Local Tourist -- Motor Muster at Greenfield Village

On Saturday, June 15, the Local Tourist, the Mrs., and the youngest of the children went to Greenfield Village for Motor Muster.  We were hopeful to hear some ragtime music which has been offered at Motor Muster in the past.  Instead, they were advertising 70's rock, but that happened later in the day so we missed that.

My goal was to find a 1966 Chevy Bel-Air or a 1964 Chevy Impala.  Those are the first cars I remember my Dad driving.  I remember the Bel-Air having a spring popping through the vinyl behind the driver.  I managed to not cut myself on it, even though I also remember my Dad often saying, "Stop kicking the seat!"  Still, I am almost certain that I was not responsible for the spring breaking and poking out.

Alas, neither the Bel-Air nor the Impala were on display.  Below is a fraction of the cars that were on display.

Local Tourist: Jim Henson Exhibit at Henry Ford Museum

Yesterday the Local Tourist went to the Henry Ford Museum to see the Jim Henson Exhibit.  While the exhibit detailed the length of Henson's career, it should not surprise anyone that the most popular parts of the exhibit featured Sesame Street characters and the Muppets.

I am always fascinated by the creative process that results in what we end up seeing.  There were a few descriptions of the Muppets as they were being created, as we as story boards and scripts for segments of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show.  Those things are really cool, and increase your appreciation for the final result.  Among these sketches were descriptions for generic Muppets, that is, Muppets that could become several characters from a blank model--an orange Muppet, a fat blue Muppet, a tall yellow Muppet, a short green Muppet, etc.....

Below are a handful of the characters on display.  In addition, Peter got to construct his own Muppet (see below), and we both got to practice making a Muppet come to life on the screen.  Sad to say, that will only live as a memory; we got no footage--but we were really good.

Sketches of Bert as he was being created.

If you have never seen how they filmed Sesame Street with all the Muppets, here is an image. 

I wonder how long they could go before they lost all feeling in their arms.

These Muppets are designed to look like Jim Henson (left), Frank Oz (center), and (Jerry Nelson) right.

Local Tourist -- Christmas at The Henry Ford

While we have never done Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village, we have enjoyed the trees at The Henry Ford Museum.  We also checked out the Lionel Train sets and the Lego display, including models of the Fisher Building and the Guardian Building.  Masks were removed briefly for the sake of a few photos.

Traveling with the Schroeders -- Summer 2019

We have tried to make the most of the summer with varying degrees of success.  I don't know if the rest of the family feels this way, but I am always more eager to do more than is probably realistic.  Nevertheless, we have managed to enjoy some camping, beach time, and other touristy activities.  Here are a few photos from our summer activities.

Greenfield Village, always a summer favorite

Peter at Mission Point Lighthouse with his cousins, Abby & AJ.

They are exactly half way between the North Pole and the Equator.

Laura enjoys some wine tasting with her brother, David.

Traverse City State Park

Swimming at Island Lake Recreational Area