Summer 2022 Day 20

I’m definitely at the point in this trip where I’m thankful that the day of the month equals the day number of the trip! That way, I don’t have to keep checking previous posts to figure out where I am …

Today was just some driving in and around Kansas City for a total of 77 miles.

It all started with a carwash – washing off the Wyoming and Nebraska bugs – and later I did a longer drive through old neighborhoods on the way to Second Meal™️ at Boulevard Brewing.

First, I stopped at our old house and took a walk around the block. Things look pretty much the same there in general, just newer and better kept (although I can’t say I care for the new stockade fence across the driveway). The lion statue is one of two (not matching) that are across the street from the house on the corners of that intersection – a decorative and memorable touch!).

From there, I drove the route I used to walk in the opposite direction home from elementary school, then started back towards downtown and Boulevard Brewing, driving past my old high school on the way. On a whim, I stopped in at Loose Park, a 75-acre park that is beautifully maintained and where my dad’s company had its annual picnics. The formal Rose Garden is still there although the poor bushes have really taken a beating in the heat and dry weather. There’s a large pond, Loose Lake, and the bluegills and koi are thriving as you can see; the two striking statue fountains are Adam and Eve overlooking the fragrance garden (herbs and other aromatic plantings).

Jacob L Loose Park is well-known as a major site in the Battle of Westport where Confederate forces were routed by Union troops; it’s estimated that 29,000 soldiers were involved in the battle. The property went through various ownerships and was given to the city in 1927 by Ella Loose in order to be made into a park honoring her husband who had passed away in 1923.

The Rose Garden was first established in 1931 with 120 rose plants. Today, there are about 3,000 roses of nearly 130 varieties in the 1.5 acre garden. The garden recently underwent a $400,000 renovation project, which included planting 1,200 new roses and restoring the beds to the original plans.