What a way to end a career as an elementary school chaperon! My daughter had her last field trip as an elementary school student yesterday, a trip to Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum on the other side of the state. Like so many other times, I went along as a chaperon. It was scheduled to be a long trip. We gathered at 6 AM and were suppose to be home between 7 and 8 PM. We got home at 11, after the bus blew a tire on the freeway! Getting to bed shortly before midnight, I was rousted out at 2, when the storm cells moved through with high winds, constant lightning and window-rattling thunder, creating one freaked out dog… He's got a hang-over this morning! The photos are from yesterday's trip.
I’d never been to Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum. It’s an impressing place. We got to ride in Model T’s and on an old stream train and watch glass blowers (my favorite) and make candles and all kinds of other stuff. The museum boast Lincoln’s chair at the Ford Theater and the actual bus (restored) that Rosa Parks rode back in the mid-50s. All the kids got to sit in her seat. There was much more to do, but it would take a couple days to do everything.
I like the fish on the storm drains at Greenfield Village. I’ll end with that shot as I got to get some work accomplished. I also got to find time to write more of my “Country Boy” memories as well as catch up on some book reviews. I really enjoyed Michael Perry’s Population: 485. He’s a Yankee version of Rick Bragg, whose family memoirs I’ve recently reviewed. I also want to capture my nostalgic views of Edward Berkowitz, Something Happened: A Political and Cultural Overview of the Seventies. Although work is still crazy, I’m planning on heading back across the state next week to take in a Tiger’s game.
I've always wanted to go to the Henry Ford Museum.
ReplyDeleteGreenfield Village is a fun place to visit... been there.
ReplyDeleteAnd, welcome to my side of the state!
I think you are missing one of the best pictures about your trip though.... ;-)
ReplyDeleteEd, as an engineer, you'd like it. Have you been to the Museum of Industry in Chicago?
ReplyDeleteKaren, thanks for the welcome. I enjoyed the trip.
Murf, I have no idea what you are talking about... :)
If you do it once in a while, elementary school chaperone sounds good. Doing it year after year, well..what can I say?
ReplyDeleteOh, we love taking out the girls for picnics, outings etc but it does take a toll on us. Teaching is mild compared to what we undergo. And thank God, I am not teaching elementary classes!
:D
Liked the photos. And when are you visiting India?
I can see why you chose to go on this field trip ;)
ReplyDeleteI haven't been there in years! Your pictures make me want to go back and see it again. So, are you going to be a Middle/High School dance chaperon?
ReplyDeleteIt is a mostly under rated place, one of those that are so close them who live here don't take enough advantage of. It always amazed me the diversity of the collection within both of them.
ReplyDeleteI haven't but I will be there next week possibly. I'll see if the others would be interested in it.
ReplyDeleteGautami, being a chaperone with your daughter is fun. I now know all the kids, having watched them grow up over the years.
ReplyDeleteTC, it wasn't just the train!
Kiva, my daughter likes me along on these field trips, don't know if that goodwill is going to continue to dances. Besides, I don't want her attending dances till she's at least 35!
Walking Guy, I enjoyed my visit and will need to go when I can devote at least a day to both (you could actually spend 2 days at the village)
Ed, So another trip, eh? To Chi-town? Check out the museum if you get a chance--as an engineer, you'll enjoy it.
Sounds like fun. I know the feeling about work.
ReplyDeleteCheers.
Now there's an interesting place my parents had always intended to take me, but we never got around to it. Sounds like some good memories were made there, Sage! :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun field trip and reminds me of one I went to in Rochester where we got to see the glass blowers do their thing!
ReplyDeleteNice train and btw, I've never seen grass so green before! It's beautiful.
Randall, yes, it was a good trip
ReplyDeleteMichael, you'll have to make the trip now!
Scarlet, was that the glass museum in Corning? It's an incredible museum and the glass blowers there are wonderful.
It was many years ago, but yes, it was Corning. Remember the Chemung River? If I head back to Rochester for the reunion, I may have to take a day trip to Corning now that you've reminded me of it.
ReplyDeleteTrains! A bit of excitement it seems. Our dogs have been going nuts lately. Between the storms, race fireworks, and engines revving they only venture outdoors when forced.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat trip- would love to stop by there one day. Those storm drain grates are fancy! Seems like many communities now are painting the curb or roadside.
ReplyDeleteSage, I've been sucked in by Facebook for so long that it's been awhile since I've dipped into your page. I have missed your writing! Ah, the parent chaperone experience. I'm a single mom with one son so the guilt-o-meter stays tuned a little high. Nothing like chaperoning a school trip to equalize things out! I just returned from three days chaperoning my son's high school band trip to Atlanta. Activities included: CNN studios, Martin Luther King museum, aquarium, Coke museum and Galleria mall...that was just the first day. Yeah, I said the first day, allright.
ReplyDeleteYou are right that you get to know the kids your child hangs out with. I learned a lot about them in a short amount of time. And for the record, I have never arrived home from chaperoning any of his trips at the appointed time. I still would do it all over again, though!