Sissy Gargoyle

Not so intimidating when wearing a floppy hat and shades.

Spies Around

I've decided that spies live in this house because they have a giant satellite dish and a smaller one on the house. They don't take care of their yard so they're probably busy picking up information. It's fun to make up stories when you don't have a clue. But really, who needs that big a dish for their household?

Fragrance of Hawaii

I love growing the tuberose because it's fragrance reminds me of the leis we received when we went to Hawaii on our honeymoon.

Backyard Oasis

The view from my patio. My garden is loving all the rain this summer.

Circus Days

With Ringling Brothers headed to town, a look back at one of the many times we went with Dad early to see the animals and the carriages.

Painted Piano

I found another one. This colorful piano is on the Plaza.

Flowing Fire

I loved the light through the fountains at Kauffman Stadium. Beautiful night, beautiful win.

She's Coming Down

Briarwood Elementary School where Hayden went is being torn down to make way for a new school. Currently the students are being bused to nearby Broadmoor.

Fairy Entrance

Stacy, Hayden and I took another hike to see if we could locate some of the fairy homes. We found these on a trail off Switzer in southern Overland Park.

Incognito

The Jayhawk for the KU Football Kickoff in Corinth was waiting for air. Very compact but he loomed large eventually.

Makes One Ponder

In this country cemetery, I found several grave sites like this one with a brick frame. They all look like this so don't know how it would have appeared when new. I've not seen this before.

A Brilliant Light Extinguished

In memory of my brother-in-law Marty Puckett, who brought so much joy into our lives. Here he is hamming it up with Hayden. He was always good for levity and was rock solid. He was laid to rest yesterday, much too young.

Offering to the Gods

Each year when the surprise lilies come up around this yard carving, I feel like it's an offering to the gods. But if you look at the face, not sure the guy is pleased.

Surprise Bloom

Who knew an elephant ear bloomed? I didn't.

Just a Reminder

In case you've forgotten any of the 10 commandments, you can amble by this church and there they are. I just discovered this although it looks like it's been there awhile. It's a a Lutheran church.

Suggestions Wanted - Not Really

Bates City Barbecue suggestion box - with no slot. They have lots of humor posted in the restaurant. And excellent barbecue, so no suggestions needed.

Nice Ride

This beautiful balloon drifted down right in front of us. As you can see below, at first we thought it was going to come down on the road. Obviously the pilot knows what he's doing.

Hanging Bouquet

Unfortunately this spectacular basket is not at my house.

First Day of School

Steve is ready to catch the bus. No grass, no trees. Shawnee Village was a lovely neighborhood in its early years.

Acridophobia Sufferers Beware

A very large grasshopper lurks in the trees along Ward Parkway.

A Stitch in Time

This needle threading a button sculpture is in Garment District Place Park in the Garment District of Kansas City, MO, at 8th and Bank St. It's in a nice little park near the Garment District Museum. Just one of the interesting sites to stay on the look out for.

A Sense of Humor

This yard has a sign in it declaring the occupant "Neighbor of the Month." It's a yard that always looks overgrown so I'm guessing that someone thinks they are funny or they are trying to encourage the person to mow and trim the bushes.

 

Hiding in the Trees

Stacy and I were on a walk in her neighborhood and at the end of the road in this out of the way area, she showed me her discovery - this Conoco sign. Wonder why it's there.

Moving Memorial

This truck was parked near Howard's office. It's advertising the Wounded Warrior Project, which raises awareness for and enlists the public's assistance for injured servicemen. Very dramatic art.

Kicked Out

Walgreen's in Roeland Park has had a change of heart and kicked Larry's out of their parking lot. I have purchased plants there for several years. They set up in late March and continue through July. I'm guessing someone in corporate Walgreen's made this decision.

Welcome Aboard

Just a mere 48 years ago, we welcomed Ingrid Matland of Norway to Shawnee Mission West and our household for the year.

New Take on the Shuttlecocks

This print by John Bosley, an illustrator and artist from Des Moines, caught my eye at the Strawberry Festival Saturday. It now adorns my office. You can see more of his unique work here. He's selling and autographing below. I bought a print of the same image as on the shirt for Stacy for her birthday.

Waiting for the Show

We had tickets to see comedian Jim Gaffigan last night at Starlight. Hilarious show. Looked like it was close to sold out. We were in box seats but the new video boards were a welcome addition.

Blessing of the Backpacks

Pastor Aaron blessed the backpacks of these kids as they get ready to return to school.

Caring God...

we offer these backpacks...

as a sign of our thanks...

for all you will do...

with us and for us...

this year at school...

                   

We bless these backpacks...

as companions to us...

as we learn and grow...

May they carry...

food for bodies...

and food for thought...

                   

Let them be a reminder...

that you are as close to us...

as the backpack on our back...

always...

and...

forever...

Amen!

Rolling Leisure

Stacy and Hayden enjoyed the comfort of adirondack chairs made to look like they would roll (they didn't). From the toy side of the updated Kansas City Toy and Miniature Museum, which reopened yesterday as the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

Just Hangin Out

This tin Minion is waiting for the right people to take him home for their yard.