Summerfest Grounds, Milwaukee, WI Adam Wagner

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The Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee, Wisconsin are home to the world's largest music festival. When not in use by Summerfest, the grounds hold ethnic festivals, and concerts throughout the year.  The grounds are laid out well with an adequate number of bathrooms and exits.  I have been to many festivities on the grounds as early as 1995.

Typical building, Afghanistan, Adam Wagner

Although I don't know where this picture was taken, I can say that it is typical of the everyday architecture in Afghanistan.  I spent a year there while serving in the US Army, and saw many buildings just like this.  Most don't have electricity or indoor plumbing of any kind.  The structures are surprisingly strong yet fragile.  If you were to put your hand on it it might feel as solid as rock, but I know from personal experience that they can be easily driven through.

Harn Homestead, Adam Wagner

Promptly after moving to Oklahoma, I helped my brother-in-law set up his wedding, scheduled to take place at the Harn Homestead here in Oklahoma City.  I wasn't able to explore as much as I may have wanted to, I still was able to appreciate the homestead for was it was.

J.J. Pleviak School, Adam Wagner

Joesph J. Pleviak School, the oldest school in the school district, attended by thousands of children, including myself is going to torn down.  The school has stood since 1910 and if it hasn't already been torn down, it soon will be.  I remember attending this school in the early 1990's during 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. While living in IL both of my children were students of the same district but sadly neither of them attended this school.

Lake Villa District Library, Adam Wagner

The Lake Villa District Library is typical of what a library is in today's society.  Library and community center in one, I remember before the remodel, which can be seen in the image above, when I was in 1st grade I was published and displayed in this library.  I was quite upset when, years later, I could not find my literary masterpiece.

Allstedt Schloss, Adam Wagner

When I was ten or so I visited some family in Allstedt, Germany.  Many German towns had a Schloss or castle where the former regional nobility lived.  This is Alletedt's Schloss.  It is amazing how well built some of these old buildings were built.

Downtown Olympia, Adam Wagner

While living in Washington, usually on our way to the farmers market, my wife an I drove through downtown Olympia.  Most of the town is small buildings like the ones pictured above and below.   But the way the town is laid out and the types of shops that are littered throughout the town give it a homey charm that I have not found anywhere since.

Olympia Farmers Market, Olympia, WA, Adam Wagner

While living in Washington state, my wife and I often visited the Olympia Farmers Market.  The market has a  permanent structure and is in use almost year round.  The apples they had there were truly astounding, they were about the size of a 16" softball!

Seattle Space Needle, Seattle, WA, Adam Wagner

I moved from North Carolina to Washington State in September of 2006.  Several of the friends that I had made while living there were moving there as well, but I was the first to arrive.  I decided to meet some of the others in Seattle and while I was waiting, I decided to go up in the Space Needle.  They wanted $11 for an elevator ride to the viewing deck.  I declined and had an equally expensive beer at the bar across the street while i waited instead.  My view of the space needle only ever looked like this.

Goodman Theater, Chicago, IL Adam Wagner

Growing up near Chicago, I have seen quite a few shows at the Goodman Theater.  The most memorable of which was "A Christmas Carol."  I think it was my favorite because of the weather, I love snow and cold.  the Goodman Theater was relocated at some point, but I still managed to see shows at both locations.