Random Output
Notes from the Road - West Allis:09/07/2010
Monday I awoke early. Being in a strange place, even among friends does that to me. When your the first up and a guest in someone's home it's always a bit odd.
Bill and Kathleen have a nice, cozy prewar (WWII) home with wood floors. As with all homes of more than a few decades old when your trying to move about they tend to squeak.
The best thing I could have done was to return to my dreams, but that wasn't happening. Despite best efforts sleep would not return, the eyes wouldn't stay shut. The second best option was to get out and take a long walk and let everyone else sleep.
West Allis is nestled next to Milwaukee, it's named for Edward Allis, who formed Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company. Strolling about I picked up a coffee from the corner Speedway and tried to form an impression how the town felt to me.
West Allis is (admittedly from my limited stroll) a blue collar sort of town. It's also fair to say it's been hit with the same 'tough times' that so many towns have come to know. There are shops with closed signs and homes for sale. Yet I also get the impression that this town isn't a stranger to adversity and they will pull through this as well.
Winston Churchill once said "if you are going through hell, keep going." I suspect this good little town will do just that.