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I could have gone to the Milwaukee County Zoo today but I don't think I could make it without a wheelchair. These achin' bones need rest. I told Julie, "You go ahead, I'll write about it," and then I went to bed.

I've seen the animals plenty of times. It's just not worth the trip now that Sampson the gorilla is dead -- Julie brought back a plastic figurine; hes a legend. All the kids knew that if you knocked on the glass he'd get real mad. He broke out a couple of times --or so the stories went --and ate the kid who knocked on the glass. At least now I could say that I didn't see the sign that said "don't knock on the glass" if one of the zoo-keepers caught me.

Not only was the zoo a popular destination for school field- trips, Boy Scouts, 4-H, and other such groups, but it was also a favorite among family guests.

I've been to the zoo at least a dozen times prior to leaving the Milwaukee area in 1979.

Sure, that was a long time ago and they've added on, but I'm not sure that I could see even the elephants now. I do however have in my memory, the image of an elephant relieving himself ... the word "torrent" comes to mind. And although I would hear such an event today, I would never guess the source of the sound.

A trip to the zoo today, I am afraid, would be reminiscent in more of an olfactory sense, rather than visually. I don't need the aroma to remind me what a monkey looks like when a marshmallow falls short into the mote. So sadly cute that you'll be compelled to throw harder next time.

The train-ride through the zoo was always fun, but if I were going to sit in a car for the four hour trip to Milwaukee, there are other places Id rather revisit.

When I was growing-up in Cudahy, Wisconsin, we had several unique and wonderful attractions nearby. Whenever we had visitors from out-of-state, we had many choices of activities from which they could choose.

Other sites which I visited frequently include the Mitchel Park Domes. We made the short drive to see "the domes" every time my grandmother visited from Washington.

As a child, I preferred the zoo. Animals were much more fun than flowers. Now, the domes seem more appealing. And I'm sure it smells much nicer too.

I wouldn't mind revisiting the Milwaukee Public Museum either. This was another big one for class field-trips. I've always liked "The Streets Of Old Milwaukee," and an exhibit which was like looking out through a portal into space at the Earth and the moon.

While there are sure to be many things which I can no longer see, they would still have much to offer in the form of audio information, and hands-on type exhibits.

And speaking of tours with something to offer, I'll end my virtual trip to Milwaukee with my cousin Lenny's favorite ... the Miller brewery!

Ah, the scent of hops and barley, thousands of bottles sailing by just like on "Lavern & Shirley" -- I never saw a glove go by though -- and all kinds of beer trivia.

The tour ends at a small pub where you can sample the company's product ... free! I was too young to drink at the time, so had to settle for root beer. I've since sampled their products on many occasions. In fact, I could go for a cold one now.

Hey! You know what time it is?

It's Miller time!