h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've been neglecting my journal horribly.

Since last post, I've visited the Trails Museum in Independence, MO, USA. What an interesting place. Several settlement trails left from Independence in the 1850's and '60's: the Claifornia, Oregon, Mormon, and Santa Fe. The museum is dedicated to the settlers the journed on them and the hadrships they faced. I can't even imagine it; it seems unbearable to me. Crossing deserts pulling a wagon yourself for days at a time to spare the oxen, driving a wagon up the very formidible Sierra Nevada Mountains, constantly under the threat of attack by natives (who were understandably unhappy about settlers in general)... I don't think I could have survived it. The museum was certainly educational.

Autumn will soon be over here. About 2/3 of the trees have lost their foliage. I took my cat to Swope Park in Kansas City yesterday, and we both enjoyed walking on the fallen leaves. I had forgotten what autumn smells like, and what it sounds like. I'm amazed at the childhood memories that are coming back to me. I can't believe I went 16 years without autumn. I'm so glad to be back in a climate with seasons.

I had big fun carving myself a pumpkin. I haven't done that since I was a child either. Though I say it myself, it's a rather attractive jack'o'lantern with a cat face. Here in the 'States they are selling pumpkin carving kits with patterns and scrapers and miniture hack saws. I used one of these, and recommend it highly. Big fun!

Well, this bring my journal about up to date. Anyone know any sights I sould see in the Kansas City area?