popcorn shop was open, as the owners had some gift cartons to ship. Lucky for us! We enjoyed some yummy flavored popcorn (caramel with chocolate, maybe nuts too all jumbled together) as we journeyed home.
On certain occasions -- fortunately for us -- we have dear friends who are bee keepers and chicken keepers (if that's a correct construction??!). We enjoy backyard visits, splendidly enhanced by communion with the bees and chickens. It's fortunate for us that we can savor such a pastime with good and generous friends. We go home with eggs, honey sometimes too!
Today we were pleased to enjoy the company of some wonderful friends who invited us to gather in their backyard for coffee and conversation. Hadn't seen one another for quite a long spell. Great time, long overdue. Good conversation. We've conjured other reasons to venture from home, other outings... but just wanted to provide a sampling for our beloved family members and friends, along with our legions of avid readers. (Well... "legions" may be a bit hyperbolic!)
Thank you! Stay safe and healthy, and keep that nasty virus from your doors!!
(Special Note of Dedication: For SweetHeart, Great Friends and all the Chickens and Bees who love us enough to donate their eggs and honey with such exemplary generosity! Thank you!)
In an effort to discover pleasant psychological vistas in these daunting times, I made several ridiculous videos, not to make light of the seriousness of our current circumstances, but to spread a bit of humor in dark times. Admittedly, it's quite possible that the intended humor escaped the notice of the masses, but, in the realm of happy GeezerHood, one does one's best.
Plunging ahead with the theme of this writing, I thought it a creditable idea to share some of our activities and outings, intended merely to spread suggestions, sort of like Milorganite on a withering and hungry patch of an aged lawn. (All Geezers need nourishment, after all!) Daily Hikes, for example... SweetHeart and I have grown quite fond of the walk along the Milwaukee River in the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, a beautiful stretch of trail on the east and west sides of the aforementioned river. We tend to walk all the way from the end of Park Place, just past the Urban Ecology Center, to the water's edge, and then south, on the East Trail.
Continuing... as we trek, we pass under the North Avenue bridge to the foot bridge that spans the river leading to the River Revitalization Foundation HQ and a view of Humboldt Avenue. We trek across the foot bridge, pause midway to enjoy river views on both sides, enjoy the sights and sounds of birds and other walkers and their dogs, and eventually head back from whence we started. A delightful walk, or hike.
On other occasions, returning to the theme of Daily Hikes or Walks, we trek through a portion of Lake Park (designed by Freddy Law Olmstead, you may recall), head down to Lincoln Memorial Drive and work our way to Water Tower Place. We then climb the serpentine sidewalk-paved elevation toward the Historic Water Tower across from the old hospital, then wind our way back north and homeward.
I didn't mention Grant Park yet, did I? Trek the Seven Bridges Trail. It is a beautiful walk, well worth the time and it doesn't require a great deal of effort. At one end of the arc, you come upon Lake Michigan. From there you can enjoy a gorgeous view, and then circle back to the entrance. And, yes, if you circumnavigate the entire trail, you'll cross or at least see all seven wooden bridges. A glorious wilderness in the city. Wonderful stuff. You can even pause, strike an heroic pose and contemplate nature, your own self identify, mortality, pelicans... Of course, there are other, more essential activities that we all must accomplish -- visits to the green grocers to purchase necessities, for example. Not nearly as much fun as trekking in wooded places or along bodies of water....
Other potential diversions? The laundromat? Big box stores, garden centers if one is an avid gardener, watering holes for those who enjoy a spirited beverage, the library, restaurants with outdoor seating, museums, backyards with nicely spaced seating and the company of jolly good chums, parks, high fashion clothing shops, coffee houses, the sewer tunnel off Lloyd Street?... But what's actually open? Might be best to call first!
Somewhat recently, SweetHeart and I traveled north a ways. A necessary drive. We had shopping to do for essentials, a delivery perhaps. We stopped in Port Washington. The popcorn shop was open, as the owners had some gift cartons to ship. Lucky for us! We enjoyed some yummy flavored popcorn (caramel with chocolate, maybe nuts too all jumbled together) as we journeyed home.
Today we were pleased to enjoy the company of some wonderful friends who invited us to gather in their backyard for coffee and conversation. Hadn't seen one another for quite a long spell. Great time, long overdue. Good conversation. We've conjured other reasons to venture from home, other outings... but just wanted to provide a sampling for our beloved family members and friends, along with our legions of avid readers. (Well... "legions" may be a bit hyperbolic!)
Thank you! Stay safe and healthy, and keep that nasty virus from your doors!!
(Special Note of Dedication: For SweetHeart, Great Friends and all the Chickens and Bees who love us enough to donate their eggs and honey with such exemplary generosity! Thank you!)
Humbly Submitted 06-23-2020 -- Joel K.
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