Summer has been a great time for Shay and I. We are doing some great things in my research lab, and I am working on my first publication for the summer. Last weekend, Shay and I went to Strawberry Fest in Cedarburg, Wi. It seems like people here look for any possible reason to party. With nearly half of the year buried in snow, everyone seems extremely motivated to make up for lost time!
Stawberry Fest was fun, taking place in the historic district of Cedarburg lined with buildings and shops. There wasn't as many strawberry dishes as we would have liked, but, this was a chance to party and everyone for miles around was taking advantage of it. Aside from seeming like a strange excuse to get out of the house, Strawberry Fest seemed quaintly similar to Summerfest in Logan. I swear the same arts and craft vendors were taking the opportunity to sale their latest projects for twice what they were worth.
The night before, Shay and I went for a drive to Pewaukee, Wi and were pleased to see a huge beach party going on. Lake Pewaukee is lined with a real sand beach and volleyball court. The lake stretches out a distance from the shore, but you can just see the bank in the distance lined with trees. About a quarter mile from the shore, there is a small island with a small grove of trees in the center. There is a walkway that spans the length of the shore, and there is a small shopping center accross the street. With the occasional train passing and the relentless group of children playing on the beach, it hardly seems like Wisconsin, but somewhere very out of place. There were tons of booths set up with every kind of food that is unique to Wisconsin; bratwurst's, fried cheese curd's and cream puffs. Every local brewing company was also disproportionatly represented adding additional excitement to the party. Wisconisin is unique in the fact, that children can actually drink beer as long as they are accompanied by their parents. I am sure this is a reflection of the rich German heritage inherited by the majority of the Wisconisin population. So needless to say beer is an important part of every festival and party here. Rather, I should say, the festivals and party are an important part of drinking here!
Yesterday, a classmate and I rode our bikes back out to Pewaukee, a round trip of about 35 miles. Shay, unfortunately had to work, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from having a good time! Once outside Milwaukee, everything begins to open up, and what was once a bustling city becomes rolling forest. Some of the backroads we took were lined with so many trees, we could barely see anthing beyond the outline of the road. It is a sharp contrast from the traffic and pavement that I have become so accustomed to over the last year.
August in the Leake Home
1 year ago
