Ghostly Art

These sculptures made from woven wire create a ghostly presence - especially the one flying above the Prairie Village Art Fair. Very cool. Sculptor is Michael Gard.

The Greatest

Raygun, the self-proclaimed Greatest Store in the Universe, is in the Crossroads. Hayden introduced me to it. It's a fun store. After selling t-shirts on the street, Mike Draper opened a store in downtown Des Moines in 2005 and here last year.

Game On

The raised planter is filled with flowers, vegetables and herbs. Now it's time to do battle with the squirrels, who insist on digging everything up.

Fun at the Fair

Mom and Dad and Debbie at the Mid-America Fair in Topeka in September 1976.

Day Is Done

And the color is spectacular. Photo courtesy of Howard, who had a better vantage.

Pianos on Parade

The Kansas City Music Teachers Association is celebrating 100 years of excellence with this competition to paint a piano. The pianos were painted Saturday at Union Station and will be dispersed around the city.

Colorful Decay

The rail yards in Parsons are under used now. They used to work on the cars in these areas but little happens now.

Ancient Artifact

This typewriter was part of the Parsons Museum display of artifacts at Katy Days yesterday. While I don't recall ever seeing a typewriter in this atrocious color, it doesn't seem all that old to me. They had a couple of people explaining how they worked. Startling to think that something I used for many years now has to be explained to younger people.

Croquet, Anyone?

The Char Bar in Westport has a croquet lawn in its beer garden. Fun to see people playing. They also have a bocce court and ping pong. It was a great night to sit around the firepit, too. Oh, and the food was outstanding.

Pocket Ceramic

I thought this was a fantastic representation of the main character in "Up." It's a ceramic pocket. The middle school art students made them to look like various characters.

Dancing in the Rain

It seems appropriate to have a rain photo. Susan seems to have stepped in a lake, circa 1972.

What Lies Inside?

My nephew, Drew, is looking in the trailer they have brought into the Brickyard (the outdoor entertainment area outside his restaurant) in Wichita. If I understood correctly, they will use it to serve food from during events as the kitchen in the restaurant isn't big enough to serve both the restaurant and the Brickyard. We didn't have the key so we were reduced to peaking in the windows.

Always a Delight

Every year when this spiderwort returns in the spring it wows me. The chartreuse leaves with the deep purple blooms is so striking.

How High Can You Go - Safely?

As I followed this truck I decided to keep my distance. Didn't seem that the one strap would hold all those pallets in place if he stopped suddenly or turned too sharply.

Loading Up

Hayden and Matt preparing the first load of Hayden's belongings to move to the new house. We helped move all the boxes yesterday and the furniture will be moved on Monday.

Pie Flight

The Upper Crust Bakery in old Downtown Overland Park offered "pie flights" last night during Third Fridays. They said it's named after an old definition of flight, as in flights of angels. They said their pies are a slice of heaven so why not a pie flight to introduce their pies? We had Lemon Custard, Dixie and Peach-Blueberry.

Under the Sea

Hayden was modeling the squid headdress that was part of the Under the Sea Book Fair decor. Only problem, you can't actually see while wearing it.

Double Graduation

In 2000, Hayden graduated from East and Stacy from K-State (in December). How could that have been 15 years ago?

Waiting for Rain

My new rain gauge. Howard gave it to me for my birthday.

A Living Memorial

This gate on Ward Parkway was dedicated to "our dead of the world war" (World War I) by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the Revolution on Armistice Day in 1930 as a living memorial. The plaque says "As a living memorial, this avenue of trees is dedicated" and then lists the dead. It doesn't look like too many of the trees date from then but at least more have been planted.

Purple Beauty

The rhododendron we put in about five years ago is finally in full bloom this year. A long time coming but worth the wait.

The Remnants of Firefly Forest

This cottage is the only evidence of the once cool Firefly Forest on Indian Creek Trail in Overland Park. Created in 2013 by an anonymous person, it consisted of several fairy cottages. The creator moved away and took the houses but a short film, The Gnomist, has been made about them. I hope to see it soon.

Living Locket

Hayden gave me this Living Locket for my birthday. She put a camera (because of my blog), a heart and gems in it. You can open it and add more things, hence living. Very cool.

Swirling, Swirling

That's what I think of when I see these carnival rides. They were never really my friend. If you want a ride, check out the Mission carnival tonight or tomrrow.

Birthday in Paradise

Enjoying my birthday in Kauai on our honeymoon.

These Blossoms Can Mean Only One Thing

It's my birthday! Spirea blooming in front of the house on Flint and the awnings going up means it's time for marble cake!

Touching Up a Masterpiece

This guy said he was hired to touch up this artwork on Ward Parkway. He said he can tell that it's actually 3 different pieces - the top, the side columns and the frieze (center piece). They are marble and were brought in by JC Nichols from Italy, and not artistically cemented together. He said the main piece looks like something created for a marriage with the two family crests but he hasn't been able to find either crest. He is also adding an anti-graffiti paint to prevent vandalism.

A Modern Twist

Who doesn't want an over-sized, bright colored slinky? But does it go down steps?

Unexpected Triumph

I was only intending to walk the 5K while Stacy ran but I started out running and couldn't stop. Really exciting to complete another one, especially after my pain last fall. Yeah! It was in Water Fall Park in Independence.

The Latest in Hot Pink for Men

These alligator shoes at the shoe shine place on the Plaza are part of a trend of bright colors for men. Can't wait to see them on the street.

Where's the Water?

This fellow and his companion have been wandering about at the gym where there is a fountain that is not operating. One was sitting on the fountain. We decided this guy went up on the roof to look for an alternate water location.