After this weekend, you'll know exactly why I am making this a prime part of my platform.
It all started with the Brewers mini-marathon. While this was the 4th installment of this half-marathon and I have been fortunate to participate in all four, I had some major concerns about my ability to finish this time around. Maybe it was because of my lack of training. Maybe it was the early morning humidity. Maybe it was the pizza buffet carb loading the evening earlier. Either way, I was not at full strength. However, I did still break the 2 hour mark and was only about 90 seconds off my best time. I wonder how I'd do if I actually stuck to training and laid off the pizza and beer?
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| Do I always look this angry when I run? |
After enjoying the bountiful post-race snacks and even swallowing down a few gulps of swill beer (we have become quite the beer snobs), it was time to head to Sturgeon Fest. Though this was our first time attending, this festival of nature and conservation is highlighted by being able to sponsor and release a sturgeon into Lake Michigan. Sponsored by a local nature center, we enjoyed the animal displays (lots of turtles) and the prairie walk through Lakeshore State Park before releasing three beautiful fish into the drink.
On top of that, we were also lucky enough to hear an inspiring message and watch a program led by Dr. Scott Sampson, renowned paleontologist and star of Dinosaur Train. While Embry has not fallen in love with this show yet, she certainly was entertained by the program. Ever since I read, Dr. Scott's book, How to Raise a Wild Child, I have become enamored with the thought of increasing and widening natural experience with my daughter and students. This book was crucial to my implementation of forest kindergarten. I am very indebted to Dr. Scott and many others like him.
After leaving the lake and dropping off the kid with Grandma, my wife and I headed to a night hike along one of our favorite spots: the Ice Age Trail. We decided to bring our dog along as he had been cooped up all day. Nugget certainly enjoyed acting as sweep for the hike and fraternizing with hikers at the post-hike bonfire.
Though Saturday was exhausting, Sunday Funday led us back downtown to explore some of Milwaukee's treasures. A last minute decision took us to Potawatomi Bingo for a brunch session. It turned out to be somewhat profitable as I won. . . . . .a door prize to come back and play again. While daubing colorful circles and unlimited carbonated beverages was wonderful, we decided to walk through the actual casino and recently added hotel before heading to the historic Third Ward for a late lunch. After settling on a lovely establishment that provided some delicious frites and an assortment of beers available in flights, we finally visited the Milwaukee Public Market. Hard to believe I am 34 and had never stepped in here before. What a cultural experience!
Now, it's time for some yardwork, schoolwork and maybe another beer or two.
Remember, Vote Dargatz in 2016!
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