behr trax: Wisconie

Like the nickname your mom lovingly gives to you, Wisconie is what I call my home. We're here and finally settled into our home for the summer. Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, a beautiful suburb on the shore of Lake Michigan, is just a short drive north of downtown Milwaukee. As we drove into town 3 weeks ago, a rush of memories hit me. It was like opening a dusty box of photo albums. I had forgotten just how beautiful this neighborhood is. I lived here almost a full decade ago when I was attending Marquette University's nursing school as a grad student. In fact, my 1st and 2nd apartments were only a 1/4 mile away from our current address. It's crazy, but I can only explain this as my brain re-mapping itself. I tucked way places, directions, and things I used to know when I moved to Denver. Now, being back here, the connections are being made again as I re-discover the area.

I think this is probably the best spot we could have picked. The Lake is only a short 10 minute walk away. If you can't live near the mountains, the Lake is where you want to be. It's a giant magnet of peace and serenity. And in the summer, it is the bringer of cool breezes providing relief from these hot and humid days. Our neighbors will also tell you that it makes for some great gardening, since the groundwater flow from the shoreline is so high in this area. We will find out soon - our vegetables are going in as soon as I can stand the heat!

Leisure boats along the river

Milwaukee skyline from a sailboat

What can I tell you about Milwaukee in the summer?
It's the best time of year! Beautiful weather, turquoise waters, Brewers games... oh, and festivals!

Milwaukee has a festival every weekend of the summer and is probably best known for Summerfest, a 10-day long festival of music. We plan to check out German Fest (July 26-29), Festa Italiana (July 19-22), Bastille Days (July 12-15), and Irish Fest (Aug 16-19). Obviously, we like the food festivals.

In keeping with my training plan, I have signed up for Storm the Bastille, a night 5K to kick off Bastille Days and the Color Run, a 5K fun run. Check out The Color Run here - www.thecolorrun.com. There is a running group that meets just a 1/2 mile from our house. I plan to start running with them and want to put a 1/2 marathon on my calendar for the Fall. Okay, now I said it. You all have to hold me accountable.

Here are some pictures of Max visiting with Canaan at Nana's house: