4th of July, 2007

We went to see fireworks today. We live in Appleton, so in the past we’ve gone to see various Appleton shows. Historically, they’ve been a disappointment, due to our failing to get a decent viewing position. Last year we attended the finale of the PGI fireworks show at WIR in Kaukauna. It was quite a disappointment, in that they charged an admission fee and presented a fireworks show that was short in time and quality.

However, we’ve always had good luck with the City of Menasha’s display, which we attend almost every year now. This year was no exception. Acceptable parking, free admission, and ample places to sit. I think that their production should serve as a model to other organizations and municipalities looking to put on a fireworks show. It’s always a good show.

And, oh yeah! Today marks my 3rd wedding anniversary. Wanda and I were married in Jamaica on July 4th, 2004. Go team!

July 4th, 2007  Holidays   Tags: anniversary, firewords, july4th, more...

N.E.W. Zoo & Giraffes

We went to the NEW Zoo today for an early celebration activity related to our 3rd wedding anniversary. It’s a pretty decent zoo. We hadn’t been there since 2004. The animals were surprisingly cooperative for photo ops. My favorite exhibit was the new giraffes, thought the otters came in a close second. They had a pretty good deal going – a sweet aquatic exhibit, ample food, and no predators. I would like to be an otter some day.

We were a little concerned about the conditions of some of the animals’ environments, especially the giraffes and the alligator. The gators had an area that looked uncomfortably small for such an animal. Some animals, like the elk, seemed to have plenty of room to roam. Others, like the alligator or giraffes, seemed to be somewhat confined.

The giraffes were beautiful, friendly, and playful. Amazing animals. We were disappointed with the conditions of their cage, however – it was very boring – paved with gravel, no trees for them to munch on, and very sterile and boring. Like the red fox exhibit, the giraffes seemed to just pace around in circles waiting for the next feeding, as if going mad. In disparity, the giraffes would try to bend their necks over the fence to try to reach some of the folliage that had not yet been eaten.

I’m just not sure their native habitat was paved with gravel, and I really think they could use some trees to munch on. It was really cool to see the female gallop, though. She was excited for food.

We really like the animal exhibits but felt saddened by the small enclosures that many of the animals were to spend their lives in. I’m no zoologist, so perhaps such conditions are acceptable to their specific breed, but many of them didn’t look comfortable.

July 2nd, 2007  Recreation   Tags: animals, anniversary, vacation, zoo, more...

4th of July Weekend

Well, I finally got around to blogging about our 4th of July weekend, which for us lasted a total of four days.

On Friday, we saw fireworks at Jefferson Park in Menasha. They were quite good, as usual. It was Me, Wanda, and my mother. We had a great time. We also learned that our digital camera takes surprisingly good pictures of fireworks!

On Saturday, we decided to go to Bay Beach for the day. We went on rides, did sight-seeing, and I reminisced about my childhood at the place. Most of it was still as it had been, but there were a few improvements, like a new train depot and the addition of swings!

For those of you who remember 10 cent rides, the price is now 50 cents for the bigger rides and 25 cents for the kiddy rides. A bargain! We also visited the Bay Beach Nature Preserve. It has changed A LOT since I was little. They did an impressive job remodeling.

Sunday we mostly lounging around (which, if Wanda had her druthers, probably would not have been). We spent Sunday shopping and looking at the sales. We managed to find a cute table set for our deck at Menards, and a great deal on a stainless mini-refrigerator at Target.

All in all, it was a perfect and relaxing weekend for us to celebrate our 1-year anniversary (for those not in the know, we were married on the 4th of July in Jamaica last year).

July 7th, 2005  Holidays, Recreation   Tags: anniversary, bay beach, holiday, outdoors, more...