Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances. Benjamin Franklin
Challenge Update: It’s a funny thing, when you have no to do list. You forget to do stuff. Like blog.
Just kidding. I didn’t really forget for an entire week. I was otherwise occupied, shall we say? Let me ‘splain. No, is too much. Let me sum up.
My Dad came to visit on Sunday, followed by my sister, her two kids, and her boyfriend on Tuesday, followed by a nasty flu that hit me on Wednesday. Dad left Thursday, Sister et al left Friday, flu left Sunday.
Despite the evil sickness with which I was smited (smiten? smote?), we managed to hit the City Museum and the Zoo on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. I can’t say I had a whoppin’ good time at either one, feeling as I was like a slightly livelier version of a feverish zombie. However, for those in good health who are in the St. Louis region, both attractions are worth the visit.
City Museum hits you with a rather pricey admission cost ($12 for ages 3 and up) and, if you participate in the fun at all, leaves you with sore knees, elbows, and vertebrae. But it is fun and interesting for kids and adults, they’re always adding new stuff, it covers all ages, it’s big and will entertain you for hours.
St. Louis Zoo charges no admission, though if you use the convenient, just-across-the-street parking they charge $10 per car, more for (full-size) vans. A little further from the entrance you can scrounge for free parking; there isn’t lots, but it’s there if you take the time to stalk a leaving party. (Try not to be too obvious.) They have snacks and drinks and merchandise available, of course, all for exorbitant prices; pack a lunch and make sure you catch one of the scheduled seal feedings (buyer beware: no scheduled feedings on Thursdays), the penguin house, and the insectarium. Get a guide to tell you about the big apes and be prepared for lots of discussion about poop if you have children under, oh, age fifteen, and you go anywhere near the elephants or hippos.
Better Life Tip: Find something fun in your area, scope it out so you know what to expect, and make a day trip.