The Trip Begins

Leaving St. Louis for Columbia, Kansas City, Oklahoma City and San Antonio, I feel thankful to have been kicked out of my place of employment due to construction, as I feel foot loose and fancy free. There is no going back until August 1. First stop, good old Columbia, Missouri. Whitney is there this summer to sing and dance, for which she gets paid! Columbia brings back sweet memories of being away from home for the first time, growing up, and being newly married. Life was much simpler then, though as any good college student, I didn't realize it at the time.

Whitney lives in an old apartment building. It has an urban, movie set feel about it.

She loves the proximity to her classes and other important landmarks. For instance, her apartment is only 99 steps from the back door to The Berg. Please note the addition of an ATM machine, of all things, to the facade of this beloved landmark, which was all but destroyed by fire in 2003.

Whitney's home is also close to the beloved quadrangle, home of many traditions for the Mizzou faithful. A newer tradition includes "walking in" and "walking out" of the University family. This is symbolized by walking through the columns, toward Jesse Hall, as a freshman (and being given free Tiger Stripe ice cream from Buck's Ice Cream Place), and walking away from the University, through the columns, upon graduation (and being given two free beers). You have to love a university that acknowledges personal growth in such a concrete way!
The University continues to beautify the campus in ways not evident, or even dreamed of, in the seventies. The plantings are lush and beautiful, and properly labeled by eager, young horticulturists. There are several fountains and sculptures, such as this very detailed one of Thomas Jefferson, which sits near his original tombstone. Mr. Jefferson is writing on a portable writing box, one of his many inventions, on which he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Way to go Tom!

I love spending time with Whitney, but it was time to move on to Kansas City to see Evan, always an enjoyable experience.

Kansas City is a fabulous place. The fountains, Country Club Plaza, and the western feel of the city are all ingredients for big time merriment. Evan's condo is also very conveniently located near many landmarks. He is in his third year of dental school, also located within walking distance of his home.



Union Station is an amazing building that is connected by sky walks to Crown Center and Evan's condo. Beautiful old buildings like these just make me happy. It's fun to think about all of the travelers from times past who graced these marble floors. The intricate ceiling patterns, authentic light fixtures, and period furniture all add to the ambiance of a time long past. They just don't build them like this anymore! A Norman Rockwell exhibit starts here later this month.

Off to Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...