I just love when groups come to Washington and I am able to give them historical tours.  The group today was from Illinois.  The spent the day yesterday in Hermann, and then came to Washington in the evening to eat and spend the night.  Today it was my pleasure to spend some time with them as they learned about our great city!  The end of our 60-minute tour ended at the Missouri Meerschaum Pipe Factory.  It has been a little while since I last took a tour group into the little museum there, but it was worth the wait.  They have done a nice job renovating that area.  They have also added a sales area and AIR CONDITIONING!!  The history of the factory, Henry Tibbe, and the building were always great to hear, but sometimes got a little warm for the groups in the summertime, but not today!  Phil always does a nice presentation and Marilyn could not be nicer.  The group love it and their new purchases.  There will soon be set hours when this area is open to the public, but when it is, be sure to stop by.  I know you will be glad you did!

I had last Friday off and spent it with four wonderful friends.  We started out with the intention of grabbing a coffee downtown and then walk around.  Well Jennie and Grace was so welcoming we sat with our coffee and had some great quiche to boot.  Carla Poepsel and her FABulous baristas make you feel very much at home. Plus we loved browsing the books and gifts.  We could have stayed all day, since the coffee cups are bottomless.  ;-)  Seriously, we almost stayed long enough to order off the lunch menu. But that's what good friends do when they get together... and Jennie and Grace is just the place to do it! Go by at 219 W. Main and tell Carla I sent you!

Yesterday our 14 passenger shuttle bus was delivered!  Everyone in the office was so excited we had to lock the office for a few minutes while the boss did a once around the park with us before putting it to bed. I am thinking JB and I may need to sit on phone books to be seen above the dash. ;-)  Although it is here and I am super pumped about all the possibilities, we have much to work out before it is actually put into service. Bummer!  But we are definitely making strides.  Our plans are to use this strictly for tourism.  Giving tours to groups that come in and shuttling those visiting Washington around will be our main objective.  There will be a slight fee to help offset the costs, but I don't think anyone visiting will balk at that. So when you see our bus with tourist cruising around town, give them a welcoming Washington wave.