G: 'Gone with the Wind' and Grand Rapids, Michigan

What can I say?  I've seen the movie a gazillion times.  My parents took me when I was young, then I went on my own, I owned it on tape and now on DVD.  Who hasn't seen it?

The book is wonderful.  This is a very well-worn paperback copy.

My mother had a copy of the novel that was issued in 1940 with pictures from the movie itself .  I always asked her if I could have it, but she refused.  (She was not a nice person).  I have no idea what happened to it.

I think I am one of the few folks who admired Scarlet - not the 'I want Ashley' Scarlet (he was such a wimp, IMO) but the 'I will do whatever I have to do to survive - without needing a man to help me do it.'    You go girl -(though why oh why did you let Rhett slip away???)

Grand Rapids, Michigan
Three attractions to see here.  First, The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.  See the Oval Office and a conference room.  There is a display of events in Ford's life and as I recall, his mother kept everything.  I was impressed.  I saw a special exhibit there of gifts to various Presidents from foreign leaders.  Quite the display.

For those who are architecture buffs, you can tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Meyer May House.

And if you like sculpture, visit Meijer Gardens.  Art, butterflies, exhibits.  Check out this beauty:

Traveling Tuesday - Just a House in Michigan

When I visit foreign countries, I am often touring palaces.  When I travel in the United States, I am more likely to be touring beautiful homes.  Here are just a few I have visited in Michigan.

Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores, front and back (below).

The date on the photo is significant.  I was driving back from a trip to Pennsylvania to visit Fallingwater and had stopped at the Ford home on my way back.  As I neared my town at about 4:15 the traffic backed up.  I saw that the traffic lights were not working.  When I saw people coming out of their businesses, I knew it was more than just the traffic lights.  Where were you the day all the lights went out?  August 13, 2003.

Jacob Reuter Estate, now The English Inn and restaurant, Eaton Rapids.  Somewhere in my mass of prints I have interior pictures.  Transferring all those photos to digital is something I don't even want to think about tackling.  

Meyer May House, Grand Rapids, with dining room, below

Melvyn Maxwell and Sarah Stein Smith House, Bloomfield Hills, front and back

Built-in seating showcasing the owner's collection of pottery

Do you visit homes in the USA when you travel?  Are there homes you wish you could visit?