Celebrating Stacy

In honor of Stacy's birthday tomorrow, here she is in 1985. Pretty darn cute.

Lock It Up

There was quite a collection of padlocks, of many colors, on this fence.

Queen Anne's Lace

Always so pretty, and bountiful, now along the roadsides and in wild areas.

I'll Just Put This Here

So did the Postal Service tell them to put the mailbox out in the middle of the parking lot? Seems like an odd and unstable place for it. And it looks like they just ripped it out of its previous location, concrete and all, to move it here.

Prairie Fire Shimmers

The Prairie Fire Museum exterior was shimmering in the afternoon sun. It's designed to reflect the image of the tallgrass prairie.

Burgerz and Live Music

We enjoyed '70s songs by Andy DeWitt at Kanz's City Pizza and Burgerz in Lenexa last night, and of course the burgers. A hidden gem.

Tailgate Hawk

You never know what you might find early in the morning. I couldn't get any closer before he took off.

One Giant Leap for Mankind

"That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." Sunday marked the 45th anniversary of the first moon landing. We were in Norway but they came rushing to tell us it was on television.

Here we are in Sauda with (left to right) Eva Matland, me, Scott, Ingrid Matland (our exchange student) and Susan. I believe we are dressed for dinner. I like Susan's scarf.

Exotic Bird

Apparently there are now more of this type flamingo than real ones. Interesting.

Cool Jay

One of the remaining entries from Jayhawks on Parade in Lawrence in 2003.

Summer Favorite

You know we're in the heat of summer when the zinnias start showing off.

Urban Stream

A pastoral scene at dusk in the middle of civilization.

My View

From my chair on the patio. I love it.

Nature at Work

Hopefully you can see the bee on the flower, doing it's job of pollination.

Sharing a Laugh

I don't know the date but I always liked this photo because Mom and Dad are laughing so hard. Looks to be early '70s. They would have been married 68 years on Monday.

Bucky Beaver

Bucky Beaver, who lives at Cedar Roe Library, is illustrating all the trash that he can encounter in streams. Local artist Holly Hughes used trash from local creeks to make him. The message is we can help beavers by not throwing trash in our creeks and rivers.

Lunch Thief

Apparently this person's lunch has been stolen before, hence the warning.

Political Rally Team

Scott and his support team (minus me) at the Mainstream Coalition MainPAC candidate rally yesterday. Scott received their endorsement.

Total Relaxation

Zoe doesn't have any trouble relaxing. It's like she is boneless.

Call 962-PIGS

At Bates City Bar B Que, you can get gumballs from the gas pump look alike. To order, you can call 962-PIGS.

Grape Still Life

These grapes are growing above the Laffertys' patio.

Hiker Debris

Hayden, Stacy and Howard on the trail in the Grand Canyon in 1991. It can take a lot out of you.

Kansas Calling You!

In 1911, we had room for a million. Still do.

The Topeka Witches

On the northeast corner of downtown Topeka, you can see these steeples from I-70. Dad always called them the witches (you can see their faces).  They are on St. Joseph Catholic Church, which was constructed in 1900. As you can see below, you can see them for a ways along I-70.

Topeka Carousel

This carousel in Gage Park in Topeka was built in 1908. It lived in Philadelphia for many years before moving to Joyland in Topeka in 1957. When Joyland was sold in 1986, the city acquired it and moved it to Gage Park.

Meet Dewey

The newest member of Hayden's household. She is a Cowboy Corgi, half Blue Heeler, half Corgi. Matt got her for Hayden as an early birthday present. So far she and the cats are getting along fine, probably because she is so tiny.

Night Magic

Some of the fireworks at Leawood City Park. Fantastic display.

Happy Independence Day!

Long May It Wave

Susan celebrates in 1972. So much to see here besides Susan and the flag - cool curtains, posters, etc.

Feeding the Hungry

If you like kale, here's something to munch on. I said I didn't think this row would feed very many and the gardener said it was intended to inspire others to plant something to donate. At one time, the church did donate a considerable amount to Harvesters but they changed the landscaping and removed the area for growing vegetables.

Yoga Rocks the Park

Photo courtesy of Hayden. They were in Roanoke Park. She participated and said it was incredibly hot. I'll do my yoga inside (if I was inclined to do yoga at all).