Deflection

This morning I traveled to Milwaukee to the American Legion National Convention. On my way, I received a text asking when I would be at the hotel, since I was the last person to register. I found this strange, since registration was until 11:00. But I made the 11:00 without any problems. After I got here, I found out that the committees were meeting at 9:00. Although I am between states at this time, it did not make any difference on what committee I attend. But, by being chair of the Legislature Committee last, it did make sense to attend the legislature committee. After killing some time, I want to the legislature committee and found that the committee was still in session, but I was not getting into the presentations, since I was not there when it stated. So, I went to find lunch.

Since there is not much going on this afternoon, I walked down to the lake. It was during World War II that Richard Bong, ace of aces, made his historical flight down Wisconsin Avenue upon his return from the Pacific theater of war. I was trying to determine how much wing room he had between the buildings as I was walking Wisconsin Avenue given the fact that there are new buildings in the corridor. There are no conclusive answers, but it is fund to think through.

It was nice down on the Lake, despite that fact that I am dress business casual, with the temperature in the upper 70s and a wind blowing. I sat down in front of the art museum for a few minutes. Then I walked the river walk. But there seems like there is a number of businesses and restaurants closed. I walked through the Third Street Mall and found it totally empty. Not the same place as it was in the early 1990s. Just before Christmas on year, I can in to the mall and thousands of dollars were spent to decorate it at the time. It is hard to see a landmark gone.

There is talk that Milwaukee is not a good place for this type of large convention, since there are so few restaurants in the area. And, from what I saw, there are many that have closed. There are people down here, but how do I judge the number. With a big convention like this one, what would it be like with out these members.

The Iowa Party starts at 6:00, with the meal at 7:00. Since this is the last time I will be with the Iowa members, I seems like I should attend. When I signed up to come to the convention, they gave me a alternate application, but when I got my name tag, I am a delegate. So, I guess that they have appreciated all of my work though the years. I forgot my hearing aid this morning, since it is easy for me to forget with me not using it every day, so I will be struggling to separated the words to night. With the entertainment starting at 8:00, it seems like that might be a good time for me to return to Whitewater.

The Iowa meeting is at 1:00 tomorrow, so I have some time in the morning before I need to be here. Oktoberfest starts like a 5:00 and does not run late. So, I should get back early tomorrow night.

I still feel like this is a convention that is worth my while to attend.

Roger