We've been here in Kentucky 3 full days, and 2 more partial days ... and we filled up as much of those days with sights and activities as we could without feeling overwhelmed. We're actually feeling that we're moving at a steady, not hectic pace as we tour here and there.
So now I'll report on Day 14 and 15 (July 17th and 18th) of our trip. On the 17th, besides the Mammoth Caves, we also visited the Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville. There's a HUGE baseball bat out in front leaning against the building in front of the entrance. Of course everyone needed to take a picture of it, but I couldn't get the complete bat in the frame unless I crossed the street. As we walked into the museum preceding the factory tour, we saw waxed figures of Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and another that I forgot to write his name, in posed action shots. I was surprised they were just there in the open for anyone to touch, but it seemed people respected the legends they were and kept their hands off. We were asked to NOT take pictures in the factory, so those pictures are just was left to the ones in our memory. The bats are made by machine now both for kids, adults and most professionals, but the ones for some of the professional players are specially made. They had a machine that would not only make it according to the specifications that was needed, but also their signature was branded on the side. They gave us each a mini bat as we completed the tour.
On the 18th, Saturday, we headed out to "Pleasant Hill" to a Shaker Village. These Shakers were not like the Amish or the Quakers that I'm familiar with, but rather seemed to be a sect all their own, maybe even a cult in their days. They lived simply, with less ornate furnishings. There was a beauty in that. But they attained to live perfectly - like the angels. They "neither married nor stayed married" once they joined the Shaker community. No children were born as they treated one another as brothers and sisters. I love being married to Russ, and calling him MY husband and raising our children together, not in a community style. This would not have been my choice had we lived back then. Surprisingly, they were a thriving community, numbering over 250 just prior to the Civil War. They also were very hospitable, caring for both the Confederate and the Union soldiers as they came through their land. Their leanings were sympathetic toward the Union cause but they cared for all the soldiers, even sacrificially giving from their food supply.
So now I'll report on Day 14 and 15 (July 17th and 18th) of our trip. On the 17th, besides the Mammoth Caves, we also visited the Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville. There's a HUGE baseball bat out in front leaning against the building in front of the entrance. Of course everyone needed to take a picture of it, but I couldn't get the complete bat in the frame unless I crossed the street. As we walked into the museum preceding the factory tour, we saw waxed figures of Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and another that I forgot to write his name, in posed action shots. I was surprised they were just there in the open for anyone to touch, but it seemed people respected the legends they were and kept their hands off. We were asked to NOT take pictures in the factory, so those pictures are just was left to the ones in our memory. The bats are made by machine now both for kids, adults and most professionals, but the ones for some of the professional players are specially made. They had a machine that would not only make it according to the specifications that was needed, but also their signature was branded on the side. They gave us each a mini bat as we completed the tour.
On the 18th, Saturday, we headed out to "Pleasant Hill" to a Shaker Village. These Shakers were not like the Amish or the Quakers that I'm familiar with, but rather seemed to be a sect all their own, maybe even a cult in their days. They lived simply, with less ornate furnishings. There was a beauty in that. But they attained to live perfectly - like the angels. They "neither married nor stayed married" once they joined the Shaker community. No children were born as they treated one another as brothers and sisters. I love being married to Russ, and calling him MY husband and raising our children together, not in a community style. This would not have been my choice had we lived back then. Surprisingly, they were a thriving community, numbering over 250 just prior to the Civil War. They also were very hospitable, caring for both the Confederate and the Union soldiers as they came through their land. Their leanings were sympathetic toward the Union cause but they cared for all the soldiers, even sacrificially giving from their food supply.
We had one more place we wanted to go but we knew the time would be short. We wanted to see the Horse Park that we had heard about. When Chris did his state report about Kentucky, he wrote about how raising thoroughbred horses was a major industry, particularly in Lexington. We saw many horse farms as we drove in and to the Shaker Village, so we knew this was a must see. The only problem was, that it closed at 5:00 and it was already 3:30 as we left the Shaker Village. Well, just a quick look around. Had we gotten there earlier, the cost would have been $45 for our family. But since we arrived at 4:00, we got in free. (I like free!!). We're not big horse fans, and didn't understand the different breeds we saw, but it still was interesting and we saw some chariot style races. We were glad, with our level of interest, we got such a good deal on the admission price.
So today, we'll leave Kentucky, but we hope to see the University of Kentucky campus before we head out. It's just up the street from where we're staying.
Hi Peg and Fam. Fred and I are sitting here at Moms table - just finishing steak and eggs. (Ms. Hamburger). Very good.
ReplyDeleteFred was wondering if you stayed on South Limestone Street. He knows the area where you just were very well. In fact, before I got on here, he gave me a history lesson on the Shakers. You are correct, they lived as brothers & sisters and do not procreate. Same buildings, but male entrances and female entrances - wall between the rooms.
Their furniture of course was well made and they profited by trading - Also they patented the circular saw. Too bad they didn't have the foresight of the necessity to procreate.
They were good, honorable people.
Fred asked if you saw, were they originally from Germany?
Fred asked if you saw the "Man of War" gravesight and Calumet and Keeneland Racetrack. "Man of War" was a famous race horse. (smile)
Love you- glad you are having fun.