Welcome to Kansas City

This is a new take on these signs I've seen a lot of during the pandemic. Nice touch for someone moving here with Royals, Chiefs, BBQ and sunflowers as an introduction.

Floral Elegance

The calla lily always looks so elegant and well put together in the garden.

Brightening the Neighborhood

This homeowner decided to use a bevy of pinwheel flowers with real flowers.

Colorful Storage

This colorful mural is on a storage container in Berkley Riverfront Park. Artist is Phil Shafer of Sike Style Industries, a company that paints numerous murals in Kansas City.

Double the Fun

I took the double stroller for a test drive and much frivolity ensued.

The Brothers Morgan

Scott and Steve hanging out on the patio in 1975. Happy Birthday to Scott on Monday. He was an elderly 18 in the picture.

Shawnee Origins

This Shawnee Indian Cemetery, hidden in an old Shawnee neighborhood, most resembles a vacant lot except for a few headstones. The tall obelisk in the foreground stands at one side and you can see to the car where the other side is. That obelisk marks the grave of Captain Joseph Parks, chief of the Shawnee Indians before the more well-known Chief Charles Bluejacket. He is one of the original signers of the Shawnee Treaty of 1854 that ceded much of the tribe's land back to the federal government. Bluejacket is buried in Oklahoma but two of his wives are buried in this cemetery. There's your history lesson for the day. It took me three wrong turns to find this cemetery, although my mother – as part of the Shawnee Mission Indian Society - did show it to me one time on a cemetery tour.

Finn Is 3

We celebrated Finn's birthday, although he's not officially 3 until Friday. He was happy to share the festivities with cousin and brother.

 

Father's Day Smiles

We had a raucous Father's Day celebration with all the kids. Getting them to all look at the same time was a challenge.

Ready to Roll

Saturday adventure. Howard got a bike rack for his car so we can venture to trails further from home.

Explaining

Lowell was telling me about how the doors and windows work in the little house.

Getting Ready to Ride

Adam had his horse ready for a ride. His injury occurred before he arrived at my corral.

Grandma Vala Birthday Celebration

Exchange student Gustavo got to sit by the birthday girl Vala. She only has 3 candles but she was turning 78. Her birthday is June 21.

Bead Decked

That's supposed to be a play on bedecked. 😉 Not sure why these folks created this look but it's interesting.

Kids in the House

Lowell invited the boys in to her new playhouse.

The Gammy Squad

Great fun with the kids at Lowell's birthday party.

In Solidarity and Magic

One of the signs I've seen on my walks. This one adds the extra touch of Magic Flowers, as you can read below.

Backyard Patty Cake

Adam and I were playing a rousing game of Patty Cake.

Justice Walk and Rally

Stand Up for Black Lives organized a walk from the Prairie Village City Hall to the old Macy's parking lot at 71st and Mission Road. Our church used its colorful banner in the walk. Several people spoke including the head of the local NAACP. The only person I saw without a mask is the man in front of the speaker, who introduced himself to me as the minister of Unity Southeast Kansas City church. Not sure why he didn't choose to wear one.

Mr. America

On this, Dad's birthday, it seems appropriate to show him with flags as he was an enthusiastic patriot, especially on the 4th of July. Here in 1986 he was preparing to do a Children's Conversation on Flag Day. Each child received a flag.

Summer Fun

Lowell had fun with this sprinkler toy even though we couldn't quite get it to work right.

Working the River

Tugboat Johanna working to hold a barge in place while they put rock in the Missouri River.

Serenity

Kayaking at Lake Lenexa looked so serene.

Birthday Girl

I enjoyed a walk at Lenexa Lake and a tiny cake with Lowell and her mom on her birthday.

Guess Who's 2 Years Old Today

Happy Birthday, Lowell. Less like a toddler and more like a little girl every day.

Together Again

I finally had Adam and Lowell together - the first time since spring break began. What a joy. Below they watched library story time live online since we can't go to the library now.

Tiny Girl

Just two short years ago. She has changed a lot.

Bellflower Tradition

My aunt Helen grew these by her front porch and gave me a cutting some years ago. At long last, mine is thriving and blooming. Better late than never.

Busy Spring

We don't know if it's because folks are spending more time in their yards or they are making a concerted effort to shop local, but KCAdirondack has had a busy spring. This is one order of chairs and one for a glider. Below are the parts before they were chairs.

KC Strong

A lot of ways to interpret this sentiment in these trying times.