Long Day Pt 2

As a recap, we were invited Wednesday to our state capitol for a tribute in honor of my brother, Daniel, on the state senate floor. Lansing is a pretty good distance from our corner of Michigan so we don't get there often. Yesterday's blog post had photos of the capitol. You can read about it HERE.

After the tribute services, my friend KT took us on a walk over to the Michigan Historical Museum. I can honestly say that I don't remember ever going there which is no small feat. When my siblings and I were young, my parents took us to just about every zoo, arboretum and museum within a 200 mile radius. Well maybe not EVERY single one but just about. I am not complaining. I just thought it was funny that I hadn't been there before. Here are some fun facts and photos from the museum.

First People Area: Native American replicas.


Arrow heads, hammer heads and spear points


Native American treasures: Arrow heads, shells, pottery and beads.


Pelts of common Michigan mammals used in fur trade.


Civil War Area: Civil War weaponry: Swords



Civil War weaponry: Pistols


The Cavalry Guidon Flag was used to identify the 5th MI cavalry during charges.


Mining Area: A replica of an early Michigan miner.


A slab of copper, not a replica. That is one huge chunk!


Rural Michigan: Dexter M Ferry started DM Ferry & CO in 1856 in Detroit, MI. This is still one of my favorite seed companies. They now operate under the name Ferry-Morse and moved to Kentucky.



Automotive industry. Hey, its Michigan. We are best known for our cars right?

1900-1904 Oldsmobile Runabout


Ford Model-T


1925 Flint Motor Company touring car that ran for $2000. That was a really expensive car for the time.


Hey, look who is a suffragist. It would be me.


Arsenal of Democracy area:

Michigan manufactured weapons and supplies even before we entered WWII, including this Jeep.


War Stamp support posters.


WWII kitchen. See the Victory cookbook on the shelf? I have that book on my shelf too. I bought it at a yard sale for 25¢.


1950's kitchen. I love the color scheme. I am saving this photo for when I am ready to redecorate a kitchen one day.


Oh and what 1950's display would be complete without a replica of a Fallout Shelter?


1957 Detroit Auto Show Corvette model.


So there is a very small sampling of all the fun exhibits. There is a whole lot more. The best part is that this museum is FREE. Yep, you don't see that very often anymore.

After the museum we walked back to the capitol, where my dad and step mom were parked. Before it was chilly but not snowing. On the way back the beginning of the blizzard we are now getting was coming in. There is my family walking ahead of me.



When we finally got to the car, we headed out to downtown Lansing for some food. I couldn't resist taking a picture of the giant Christmas ball ornaments.



We had lunch at the Tavern on the Square. It was very delicious. I had the French Ham & Cheese and a bowl of Beef Barley soup. Then we made one last stop at The Peanut Shop. They actually roast and/or deep fat fry nuts right there in the store. You are guaranteed to get some really fresh nuts. We bought some mixed tree nuts and some white chocolate covered pretzels.

Mr. Peanut at The Peanut Shop.


Time to head home. The highway was really bad as our blizzard had already come in by time we were heading back home. We had a very close call but eventually got home safe and sound.

~Jessica~

Last Minute Give Away

I am sorry I was slacking on this. If you get on over to Hannah's Honey & Jam before 10 PM EST, you can win an Oxo 3T Cookie Scoop. While you can there, she also has some delicious sounding chocolate chip cookie recipes. Enjoy!

Honey & Jam blog
http://www.honeyandjam.com/2009/12/even-more-chocolate-chip-cookies-plus.html

Jessica

Long Day Pt 1

First off, I apologize for deleting a couple of comments from the Gingerbread post. I had some spam roll in and when I rejected it, Blogger decided to reject ALL my pending comments. Thank you for the kind words and interest in the Gingerbread Competition. I never did find out who won but I think they were all spectacular.

Yesterday was an interesting day. We were invited to our state capitol for a tribute in honor of my brother, Daniel, on the state senate floor. It was a lovely tribute and I felt so moved by the kind words and respect for my brother. I doubt that any of Michigan's senators read my blog but I want to send out a huge thank you to all of them.

Lansing is a pretty good distance from our corner of Michigan so it was a nice drive there. I was rather sleepy being it was 5 AM but I did take this photo of a tractor decked out in holiday lights.



After the senate tribute, we toured around the capitol building. It is so beautiful. They have done a lot of refurbishing in recent years. At one point in time, some one had painted over all the ornate details with plain white paint. I am so glad they decided to fix that.

Michigan's Capitol Building in Lansing, MI.



View of interior of the dome.



View of the lead glass floor below us.



View from the underside of the lead glass floor. Can you see the people above us?



The Senate floor before the presentation.



The House of Representatives floor.



View from Senator Jelinek's office balcony.



The Hall of Justice building just down the road.



Stay tuned for part two of this post tomorrow.

~Jessica~

Wordless Wednesday - 9th Birthday

For more wordless photos go to Wordless Wednesday: http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/

~Jessica~

Gingerbread Village

At my mom and step father's hotel, there is a gingerbread house contest going on this weekend. While we are sad, it was still really neat to see all the creations. They vary in age ranges and experience. There are four categories: Adult Professional, Adult Amateur, Student 13 to 18 years and Student 12 and under. The rules state that all parts of the house must be edible except for the lights and the base. Here are most of the entries. Honestly, my nephew Lucas made me take all these photos, plus some. LOL


Look at this one Aunt Jessie!


Swimming with the sharks, maybe?


Log Cabin


Bird House


Meet the Flintstones (and the Rubbles to the right).


Sweet Houses


I loved the marshmallow snowman.


Patriotic House. This was really awesome considering the circumstances we were even there.

My Fave: Adult Amateur. Check out all the fine details. Remember, except for the lights and base these are 100% edible.











My Fave: Adult Professional. I love how the snow was all glittery. Also there was a light inside so all the stained (candy) glass windows were lit up. The camera lens didn't pick it up though. You will just have to take my word for it.





I haven't decided on what my favorites are in the other categories. I will let you know which ones win. Voting starts later today.

~Jessica~

Thankfulness

Today I would like to wish my US readers a blessed Thanksgiving. Today I am thankful for

My Husband. He is the love of my life, my rock and my comfort. Without him I would not be whole. He has my love and devotion for all eternity.

My Children. They give meaning to my life. They are the source of happiness, joy and laughter in my heart. They are often my creative inspiration. I love my little heathens.

My Family. I am thankful for my mother, father, step mother, step father, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins. I may have had some of them for only a short period of time but all have touched my life. We are still close and supporting each other. We can make it together through any trial. I love them all.

My Friends. They may be crazy but that is why I love them and they me. We have had some good times and bad. We have had some angelic moments and some devilish. We have had beautiful stories and wild night life stories of our friendships. I treasure them all for they have given our special relationships character.

My Faith. My faith keeps my soul fresh and enlightened. Even in my darkest hours I feel the embrace of God & Goddess. I know they are with me and will keep me strong. They tell me everything is part of a plan and though I may not understand it they will help me find acceptance.

Our Armed Forces. I am thankful for the men and women who put their lives on hold and in jeopardy to willingly serve our country in times of peace and conflict. I am really thankful for the families who have to stay behind and support their service.

Lastly, I am very thankful for the turkey and ham that graced our table today. Without them Thanksgiving would certainly be less tasty. *Grin*

~Jessica~

Wordless Wednesday - Dark Sunset

For more wordless photos go to Wordless Wednesday: http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/





I am breaking the "wordless" rule, but I want to share the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. Shadow of the Day by Linkin Park has taken on a new meaning for me. It is still a beautiful, sad song but it feels more personal now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I close both locks below the window
I close both blinds and turn away
Sometimes solutions aren't so simple
Sometimes goodbye's the only way

And the sun will set for you
The sun will set for you
And the shadow of the day
Will embrace the world in grey
And the sun will set for you

Pink cards and flowers on your window
Your friends all plead for you to stay
Sometimes beginnings aren't so simple
Sometimes goodbye's the only way

And the sun will set for you
The sun will set for you
And the shadow of the day
Will embrace the world in grey
And the sun will set for you

And the shadow of the day
Will embrace the world in grey
And the sun will set for you

And the shadow of the day
Will embrace the world in grey
And the sun will set for you.

~Jessica~