They can have any color they want, as long as its black-Henry Ford
Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Thomas Alva Edison
I have heard both these quotes before, but now I am the proud owner of a Greenfield Village mug with the Henry Ford quote. And, we told the boys that they should be geniuses because they both have plenty of perspiration.
Yesterday we spent almost seven hours discovering Greenfield Village. We had a wonderful time. They have updated some of it since my last trip almost 15 years ago. But my favorites then are still my favorites now. They have a beautiful Craftwork's Square. In it is a tin punch shop, a printshop, a pottery barn, a weaving shop, a glass blowing shop and a wool carding production. It all is fun to watch. I really enjoy watching the glass blowers. It is a delicately timed art, and the results are amazing. I find it astounding to watch the delicate balance between the fire and the shaping. The glass has to stay between 1800 and 2100 degrees to shape. This means that it goes in and out of the fire every 60-90 seconds. I was reminded of two Scriptural concepts...
Our God is a consuming fire...Hebrews 12:29
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honor, and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7
In order for our faith and character to grow, we must stay close to God, and sometimes He brings us through trials to remove the dross, and to shape us to His design. Also, the glass fire is called the "glory" bowl. There is
so much you could tie in with that.
I learned a ton. At almost every building throughout the grounds are volunteers/employees who are very knowledgable about their station. They know cool facts, and it was great to interact with them. I was thinking that being one of those docents would be right up my alley. Some day. When I have no little kids, and nothing else to do.
Anyway, without further ado or commentary (or at least MUCH more commentary) here is our day in pictures...Be warned-there are lots!
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Meres-who was called he/buddy/fella all day.
I don't know why. I'd NEVER put a boy in a pink striped shirt. EVER. |
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| Firestone Farm (of Firestone Tire fame) |
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| boys chillin' on the porch |
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| LC doing laundry |
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| sheep |
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| Meres and Mr. Hippie. I love that man! |
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| mill |
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| glass being blown and shaped |
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| working together |
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| glory bowl |
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| shaping to make the mouth of a footed bowl |
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| Roundhouse |
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| steam engine |
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| Hippie Fam |
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| Hippie fam and Henry, in front of Town Hall |
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| A clock from London, rebuilt here in MI |
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| Awesome people that clank the bells on the hour, quarter and half hours. |
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| Henry and Mr. Hippie. |
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Freckles on the porch of the Wright House. He loves "flight"
so this is awesomeness for him. |
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| What it's all about. |
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| Mr. Ford and his father drove this right off the line. It has always been just a display car. |
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| LC trying on hats at the milner |
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So, I am having a bad hair day,
but those are feathers hanging over my bangs too. |
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| Hippie offspring with the Thomas Edison quote |
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| First house with electric lights. |
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Last pic. BMV took it, while I was in the souvenir shop.
I am thoroughly amazed that neither of them fell in. |
That was our day. Long and fun. There is probably another third that we didn't even get to. I am thinking I may take the kids down on my own in July. It is only about 2-1/2 hours away, and we can do that.
If you have never checked out the
the Village and Museum, you should. They are well done, and very interesting. I would imagine you could easily spend 3 days on the campus and you wouldn't be bored. It is reasonably priced, especially if you buy the annual pass. Maybe you want to add that to you bucket list.
Oh, and did I mention that the kids didn't complain of sore feet or boredom here either?
They must be growing up.
