Just another typical cool rainy day Monday here in "Madtown". Barely 60 degrees, cool and wet. In two weeks it will be the Summer Solstice.
photo "union sentinels" by dmk
Daylight will get shorter. Less time to spend outside especially at one of my favorite places. The UW Memorial Union on Lake Mendota. It is a special place on a Friday or Saturday early evening. Reminds me of my College Days but yet is even more exciting and entertaining now than it was then. Those famed chairs staring like sentinels until one by one, as they beckon people to sit down and relax, fill up through early eve.
The feeling of the warm sun as it starts to descend to be extinguished by the Lake, the smell of popcorn, burgers and chicken on the grill, and the refreshing taste of a cold beverage( beer is my choice on a night like this) as one listens to the lapping waves of water. Soon almost all chairs and picnic tables are filled and a band starts to set up for evening entertainment. The Boathouse Whistle screams as the steam is released warning everyone that the sun is setting and time for non lighted vessels to return safely home and enjoy the festivities. I love to bring my Golden Retriever down and she loves meeting the children and people that walk by. Maddie is a people magnet for sure. And knows she will be afforded a few treats for her great behavior. Being a Pet Pal at the UW Children's Hospital, well you can bet she knows what to do and is so mellow. I marvel at her and her demeanor. When a child tugs on her long fur she just stares up at me as if to say "Don't worry Dad, they need to do this and it doesn't bother me at all". Then I toss her some popcorn and I understand. One in the mouth is worth two in the bag. It is getting late so we head out and immediately our spaces are gobbled up by others. It is truly one of Madison's Gems and an eclectic vibrant place to be. But tomorrow the chairs will be empty again and gradually work their magic to attract any and all of those who need to unwind and get a taste of summer.
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