adamap

Parks and more Parks

Rachel and I had a great weekend. We attended the graduation party for Brendan and Shanna on Friday. Both now have law degrees from highly respectable universities. Saturday was Stevan's wedding (Rachel's cousin). He and his new wife are great together. They had a nice ceremony and then a reception at the Boerner Botanical Gardens. Much fun was had by all.

Sunday (after purchasing a new sink and shoes for me) we took a hike through Grant Park in South Milwaukee on the Seven Bridges Trail (could get the pdf to open on a PC but not my Mac). We really enjoyed it. It takes you through some small ravines along streams and up on the bluffs that overlook the beach. I had been to Grant a number of times but I always went directly to the beach to punch and and work. The day was perfect and many other people were enjoying the park. Take a look at the photo album of the hike.

If you are curious

This is an album of photos that were taken after the demolition of the interior of Chris' building was complete. The MVP of the last weekend,which entailed jackhammering the basement was the electric conveyor.

Wankers

**Note** I wanted to post this last week but some technical issues prevented it.

These are photos of the wankers (Gregory Erdman and Alice Barnes) that defaced the Milwaukee Art Museum. I like many other people in this city take pride that a wonderful piece of architecture is located in our city. Of all the things to tag, they chose something not only beautiful, but in the literal shadow of the War Memorial. Now thats class. Now I am no stranger to mischief, but this was an obvious line not to cross. If you see these people please display your displeasure.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

Today my parents celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Congrats you two!!! Just an FYI, my parents met in College Station, Texas at Texas A&M University. Married in 1975 and moved to Milwaukee. After many a cold winter they returned to TX, then LA. Maybe we can get some scanned pics of their wedding up soon.

Very Sad

<steps on soap box>

I just wanted to say that I am dissappointed that our failure as a community to control our sewage. I am no civil engineer but I am pretty sure that a lot of money was spent on the Deep Tunnel project to handle our sewage, but every time it rains heavily untreated sewage goes right into friggin Lake Michigan. Its no secret around here, but now Milwaukee and other communities have been outed. Though they blame older sewere systems, Milwaukee, as I mentioned has a new one. The picture they chose is as some of you know a place I have a very strong attachment to, McKinley beach. I worked there 4 out of my 7 years as a lifeguard for Milwaukee County (1992-1998). There was really only one time I can think of that poor water quality shut down McKinley. On the other hand South Shore beach which is closer to the pipe that dumps the sewerage was closed frequently in my day. The lake and the rivers gave life to our city and we are befouling them. I am no activist or eco-warrior or whatever but I'd hope we can get this problem fixed before any further damage is done to the tremendous natural resources we benefit from.

*Just a note about this picture. It says 'no lifeguards on duty'. This is not due to the water quality, its due to cutbacks in seasonal employees.

Shear Madness

For Rachel's birthday we took in a show of Shear Madness. It was great! John McGivern was hilarious in the role of Tony. Shear Madness is a comedy whodunnit with elements of audience participation. They also infuse the show with local topical humor. In the case of our show it was the Marquette mascot snafu and some jabs at the local police. I definitely recommend it.

Wankers

**Note** I wanted to post this last week but some technical issues prevented it.

These are photos of the wankers (Gregory Erdman and Alice Barnes) that defaced the Milwaukee Art Museum. I like many other people in this city take pride that a wonderful piece of architecture is located in our city. Of all the things to tag, they chose something not only beautiful, but in the literal shadow of the War Memorial. Now thats class. Now I am no stranger to mischief, but this was an obvious line not to cross. If you see these people please display your displeasure.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL

My fancy fiance is one year finer.

Whew!

Did a fair amount of volunteer work this weekend. Saturday Rachel and I participated in National Join Hands Day through Kohl's volunteer program. We headed over to Piux XI high school and decorated and made bags for kids entering the foster care system.

Sunday I was at Chris' building mainly breaking up the concrete sidewalk along the building. Next task is to breakup the concrete in his basement. Luckily the concrete was just a skim coat and the dirt was not packed down first which makes and easier time. Jackhammers are fun!

**Update**

We jackhammered the concrete in the basement and found in sections there is cream city brick underneath yay!

Bawooosh

Our good for nothing cats cannot use the toilet! Speaking of cats, Pashmina is getting more comfortable here everyday. She likes to play with the other cats. Them wanting to reciprocate is another story. We had a bell on her collar so we could tell where in the house she was. After a 4am play session under our bed the bell is no more.