The long weekend was the perfect opportunity to spend time with some friends and family in Indianapolis. The drive Thursday afternoon took less time than usual. Daniel got off work at 2:00 p.m., and after a brief stop for cash, we were underway, cruising through Arby's drive-thru for a bit of lunch. Love their market fresh sandwiches. The five and a half hours on the road went by quickly, Daniel and I engaged, as always, in fascinating conversation. Having someone to talk to makes traveling even more fun.
That evening, we dined on chicken chili made by Daniel's stepfather. Tasty stuff. We relaxed in front of the television, watching a show on the Discovery Channel called How It's Made. Really enjoyed the time to do absolutely nothing but pay attention to the television screen and visit during commercials. We went to bed late and slept in a bit.
Daniel's stepfather spoiled us with biscuits and gravy for breakfast, and we ate wondering if the rain that had begun sometime in the night would stay all day and preclude the day's festivities and fireworks displays. Daniel's brother showed up at 11:00, and we made plans to pick up their grandmother for lunch. MCL Cafeteria is a family favorite for good reason. We ate well and then strolled down to Target so Grandma could buy some eye drops. Back at her apartment, we visited awhile, and Grandma brought out a container of coins. She let each of us choose one to keep. Mine is a commemorative coin from Death Valley, and Daniel got a bicentennial 50 cent piece and a penny dated 1853.
Imagine how many hands have touched that penny. It was minted while Lincoln was still alive, while there was still slavery in the United States, before telephones, before the Civil War, before women had the right to vote. Mind-blowing.
We had plans to meet with a friend at 3:15, so we wrapped up our visit. Our friend's sister reserved two tables for the Indiana Historical Society's event downtown on the canal. We arrived early, then went for a walk along the canal to inquire about the rental of paddle boats and bicycles for our friend's sister and her kids. The sky was overcast, and the air was cool, almost chilly. We sat and ate at the historical society, grilled chicken sandwiches and popcorn. Daniel bought me a couple Corona beers.
The Indianapolis Municipal Band played great music, beginning with the National Anthem. A light shower interrupted the band, and we went inside to do a little shopping at the historical society gift shop. We bought Grandma a book of postcards called Retro Indiana and a coaster for Daniel. By the time we were done shopping, the rain had stopped, and we went back out to listen to more music. Another band, the Impalas played next, and their covers of popular music mostly from the 1960's and 1970's were awesome. We really enjoyed their performance. People danced, including a man in a wheelchair and our friend's niece and nephew. I wanted to get out there myself, but I didn't feel like I know how to dance well enough. Perhaps I shall look into taking some lessons.
By the time the second band finished with their rendition of "Viva Las Vegas," it was just about time for fireworks. We went to watch from the top of the staircase leading down from street level to the canal. A building with a sign that says "One America" stood between me and all the fireworks, but I was still able to get some good shots. Fireworks always dazzle and delight me, bringing back many memories of past Independence Day celebrations. I still remember running around our front yard in Florida with sparklers blazing.
We'll just gloss right over how many years ago that was...
Saturday, Daniel's stepfather spoiled us again, this time with waffles for breakfast. Yummy. Daniel's brother joined us for a day of playing tourist. We went to the The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, which had tons of great exhibits. A lot of hard work and thought went into making this a place where children can learn and enjoy the process. Really cool. I particularly loved this:
Afterwards, we went to the The Indianapolis Public Library, which has been renovated in the past few years, and all I can say is, wow. I've never seen anything like it. Take a look at the views from the sixth floor:
Wouldn't it be so awesome to visit that place on a regular basis? The best thing is, the new addition has been incorporated into the old library almost seamlessly, the old and new blending together beautifully. I would so love to go to that library and write or study. Daniel loved it, too.
After the library, we went to eat at a steakhouse called Longhorn. The steak was edible, though nothing special, but the baked sweet potato? Oh, baby. Tasty. The restaurant was right near the movie theater where we planned to see Hancock. Not a bad movie. Several scenes made me laugh. The end--don't worry, no spoilers here--was much more emotional than I expected, but overall, I liked the flick.
Sunday, we got up and got ready to go. Left Daniel's stepfather's home around 11:30 to meet the family for lunch at Wendy's before heading home.
Copyright 2008 Melissa LaFavers