Tree Graffiti

It's chalk so shouldn't hurt the tree. I can't actually read what it says except "loves" so not effective. But the roots are colorful at this gloomy time of year.

In the Arms of Rabbits

My self portrait in the rabbits' gazing ball. You have to look carefully.

Modern Cathedral

It looks more like a spaceship but this is the new sanctuary being constructed at Church of the Resurrection. The glass wall you see will have a massive stained glass window (see below) which is being installed now. I will be curious to see it from this vantage when it is lit at night.

The Year of the Rooster

The Sister Cities bridge on the Plaza is decorated for Chinese New Year today. 2017 is the year of the Rooster. The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle so those born in 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005 are also known as Roosters. So Scott and Hayden ... ?

Fly Away

The spires of Bartle Hall with winged friends. Seems rather Alfred Hitchcockish.

Happy Birthday, Susan!

Love the western motif.

A Dog, A Turtle and A Lizard

Sounds like the start of a joke but instead it's a description of this statue outside the Marriott. The turtle is the base which may be hard to see here.

Feeling Blue

Union Station is lit in tribute to Yordano Ventura, Royals pitcher killed in an auto accident Sunday. You can see his number lit on the Marriott in the background.
Photo credit to Stacy as her photo came out much better than mine.

Takes All Ages

First-grader Gabe doled out sour cream while we were serving the homeless yesterday. (I was serving the lettuce but stopped at a break to take a photo.) Our parents are conscientious about getting kids involved. You can't see her face, but Erin next to Gabe is in middle school.

Still Illuminating

This chandelier in the lobby of the Hotel Phillips is original from the hotel's opening in 1931. I participated in a Historic Kansas City Foundation tour and learned lots about the history of the hotel, which was the tallest building at 20 stories when it opened.

Liberty Shines

The Liberty Memorial standing tall (for 96 years and counting).

And Now This

To add to our winter smorgasbord, we now have added ice fog. Gave a nice glaze to parking lots and sidewalks in addition to the visibility issue.

Stripes Abound

Susan is sporting her Nancy Kassebaum for Senator button in 1978. One wonders what the Polaroid is a photo of that has them looking closely. Lee was treasurer for Nancy's election campaign.

The Lights Are Fading

As the days get longer, the days of the Plaza Lights are diminishing. Catch them before Jan. 22, when they go dark until Thanksgiving.

Out of Pompeii

I captured a photo of this gladiator with her shield (and hot pink gloves) fighting a tiger in a forum at the Pompeii exhibit at Union Station. Best part of the experience was the 4D eruption theater that simulated the earthquake and volcanic eruption, complete with smoke in pre-dawn darkness.

Wet or Frozen?

That was the question yesterday - what was just wet and what surface was an ice slick. Most of it was just wet but the streets were empty. The threat of Winter Storm Jupiter was too much. And why are we now naming storms like they are hurricanes?

Ice Drops

While frozen, not the depth of ice they were predicting. We'll see what today brings.

Lighting the Town Red

Support for the Chiefs in their playoff game tomorrow.

Full Moon Rising

I should have used my new tripod but the moon looked cool through the trees and I didn't have it with me. The full moon seems appropriate for Friday the 13th.

A Wild Hare

A photo from February 1990 with Stacy, Hayden, Morgan and Frances. Not sure why there is a rabbit but the sign in back says "After 50 years, we've got a wild hare." Mean anything to anyone?

Dry Beauty

Love the colors and textures. #findingbeauty.

Crystal Colors

The latest additions to my Christmas crystal. First ones that aren't clear. Love them.

The Beauty of Cold

The intense cold has much to dislike except for things like this.

Super Size Me

I guess it's oversized. Impressive size of these tires, and there were 4 on this flatbed. Must be a very large vehicle that needs these.

Family Connections

Aunt Helen and Cindy laughing about family photos and connections. Cindy is holding a family tree made by one of Helen's granddaughters with all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on it.

Have a Seat

Not ideal conditions - in addition to the snow, the temperature was 9 degrees, with a windchill of 0 at the time of the photo.

Watching the Trains

Dad, Steve and Chris hanging out at the rail yards in Topeka in December 1949. Chris seems dressed warmly but Steve is wearing short pants.

Out With the Old

We have a new phone system at work with direct lines - at last. Moving to the 21st Century! They are piling up in preparation for recycling.

Leaving the Station

This train was part of the display leading into the train exhibit at Union Station. Cool decor but it is moving on as the station returns to its non-holiday look.

Welcome 2017

The sparkler candles did not photograph well but it was still a funtastic new year's celebration.

Contemplating the New Year

This barred owl at the Ernie Miller Nature Center did not move the entire time he and I chatted.