Groundhog Day and the Brass Armadillo.

We started our day at Panera Bread where we discussed -- over juice, muesli and a mini omelette -- our bleak and hopeless future, i.e. how can we escape our working lives and live how we want to. This is a conversation everyone has and which, of course, achieves very little. It did, however, remind me of how much I dislike my current job and that as frightening as job hunting might be, the alternative has long term consequences that could be worse.

On that cheery note, we headed into the city for Groundhog Day.

We arrived before the zoo opened and waited in the empty carpark with a local radio station employee who sat in his car with the engine running. I thought to myself, 'geez, it's not *that* cold'. I guess when it's company gas, you don't care much.
I'm not sure that I expected crowds, but I did expect more than the two people and several news crews that showed up to watch a tiny critter poke his nose out to determine how long winter would last.
We were told that the animal historically used to judge how long winter would continue was the hedgehog. As the US doesn't have any naturally occuring hedgehogs, they employed an African species, a little guy by the name of Spike.
Though the sun was warm, the air temperate was below freezing and little Spike wasn't too pleased about this. Despite the zoo handler's coaxing, Spike showed no real sign of raising his head long enough so he could see his own shadow -- which is what the theory demands.
The news crews interviewed the keeper, shot long minutes of footage of Spike, and (so I learned later), filmed myself and Em as we stood and watched. As we comprised the 'audience', I guess it was inevitable that we be filmed at some point. We weren't interviewed though, thankfully. If I'd been asked why I was there to watch Spike raise (or not) his head, I doubt I'd have said anything other than make some vague reference to the Bill Murray movie and voice complaint that a groundhog would have been a more contemporarily authentic choice of animal, history be buggered. *lol*

Once inside, Spike became a little more animated and I was able to sneak in and take some photos while one of the media crew spent ten minutes (or more) crouched before a keeper taking photo after identical photo. I know good photography requires the taking of lots of shots, but this guy seemed to take that just a little to the extreme.
I did get a couple of good shots though, so I really can't complain too much. Though, I think I just did. *lol*

We headed outside, via the gift store with a resolve to come back and buy up big... well, *I* had that resolve anyway. I do believe I've taken it upon myself to restore the US economy, one credit increase at a time. *lol*

Just outside the gift shop was a sculpture of two horses, made entirely out of timber sticks.
The swans were the first point of call, two white Trumpeter Swans.
Beside them were the River Otters, my favourite exhibit of the whole zoo. The sleepy little beggars were dozing so we resolved to come back later.
The seals were next, and three very noisy individuals put on quite a show for us.
In one of the trees I spied a Red-bellied Woodpecker. I've now seen two or three species of woodpecker which makes me quite happy! :-)
No outdoors day would be complete without the Canadian Geese.
And, of course, the Cardinal! Lookie... I finally got a great photo of one! This was one of the last of a set of twenty or so photos, each one taken a little closer as the bird perched in a tree and preened itself. Often these birds are nothing more than a flash of red as they move from one bare branch to the next, so getting close enough to snag a decent shot was a treat.
We saw several other animals, some which were easy to photograph and others not so easy. The African exhibit, with the elephants etc, was closed for renovation but that didn't bother me at all.
I'm not sure what these birds are, but there was a male and female. I need to consult the audabon book again.Though I said earlier that the best part of the visit was the river otters, I have to add that the indoor exhibit occupied well over an hour of our time. Between the macaws and the meerkats, as well as the spider monkeys and other critters inside, we were in photographic heaven, entranced by these creatures that are so beautiful and behaved as though we were not even there.

I took what seemed like over a hundred photos of the macaws alone. Fortunately, I actually do like some of them.Opposite the macaws were the meerkats. These little guys always entrance me. I watched one episode of Meerkat Manor on television last year and wished I hadn't. I'd avoided the program for so long that when I finally gave in, it was an episode that showed the death of a baby meerkat at the hands of a different family group. Ugh! I wish I could remove the memory of that from my brain.

I have several dozen (or hundreds), but I'll just leave you with a few.

Also in this room were some frogs and monkeys.
The spider monkeys were amazing, especially this little guy that was endearing in a creepy kind of way.
We left the indoor section and headed back outside, but not before Em went sailing down the indoor slide. :-)
Outside we walked past the water bird aviary, and toward Australia.

Yes, you read that right. The zoo has a whole section called Australia. I was surprised and delighted to see that ours is the only country that is privileged to have an entire section to itself. So, into Australia we went.
Look, kangaroos! Who knew I'd see those in Kansas City!?Inside a shed is a collection of Australian memorabilia. It was cutesy quaint, complete with live kookaburras, though the poor things only had a tiny indoor cage.
I learned something about my own country from this place. These are tree kangaroos and I've since learned (via Google) that they are found in the rainforests of New Guinea (which I'd guessed) and far north Queensland (which I hadn't Here's a fair dinkum sheep station. ;-)

And an old car that confused me a little. Chris, any ideas on what this represents? It had NSW number plates and a billy hanging in the back, that's all I could figure out.
From there we headed back to the main entrance because it had gone 3pm and my stomach was on legs racing for the nearest food station within coo-ee.

We couldn't leave without visiting the river otters though, and they were obliging and put on quite a show.

I love this photo below, even though the glass has distorted the length of the otter.Satisfied with our wildlife encounters, and laden with souvenirs, we headed out to find lunch... even though it was now heading for 4pm.
We were hoping to find a Panera Bread, or something similar, but instead decided on Chilli's, an all american (i.e. greasy) place with a spicy theme. I got a chicken sandwich (i.e. burger) with far too many fries and a McDonald's style bun.

I've become awfully fussy, I've decided, but after being spoiled with Panera Bread's food, this place did come up short. However, it did fill our stomachs so it can't be all bad.

From there we drove to the Brass Armadillo.

We got there around 6pm, and left on closing time at 9pm. My feet hurt, my arms hurt, my legs hurt and my brain had melted into gloopy goop... but, damn, I wish we had a place like this back home.

It's a large (Bunnings size) warehouse with rows upon rows upon rows of dealer places. Dealers can rent a space, either a glass doored cabinet or an open space, to set out their wares. They set the prices and the Armadillo takes a commission. It seems you can rent by the week or month, so no fixed contracts.

There are literally hundreds of dealers and the place has antiques, vintage collectibles, retro items, new and used, themes sets and spaces that are pure odds and sods. It truly is incredible and the stock is turning over all the time, with dealers bringing in new items.

While we were there, several dealers traipsed in with boxes of things to add to their little stalls. I was exhausted by the end, having been on our feet for most of the day so I couldn't take it all in, but it's a collectors treasure mart. No wonder Mike spoke so highly of the place. If you can't find it there, then it probably doesn't exist. *lol*

From here we dragged ourselves home and collapsed into bed. Today was a big day, and I had a ball!!

Liberty Park and the best thrift store ever!

Again this morning I slept in. I must be getting older because it's taking me longer to adjust to the time zones. I'm determined tonight to get an early night and to rise earlier tomorrow... at least earlier than 10:30am.

Em had to work this afternoon so by the time I got up and we got out of the house, we didn't have a lot of time left to do much. Despite that, we did manage to get in some photo time and a visit to a thrift store where I personally funded the owner's next overseas vacation. *laughs* Well, almost.

First stop was Liberty Park, an area of parkland midway between Em's work and home.


It's a small but beautiful parkland with paved paths and large areas of lawn beside which creeks flow... or sit frozen solid as the case may be.

The park is bordered on two sides by housing estates. One house in particular caught my eye. It's three storeys with a full length balcony around the second storey and a smaller balcony on the third. It must be amazing inside, if it's well designed.

Along the main path I saw my first real life cardinal, a bright red bird with a crest. Despite my best attempts at photographing it, all I managed was to capture a fuzzy red blotch, but I'm sharing that anyway... it is my first cardinal, afterall. Maybe next time I'll see one in the snow!? *keeps fingers crossed*

Further on we found the creek, frozen over which made me bleat with happiness! Who knew frozen water could be so magical!?
On the way back we came across a small flock of birds. Emily tells me they're robins, so of course they had to be photographed as well.
From there we went to a thrift store located in a small warehouse lot near Em's work. We parked in front of elevated timber door with metal steps leading up to it. Affixed to the door was opening hours written in pen on paper but other than that, no indication that this was an operational store. I was hesitant but Em assured me that this was a legitimate thrift store and not the Liberty headquarters of the Hells Angel's motorcycle gang.

We stepped inside. What first appeared to be a small room with old clothes on racks and bric-a-brac on shelves and hanging from walls, became a substantial building with adjoining rooms of recycled and vintage goods. I found a small metal tin with a bald eagle on the lid and Em found some Hallmark collectables. Our confidence built and we searched more thoroughly and with increasing certainty of netting ourselves some great stuff. We were in heaven!

Some time later Em realised she was late for work but I wasn't done yet. She left me the things she had found so far and I started sorting through the necklaces and broaches. I'd also spied an emerald green dress and asked Carrie (the proprietor) if I could try it on. It's an A-line dress, flowing and soft, lined inside and with feathered netting on the top half. It's simply gorgeous and I was hoping it would fit.

It not only fit, but it fitted perfectly as though it were made for me! I did a little happy dance and trotted back to the counter. Now, of course, I needed a jacket to go with it and maybe even a hat. Carrie searched and sorted, aware of every item in her warehouse and able to immediately locate it. By the time I returned to the cash register I had so many things that I could barely carry it all. Then, while waiting for her to tally everything up (because she was giving discount upon discount off the already great prices), I spied a black leather jacket with black fur lining and a hood. My eyes boggled and my hands grabbed.

One quick changing room visit later and I'd snagged myself a new leather jacket. It even squeaks when I walk, and it's so soft, so heavy, soooo warm and oh so decadent! Mum, remember those jackets I tried on at Savers... well this one puts those to shame. *big grin*

Carrie also sells products online, thought it's hard to beat actually walking through a store like this. It's like an op-shop and an antique store and a recycled boutique all packaged into one. Her online store is here: Urban Resell.

We also got chatting and I found she really is an amazing woman who has travelled a lot, experienced much and values living every day to the fullest. She's now raising four children all under the age of 12 and is running her own business. She's an incredible woman and I plan on visiting her store several more times before I have to return home.

From there I carried my bulging bags across to Em's work (which is just across the street) and there I showed off my loot to her colleagues. Many appropriate oohs and aahs later, I stashed everything in the car and came back inside to keep Em company while she finished up her work day.

We came back home and I changed into more dressier clothes, tidied my room (finally emptied my suitcases and got everything stored neatly), set my USA tin and miniature pewter chairs onto my bed head, stored my new necklaces and clothes then put on the new jacket and out we went. Tonight we had dinner at Em's mum's house, a lovely warm and inviting home in the country where the stars are endless and the cold air is crisp.

Elaine, Em's mum, welcomed me with a warm hug as though I were an old friend. We only met a couple of times when I was here last, but I immediately felt comfortable and right at home. Mike and Myka also greeted me, with Mike welcoming me back to America. I loved that! I've had several welcome to America's now, and each one feels as good as the last.

We toured Myka's new room, which looks fantastic with white and green striping on the walls and colour coordinated bedspread and pillows. Myka still had the huge ball of tape left from taping the walls prior to painting.

Mike gave me some background information on how the room had come to be and his experiences as a carpenter. He also told me a little about his surgery and medical status and I admire his spirit.

We had a wonderful meal, a dish that's similar to shepherds pie but simpler and with swiss cheese on top. It tasted delicious and will be on my list of recipes to bake back at home. With it was peas and pickled... gherkins? I think. Em?? Help me out here. Whatever they were, I loved them and we're going to be getting some for me to have here and I'll have them when I get back home. You have just a few as a side dish, but the sour/sweet contrast is divine!

For dessert we had freshly baked cookies dipped in milk. I'd never have thought to do that, but it's such a great idea and tastes delicious. Some of my most cherished memories of this trip will be things like this night and sitting around dipping oven warm cookies into milk. Surely you can't get more American than that!? Now I just need the snow.... *sends snow thoughts toward sky*

After dinner we migrated to the living room and all sat around in front of a large screen television (yes, bigger than mine but not as big as Tonyas) to watch American Idol outtakes. I adore the outtakes and always watch the Aussie version. It's the best part of the show. As always, it was highly entertaining.

When the show finished we headed home as Em has to work all day tomorrow and I have to try to get into a proper wake/sleep pattern. As it was, I didn't fall asleep until at least two hours after I went to bed, but I did get some more reading done which was good.

I swear though, if I weren't such a proud Australian I'd immigrate immediately! I never thought it possible to feel so at home while not at home. At one stage Mike said that people in Kansas City are some of the friendliest in the country, and you know what, I believe him.