Kansas City Day

We finally got internet back today after two days down.  Just in time to put up a couple pictures from Sue, Jeanne and my day in Kansas City.

The three of us have been friends for years.   I’ve written about the “River Rats” before.  Our families all lived along the Wakarusa River.  This was a time when our kids were  young and friends, which often brought all of us together socially.  Sue and Jeanne no longer live nearby, but we continue to meet up once or twice a year. 

Today we started with lunch at Genessee Royale Bistro located in what locals call West Bottoms which is the former Kansas City Stockyards.  The owners converted an old garage into a unique dining area.  Jeanne ordered Pan Roasted Salmon, served with butternut squash.  Sue had Pistachio Chicken Salad Sandwich with basil, golden raisins and orange jest.   I ordered the daily special, Three Little Pigs which was bacon, ham and brat with spicy cabbage on top.  All freshly made, delicious and served beautifully in appropriate portions.  It was good to see Sue’s son, Blake, who stopped by in time for a cup of coffee and a fresh baked cookie.   

 

Directly across the street is the old Kansas City Stock Exchange Building.  I have vague memories of this area from when Mom and I rode with Dad when he brought cattle to the stockyards. 

A short distance away is the Webster House,  one of the oldest remaining public school buildings in Kansas City.  The building was authorized in 1885.  Designed by architect Manuel Diaz in the style of Richardson Romanesque which is named after Henry Hobson Richardson whose masterpiece is Trinity Church in Boston.  The school closed in 1932.  More than 100 years after construction, it was restored under the direction of Shirley Bush Helzberg.  It isn’t hard to imagine school children at their desks in the old classrooms, all with high windows and wood floors. Now there is unique shopping on the first floor and fine dining on the second.

Since Sue’s daughter Laura was home for the day, we decided to  travel north to her rural home near Parkville.  Hard to believe, but we all relaxed on her deck—outside, in January!

Three friends, six hours and tons of talk.  It was a good day.