Because it’s Appleton

I took my evening constitutional yesterday to enjoy the absolutely perfect weather and to ward off an encroaching salty snicker snack binge. Because it’s Appleton, I:

Chatted briefly with a man casting his fishing pole the length of City Park. “What are you catching?” I joked, as the only body of water in City Park is a sweet little fountain. “My son, I guess,” he laughed and I saw a young man on the other side of the park holding up the line. So curious.
Found a rainbow on the far side of said fountain, and snapped a shot of the Ring Dance sculpture children chasing it. So cool.
Stumbled quite literally into a spontaneous African Dance on the lawn at Lawrence University. I tapped my toe and watched a while, as the dancing crowd grew. I briefly considered joining in, but remembered our more than 30-year age gap and restrained myself. So tempting.
Appreciated some fine duct tape street art that celebrated the season. So innovative,
Stopped on multiple occasions to smell the lilacs, my favorite flower. So sweet.
Tripped on a tree root in Peabody Park and nearly fell flat on my face in front of a large group of frisbee players. (Let’s be honest, we’re all a little relieved at this point that I didn’t jump in with the African dancers earlier in my stroll, right?) So close.
Made friends with a couple of little doggie divas, who yipped a little and then struck a pose when I asked their owner if I could take a picture. So cute.
Caught up with a favorite friend when we bumped into each other on the street. So necessary.
Spotted a couple of lovebirds under a tree and, when they looked up, asked them if they would mind if I took their picture. They cheerfully agreed. So not as awkward as it sounds.

Appleton wears summer about as well as any town I know. I really enjoyed reacquainting myself with both on my random evening stroll.