Cloudy Lawson Kite Skies

Wandering north to the small town of Lawson found larger than life kites flying.  The event was to have been under a partly cloudy sky, but the weather proved itself uncooperative.  Steel gray skies dominated the day, with a cold wind keeping things at a barely tolerable state. The lake was choppy, though scenic in its simplicity and, the 2.5 km hike around the lake, refreshing.

The event likely would have drawn many more to the space on a sunny day.    Food trucks stood at the ready for the throngs, ultimately left patiently waiting in the cold. Kite-building activities could not be located, though a variety were available for purchase at what seemed much higher than market value.  Future dates under more copacetic conditions will likely amass a more excited event.

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Further Reading

Kite Day at Lawson Lake

White Oak Justice

While visiting the infamous Stroud's Restaurant in the northern sector of Kansas City, this plaque stationed at the front door caught attention for a moment.

This Clay County Historical Society Historic Landmark signage reads, "Originally a 4-room cabin bouhght by Comptons in 1844 who added rooms to accomodate their growing family and guests.  In 1954, Louise Sandstrom acquired it and it Sandy's Oak Ridge Manor Restaurant.  "Justice" was on the dome of the 1859 Courthouse."

A search of the grounds uncovered no courthouse, much less any record of "Justice."  The connection may remain a mystery.

Meanwhile, a small chapel in the back holds a connection to the area as far back as the 1880s.  It is the only known surviving relic of an African American Community located near North Brighton and NE Vivion Road.  Originally deeded to former slaves and their descendants at that location, it moved here in 1996.

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Further Reading

White Oak Chapel

African American Heritage Trail of Kansas City, MO

A Cool Zoo for the Class

An morning adventure out to the Kansas City found one of the new monuments as part of the Kansas City Parade of Hearts, identified as one of the most endangered species in the town.  While that is highly unlikely, it is probably close enough to the truth.

The penguins were found doing their usual thing in the grand auditorium built for them.  The crew found quite a lot of amusement here, watching their regular feeding and established swimming acrobatics, surrounded by a display of jellyfish.  The day proved perfect for them, with a few periods of light snow and a little graupel here and there.

A trip down to Africa found only a solitary example of the school mascot pacing anxiously.  The cheetah seemed not very impressed with the cooler than usual temperatures on this temporary savanna.  The young explorers did not seem to mind much, as the lack of other population in that part of the zoo meant they could get away with a bit more running and shouting than would otherwise be tolerated.

The big apes were tucked away in much warmer conditions, while most of the variety of other species lounged about their indoor saunas.  They provided a different level of amusement for the class, which were intrigued by the multitude of different shapes, sizes and colors.

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Further Reading

Parade of Hearts - A Heartland Celebration

TheParadeofHearts.com

Kansas City Zoo

KansasCityZoo.org