Came across this book on Amazon that looks interesting of historical photographs of Topeka, KS. Mr. Hoots collected over 200 images of Topeka for his book. Greg Hoots is a long time resident of Shawnee County and currently lives in Kansas City.
Topeka (Images of America) (Images of America (Arcadia Publishing))
On my walk today through Gage Park what originally caught my eye was about a dozen of Topeka’s finest on their bicycles in the middle of the sand volleyball pit! I was completely intrigued (nosey) about what was going on. We’ll I missed that scene but I did capture some other great footage of the Topeka Police Bicycle Patrol training class today.
They were very nice to let me stand there and watch them train and even to take some video of it all. I tried riding my bike once as a kid up some stairs but it wasn’t met with much success and more than likely ended with a bruised up knee! Criminals need to know that these guys are very quiet and they are able to give chase either up or down stairs, over curbs and through sand!
Thanks for letting me hang out with you guys for a short time today!!
Bradley’s Corner Cafe located at Laurent & North Kansas Ave. is Topeka’s little secret. Known for it’s “comfort food” and fresh made daily pies it has been in the old Kaw Valley State Bank Building for about the last 6 years. Brad is the owner and his son Ryan is the manager. It doesn’t take very long for the staff to get to know who you are and what you like to eat. This place offers a bit of a bygone era in the middle of downtown North Topeka.
We’ve had a little bit more snow and a little more is maybe on the way so I decided to post a couple of images taken last week when it was closer to 80 degrees. These images were taken during my frequent walk through Gage Park. Spring is just around the corner!
On Wed. of this week I stopped in the Blue Planet Cafe located in beautiful downtown Topeka,KS for lunch. Blue Planet is Topeka’s only vegan restaurant and coffee shop. For you carnivores don’t worry though because as I understand it they have a great turkey or roast beef sandwiches in addition to their meat free options. The Blue Planet is quite laid back and the staff are friendly and helpful. I sat at the counter and passed the time of day with a nice gentleman at the counter which I later found out that he was the owner of Gizmo Pictures and his wife is the owner of the cafe. After my soup (Samosa soup – featuring potatoes and peas swimming in a mild, balanced curry broth) and fresh salad I looked around the cafe a little bit. In the back there is a beautiful meeting room that is available for rent.
As I was looking around the cafe and taking a few photos I met an interesting man named Brad. Brad was standing there ordering his lunch with his full white beard, suspenders and hat. I said to him “can I take your picture?” and he said sure “you want to see my compost pile?” a little taken back (very briefly) I said that I didn’t think I did! But after learning how passionate Brad is for compost my interest was peaked and after he had finished his lunch we proceeded to his compost pile in the alley behind the cafe. Take a look at the little video of Brad talking about compost and also notice the image I took of the thermometer in the compost about 130 degrees! Brad was very pleased with the reaction that was occuring!
This little outing today was truly a Topeka serendipity. I had a great experience at the Blue Planet Cafe and got to meet several new friends Brad, Timothy the barista and Jeff the owner’s husband, fun afternoon!
