If you're not from around here, you should know we've had one of the worst springs ever. It has been cold (and for ME to say it's cold is really saying something) and rainy almost every single day. I'm so over it. My plans for my birthday were all outside, and though I normally don't bother God with such things, I prayed and prayed it would be a nice day.
And while the sky looked very suspicious when I got up Saturday morning - the day was gorgeous.
Cal (my GPS) and I went to Indianapolis, where he took me the scenic route: over the river and through the ghetto. I think I need to figure out how to outsmart him. I met up with my friend Cara (of game night fame) and we went here:
Right downtown! Cara loves Indianapolis and found out that they offer free walking tours of downtown, so that's what we did. We ended up being the only two people in the tour group, and our guide was very good. She took us around Monument Circle and pointed out all kinds of stuff we didn't know about the city's history. Though this isn't on the circle, we could see the State House:
And this darling church. It's the oldest church in continuous use, she said. We even went inside and it was magnificent. So regal.
Loved the church next to the tallest building in the skyline.
I learned a lot, but one thing I didn't know is that there's a shadow law. If you're not familiar with Indianapolis, the very center of downtown is a huge monument - the Soldiers and Sailors monument. The law states that the buildings around it can't cast a shadow on it. So she explained that the building below was designed like a pyramid so the top floors wouldn't cast a shadow. Who knew!?
Our friend Phats wanted to go with us but he had to coach that day, so he couldn't come. So....in the tradition of "Flat Stanley" - if you've ever heard of those - we had Phats Stanley! He really enjoyed his walking tour. Mostly because he rode in my camera case.
After the tour, we walked around a little bit on our own, and then Cara took me to a local treasure: The Creation Cafe. It's in an old church and overlooks the Indy Canal. So very cute!
We were able to eat lunch outside - and this was our view of the canal while we ate. I love places like that!
I ordered a chicken quesadilla and it was YUMMY. They didn't skimp on the chicken and cheese, which in my mind - is the mark of a good quesadilla.
Phats Stanley liked it too.
Inside the Cafe, there was a wall covered with people's names and messages...so of course, we had to leave a note! Cara wrote her name....
And I wrote mine. Man, I wish God still did this kind of stuff!!
We were STUFFED, so we decided to talk a walk along the canal. The Canal District in Indianapolis is pretty stinkin' nice, and they have huge sidewalks on either side of the canal. There were bikers and runners and people walking their dogs and others just out taking a stroll. We saw families having picnics on the lawn and prom goers and graduates having their pictures taken. There were also people riding bike carts that seated four - and in the canal, people were enjoying kayaks and paddle boats. It was kind of like an afternoon out of a movie!
She took me to a spot probably a mile down the canal that has this amazing view of the downtown buildings. I loved it.
So did Phats Stanley.
We were pretty tired after half a day of walking, so our last stop (per my request) was at this little (literally tiny) hole in the wall cupcake bakery called The Flying Cupcake.
So much to choose from!
Cara got a chocolate chip cookie cupcake....
And mine was called "Happy Birthday to Me." It was chocolate cake with heavenly chocolate frosting and multi-colored sprinkles. And - it was free because it was my birthday. SWEET!
It truly was a perfect day - and I was so thankful the weather was wonderful. Cal and I left Cara's, I managed to outsmart him into taking a normal route, and just as I was leaving Indy, I hit a downpour like I've never seen in my entire life. Not even kidding you. I'll have to blog more about it later because it was kind of pivotal, but let's just say if that had happened earlier, it would have ruined the whole day!
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