A walk in the park

Since it was such a sunny day, I thought I would do a bit of a walkabout in Ypsi's Riverside park. This is our humble version of 'Central Park'-- the occassional chilly breeze notwithstanding, it was a most pleasant experience. As you know, the sun, rarely seen at this time of year is to be cherished around here! So, armed with my camera I set about for a quick stroll along the crumbling asphalt paths, a pair of frolicking dogs amusing me from a distance.

I've always enjoyed the limestone workmanship of the old Emmanuel Lutheran church on River street, whenever I drive by, and now thanks to the lack of foilage on the trees, I had an opportunity to snap a picture of it's equally stately backside. True, a more picturesque photo op would be a pretty snow covered scene, but I really feel the 'truth' of a southeast Michigan winter lies in the dull browns and grays that are more often the norm around these parts.

Tranquil snowy scene, or dull earthy dormancy-- either one would satisfy me as I plodded about, the chill air feeling sharp and clean, especially after being cooped up in an overly dry house for several days.

As I finished my walk, and headed up the candy apple red staircase, a smile burst amid my face, a small reflection of father Sol himself, as I bounded up the street heading for my now 'standard' haunt of Bombadill's coffee house. Oh! A paczki? Don't mind if I do....... Rob

Ypsilanti-- The twin cities?

Ypsilanti has always struck me as a little unique in that it has two separate and distinct nineteenth century business districts-- especially considering the size of the town. I have learned over time how this came about: First the stage coach route through Michigan ave, and then later the ascendence of depot town with the coming of the railroad. It interests the armchair historian inside me how everything is always in a state of flux in regards to these two "downtowns"-- I mean first there was Ypsilanti (after Woodruff's Grove--as some of you know ;) ) on top of the hill on Mich. Ave., then came the depot, and I imagine there was a slight swing in the local economy as the railroad took center stage, and then back again as railroading declined (trust me, those who aren't from around here originally: In the seventies, an evening stroll wasn't something you did on Cross street in the depot!). Yes, judging from some photos of Mich. Ave from the 60's and 70's, commerce looked healthy on the "Ave" (who remembers the always busy Arlan's dept. store from then?). Now of course, it's swung the other way: the depot is an oasis of economic health, while the Avenue is struggling to maintain the few solid businesses it has (bile rises as thoughts of Water street form in my mind-- but ahh, it's late. Not now. Not now.). It's late now, time to pitch the tent. I'll have to read up on how to post links and photos here........ Rob

Hello

Hello, I'm Rob and welcome to my little blog, The Ypsilanti Airship Works. Airships? "What the hell..." I can hear you in my minds eye. "Must be some old blimp pilot's musings..." Well, not hardly. Though I still harbor a childish dream that this were so. It's sort of like that old British television comedy, "Monty Python's Flying Circus"-- where, as I recall, a cast member stated they chose the name specifically because it had no one named Monty, and it had nothing to do with snakes or flying. It's kind of like that for me: Ypsilanti is where I'm from, so self-explanatory. Airships Works? OK, that's little harder to explain. Just suffice it to say that my blog's title is a nod to my youthful infatuation with airships, blimps, etc. So I apologize right now to anyone out there who googled 'airships' and got me instead. Again, sorry!

The intent (if there is one) of my blog is probably along the lines of most of the blogs out there-- Just some random musings and thoughts that I have, and that I feel like sharing. Of course the occasional rant may crop up as well.

I confess, as I embark on my venture, to be a little hesitant or gun shy about doing this blog thing. This area is home to some excellent and capable blogsmiths. Not just Ann Arbor, which is Ypsilanti's large and well educated neighbor to the west, but right here in lil' ol' Ypsi itself. Local bloggers like Mark Maynard, East Cross and Maproom systems are so knowledgeable and insightful about all things political-- That this humble newbie blogger won't even to try to emulate these cats.... I'm sure they have sharp claws! Then there's Ypsi~dixit, a sharp, intelligent lady that is always posting things of interest, her ability to weave an entertaining story filled with social context always shining through-- More pro-level stuff here, folks! So in the midst of these giants of local blogdom, if I can only manage to give you a bit of entertainment, or at best, cause you to stop and reflect about a more serious issue I may post-- I'll be more than happy.

Rob.