Things to do in Madison

There are always more things to do in Madison than you can possible do. This morning Linda and Nancy and I went to this Master of Fine Arts Exhibit at the Art Lofts Gallery UW-Madison. The paintings were done by Ada Gonzales. This piece was my favorite. We all enjoyed her colour palettes and that she seemed to know when a painting was done. Both things I am not good at.

A couple weekends ago John and I went to the Frank Stella exhibit at MoMCA. We both liked the exhibit. I was a bit disappointed that there was not more of his earlier graphic work. Also wish I had gotten to his lecture which would have given me a better understanding of his later work.

Both exhibits are still on. You could easily do both in an afternoon.

Later this week I am meeting Linda to see the Art Department Faculty Exhibit at the Chazen. Looking forward to that one too. Plus we are starting the day with breakfast at The University Club. Always a treat.

And on April 24th I am taking my sweetie to Doors Open Madison. Anyone who knows John well knows thathe cannot resist a closed door. Especially a small door, or a unique door, or a locked door. Especially a door he has been forbidden to enter.  Twenty-six buildings and only 5 hours, so John will need to be selective. To make it easy there will be a trolley.

Everyone one of these interesting things to do is FREE, well, except for breakfast. Madison is truly a great place. Everyone should get out and enjoy it.

a foggy sunday morning...

 

we have had days of warm weather (in the 40s) and fog. So we headed out Sunday morning to take a few pictures.

green turret

The Green Turret is a cute little antique store in the turret of Mickey's Bar. Yes you have to go in the building and up the steps in the middle of the bar.

I find all the little treasures fascinating. Prices seem right too.

The big stack of maps is particularly intriguing.

To visit head to Mickey's Bar at 1524 Williamson St. in Madison. It is on the near Eastside by the Yahara River. As I said go in and up the stairs. The Green Turret is open Saturday and Sundays from 9 to 3 or 4. For more info visit their Facebook Page.

And they will be open Friday night for the Atwood Winnebago Winter Festival. Do stop in.

happy halloween

 

our new library!

last night I got to see our new, amazing library. It has a big WOW factor. Great light, great lighting, very white, fun sculpture, lots of color. Very well done. The Grand Opening is this weekend. I recommend that everyone go.

I got in early because my book club had made a donation and our name was on the side of this bench.

I am going to switch back to using this library again. It was my library when I lived downtown and I walked there. Parking will be a hassle but it always is downtown.

Every little thing was done so well. These lights for example.

But don't take my word for it. Head on down this weekend for the festivities. Take the kids, have a snack, get a book! I can't wait until I can take my hubby down and we can check out each little detail of this new marvelous place!

a sunday drive to wollersheim winery

recently we took a nice little Sunday drive. We started by going though Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo. John had camped there and passed his scuba diving test there some years ago.

Near there is the Wollersheim Winery. It was a picturesque stop. Complete with a little wine tasting. Prairie Fumé is a favorite of mine so it was fun to see the winery.

The winery complete with the newly reopened wine cave has an interesting history dating back to the 1840s. The introduction of Prairie Fumé in 1989 helped the Wollersheim brand gain respect and win awards. If you are in the area and looking for a nice Fall drive I would suggest heading in this direction. I think it was just a 45 minute drive from DT Madison.

summer in wisconsin

summer is about half over and if feels like it just arrived. That means we have to enjoy every second. So far so good.

kennedy manor

recently we had dinner at the Kennedy Manor. I had eaten there years ago with my friend Jane. I knew that it would be a place that John would be interested in getting in to. This dining establishment has been a downtown fixture since 1931. If I could add a sound track it would be Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Nat King Cole, Perry Como and Andy Williams because that was who was playing. It is in the lower level of the historic Kennedy Manor Apartments.

Dinner was lovely, wine, a cheese plate, mushroom and spinach risotto and something chocolate to share for dessert.

John likes to explore but could not get far. We could see these shiny elevator doors through a locked door. I know he was just itching to see if he could find someone who would enjoy giving us a tour of their apartment. But not so. Still a lovely evening and dining experience.