Happy Millennium

Ahh, the drama leading up to Jan. 1, 2000. Turned out not to be the end times but we all had fun celebrating. We even had a cool camera to print things on the photos.

Champion Crystal

My new Waterford piece. One of a limited number of crystal commemorative Royals baseballs. So cool!

First Snow

Mark it. December 28 was our first snow of this winter. Not a lot of accumulation but certainly messy on the roads.

Stadium in 3D

This unique rendering of Kauffman Stadium was a gift from Howard. It's laser cut from solid cherry and built in three layers. How cool is this?

The Force Will Protect Your Books

R2D2 has taken over the outside book drop at Corinth Library.

Herding Cats

It's not easy to get the cousins arranged but they look terrific when you do.

A Child Is Born

Merry Christmas!

Away in a Manger

Hayden as Baby Jesus in the pageant lo those many years ago. She did not enjoy lying in the manger. Stacy (below) was dressed in her Christmas finery for the occasion with her camera in hand. Merry Christmas to all!

The Stockings Were Hung

Holy Family

My friend got this elaborate nativity at a garage sale for a couple of dollars. It's one of the best I've seen, even the manger.

Shined and Ready

Our handbells were ready for our performance yesterday morning.

A Protective Shell

Stacy, Hayden and I became part of a snowglobe while at Union Station. How fun is that? It seemed to be tricky for them to keep it inflated as folks stepped in or out.

Flock the Halls

Yes, you can still get flocked trees. This one is for the undecided. You can, of course, now get red, Royal blue, and white.

Reindeer Sandwiches

The preschool kids were busily making peanut butter sandwiches in the shape of a reindeer head (see foreground). Some were adding pretzels and M&Ms to the peanut butter. I hoped they were all eating their own creation as it was pretty hands on.

A Visit with St. Nicholas

No one seems entranced by this visit to Santa. I'm really taking exception to it. Steve just seems to be in a trance. Often more important to the parents than the kids.

The Perfect Tree

The Boy Scout Christmas tree lot at 67th and Nall does a booming business each year from Thanksgiving through today. It's the Scouts' major fundraiser. The customer service is outstanding.

Woodland Setting

Mr. and Mrs. Santa posed for photos in the garden center. A great setting and you get to see Mrs. Santa, too.

Christmas Melodies

The Colonial Choir presented a delightful concert of Christmas music last night. Hayden is on far left.

Gilham Christmas

We went to Gilham Park to see if the huge Santa or any of those decorations were still used. None of those but they had a cool lighted path.

Let's Try White

Hayden arranging the altar at church. Her co-chair decided to order white poinsettias so we'll see what the congregation thinks.

Decorative Yet Edible

The door decorations at the Crestwood Shops in Brookside are adorned with vegetables. Very creative.

Holiday Happiness

I love this photo of my mom and the snowman. I don't recall what they were laughing about but Debbie, Morgan and Holly seemed to join in the frivolity.

Inspiring Work

Stacy, Cindy and I worked at the Cross-Lines Christmas Store for low income folks in Johnson and Wyandotte counties yesterday. We had "believe, inspire, hope" on the walls to inspire us. The building used to be a charter school for the arts.

Celebrating Hanukkah

This subtle menorah is nestled in the lobby of the Westin. Hanukkah began Sunday night.

Lighting the Candle of Peace

Stacy, Hayden and I lit the Advent candles yesterday.

Holiday Luminary Walk

At the beginning of the luminary walk at the Johnson County Arboretum & Botanical Garden, it was light but it soon grew dark. Along the way we saw a mystical Fairy Village and ended with a beautiful blue tree. Lots of folks. We skipped Santa and the hayride.

 

The Latest in Christmas Apparel

This Christmaster Oppo Suit can be yours for just $99! It also comes in a Rudolph or snowflake design, all equally attractive. Perhaps part of the ugly sweater craze (which can I just say was more interesting when it was authentic sweaters that time had decided where ugly).

Make It Quick

These advent wreaths that the kids made used birthday candles. You won't have much time for a reading or whatever before these candles burn away. But it looks authentic.

Hanging the Lights

Scott and Cindy helping Dad with the lights in 1996. Dad learned early on not to get on a ladder. I'm sure Holly is being helpful as well.

Elaborate Postal Tables

These tables are in the area where post office boxes are now located in Union Station. There are several of these. I tried to find out their origin but was unsuccessful. I'm guessing they came from a bank but I don't recognize the initials. Maybe Traders National Bank?

From on High

Hanging the greens requires some to be hung high. This step always creeped me out because I felt I was going to fall over the railing. Happy to just photograph this time.