Tall Tales from Kansas

I was NOT escorted out of the Nelson

On Saturday we went to the Nelson Atkins museum in Kansas City to see a collection of art from the World's Fairs from 1851-1939. 

We saw some cool stuff.  Porcelain pottery so thin you could see through it.  A 3 panel wooden framed screen with ocean waves done in silk embroidery that caught the light and created an unbelievable feel of motion. 

Amazing bookcases and desks and chairs that were so beautiful I just wanted to run my hands over them.  But ... there is a strict "no touching" policy at most art museums in the United States.   Don't get me wrong.   I understand the need for such a policy.

But that doesn't mean I have to like it.  I don't think it's because I am a natural rebel.  I truly believe it's because I experience things fully only if I can touch them.  It also explains why I feel so much more comfortable out on the lawn with the shuttlecocks. 

Just to be clear though.  I was NOT escorted out of the Nelson.  I was very good for 90 minutes until my hands could no longer behave themselves and then I went outside.   Voluntarily. 

"we want the sweet potato all year 'round!"

Today I went to the Dolce Baking Company in Prairie Village.  They have my favorite scone in the entire world there.  The sweet potato scone.  Unfortunately they did not have them today and I found out they will not have them again until the fall.  Unacceptable. I didn't want to make a scene at the counter but I feel a petition coming on. "We want the sweet potato all year 'round!" I think it has a nice ring to it.

In the meantime I made do rather nicely with the cranberry-orange scone.   I brought my everyday journal with me and had a grand old time sitting there writing as I listened to the conversations around me.   As he got up to leave the man at the table next to me said "I don't know what you are doing, but it looks interesting".   I smiled at him mysteriously so he would continue to wonder. 

Meanwhile the flower shop next door has me all inspired to drag my pots out of the garage and go get some geraniums. 

Aaron Sanchez we knew you wouldn't let us down

Dear Aaron:

When we heard you opened a restaurant in KC we couldn't wait to try it out.  Then we read the reviews.   Uh oh.   Let's just say they weren't very positive.   We kept an open mind, determined to give you a chance. 

From the moment we walked in the wrong door and were ushered up front to be seated, we found your staff to be friendly and attentive.   Chris is really not praying the food will be ok.    He's just waiting politely for me to make my selection.  

My Mestizo margarita was appropriately tart without making me squint, the guacamole had a very pleasing earthy quality to it.  Chunky but smooth and perfectly seasoned with cilantro.  Some of the very best I have had anywhere. 

Our dinner selections were very good.    You don't find platanos on many menu's in KC.  Their slight sweetness combined with the black beans and the very thin crisp outer layer melted in my mouth.  The char on the skirt steak combined with the tomatillo sauce and sliced radish - authentic and delicous.  The tamale del dia was a black bean with very thin salty plantain chips on top with a touch of queso fresco.  Nice combination of textures and flavors. 

We'll be back to Mestizo for sure.   Aaron Sanchez we knew you wouldn't let us down.

a field trip

Today Chris and I decided to take a field trip. 

We hit the road and headed for the big city

and ended up at Liberty Memorial.    We went into the National WWI Museum.

There is a lot to see there.  It's well laid out and the displays are easy to walk through.   Chris and I are compatible (and very sensible) museum goers.   Spend only as much time as you want, go out to lunch, talk about what you saw, reinforce your learning.  Plan to go back. 

 
One of my favorite parts is just looking out over Union Station and downtown Kansas City.   I love that old Western Auto sign.  

The next time we are going to go up in the tower.  Today we were too hungry.  One of us thought our blood sugar might get low 1/2 way up the stairs and didn't want to have some kind of medical emergency that would cause a traffic jam. 

always better safe than sorry

If you want some good grub for breakfast in Kansas City high tail it on down to Room 39.  It's right up the street from KU hospital - yes, right on 39th street.  

They can also whip you up a first rate cappucino with perfect foam in a nice sturdy cup.  Just the right size to go with breakfast.  Not too little and not too big.    Did I mention the totally cool art work on the walls?  That alone is worth a visit.

If you're lucky, on your way out the door a very nice amateur photographer will offer to take your picture.  In the event that your set-up shot happened to be a bit on the blurry side.  Always better safe than sorry. 

roasted red pepper and smoked gouda bisque

"A cup of roasted red pepper and smoked gouda bisque with a half of a ham and cheese sandwich on whole wheat with lettuce, tomato, and mayo please.   Plus one Cream soda, hold the glass I'll drink it out of the bottle."  

That is all you have to remember when you go to Foo's at 95th and Mission in Leawood Kansas for lunch tomorrow.    Oh you weren't planning to go there for lunch tomorrow?  I think when you see this you will change your mind. 

Oh the bisque, the bisque, the bisque.  It was thick and chunky and smoky and sweet and I was satisfied right down deep in my soul as I ate it.   You might know Foo's as a place to get a frozen custard or a great coffee.   But oh they are so much more. 

I smiled as I walked up and saw the sign out front.    I am a sucker for anything peace and love and hand drawn on a chalkboard.  

dark branches + pink sky = winter beauty

At this time of year in the Midwest, many of us go to work in the dark AND drive home in the dark.  Tonight I raced out of work at 5:15pm.  My routine is to step out the door, look up at the sky, and see what is playing for the nightly walk to the car.  Tonights presentation was "Dark Branches + Pink Sky =Winter Beauty".

I could have sat and watched a double feature of this one.

repetitions and shadows and curves

I never pass up the opportunity to check out a cemetery anytime I am in another country, city, or town.  For some reason though I don't visit the ones around here.  Today I decided to remedy that.  I had 30 minutes of free time between appointments and veered into this cemetery right in the middle of a regular neighborhood.  

I saw plenty of things that were interesting.  

Mostly having to do with repetions and shadows and curves.

I was wishing I had a blanket so I could lay on my back and look up at the sky through the leaves while the light was just perfect. 

I put one in my trunk when I got home.    Number  30 on my list of 52 by 53 is "lay on back outside and take photo of clouds".   I plan to cross that off my list before the first snowflake falls.   

when window shopping turns into shopping shopping

I like window shopping in the fall at Jadore in Brookside in Kansas City.

I like it so much I usually end up going inside and then the window shopping turns into shopping shopping.   And why not?  This is one of those unique, stores where I can always find just the right thing for someone... even when that someone might be me. 

Friday night hanging out with a friend on 39th street

Someone told me today that it's the first day of Fall.  And since I happen to think that is something that should be celebrated.  Celebrate I did.  After work.  On a Friday night.  Right in my new work neighborhood.

 
I love exploring this whole new area of town.  Just 1 block from where I work.  Such fun.  All these interesting, slightly funky looking places - each with their own unique vibe.  I plan to visit each and every one of these places in the months ahead.  I am putting all my friends on notice that this is the new "hot" place to be.  Tonight we went to Thomas. 

 
My camera battery started flashing that it was out of juice as soon as we got there.  So annoying.  I am going to have to talk to my camera assistant about the need for available fresh batteries at all times.  I was forced to nab this photo off their web site. 

We sat up on the rooftop and enjoyed the setting sun, the breeze, the sounds from the street below.   We talked about how good change is.  Everyday when I leave my new job my head is full.  Bursting with new people, new things I am learning, new projects to participate in.  I always loved the beginning of a new school year when I was growing up.  I think it's part of why the fall is my favorite time of year.  As I have begun this new job all of those "new beginnings" feelings have been awakened.  I am enjoying each and every one of them as they hit.  The mojito martini, spicy grilled shrimp, and thomas fried potatoes were just perfect for a Friday night supper of celebrating.   Marking all that is good about an ordinary Friday night hanging out with a friend.