My Mostly Annual Trip to Madison, Wisconsin, 2024
It is my first Friday Morning in Madison in the year, 2024. I have decided to write a series of essays, some more lengthy than others, around themes of interest that struck me duing my annual visit to my hometown. This will take the place of my usual journal that I have kept during past visits. I will incorporate photos where appropriate. And so we begin.
Our Lady Queen of Peace
July 5, 2024
July 5, 2024
I decided to go to daily Mass today at Our Lady Queen of Peace, the parish and school I attended during my entire two and half decades in Madison. It is not the first time that I have returned to these roots. I have attended Sunday Mass there on earlier visits. Today, the service was held in the beautiful little chapel that sits just off the vestibule of the church. My high school classmate of the Class of 1961, Fr. Jay Poster, was the celebrant. He recognized me before the Mass started and we exchanged some very pleasant words. He then had me shake hands with Dennis McKinley from Edgewood High School, my alma mater, who recalled being in the orchestra pit when I was in Brigadoon in the spring of 1961. We also exchanged some pleasant words and then I settled in for the Mass.
The chapel is very nicely furnished with a pentagonal altar, colorful stained glass windows, and a very intimate feeling. The congregation consisted mostly of seniors, some as couples, some like me as single. I believe that there were at most two out of fifty plus people who were under 50 years of age. There was a young organist and we vibrantly sang several hymns at appropriate times during the Mass. Fr. Jay gave a brief but informative homily about the readings and the overall spiritual oneness of the little chapel was evident. It was a special thirty minutes for me and I vowed to return to daily Mass more often during my visit. At the conclusion of the Mass, I was able to exchange a few more words with Fr. Jay. Hopefully, we may meet for lunch later in my visit. I will see him again at the mini high school reunion next week.
Why is Queen of Peace important to me? I went to school here for my first six grades. I saw the church evolve from the basement of the school hall to the beautiful contemporary church it is today, although it did go through a major renovation many years ago when they reversed the location of the altar from the original location to the opposite end of he church. However, it has always maintained the contemporary look of a modern Catholic Church. It was during the renovation, that they installed the chapel where I attended Mass today.
I served Mass on a regular basis from the time that I was in fifth grade until well into my college years where I attended the University of Wisconsin. I served at funerals, Sunday Mass, Christmas and Holy Week Masses and even some weddings. My childhood friends, David, Steve, and Jim all served with me. It was one of the highlights of my younger years. My three friends have passed away, but I will never forget the great meals we shared at Crandall’s Restaurant just of.f the square after Good Friday Services. We ate fish fish of course, but drank a little beer too. We had fasted all day, so everything was kosher.
In light of my spiritual journey that I have embarked on in the past decade, Queen of Peace established the baseline for what I am experiencing today. I remember playing basketball and golf with several of the assistant priests in those days. I remember the ill tempered Monseigneur who often chastised me when I was serving Mass for not holding the patten correctly. I remember my frequent confessions in those early days when my parents insisted that I be a frequent visitor to the confessional—not among my favorite moments or memories. However, among all of those fond and not so fond memories and after many of a long life’s travails, I have maintained my commitment to the Catholic tradition, though perhaps on the more progressive wing. Pope Francis truly speaks to me.
After so many visits to Madison in the last decade and a variety of efforts at journaling, I am pleased to try this new theme based essay approach. This was my initial effort and I found it stimulating and motivating. I will lose the chronology of my visits, but hopefully the writing will be more interesting and continue to peak my own interest. It looks like this initial effort is round 840 words. It is unlikely I will add text to this. However, I may add a few photos from the church at a later date to enhance the text.
The chapel is very nicely furnished with a pentagonal altar, colorful stained glass windows, and a very intimate feeling. The congregation consisted mostly of seniors, some as couples, some like me as single. I believe that there were at most two out of fifty plus people who were under 50 years of age. There was a young organist and we vibrantly sang several hymns at appropriate times during the Mass. Fr. Jay gave a brief but informative homily about the readings and the overall spiritual oneness of the little chapel was evident. It was a special thirty minutes for me and I vowed to return to daily Mass more often during my visit. At the conclusion of the Mass, I was able to exchange a few more words with Fr. Jay. Hopefully, we may meet for lunch later in my visit. I will see him again at the mini high school reunion next week.
Why is Queen of Peace important to me? I went to school here for my first six grades. I saw the church evolve from the basement of the school hall to the beautiful contemporary church it is today, although it did go through a major renovation many years ago when they reversed the location of the altar from the original location to the opposite end of he church. However, it has always maintained the contemporary look of a modern Catholic Church. It was during the renovation, that they installed the chapel where I attended Mass today.
I served Mass on a regular basis from the time that I was in fifth grade until well into my college years where I attended the University of Wisconsin. I served at funerals, Sunday Mass, Christmas and Holy Week Masses and even some weddings. My childhood friends, David, Steve, and Jim all served with me. It was one of the highlights of my younger years. My three friends have passed away, but I will never forget the great meals we shared at Crandall’s Restaurant just of.f the square after Good Friday Services. We ate fish fish of course, but drank a little beer too. We had fasted all day, so everything was kosher.
In light of my spiritual journey that I have embarked on in the past decade, Queen of Peace established the baseline for what I am experiencing today. I remember playing basketball and golf with several of the assistant priests in those days. I remember the ill tempered Monseigneur who often chastised me when I was serving Mass for not holding the patten correctly. I remember my frequent confessions in those early days when my parents insisted that I be a frequent visitor to the confessional—not among my favorite moments or memories. However, among all of those fond and not so fond memories and after many of a long life’s travails, I have maintained my commitment to the Catholic tradition, though perhaps on the more progressive wing. Pope Francis truly speaks to me.
After so many visits to Madison in the last decade and a variety of efforts at journaling, I am pleased to try this new theme based essay approach. This was my initial effort and I found it stimulating and motivating. I will lose the chronology of my visits, but hopefully the writing will be more interesting and continue to peak my own interest. It looks like this initial effort is round 840 words. It is unlikely I will add text to this. However, I may add a few photos from the church at a later date to enhance the text.
Pooley’s Sports Bar
July 6, 2024
I have only been to this bar a few times on past visits to Madison, but it has a symbolic meaning for me for several reasons. The bar was started by members of the Poole family that was responsible for the ownership of the Cuba Club, a favorite hang out for my family and others that I know. I went to school with the Marie and Lyle Poole’s oldest son, Gary, one of my life long friends who is still alive today and who I see at our annual Edgewood reunions.
Gary was behind many of the joyous experiences that I had as person, growing up in Madison. Sometime around the age of 9 or 10, I got involved in Madison’s organized summer baseball program. It was devoid largely of adults, except for college age umpires and a few supportive parents. Our manager was not an adult, but my friend Gary Poole who organized a group of us largely from Queen of Peace school, but also some players from the local public elementary school. We played our games at Wingra Park and Midvale School. The umpires managed the games well and there were few adults yelling and screaming on the sidelines. It was great fun. One summer, we were sponsored by Skip’s Root Beer Drive-In and we were able to get free root beer floats after a win. Most of the other summers, we were sponsored by Poole’s Cuba Club.
In the years heading into high school, Gary would often invite some of us out to his home on Lake Mendota where we would water ski to our heart’s content. During my high school years, I worked as a busboy at the Cuba Club, often on the very busy Friday Fish Fry nights and also the ever croweded Saturday football nights after a Wisconsin home game. I learned a lot about the human condition on that job while making a few bucks and appreciating the opportunities the Poole family gave to me. On Friday’s when I was not working, my family would often enjoy the “All You Can Eat” Fish Fry for $1.25 a person. We often ate at the restaurant, but we also had our share of take-out.
It was sad when I heard in later years when I was living in other places, that the Pooles had retired, had turned the restaurant over to Gary, who a few years later sold it. The restaurant was torn down and replaced with non-food based buildings. Nothing stays the same, but the Poole name continued in the food and drink based world with the opening of Pooley’s Sports Bar on the East side of Madison. My first visit there was a one of our pre high school reunion gatherings some 50 years after our graduation.
And so, last evening, I decided to revisit Pooley’s and listen to some hillbilly blues, etc. I arrived shortly before 5 PM and ordered my favorite Wisconsin beer, Spotted Cow. After examining the menu, I decided this was a special occasion and ordered the Friday Fish Special of Fried Cod and French Fries. It was my tribute to those Fridays from thoe early years of my life and it was at a place that was still loosely connected, by name at least to the Poole family. All the Pooles are retired now and they have sold the place, but it was still a joy to sit for a couple of hours in a state of remembrance. While, sitting at the bar, I met Sue who had stopped in for a take out order. We talked about the old Cuba Club and she had the same fond memories that I did.
After she left, I ordered a Jameson nightcap and enjoyed about an hour of the music by the two brothers. The guitar player was the lead singer, but his partner joined him in many harmonies. In addition, this second person, played the drums, and electronic harmonica, and some related percussion instruments. The short one minute excerpt above provides an example of their musical fare.
I thought earlier in the day that I would spend a quiet night in my apartment, but the decision to go to. Pooley’s was a good one. I enjoyed the food, the chat with Sue, the libations, and the music. The added feature where all the memories that the place brought back about my earlier years.
Well, I wrote my first two essays yesterday as I have begun this effort to record my latest visit to Madison. There will be more to come.
July 6, 2024
I have only been to this bar a few times on past visits to Madison, but it has a symbolic meaning for me for several reasons. The bar was started by members of the Poole family that was responsible for the ownership of the Cuba Club, a favorite hang out for my family and others that I know. I went to school with the Marie and Lyle Poole’s oldest son, Gary, one of my life long friends who is still alive today and who I see at our annual Edgewood reunions.
Gary was behind many of the joyous experiences that I had as person, growing up in Madison. Sometime around the age of 9 or 10, I got involved in Madison’s organized summer baseball program. It was devoid largely of adults, except for college age umpires and a few supportive parents. Our manager was not an adult, but my friend Gary Poole who organized a group of us largely from Queen of Peace school, but also some players from the local public elementary school. We played our games at Wingra Park and Midvale School. The umpires managed the games well and there were few adults yelling and screaming on the sidelines. It was great fun. One summer, we were sponsored by Skip’s Root Beer Drive-In and we were able to get free root beer floats after a win. Most of the other summers, we were sponsored by Poole’s Cuba Club.
In the years heading into high school, Gary would often invite some of us out to his home on Lake Mendota where we would water ski to our heart’s content. During my high school years, I worked as a busboy at the Cuba Club, often on the very busy Friday Fish Fry nights and also the ever croweded Saturday football nights after a Wisconsin home game. I learned a lot about the human condition on that job while making a few bucks and appreciating the opportunities the Poole family gave to me. On Friday’s when I was not working, my family would often enjoy the “All You Can Eat” Fish Fry for $1.25 a person. We often ate at the restaurant, but we also had our share of take-out.
It was sad when I heard in later years when I was living in other places, that the Pooles had retired, had turned the restaurant over to Gary, who a few years later sold it. The restaurant was torn down and replaced with non-food based buildings. Nothing stays the same, but the Poole name continued in the food and drink based world with the opening of Pooley’s Sports Bar on the East side of Madison. My first visit there was a one of our pre high school reunion gatherings some 50 years after our graduation.
And so, last evening, I decided to revisit Pooley’s and listen to some hillbilly blues, etc. I arrived shortly before 5 PM and ordered my favorite Wisconsin beer, Spotted Cow. After examining the menu, I decided this was a special occasion and ordered the Friday Fish Special of Fried Cod and French Fries. It was my tribute to those Fridays from thoe early years of my life and it was at a place that was still loosely connected, by name at least to the Poole family. All the Pooles are retired now and they have sold the place, but it was still a joy to sit for a couple of hours in a state of remembrance. While, sitting at the bar, I met Sue who had stopped in for a take out order. We talked about the old Cuba Club and she had the same fond memories that I did.
After she left, I ordered a Jameson nightcap and enjoyed about an hour of the music by the two brothers. The guitar player was the lead singer, but his partner joined him in many harmonies. In addition, this second person, played the drums, and electronic harmonica, and some related percussion instruments. The short one minute excerpt above provides an example of their musical fare.
I thought earlier in the day that I would spend a quiet night in my apartment, but the decision to go to. Pooley’s was a good one. I enjoyed the food, the chat with Sue, the libations, and the music. The added feature where all the memories that the place brought back about my earlier years.
Well, I wrote my first two essays yesterday as I have begun this effort to record my latest visit to Madison. There will be more to come.
Flowers of Madison
I have been in Madison for my regular summer visit for over two weeks. During that time, I have taken several walks, sometimes alone and sometimes with others in several of my very favorite places to walk in Madison. They include the UW Arboretum, Vilas Park on the shores of Lake Wingra, Picnic Point on the UW Campus, Owen Conservation Preserve, Westmorland’s Neighborhood, Olbrich Park, and the walking path on the shores of Lake Monona. Although I have taken many photos in these places from previous visits to this city of floral beauty, I have made a conscious effort to capture wildflower configurations, a multitude of colorful individual flowers, and natural landscapes. In the photo essay that follows, I will share many of these photos along with brief narratives of where I took the photos and the delightful walks I took during the walking tours. I will also make some comments about those who joined me on those walks, my sister, Lynn, and my friends Ann and Sara. I have shot these photos according to a chronology of days spent in Madison, and I will stick to that timeline as an organizing framework for the photo essay. In some cases, I may visit a place twice on separate dates.
July 2, A Walk at Vilas Park, Lake Wingra, Owen Park,
And Views of Countryside Apartments
It has been my practice on past visits to walk Vilas Park near the shores of Lake Wingra on one of the initial days of my visit to Madison. So, I kept this practice, and on the first Tuesday of my visit, I parked my car at Vilas and walked the circumference of the park plus the area along Lake Wingra in the back of Edgewood College. The landscape is both parklike with tennis courts, play areas, and the Madison Zoo that borders the park. The area behind the college is wilder with woods and marshy vegetation reaching out into the Lake. It is a quiet place to walk early in the morning with very little traffic noise, since cars are not permitted in certain parts of the park, only bikes.
As I walk, I take photos of the vegetation along the way and a few play areas of the park. There are also shots of Lake Wingra at various stages of the walk. As I continue my journey behind the college, the terrain has a biological scientific feel to it in conjunction with the college’s science facility that borders the lake. It is a perfect place to study the ecology of a dying lake, left by glaciers from the very distant pass. I swam in the Lake as a kid, played sports on field next to it, but rarely, if ever, ventured on to the lake in canoe, kayak, or row boat. The lake also borders the UW Arboretum located on the far side of the Lake and another fertile effort for ecological study by the University of Wisconsin. The whole area is truly one of the many treasures of Madison and the photo display below attempts to present a bit of the magic.
Vilas Park Walk
I have been in Madison for my regular summer visit for over two weeks. During that time, I have taken several walks, sometimes alone and sometimes with others in several of my very favorite places to walk in Madison. They include the UW Arboretum, Vilas Park on the shores of Lake Wingra, Picnic Point on the UW Campus, Owen Conservation Preserve, Westmorland’s Neighborhood, Olbrich Park, and the walking path on the shores of Lake Monona. Although I have taken many photos in these places from previous visits to this city of floral beauty, I have made a conscious effort to capture wildflower configurations, a multitude of colorful individual flowers, and natural landscapes. In the photo essay that follows, I will share many of these photos along with brief narratives of where I took the photos and the delightful walks I took during the walking tours. I will also make some comments about those who joined me on those walks, my sister, Lynn, and my friends Ann and Sara. I have shot these photos according to a chronology of days spent in Madison, and I will stick to that timeline as an organizing framework for the photo essay. In some cases, I may visit a place twice on separate dates.
July 2, A Walk at Vilas Park, Lake Wingra, Owen Park,
And Views of Countryside Apartments
It has been my practice on past visits to walk Vilas Park near the shores of Lake Wingra on one of the initial days of my visit to Madison. So, I kept this practice, and on the first Tuesday of my visit, I parked my car at Vilas and walked the circumference of the park plus the area along Lake Wingra in the back of Edgewood College. The landscape is both parklike with tennis courts, play areas, and the Madison Zoo that borders the park. The area behind the college is wilder with woods and marshy vegetation reaching out into the Lake. It is a quiet place to walk early in the morning with very little traffic noise, since cars are not permitted in certain parts of the park, only bikes.
As I walk, I take photos of the vegetation along the way and a few play areas of the park. There are also shots of Lake Wingra at various stages of the walk. As I continue my journey behind the college, the terrain has a biological scientific feel to it in conjunction with the college’s science facility that borders the lake. It is a perfect place to study the ecology of a dying lake, left by glaciers from the very distant pass. I swam in the Lake as a kid, played sports on field next to it, but rarely, if ever, ventured on to the lake in canoe, kayak, or row boat. The lake also borders the UW Arboretum located on the far side of the Lake and another fertile effort for ecological study by the University of Wisconsin. The whole area is truly one of the many treasures of Madison and the photo display below attempts to present a bit of the magic.
Vilas Park Walk
Hoyt Park and Countryside Apartments
Wildflowers of Madison and Others: Walks on the Wild Side
Madison is a liberal town. It is the center of State Government, it is an Insurance Center, and it is the home of the University of Wisconsin. It, along with with urban Milwaukee are the seats of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin with the vast majority of the rest of the state falling into the category of conservative Republican. So, perhaps it is pure conjecture on my part, but Madison is a hotbed of Wildflower growth. Wherever you walk in Madison, you will see Wild flowers in the parks, the neighborhoods, and along the beautiful lakes. I am not sure when this phenomena began, but it has been around for the first two and a half decades of this century. I started returning to Madison for almost annual visits in 2011 and I have found these colorful specimens throughout the city. I recall growing up on Euclid Avenue in Westmoreland where the lawns were frequently mowed and the yards eloquently groomed. That is not the case anymore, thanks to the wildflower craze. My effort in this section is to display Madison’s wildflowers in various settings throughout the city. My purpose is to provide a spread of colorful beauty, but also a wildness that sort of upsets the tranquility of our beautiful parks and neighborhoods.
Olbrich Park on Monona Drive
This is Madison’s premiere botanical garden. It is several acres of floral beauty, of which part of the landscape is wild flowers. The park hosts musical concerts, an incredible Tropical Garden, significant sculptures, bubbling waterfalls, a fabulous Buddhist Temple, an abundance of butterflies, and a prolific amount of natural beauty. Below are samples of the wildflowers that bloom through the Gardens, providing a home and breeding place for butterflies and bees, and a world where the mind can contemplate and meditate. It is a magical place of wonder that draws me to it on many of my Madison visits.
Madison is a liberal town. It is the center of State Government, it is an Insurance Center, and it is the home of the University of Wisconsin. It, along with with urban Milwaukee are the seats of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin with the vast majority of the rest of the state falling into the category of conservative Republican. So, perhaps it is pure conjecture on my part, but Madison is a hotbed of Wildflower growth. Wherever you walk in Madison, you will see Wild flowers in the parks, the neighborhoods, and along the beautiful lakes. I am not sure when this phenomena began, but it has been around for the first two and a half decades of this century. I started returning to Madison for almost annual visits in 2011 and I have found these colorful specimens throughout the city. I recall growing up on Euclid Avenue in Westmoreland where the lawns were frequently mowed and the yards eloquently groomed. That is not the case anymore, thanks to the wildflower craze. My effort in this section is to display Madison’s wildflowers in various settings throughout the city. My purpose is to provide a spread of colorful beauty, but also a wildness that sort of upsets the tranquility of our beautiful parks and neighborhoods.
Olbrich Park on Monona Drive
This is Madison’s premiere botanical garden. It is several acres of floral beauty, of which part of the landscape is wild flowers. The park hosts musical concerts, an incredible Tropical Garden, significant sculptures, bubbling waterfalls, a fabulous Buddhist Temple, an abundance of butterflies, and a prolific amount of natural beauty. Below are samples of the wildflowers that bloom through the Gardens, providing a home and breeding place for butterflies and bees, and a world where the mind can contemplate and meditate. It is a magical place of wonder that draws me to it on many of my Madison visits.
Owen Conservation Park on Sauk Rd.
This Park came into existence when the City of Madison purchased it in 1972, well after I had left Madison. Thanks to my friends Ann and Sara, I discovered it a year ago on a walk with my two riends. It is sprawling piece of hilly prairie and oak savannas that takes its charm from the many wildflowers that grow from its rich earth. This was a gift to Madison from a UW Professor, Edward T Owen, who used this as his special retreat. It is, like the UW Arboretum, a treasure of beauty set within the residential confines of Wisconsin’s Capital City. This year on my visit, I was able to walk it once again with Ann and Sara. It is both a combination of easy downhill stretches, but also with challenging uphill paths that tested this old soul’s stamina. I was glad that I had the opportunity to walk it one more time. The wildflowers are familiar ones found in other parts of the city, but it is a further example of Madison’s commitment to providing plenty of green spaces in a hustling bustling city.
Sara Ann
This Park came into existence when the City of Madison purchased it in 1972, well after I had left Madison. Thanks to my friends Ann and Sara, I discovered it a year ago on a walk with my two riends. It is sprawling piece of hilly prairie and oak savannas that takes its charm from the many wildflowers that grow from its rich earth. This was a gift to Madison from a UW Professor, Edward T Owen, who used this as his special retreat. It is, like the UW Arboretum, a treasure of beauty set within the residential confines of Wisconsin’s Capital City. This year on my visit, I was able to walk it once again with Ann and Sara. It is both a combination of easy downhill stretches, but also with challenging uphill paths that tested this old soul’s stamina. I was glad that I had the opportunity to walk it one more time. The wildflowers are familiar ones found in other parts of the city, but it is a further example of Madison’s commitment to providing plenty of green spaces in a hustling bustling city.
Sara Ann
Westmorland Neighborhood on the West Side of Madison
Westmorland is the neighborhood where I lived growing up on the west side of Madison. It was a neighborhood that grew significantly during the Post World War II period of the late 40’s. We lived in two houses in the neighborhood, one on Meyer Ave. for four years and the second on Euclid Ave where I lived for 17 years before I left for the East Coast, and my mother for another 26 years before she sold the home and moved into an apartment. It was one my responsibilities to mow the lawn and trim it, as well as rake leaves in the fall. I never really did it to my parents’ satisfaction, but I did try. I loved the home on Euclid for many reasons. My bedroom was a special place and offered many moments of quiet reading and studying. The original screened in back porch was a joy on rainy days when I would stretch out on the couch with a book and listen to the falling rain as a calming background to my reading of another book.
My Mother, Ruth, always took pride in the look of both the inside and outside of our home, so in the years after I had moved out, she was not always pleased with new craze of planting wild flowers in the front lawn of the homes on the streets of Westmorland. There was little to she could do about, but voice her disdain of the “sloppy” look of. many homes in the neighborhood. However, the wildflowers have survived well into the 21st Century and my sister, Lynn, and I walked around the Westmorland neighborhood last week to capture some of the wildflower configurations in the neighborhood. Some of it is truly “wild,” but other lawns display a colorful mixture of wild growth. I took photos on my walk and some of the floral displays are presented below.
Westmorland is the neighborhood where I lived growing up on the west side of Madison. It was a neighborhood that grew significantly during the Post World War II period of the late 40’s. We lived in two houses in the neighborhood, one on Meyer Ave. for four years and the second on Euclid Ave where I lived for 17 years before I left for the East Coast, and my mother for another 26 years before she sold the home and moved into an apartment. It was one my responsibilities to mow the lawn and trim it, as well as rake leaves in the fall. I never really did it to my parents’ satisfaction, but I did try. I loved the home on Euclid for many reasons. My bedroom was a special place and offered many moments of quiet reading and studying. The original screened in back porch was a joy on rainy days when I would stretch out on the couch with a book and listen to the falling rain as a calming background to my reading of another book.
My Mother, Ruth, always took pride in the look of both the inside and outside of our home, so in the years after I had moved out, she was not always pleased with new craze of planting wild flowers in the front lawn of the homes on the streets of Westmorland. There was little to she could do about, but voice her disdain of the “sloppy” look of. many homes in the neighborhood. However, the wildflowers have survived well into the 21st Century and my sister, Lynn, and I walked around the Westmorland neighborhood last week to capture some of the wildflower configurations in the neighborhood. Some of it is truly “wild,” but other lawns display a colorful mixture of wild growth. I took photos on my walk and some of the floral displays are presented below.
Lake Monona. Walk
Lynn and I did our usual walk along Lake Monona. Lynn particularly likes walking along the paved bath that borders this part of the Lake. It is called Brittingham Park and is only a short distance from the Monona Terrace, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. There a wealth of wildflowers along the path in addition to the calming views of the Lake. Occasionally, a fisherman or two may be trying to catch something to eat or throw back into the lake. The spot is located in a busy part of the Southside of Madison leading to Capital Square, so during the work week, the bordering streets are loaded with vehicles on the way to work or somewhere. As we walk along the path, bikers scoot by us, sometimes with a warning, but often in quiet determination to get somewhere. It pays to walk with caution and to be aware of our surroundings.
On my several walks of this lakeside habitat, I have taken many photos of the flowers growing randomly along the path. There is a more formal garden, fenced in, and adorned with some sculptures to complement the plant varieties. There is not too much that we find new on this walk from past walks, but it is one of the walks, Lynn enjoys the most.
Lynn and I did our usual walk along Lake Monona. Lynn particularly likes walking along the paved bath that borders this part of the Lake. It is called Brittingham Park and is only a short distance from the Monona Terrace, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. There a wealth of wildflowers along the path in addition to the calming views of the Lake. Occasionally, a fisherman or two may be trying to catch something to eat or throw back into the lake. The spot is located in a busy part of the Southside of Madison leading to Capital Square, so during the work week, the bordering streets are loaded with vehicles on the way to work or somewhere. As we walk along the path, bikers scoot by us, sometimes with a warning, but often in quiet determination to get somewhere. It pays to walk with caution and to be aware of our surroundings.
On my several walks of this lakeside habitat, I have taken many photos of the flowers growing randomly along the path. There is a more formal garden, fenced in, and adorned with some sculptures to complement the plant varieties. There is not too much that we find new on this walk from past walks, but it is one of the walks, Lynn enjoys the most.
The University of Wisconsin Arboretum
The Arboretum in Madison, Wisconsin is maintained by the University of Wisconsin and is one of the most beautiful features of this Capital City. It is contained within the city limits and borders the Nakoma Country Club and the Monroe St. District of Madison. Lake Wingra, one of Madison’s five lakes is within its boundaries and offers a myriad of biological research opportunities for both the University and Edgewood College, the latter bordering this expansive conservation area. It is a place where you can walk in quiet solitude among the wonderful varieties of plants, trees, and grassy areas. In past walks, I have come across a wise old owl in a tree and various forms of wildlife, including wild turkeys, that flourish in this habitat. Over my many visits, I have taken many photos in this natural treasure, and this year was no exception. I did focus on the wildflowers that grow in the Arboretum on this adventure. Along with the other conservation areas discussed in this review, this place is a required visit for any nature lover who spends time in Madison. The photos below where taken on two separate visits to the Arboretum on this past visit.
The Arboretum in Madison, Wisconsin is maintained by the University of Wisconsin and is one of the most beautiful features of this Capital City. It is contained within the city limits and borders the Nakoma Country Club and the Monroe St. District of Madison. Lake Wingra, one of Madison’s five lakes is within its boundaries and offers a myriad of biological research opportunities for both the University and Edgewood College, the latter bordering this expansive conservation area. It is a place where you can walk in quiet solitude among the wonderful varieties of plants, trees, and grassy areas. In past walks, I have come across a wise old owl in a tree and various forms of wildlife, including wild turkeys, that flourish in this habitat. Over my many visits, I have taken many photos in this natural treasure, and this year was no exception. I did focus on the wildflowers that grow in the Arboretum on this adventure. Along with the other conservation areas discussed in this review, this place is a required visit for any nature lover who spends time in Madison. The photos below where taken on two separate visits to the Arboretum on this past visit.
Picnic Point on Lake Mendota
This inviting peninsula that reaches out into Madison’s largest and most scenic lake. It is owned by the University of Wisconsin and in that sense it is an extension of the natural habitat of the Arboretum, although separated geographically. On my visits to Madison, I will try to walk Picnic Point several times. However, this time the path was flooded in several spots due to the consistent rainfall in Madison. However, there are paths on the Point that circumvent the wet areas and still allow you to make your way out to the end of the peninsula. On my second walk taken in the third week of my visit, I was able to do this and took some photos of the Wildflowers and scenic views of the State Capitol along the way. I was also able to take a path that I had never taken before on my previous hikes out on the Point. This is just one more example of the natural beauty, including wildflowers, that Madison has to offer its residents and many visitors. It is truly a special place.
This inviting peninsula that reaches out into Madison’s largest and most scenic lake. It is owned by the University of Wisconsin and in that sense it is an extension of the natural habitat of the Arboretum, although separated geographically. On my visits to Madison, I will try to walk Picnic Point several times. However, this time the path was flooded in several spots due to the consistent rainfall in Madison. However, there are paths on the Point that circumvent the wet areas and still allow you to make your way out to the end of the peninsula. On my second walk taken in the third week of my visit, I was able to do this and took some photos of the Wildflowers and scenic views of the State Capitol along the way. I was also able to take a path that I had never taken before on my previous hikes out on the Point. This is just one more example of the natural beauty, including wildflowers, that Madison has to offer its residents and many visitors. It is truly a special place.
UW Allen Gardens
Allen Gardens, little bit of heaven, sits in the middle of the UW campus not far from Bascom Hill and where they produce some of the best ice cream anywhere. There is a beatiful view of Lake Mendota from the crest of Observatory Hill. I actually took a brief tour here on the 4th of July when the campus was shut down and parking was no problem. These planned gardens are a combination of beautiful plants and flowers intermingled in with constructed landscapes of beauty.
It is not a big garden and it is easily navigated on well planned walks that curve throughout the gardens. There is a slight elevation to the garden, so there is some minor up and down pathways that give the relatively small area a sense of being larger.
Allen Gardens, little bit of heaven, sits in the middle of the UW campus not far from Bascom Hill and where they produce some of the best ice cream anywhere. There is a beatiful view of Lake Mendota from the crest of Observatory Hill. I actually took a brief tour here on the 4th of July when the campus was shut down and parking was no problem. These planned gardens are a combination of beautiful plants and flowers intermingled in with constructed landscapes of beauty.
It is not a big garden and it is easily navigated on well planned walks that curve throughout the gardens. There is a slight elevation to the garden, so there is some minor up and down pathways that give the relatively small area a sense of being larger.
Entertainment in Madison
On my frequent visits to Madison, my sister, Lynn, often joins me for a few days during my extended visit. I have plenty of room in the 2 bedroom apartment that I rent at Countryside Apartments. This year was no exception and thanks to my friend Ann, we had planned a number of entertainment adventures during her stay. In addition, Lynn and I participated in some additional events.
Olbrich Park
She arrived on Tuesday, July 9, so we took a ride out to Olbrich Botanical Gardens for their regular Tuesday night entertainment. We arrived way too early, so we were a bit antsy when the music finally began around 7 PM. We only stayed for the opening act, which was a jazz trio with a marvelous keyboard player, a veritable drummer, and an electronic base player. The music was lively, interesting, and enjoyable. However, we chose to leave before the second part of the concert which was a story based musical rendition from the South Pacific Islands.
On my frequent visits to Madison, my sister, Lynn, often joins me for a few days during my extended visit. I have plenty of room in the 2 bedroom apartment that I rent at Countryside Apartments. This year was no exception and thanks to my friend Ann, we had planned a number of entertainment adventures during her stay. In addition, Lynn and I participated in some additional events.
Olbrich Park
She arrived on Tuesday, July 9, so we took a ride out to Olbrich Botanical Gardens for their regular Tuesday night entertainment. We arrived way too early, so we were a bit antsy when the music finally began around 7 PM. We only stayed for the opening act, which was a jazz trio with a marvelous keyboard player, a veritable drummer, and an electronic base player. The music was lively, interesting, and enjoyable. However, we chose to leave before the second part of the concert which was a story based musical rendition from the South Pacific Islands.
Overture Theater
The next night, we joined my friend Ann and her husband Brad for dinner at a marvelous Italian restaurant called Cento just across the street from the Overture Theater where we would attend a performance of Moulon Rouge. Although the restaurant was a bit loud, the food was delicious. I chose the scallops and I was not disappointed. We enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant and found the opening phase of the evening a nice prelude to the musical.
The Overture Theater was constructed around the old Capitol Theater located on State Street. The new building, much larger than the original movie theater is one of Madison’s premier architectural gems. It reminds me of several of the Broadway theaters in Manhattan. Lynn and I sat in the rear area of the Orchestra Section and we were able to see every facet of the performance. It is a fun place with lots of dancing, a love story, and highly sophisticated scenery. We had a delightful evening.
The next night, we joined my friend Ann and her husband Brad for dinner at a marvelous Italian restaurant called Cento just across the street from the Overture Theater where we would attend a performance of Moulon Rouge. Although the restaurant was a bit loud, the food was delicious. I chose the scallops and I was not disappointed. We enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant and found the opening phase of the evening a nice prelude to the musical.
The Overture Theater was constructed around the old Capitol Theater located on State Street. The new building, much larger than the original movie theater is one of Madison’s premier architectural gems. It reminds me of several of the Broadway theaters in Manhattan. Lynn and I sat in the rear area of the Orchestra Section and we were able to see every facet of the performance. It is a fun place with lots of dancing, a love story, and highly sophisticated scenery. We had a delightful evening.
Monona Terrace
Frank Lloyd Wright made one of his homes in Spring Green Wisconsin. As a result there are many homes in Madison designed by his firm with all of the creativity of his designs. This includes the Monona Terrace Auditorium located just off the Capitol Square, which jutts out into Lake Monona. During the summer months, the Monona Terrace sponsors outdoor summer concerts on the very top of the Monona Terrace Complex. On a Thursday evening in July, Lynn and I joined our friends Ann and Brad for the concert by the Docksiders, an incredible Cover Band, which will perform in Las Vegas at the Venetian Hotel in September. They played two hours of non-stop songs of our older and recent past, including the Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor, and many others. What made them special was that they sounded like the performers they were covering. It was joyous evening with people dancing and singing to the great variety of music. Old people, young people, and families together just enjoying a summer concert without a care in the world. It was a special evening in a week of special events that my sister and I shared.
Frank Lloyd Wright made one of his homes in Spring Green Wisconsin. As a result there are many homes in Madison designed by his firm with all of the creativity of his designs. This includes the Monona Terrace Auditorium located just off the Capitol Square, which jutts out into Lake Monona. During the summer months, the Monona Terrace sponsors outdoor summer concerts on the very top of the Monona Terrace Complex. On a Thursday evening in July, Lynn and I joined our friends Ann and Brad for the concert by the Docksiders, an incredible Cover Band, which will perform in Las Vegas at the Venetian Hotel in September. They played two hours of non-stop songs of our older and recent past, including the Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor, and many others. What made them special was that they sounded like the performers they were covering. It was joyous evening with people dancing and singing to the great variety of music. Old people, young people, and families together just enjoying a summer concert without a care in the world. It was a special evening in a week of special events that my sister and I shared.
UW Union Terrace
When I was in college at the UW-Madison way back in the 1960s, I spent a lot of time at the UW Union. The Rathskeller Pub was one of my favorite hangouts and study places. I worked in the Union Cafeteria as a busboy and as a short order cook. I also spent a lot of time sitting on the beautiful Union Terrace that overlooks Lake Mendota, the largest lake in Madison.
Some 60 years later, on my summer visits to Madison, I always make time to spend a few hours on the Union Terrace, drinking a beer and enjoying the Friday afternoon band of choice that entertains not only the college crowd, but many residents and families of Madison. It is common behavior for weekend afternoons to just enjoy the “not so quiet ambiance” of the Union Terrace, including a visit with Bucky Badger.
Lynn and I spent a couple of hours at the Terrace on a Friday afternoon during her visit. We found a table with some shade, sipped a few Spotted Cows, and just enjoyed the music on a Friday afternoon. Later, we walked up Langdon St. to the Edgewater Hotel for a drink in their plush bar, followed by a trip out to Pooley’s to revisit the Friday night ambiance and music of the place discussed earlier in this piece. We covered a number of bases this Friday afternoon and it was great fun.
When I was in college at the UW-Madison way back in the 1960s, I spent a lot of time at the UW Union. The Rathskeller Pub was one of my favorite hangouts and study places. I worked in the Union Cafeteria as a busboy and as a short order cook. I also spent a lot of time sitting on the beautiful Union Terrace that overlooks Lake Mendota, the largest lake in Madison.
Some 60 years later, on my summer visits to Madison, I always make time to spend a few hours on the Union Terrace, drinking a beer and enjoying the Friday afternoon band of choice that entertains not only the college crowd, but many residents and families of Madison. It is common behavior for weekend afternoons to just enjoy the “not so quiet ambiance” of the Union Terrace, including a visit with Bucky Badger.
Lynn and I spent a couple of hours at the Terrace on a Friday afternoon during her visit. We found a table with some shade, sipped a few Spotted Cows, and just enjoyed the music on a Friday afternoon. Later, we walked up Langdon St. to the Edgewater Hotel for a drink in their plush bar, followed by a trip out to Pooley’s to revisit the Friday night ambiance and music of the place discussed earlier in this piece. We covered a number of bases this Friday afternoon and it was great fun.
Art on the Square
Normally, on a Saturday morning, Madison has a huge Farmer’s Market on the Square, but on this weekend in July, it forgoes the Market atmosphere for that of of displaying the work of many local and visiting artists who display and sell their work on the Capitol Square. Lynn and I took a stroll through the Art Fair. Lynn bought a few things. I primarily just looked and enjoyed the huge variety of artistic talent on display. It is also a way to get in a pleasant walk on a Saturday morning. After our visit to the Art Fair, we made a stop at the Cento one more time, this time for a morning Bloody Mary for me and a class of Pinot Grigio for Lynn. We had a delightful conversation with the woman bartender, a recent graduate of the UW who was planning on spending her career in pursuing avenues to counter the impacts of Global Warming. The bar was a very pleasant place to have a conversation with a young person eager to make a difference in this world, who was also an accomplished bartender in a restaurant with great atmosphere just off of the upper section of State Street in Madison. Some troubadours entertained outside Cento.
Normally, on a Saturday morning, Madison has a huge Farmer’s Market on the Square, but on this weekend in July, it forgoes the Market atmosphere for that of of displaying the work of many local and visiting artists who display and sell their work on the Capitol Square. Lynn and I took a stroll through the Art Fair. Lynn bought a few things. I primarily just looked and enjoyed the huge variety of artistic talent on display. It is also a way to get in a pleasant walk on a Saturday morning. After our visit to the Art Fair, we made a stop at the Cento one more time, this time for a morning Bloody Mary for me and a class of Pinot Grigio for Lynn. We had a delightful conversation with the woman bartender, a recent graduate of the UW who was planning on spending her career in pursuing avenues to counter the impacts of Global Warming. The bar was a very pleasant place to have a conversation with a young person eager to make a difference in this world, who was also an accomplished bartender in a restaurant with great atmosphere just off of the upper section of State Street in Madison. Some troubadours entertained outside Cento.
American Players Theater, Spring Green, Wisconsin
In addition to the home of Frank Lloyd Wright at Talisen East, Spring Green is known for its location on the Wisconsin river, a ski hill unusual for the rolling farmland of southern Wisconsin, and the American Players Theater, an outdoor venue that is the home of a talented group of actors who present a variety of classical theater offerings during the Summer months. On the Saturday of Lynn’s visit, we joined Ann, Brad, and Sally Anderson on a drive to Spring Green to see, Ring Around the Moon, a period comedy of love and romance. Rain was supposed to hold off during the play and we were optimistic that we could spend one more time at the theater. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the hillside just below the venue. Unfortunately, it began to rain toward the end of the first of three acts. They stopped the play and we left the theater to find some shelter under the roofs outside. After ten minutes, they called us back into the theater, but our group agreed to leave and go home. It was truly a disappointment, but the potential of sitting in the rain was not opportune. The play did finish, but only after another delay and some people drenched by the rainfall.
So this return to the APT Venue in Spring Green did not go well this year. Perhaps, we will try again next year. To appease us a bit in our disappointment, we did witness a double rainbow that I captured with my iPhone through the car window on the drive home.
In addition to the home of Frank Lloyd Wright at Talisen East, Spring Green is known for its location on the Wisconsin river, a ski hill unusual for the rolling farmland of southern Wisconsin, and the American Players Theater, an outdoor venue that is the home of a talented group of actors who present a variety of classical theater offerings during the Summer months. On the Saturday of Lynn’s visit, we joined Ann, Brad, and Sally Anderson on a drive to Spring Green to see, Ring Around the Moon, a period comedy of love and romance. Rain was supposed to hold off during the play and we were optimistic that we could spend one more time at the theater. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the hillside just below the venue. Unfortunately, it began to rain toward the end of the first of three acts. They stopped the play and we left the theater to find some shelter under the roofs outside. After ten minutes, they called us back into the theater, but our group agreed to leave and go home. It was truly a disappointment, but the potential of sitting in the rain was not opportune. The play did finish, but only after another delay and some people drenched by the rainfall.
So this return to the APT Venue in Spring Green did not go well this year. Perhaps, we will try again next year. To appease us a bit in our disappointment, we did witness a double rainbow that I captured with my iPhone through the car window on the drive home.
The Mariner Restaurant
The last entertainment experience I will share with you was at the Mariner Restaurant on the shores of Lake Mendota. This was one of my Mom’s favorite spots. Lynn had returned to Chicago and so I wandered solo out for dinner on my last Friday night in Madison. Before I went to dinner, I stopped at the Cherokee Gold Club, now know as TPC Wisconsin. It will be the venue for one of the Senior tournaments on the Champions Tour next year. A delightful young lady took me on a tour of the place. This was a course that I played several time when I was growing up in Madison. It has gone through a redesign and looks like an interesting challenge for the older professional men’s golfers.
I sat at the bar in one of the few remaining seats at the Mariner and enjoyed a dinner of Walleye and sides. I talked briefly with a couple of people, but my conversation was limited. After dinner, I went outside with a beer to enjoy the older couple singing and playing up a storm in the backyard of the restaurant. They were just plane fun to listen to. I was lucky on this visit to Madison that I was able to experience so much enjoyable entertainment in a town that I love.
The last entertainment experience I will share with you was at the Mariner Restaurant on the shores of Lake Mendota. This was one of my Mom’s favorite spots. Lynn had returned to Chicago and so I wandered solo out for dinner on my last Friday night in Madison. Before I went to dinner, I stopped at the Cherokee Gold Club, now know as TPC Wisconsin. It will be the venue for one of the Senior tournaments on the Champions Tour next year. A delightful young lady took me on a tour of the place. This was a course that I played several time when I was growing up in Madison. It has gone through a redesign and looks like an interesting challenge for the older professional men’s golfers.
I sat at the bar in one of the few remaining seats at the Mariner and enjoyed a dinner of Walleye and sides. I talked briefly with a couple of people, but my conversation was limited. After dinner, I went outside with a beer to enjoy the older couple singing and playing up a storm in the backyard of the restaurant. They were just plane fun to listen to. I was lucky on this visit to Madison that I was able to experience so much enjoyable entertainment in a town that I love.
Conclusion
So, this concludes my selective journal memory of my latest trip to Madison. In many ways, this was one of the best of my several trips to my place of birth and development. All of my visits have been fun and filled with cherished memories of family, friends, and places; but this trip was filled with more interesting events. My sister’s visit paired with all of the fun things we did while she was in Madison made this latest trip one to remember.
I am thrilled that I have been able to travel to Madison so many times in the last thirteen years of my numerous travels within and beyond the borders of the U.S. It has been a special gift that I have received in my retirement years that has given me purpose, an incentive to write and photograph my experiences, and connect with all sorts of wonderful people. After the passing of Terry, my late wife, I have chosen to remain an independent soul to give me the freedom to make the decisions of a late in life wanderer. It sometimes is a lonely independence, but no life is perfect. However, this life that I am living now compliments all of the earlier years when I also found meaning and purpose in partnering with a loving wife, raising a family, enjoying a professional career in education, and enjoying the company of many friends. In addition, I still enjoy the gift of my grandchildren, sometimes in South Carolina and other times in their home venues.
So, this concludes my selective journal memory of my latest trip to Madison. In many ways, this was one of the best of my several trips to my place of birth and development. All of my visits have been fun and filled with cherished memories of family, friends, and places; but this trip was filled with more interesting events. My sister’s visit paired with all of the fun things we did while she was in Madison made this latest trip one to remember.
I am thrilled that I have been able to travel to Madison so many times in the last thirteen years of my numerous travels within and beyond the borders of the U.S. It has been a special gift that I have received in my retirement years that has given me purpose, an incentive to write and photograph my experiences, and connect with all sorts of wonderful people. After the passing of Terry, my late wife, I have chosen to remain an independent soul to give me the freedom to make the decisions of a late in life wanderer. It sometimes is a lonely independence, but no life is perfect. However, this life that I am living now compliments all of the earlier years when I also found meaning and purpose in partnering with a loving wife, raising a family, enjoying a professional career in education, and enjoying the company of many friends. In addition, I still enjoy the gift of my grandchildren, sometimes in South Carolina and other times in their home venues.
