A New Kind of Tricycle

One of the many strange vehicles at Art of the Chopper. I wasn't willing to pay for a ticket so this is one of the teasers outside.

Where Once There Was A Tree

We have a large pile of mulch where the large elm stood. Tree came out a month ago but with all the tree damage around town the past few weeks, they didn't get the stumps out until today. Now the fun part ... seeding the lawn.

Royals 5K

We all gathered in preparation for the start of the 5K for Royals charities. It was a good walk around and through the sports complex ending on the field of Royals stadium. Fulfilled my plan to do a 5K this summer.

Plaza Destruction

I'm not sure whether Highwoods, which manages the Plaza, is clueless, doesn't understand the Plaza mystique or just doesn't give a damn but they ran afoul of Plaza supporters again. The owners of this new restaurant have now backed off of completing this facade that would have covered up the traditional spanish style design.

Where Have All the Travelers Gone?

It looks spiffy but it would be fascinating to see all the train travelers back in Union Station, filling the great hall with activity.

A Patch of Happiness

It was such a bright patch of flowers when so much is looking disheveled.

Highland Cemetery

I stumbled upon Highland Cemetery, also referred to as Nall Cemetery, in the middle of a neighborhood in Prairie Village while surveying storm damage. The Nall brothers, for whom Nall Avenue is named, created it on former Shawnee Nation reservation land. They lived on the land after the Indians were moved to Oklahoma. This tombstone is for Thomas Nall, who died at age 77 on Dec. 31, 1903 and what appears to be his wife, who died at 75 in 1909. Lots of longevity for that time. A little pocket of history.

Is This Code?

I understand the real estate sign but what does the black and white sign mean? Is it an IQ test that I am obviously failing? I have seen a couple of these, always with real estate signs.

Visible Evidence

... of the humidity. Makes for a hot walk despite lower temperatures. I'll take it, though. Beats 100+ degrees.

Wall of Debris

The storm debris being dropped off in a parking lot in Prairie Village was reaching as high as the shelter house roof.

Mother Nature's Fury

Hayden found her door blocked after our gale force winds. Fortunately no damage. The folks below were not so lucky.

Looming Large

The little girl looked very small compared to the Jayhawk at the KU Kickoff in Prairie Village on Friday night.

Polar Might

We were actually at a fundraiser to bring penguins to the Kansas City Zoo. Since there are none yet, I was left with a polar bear and a couple of interlopers.

Surprise!

The surprise lilies, naked ladies, hardy amaryllis, whatever you want to call them, they're blooming.

Early Morning Sparkle

Cairns

We saw many of these on rocky trails on our camping extravaganza to mark the way. But you often find them for decorative purposes, which I'm guessing this is. Hard to get lost in your yard.

Flooded Out

The orange orb from March has hatched an alligator. While the vegetation has filled in, the space creature has flooding to deal with.

Is It Fall?

Our maple tree showing some stress from our extreme summer. Fortunately there are still plenty of green leaves on it.

Pioneer Park

A large sculpture in Shawnee at the intersection where the Santa Fe Trail and Oregon Trail, Leavenworth Military Road and the California Road crossed.

The Sweet Smell of Hawaii

Tuberose, one of the flowers they use in leis. I have loved it ever since we went to Hawaii for our honeymoon. It seems to be the one thing that has flourished in the heat.

Spires

in the downtown skyline.

Some Things Flourish

Not in my yard but good to know that some beds have escaped the heat and drought.

Wall of Clouds

Interesting storms that have been breezing through.

Have You?

Someone please explain why you would post this.

Takes Me Back

The Boulevard is one of 3 survivors of the drive-in theater heyday of the 1950s and '60s. It opened in 1950 on what was then known as Southwest Boulevard (hence the name) and despite numerous floods from Turkey Creek has operated continuously since. Now you can hear the movie on your FM dial as well as the speakers in the theater.

Corinthian Hall Windows

These are the original windows in the dining room at Corinthian Hall. After Long died in 1934, the daughters couldn't find a buyer so they had an estate sale that sold off all of the fixtures including mantels and lights. This window remained. The window below is on the landing of the grand staircase.

Down to the Bare Walls

The only original fixture in Corinthian Hall, built in 1910 by lumberman Robert Long and home of the Kansas City Museum. As you can see below, the mansion is currently being renovated and we got to take a hard hat tour. You can see the sink in the corner.

Respite from the Heat

Scorched Earth

Enough already with the heat.

Great American Family Campout

We participated in this event at Shawnee Mission Park on Saturday. While the temperature was a bit intense, it was fun. We enjoyed the beach, paddle boats and Theater in the Park.

Celebrate Stacy!

Happy Birthday, Stacy. Thanks to Frances for the photo.