The observation deck at the top of the capital dome opened last weekend. Most people lining the rails are looking out at the city, but they're missing these pensive figures carved in granite that surround the dome. I wonder if most people even realize they're there.

Another look at the stauary on the capital dome.

One last look ...

I, Cow

Madison's nighttime skyline was reflected in the eye of this cow, to arresting effect.

Madison Skyline at Night (Cow Version)

The capital of Wisconsin is built on an isthmus. Lake Mendota's to the north, Lake Monona to the south, and a never-ending slew of photos and paintings of the city in between. Seems nobody with a camera or paint brush can resist the frame that sky and water put around the city.

The Cows Came To Madison

The state milk marketing board dreamed up this promotional art exhibit; they cast several hundred cows in fiberglass, handed them to local artists and bid them do what they would. Then they loaded the cows on trucks and began to cart them all over the state. I have no idea of Madison is the beginning of their tour, in the middle, or near the end.

Cows again

I found this cow face (complete with hen-shaped lock of forehead hair) hidden in the turquois pattern that covered one cow from head to hoof.

The cows are supposed to be in town for one or two weeks and, as you can see, they're scattered here and there along the sidewalks of the town. How long before the grafitti taggers get in on the action?

Bumper Cow

For sheer whimsy, I think this was my favorite cow — for today. Although several others have climbed in to take the wheel for a photo op, I resisted the urge (and I'm kicking myself for it now).