history

Neville Public Museum in Green Bay

Posted on November 6, 2014 by theowenscrew

It has been a while since we have gone to a museum. This one geared towards children was actually quite relaxing. Relaxing, I know, museums aren’t supposed to be relaxing, but I guess since the kids have had limited access to toys each “toy” (hands on display) captivated their attention for much longer than it would have six months ago. They also play better together adding to the fun.

We were in the discovery room for quite a while, at least an hour before going up stairs. We found a rotary phone!

There were plastic dinosaurs, linking logs, puzzles, a barn with animals, groceries and a basket, this display that was designed to give children a graspable example of the largeness of the number one million.

It made me think of two things, crocheting (I know that is weird) and retirement savings. We (one of us) turned the wheel the whole time we were in the room which was about 30,000 rotations. You feel like you are wasting your time like getting to one million is an impossible feat. Then you settle into a groove and realize this isn’t a quick project but if you keep turning the wheel down the road a ways, a week or so and you will accomplish your goal if you just keep at it. In savings or retirement saving cents or dollars doesn’t seem like it would really do much in advancing your fight against debt or building a savings. If you never start turning the wheel then you really will never get there. After an hour we told the kids it was time to move on up stairs. Upstairs was a little less hands, on but was packed with Wisconsin history that was quite informative.

Wisconsin, home of the National Ice Age Trail, started it’s history with the Ice Age.

Ice Age history made way for the rich Native American history of the area, then the war of 1812 as the revolution didn’t make it over this far and the British continued to patrol the Great Lakes after the revolution because they did not want to give up the lucrative fur trade business they were conducting there. Then came the Victorian age to modern day.

This one was my favorite.

This is a the equipment like that which George Washington would have used as a surveyer.

The more recent section of the museum was centered around the Packers.

Caleb was wearing a green sweatshirt which made him partially invisible in the picture booth.

We had one last dinner at Erbert & Gerbert before leaving Wisconsin. I have 9 more shifts to work in the next 13 days. Our countdown is down to < two weeks.

Categories: Countdown, Family Time, Fun, history | Leave a comment

“A Plan of Conduct”

Posted on October 23, 2014 by theowenscrew

A Plan of Conduct
Posted by Benjamin Franklin on 1 January 1726, 9:47 pm
“Those who write of the art of poetry teach us that if we would write what may be worth the reading, we ought always, before we begin, to form a regular plan and design of our piece: otherwise, we shall be in danger of incongruity. I am apt to think it is the same as to life. I have never fixed a regular design in life; by which means it has been a confused variety of different scenes. I am now entering upon a new one: let me, therefore, make some resolutions, and form some scheme of action, that, henceforth, I may live in all respects like a rational creature.

1. It is necessary for me to be extremely frugal for some time, till I have paid what I owe.

2. To endeavour to speak truth in every instance; to give nobody expectations that are not likely to be answered, but aim at sincerity in every word and action — the most amiable excellence in a rational being.

3. To apply myself industriously to whatever business I take in hand, and not divert my mind from my business by any foolish project of growing suddenly rich; for industry and patience are the surest means of plenty.

4. I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever, not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults I hear charged upon others, and upon proper occasions speak all the good I know of every body.”

This idea of writing a plan of conduct had my wheels turning. I have been reading about Benjamin Franklin most of the day, I feel like more reading is necessary (maybe a book from the grown up section of the library might help ;0) ). I just wanted to share this small part of my reading today that piqued my interest and convicted me all at the same time.

Categories: history | Tags: history | Leave a comment

St. Paul Minnesota

Posted on August 20, 2014 by theowenscrew

Capitol under construction.
The Capitol building in St. Paul was very under construction. We went halfway around the building before we finally saw where you could go in.

In the front you had a great view of the Cathedral on the hill opposite the Capitol.

There was pretty awesome views of the city as well.

Inside two wings as well as the dome/rotunda area were closed do to construction. Windows were boarded up furniture and clutter lined the walls and the once beautiful stenciling was faded, lacked luster and the building as a whole was dark. At 109 years of age the building was in much need of the newly commenced facelift. We still enjoyed the tour but decided it would be good to go back in 2018 when the renovations are complete.

Spanish ceiling tiles on the ceilings of the ground floor.

German themed cafeteria in the lower level, open when the House and Senate are in session.

the carriage entrance to keep out of the rain and snow.

We found a really cute little town to have lunch in. The food was soooooo good.

the scenery around here is awesome!

we are home not too late to get a quick load of laundry done that will include uniforms for work and try to catch some zzzzzs. After these next two days we will be three weeks into this contract (one shift shy of 1/4 of the way through it).