One Tank Trip/Coffee Break Design.

It surprised me to discover that it was less than a tank of gas from our house to Indianapolis where Coffee Break Design's warehouse is located.  Mike and Chris invited us down for a few days.  

It was time for the annual CBD warehouse sale.  There was quite a crowd and bargains beyond belief. Mike is a collector of stuff and if one of something is good, a thousand of something is better.  He was ready to make room for new finds and the shoppers were happy to help.  I had a great time visiting with some old friends: Gaye Medbury, Marilyn Werst and Pat Pleacher (see her blog link on the left).

I have known Mike and Chris for a decade or two, but had never been to the warehouse.  Mike has some interesting things like this antique perforating machine.  Mike has made many quirky sheets of faux postage stamps over the years and perforated them on this machine.  

While we were there we went to a gallery opening of one of Mike's good friends, artist Mike Altman. You will like his colorful art.  Go have a look.  He was really a nice guy too and funny. The building itself was interesting with this elaborate mural on the side.

We had such a great time catching up with Mike and Chris and their son, Andy. They are a kind, very generous, fun and loving couple.  Before dinner Friday night, Mike took us on a driving tour of all the highlights of Indianapolis.  What a beautiful city with so many parks and century old (and older) buildings and monuments.  It is really lovely there.  We even found another "Virginia" sign for my photo collection:

The other day I mentioned how John and I are fascinated with all the old barns in this area, especially the ones that are sliding back into nature.  We finally found one in a place where we could stop and photograph it.  Click on the photo to see it better.  You can always click on my photos to enlarge.

We drove back today along one of the rural routes that runs parallel to the Maumee River and found this old railroad bridge built over a hundred years ago.  The historical marker said that the rock was believed to be sacred by the native Indians who lived in the area and they held important meetings there.  There was a grea deal of controversy when the bridge infringed on this hallowed rock. The river also boasts some locks from the era of the Erie Canal which was the first planned transportation route in the US.. Construction of the canal from NY to Ohio began in 1817. The canal towpath is still there. 

The battle of Fallen Timbers (1794) was fought near here.  So much history remains in this part of the country and it is still undeveloped enough that the imagination can visualize what the settlers may have endured.

It was a great few days.  Thank you so much Mike and Chris!

Comments

[Rachel Greig]

Great post Ginny! I'm learning so much about your area and country from your blog :)

[Lucy Harrison]

I trust that Chris's forehead has healed - what a freak accident. The cut looked awful but she was such a trooper and soldiered on! Now she'll have a scar to attest to "life on the road". Great couple - talented and generous.

Lucy H.

[TACE]

That bridge photo, oh my, THAT'S A HANDSOME BRIDGE!!! Even all falling apart and crumbling and overgrown, in fact probably more so because of those factors.
Does that perforating machine make all the little holes like on a sheet of stamps so they pull apart from each other? Is that what that does? It's a very interesting looking beast of a machine, very solid looking.