It is frustrating when we can't get wi-fi, because there is so much to share... After leaving West Virginia and entering Kentucky, Ellen programed in Kentucky "by-ways" including the Bluegrass Parkway. It was beautiful and an education, growing up on a farm in South Dakota, there were many differences, the crops and as Ellen mentioned, the fences and barns were for the most part painted black. The black fences seemed to stand out against the lush green fields and the brilliant trees turns bright Fall colors. Since we weren't in a hurry, it didn't seem to matter when we were caught following a oversized tractor and wagon carrying tobacco to the barns to dry. All of the farms were neat and well kept, not fancy, but well lived in, and cared for, dispelling the ideas many have about West Virginia and Kentucky.
Our destination was Paduca, the site of the National Quilt Museum, Handcocks of Paduca, Eleanor Burns shop, and Quilt Alley...what a day. I couldn't believe it, I found a parking place, or two parking places right in the middle of town, between the Museum and Eleanor Burns Shop and a block away from the other shop. When walking into the Museum our first words were, unbelievable... the World War II Show was being taken down, but the 25 Years of Quilt Best of Show winners was on display. They were all beautiful and displayed great craftsmanship... Ellen pointed out the progression of sophistication in pattern, color, style and difficulty that could be seen from the earlier quilts to the more current quilts. The gallery that stopped us and everyone in the museum in their tracks and using the magnifying glasses provided was the incredible display of miniature quilts... and the comments over and over, how did they do that? Unfortunately, we were prohibited from using cameras so we couldn't share the wonderful experience.
Our trip to Springfield, Il. was rainy and we could tell the the temperatures were dropping... we got into Springfield mid-afternoon in plenty of time to visit the Lincoln Museum, it was very impressive and a must visit...even if you have to weave through bus loads of overactive school children. The Museum has several theaters that present short films on Lincoln's life and administration...The first film, "From Lincoln's Eyes," was 18 minutes long and punctuated with sound effects, flashing lights and to simulate the burst of cannon, the floor had motion devises throughout the theater to give the feeling that the earth was shaking from battle. It was a very dramatic presentation. The second film was shorter and called the "Ghost in the Library," a young man in period clothes took the stage and discussed the purpose of the Library and the importance of archiving "stuff." At the end of the presentation, he pointed to the wall and a tattered flag and explained that it was from a battle that he was in, and putting on a coat and hat of the Union Army, he stood at attention and explained that the flag returned, but that he did not, he then began to fade from sight. The Museum was well presented and there were many volunteers available to assist visitors around the museum
Our next stop is Amana... thanks to Ellen's planning, we are seeing so much of the country off the Interstates...and Zander loves the new trees everywhere...Rae and Zander
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