Waiting, Waiting

We had the slowest photographer ever. As he was a KC Star photographer, I thought it odd that a news photographer was so slow. This was taken by someone in the wedding party after I finally gave up and sat down. Happy anniversary to us tomorrow.

Green Sludge

I keep encountering this stuff on my walks. I'm thinking it is some form of seeding but none seem to have sprouted anything yet.

Go Play Outside

Great idea! It's warming up so we should be good to do so.

Starting Over

The fancy Bloom-a-thon Azaleas that we put in last year all failed over the winter. But the nursery gave us a full refund so I could replace them as it seems there was some catastrophic failure of the species that they are still trying to figure out. It was suggested that I replace them with the traditional azaleas but now we have to start over with tiny bushes and lots of empty space.

Home Sweet Home

Matt and Hayden in front of the fireplace at their new house that they will move into May 18. We got a tour yesterday.

Bullet Flashlight

Who wouldn't want to carry around a flashlight that looks like a bullet?

Behind the Veil

While they were working on the organ pipes, it was interesting to see what is usually just a shadow behind the display pipes (see below).

 

Early Royals Fans

Hayden and Stacy sporting their first Royals apparel.

Erin's Official Now

My niece, Erin Thompson, getting sworn in as a Roeland Park city council member. Congratulations Erin! Sorry I wasn't there. (photo courtesy of Susan)

Swinging Adirondack

Don't know if this is just whimsy or birds are supposed to sit on it. It's very small.

What to Do on a Rainy Day?

Curl up with a friend. Zoe is more relaxed than Syd. They are hard to sneak up on.

Down Memory Lane

Howard and I saw "Guys and Dolls" last night at the Musical Heritage Theater at Crown Center. Rather than the full version of sets, props, etc., the cast sang the songs moving around and giving the impression of the full show. It was delightful. We met during a community production of the show in Parsons 40 years ago so it was especially fun to see.

A Full Bush at Last

We planted this lilac bush when we first moved to our house, and finally, 20 years later we have a full bush of blooms. Better late than never. It was delayed some until the bush was tall enough to catch the sun above the privacy fence our neighbors installed. I don't think it was getting enough sun for awhile.

Allen Memorial Fountain

Continuing with the fountain theme, this is Allen Memorial Fountain on the Plaza. While you may have seen it numerous times, you probably don't know that it was dedicated in 1962 in memory of Eleanor Nichols Allen, daughter of J.C. Nichols, and her husband Earl Allen. They died in a house fire in Mission Hills in 1961.

Source of the Bowl Cut

One of our infamous bowl cuts in progress. I don't think Susan's bangs are quite short enough.

Almost Ready

This KC Parks Department employ was trying to get the fountains in the Mirror Pool on Ward Parkway to work. It was rather amusing to watch. I was on my way to take a photo of the Meyer Circle Seahorse Fountain for Kansas City Fountain Day, but who hasn't already seen that? (If you haven't, see below.)

Happy Kansas City Fountains Day!

Turn of the Century

This row of houses on Pierce Street was built by William Rockhill Nelson in 1906 down the street from his mansion (where Nelson Atkins Museum now sits) to provide housing for some of his Kansas City Star employees. Still going strong today.

Why a Wristwatch?

I've always loved that Volker Fountain has an angel with a wristwatch on (see his left wrist) and the angel at the very top of the statue is playing the flute - from the wrong end. A bit of whimsy. I remember it from my youth when it was in the middle of Theis Park (south of the Nelson) and had fountains that we were known to frolic in. It was unveiled in 1958 but removed in 1993 to make way for the Brush Creek improvements and reinstalled in 1996, now close to Volker Blvd. Doesn't look as easy to frolic there now. The fountain is slated for repair this year and will not be operating on Fountain Day tomorrow.

Bubble Soccer

Who knew there was such a thing? These girls were preparing for a game in their bubbles on the lawn in Theis Park. The organizer said he is out there every Saturday in good weather to promote it. Apparently it's modeled after a sport in Japan. You can sign up a group and come to play.

Unlikely Duo

I can't remember the last time the forsythia and the lilacs were blooming at the same time. Crazy spring.

Petrified Tree Art

These odd pillars are along a driveway on Ward Parkway. The home often has unusual art pieces. These remind me of petrified trees or Stonehenge pillars.

Let's Go Royals!

We have much warmer weather than in April 2009 when the stadium opened for tours of the renovated facility. The wind was vicious that day.

Mission Bowl's Future

After the fire, the cleanup crew waited while owners were discussing next steps. A fixture of Mission since the 1950s, would be a shame if it didn't reopen.

We Are the Champions

I bought my paper yesterday to celebrate the Royals home opener. We are the American League Champions! It was cool to watch them hoist the championship flag (on TV) and hand out the championship rings. And what fun to win decisively out of the gate. Let's go Royals!

Easter Family

The Artists

The egg dyeing crew, sans me, as we played with the self-timer.

Easter Village

I painted this years ago and decided to bring it out after some years in storage.

Come, for all things are now ready ...

Actually, they aren't. The communion chalices are clean but hadn't yet been moved to the sanctuary in preparation for Maundy Thursday service last night.

Easter 1972

Easter with our exchange student, Carol of Jamaica. Scott is looking dapper.

Nicholas on Nichols

I thought it was clever that the bunny Nicholas is on the corner of JC Nichols Parkway. 

Like the Plaza lights, the Plaza bunnies started as a marketing campaign, sometime during the Depression. They continue to be painted (in original colors) each year but the red eyes no longer light up. Children everywhere are grateful. 

The bunnies being delivered in this undated photo.