Loose Cannon

This 10-pounder parrott gun is positioned in Loose Park to shoot at the enemy. Apparently the pine trees weren't there in 1864 to obstruct the shot during the Battle of Westport.

Address Pots

The painted pots that Hayden painted for Stacy last year for her birthday are now planted showing the address numbers. Doing very well.

After the Storm

We didn't actually get the storm last night but we got the gorgeous sunset afterward.

They Made It!

Hayden, Holly, Stacy and Frances in Machu Picchu (Peru). Glad to see they are alive and well.

Natural Fluff

I don't know what this is but it's everywhere at work. Looks like something is molting.

Sun Lovers

I love the colors of this plant, which seems fairly heat tolerant.

Stamped in Perpetuity

Our brick in the Round Hill Bath & Tennis Club walk.

Lounging Elk

A herd of elk was grazing in this meadow but they spread out sufficiently that I could only get three in the photo. Note the fence behind them. It was one of several areas fenced off to protect the aspen from the elk.

Play the Chimes

But be respectful after 9:00 p.m. in Winter Park.

Our Tiny Home

This is our tiny cabin outside Estes Park. It was perfect, complete with early morning visitors.

Fast Moving Fire

This tree is on the Cub Lake trail in Rocky Mountain National Park and was part of the Fern Lake fire last fall. It was so fast moving that not everything burned, such as only one side of this tree. You can see that the area is restoring itself quickly in parts. The fire came within a half mile of Estes Park.

The Pot of Gold

We found the end of the rainbow. Apparently it's Estes Park!

Top of the World

Trailridge Road

Mountain Tranquility

Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Sunshine Spikes

Gayfeather in Denver Botanic Gardens.

Backyard Guardian

I love this little guy. Those are Howard's chairs in the background, turning to a natural gray. The owners have created a beautiful area.

Sidewalk Artist

Translation: Skater. One of the kids from the homeless shelter drew this. We were hosting the moms and kids at our church last night. Cindy and I kept the kids occupied while the moms had dinner and an activity. This was drawn by a 13-year-old.

Symmetry

Photo courtesy of Howard.

Proportional

An intern made the creative background for this bulletin board but then printed a tiny sign.

Elongated Windchimes

Sculpture at Kansas City Hospice House.

Corgi Swim

The Kansas City Corgi Meetup Group met yesterday at the dog beach at Shawnee Mission Park.  So many Corgis, and most of them wet but they were cute. Hayden wants to get one so we decided to check it out.

Among the Lilies of the Valley

lurks an Oogly.

Intriguing Structure

What is the structure on the upstairs deck? It rather blocks the door.

For the Loyal Women of the Old South

I have passed this monument at 55th and Ward Parkway many times. Finally I stopped to see what it said. It is dedicated "in loving memory of the loyal women of the Old South." I have since learned that the United Daughters of the Confederacy erected this monument in 1934 at Mill Creek and 47th Street, which is where the JC Nichols Fountain now stands. Seems the monument had to be moved in 1958 to make way for the fountain. History says there was a mass grave at this location following the battle of Westport during the Civil War. Maybe this seemed an appropriate place to move it to for that reason.

Bright Birds

Baby Pinecones

Are you looking? They are sprouting.

Patience Rewarded

I bought this peony in May 2009 from the garden center in Raymore, MO, that specializes in peonies. I had given it up for lost in the heat and droughts and here I have not only one but two large blooms!

Rhapsody of Roses

One of the beauties from the annual Loose Park rose garden show.

Hydrant Art

I found this to be an exceptional piece of art at the Prairie Village Art Show. It had this frame around it because it was in the middle of the street, which seems a strange place for a hydrant. Apparently they are reconfiguring the parking in some way.

Not a Through Street

Water was running high in the midst of our monsoon.