My Day Off - Labor Day Weekend

    I don't usually do this, take a day off. In fact, I don't recall ever doing it this year, aside from my trip to San Diego, California. Nevertheless, I had an opportunity to do so. It would be a four-day weekend, not just three days. There would be plenty of things for me to do on Friday. The weekend was filled with festivals and activities going on in Kansas City. So I thought, why not vlog about it? Although, I'm still getting my bearings when it comes to recording myself on camera, in public.

   

First, coffee. One of my favorite coffee shops in Kansas City is Mildred's Coffeehouse in the Crossroads District in Downtown. Small and less hectic but does get busy. I ordered a Mocha latte with vanilla and soy. The vibe is chill with neighborhood locals as well as people passing through. They make sandwiches and pastries. Prices are around what you would pay at any Starbucks, but I like to contribute to the small business community when I can, and personally I believe their coffee is better than Starbucks.


Before I went down to the West Bottoms District, I walked into the store, Raygun. They have unique sayings printed on items such as shirts and coffee cups, but my goal was to get a few mouse pads for my new office area at work. Goal accomplished.


Every first weekend of the month in Kansas City, the West Bottoms host a slew of antique and vintage shops as well as food trucks. I went to check out a few stores I had not been to. There is plenty to see and shop to keep a person busy all day. Not me, though. I headed over to Urban Mining, also a vintage/antique shop that opens only the first weekend of the month. It's located in Midtown near the Westport District on Main Street. I tend to buy more there at times because the prices are much more up my alley. Plus, they have 10% off on Sundays!

From Midtown I went North just on the other side of Downtown to the River Market to have lunch. I hoped that Cascone's was still open as it was around 1:30 p.m. and I was in luck. No biscuits and gravy at that hour, so I went with a breakfast sandwich. Breakfast is my favorite meal, duh!


I needed a break after that so I headed back home to Independence. It was getting hotter outside and I could use some AC. I also was losing battery life to vlog. On my way, though, I passed by Thrift Village, so I had to stop. You never know what you'll find. My sister, Anita, and I go there at least once a month, but the last couple of times have been a bust for me. I couldn't find any lamps for my bedroom, a foyer table, clothes or flat shoes to wear. This time, however, I just bought a few shirts, one each for my sister and I. Did she like what I got her? No, but she thanked me for trying.


After a short break at home I ventured out to Santa-Cali-Gon Days on the Independence Square in Independence, Missouri - a block away from my home. I could have chosen to go to other festivals Labor Day weekend. There was the Irish Festival at Crown Center in Kansas City, and the Renaissance Festival started in Bonner Springs, Kansas (open every weekend until Columbus Day). However, Santa-Cali-Gon has been a tradition for me. Sure, it lacked its usual appeal of potato bowls, fried twinkies, good ice cream sandwiches, more craft tents, cheaper Ferris wheel rides, etc. Nevertheless, I enjoyed walking around, people watching, looking at what was for sale.



Then day turned into night and I was exhausted from everything I got to do. So back to home and to Gus, my playful curious cat, and to knowing I had three more days of time off.

Rosie