After breakfast at Lynn's Paradise Cafe (where the decor is fantastic, but the food overpriced) the Slugger Museum was up next. Jane, Vi and I signed up for the factory tour. It was interesting to see and hear how those sluggers are made. At the end every visitor got a mini slugger. We then browsed the museum, and I noticed how little there is on women in baseball history. (There's just one display.) The exhibit called "The story of Negro League Baseball" was very interesting. The three of us also took our turns in the batting cage. Funnily enough, the least sporty one got the most hits off the pitches! (It wasn't me, I can tell you that.) I then went to the shop to get my own personalized bat, but unfortunately for me they had run out of the particular one I wanted. I'm not kidding.
We lunched at Zaytun on Bardstown Rd, where I had the (tasty) Classic Gyro. And dinner that evening was at a place called The Irish Rover, where they had trouble with the air conditioning. The young lady who waited on us was very sweaty - and I couldn't help but feel for everybody working in the kitchen.
The next day Jane and I drove down to Shaker Village. I had a very educational day: I learned about their beliefs and philosophies. I like how they did not discriminate on gender or race from the very start. (Did you know, currently, there are 5 Shakers left? I guess multiplying wasn't high on their agendas...) I admired their crafts and handiwork; I really like the clean and simple lines. I bought salad tongs. Clean and simple, yet highly practical in use.
I couldn't help but wonder about the amount of road kill. Lotsa deer, squirrels, opposoms, deer. And did I mention deer? Yea, I don't like the sight of dead bambis...
After Shaker Village we ate at Ramsi's Cafe on the World (I love their ecclectic decor), where I tried their Bison steak. I have to say, despite having no expectations at all, it was rather good (lean, too). Apart from Mary, who was cruising Alaska with her family and some relatives, everybody and their spouses were there. And that's when - finally - the box with (Fair Trade) chocolate and hard candy was opened. It doesn't come as much of a surprise that everybody loved it - yay! I had a vegan chocolate tart with raspberry sauce for dessert. Needless to say it was orgasmicly good!
Friday was the day of the big exchange: Lil' G was the subject of aforementioned exchange. Because Jane and I planned on leaving Louisville on time on Saturday morning, we figured it'd be a good thing to crash at their place. I hadn't done that before because Jane and hubby Rich are kitty parents. And on top of that; they're fostering two new nests, too! I love cats and dogs, but the amount would be too much for my system - despite the Benadryl. Vi and Pam graciously offered me to stay at their wonderful house: two dogs is something my body can handle.
I have to admit that looking back now, the day's a bit of a blur. I remember going to Zen Garden for lunch. Jane and I shared two tasty appetizers: the crispy egg rolls and Zen Garden Roll. I picked the vegetable fried rice as my entree. Yes, it was really, really good. Combine that with fantastic company, and it's perfect!
After lunch, I said goodbye to Pam, and Jane, Vi and I headed over to Frankfort Ave and spent time browsing some nifty shops: Just Creations, Pottery Rowe, Sister Dragonfly and Carmichael's books. All too soon I had to say goodbye, and Vi went home. But not after my baggage was hauled over into Jane's purple truck - which she's named "Argo" (after Xena's horse). So, that last day I had a bit of a "Southern" experience by riding around in a truck. Jane told me she once saw a bumper sticker that said "Trucks are for girls". Ain't that the truth!
Pre Friday night Trolley Hop Jane, Katherine and I have dinner at Mayan Cafe. We then move a couple of blocks down on E Market St to Cake Flour for desserts. They even have some vegan options for me to choose from! Because of the size I share mine with Katherine while we wait for a friend of hers to join us.
We walk in and out of galleries and quirky shops, before hopping on a (free) trolley. We repeat the cycle till the sun goes down and we decide to hitch a trolley back.
Saturday morning rolls around too soon. Jane and I walk to the Farmer's Market before we have breakfast at North End Cafe. Jane's husband, and Katherine and her husband join us. I settle for a (little) breakfast taco and some fake (vegetarian) sausage. Then it's time to say goodbye and commence a trek to the north. ROAD TRIP! First stop (for lunch and a pit stop) is in Indianapolis, IN, to meet Thomas.
He turns out to be a chatterbox, and I like it! Jane and I get to see his house, and meet his cat. Then it's time to motor on to Chicago. Jane had told me she didn't like driving through Chicago, and that it made her nervous, so I was appointed navigator. I was pretty sure that once we hit Chi-town things would come back to me. They did. And the fact that I had been to Hilary's place once before helped. I know where she lives and easily navigated Jane through the city to Albany Park. When we got there we had a little trouble finding a parking spot, but when I called Hilary, she sent Stacey out to help us: apparently, Stacey had arrived shortly before us. Talking about perfect timing, eh.
Hilary's prepared a wonderful dinner (vegetarian for Jane) and we indulge. We catch up, but all too soon Jane has to leave: her mother lives somewhere in the West of Wisconsin, so she had another drive ahead. Stacey and I left a little later (we only needed to go as far as Milwaukee). Once we were on our way it started raining heavier. Past the state lines there were warnings of standing water. Anyhoo, we make it to the house alright.
Stacey's friends Ruth and Kathy invite us over for some drinks, so I meet the infamous long term couple. Their house is great, and they have a bar in the basement. And the drink they served me was delicious!
More to come.
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