4th of July

Hal writes:

I made full use of my day off as a Wisconsin state employee by participating in a number of hometown Independence Day activities. The first order of business was a 5k fun run. I don't know why they are called fun runs, because they really aren't that fun for the people involved. Perhaps the spectators named it. Anyways, I was pretty pleased with my race because I stayed pretty consistent with each mile split. There was a group of teenagers that took off after the police car leading the way when the "gun" (two pieces of wood slapping together) went off. The first half mile was all downhill, but I caught up to the sprinting pack when the road proceeded uphill. Here are my times:

1 mile - 7:07
2 mile - 7:40 (14:47)
3.2 mile - 7:57 (22:41)

Pictured below is me wearing my race t-shirt and first place medal (with red, white, and blue stripes on the ribbon). As impressive as the 22:41 1st place finish is, I was well behind the winning time of 17:30. I was first in the Men 18-30 category. Some high school XC runner was a good five minutes ahead of me. Oh well, he may be in my category next year, but I'm less than two years from breaking into the 30-40 age category.

I may do two races in the upcoming weeks. Another 5k fun run in the Barnum area and possibly the Park Point 5-miler coming up in a couple of weeks. I've issued a challenge to my siblings to participate in the 5k, I'll let you know if any of them rise up to take the challenge.

For lunch in the afternoon I went to the Mining Museum in town. The Music Boosters were selling Brats and other food items. I know I have been in Wisconsin too long when I automatically choose a brat over a hot dog. In addition to fun yard games for children, a music tent was set up for The Wundos to play. The gentleman playing the upright bass on the left is my supervisor's husband.


Darn Wisconsin hippies...

In the late afternoon I went to KJ and Mike's new house for some pre-fireworks fun. Pictured below are Nolan and Bob playing lawn golf. I played five games and lost everyone, but I blame my golf partner.

The fireworks in town are best viewed from the outfield of the local ball field. Some friends went early to secure good seats by laying out some blankets and chairs.

Andrea and I enjoy popcorn with a new RD, John, prior to the fireworks.

I tried my hand and taking pictures of the fireworks just to see what the camera could do. This was the best shot. I will understand if you don't "ooh" and "ah".

Tomorrow is Anna's last day of PT work in Phoenix and she flies back to Wisconsin on Sunday!