Still Open for Business

Ye old service center (vintage 1983) still draws a crowd. Lowell and Vala were using the crank elevator to bring cars to the top level.
 

The Year of the Rabbit

Rozelle Court is ready for Chinese New Year celebrations. Technically the year began January 22.
 

Celebrating Colin

We celebrated Colin's birthday with a ladybug theme. He loved his smash cake. After he was hosed off, he enjoyed his new Adirondack chair from Pops.

 

Go Chiefs

 

Stamp of Approval

After being the leader in responses during storytime, Adam got a stamp. He was older than all the other participants so had the edge.
 

Let's Not Do This Again

 

A mere 21 years ago this week, we had a huge ice and snow storm that tore our power line off the house and broke our trees. Yesterday's storm was a blip compared to this mess. You can see below the clean up in progress. 2002

Art Project

Colin is contemplating his art. Disclaimer, the marker lid was never removed.

 

Botanical Hideaway

The Orangery at Kauffman Memorial Garden always provides a mini-botanical garden getaway, especially on a cold winter day. And true to its name, oranges were on the trees.

 

Winter Artistry

Winter gave us a light brush this time but it was pretty in the trees.

 

Chicken Race

 Vala and Lowell racing the "chickens" at the library.

Brightening the Neighborhood

A new mural behind the InterUrban Arthouse in Overland Park is the product of 50 Lowe's employees and area high school students under the direction of Nicole Emanuel, founder. She applied for a Hometown grant from Lowe's and the long mural is a result. Even Chiefs' Travis Kelce painted a part.

 

Fly!

Ready, set, fly! When you're a super hero on a cold, rainy January day at Gammy's house, why not fly?

 

International Flair

A rite of every elementary school winter was the Girl Scouts International Fair. We always had to make some flair for fellow Girl Scouts to take home. I'm guessing this was a Japanese year by Stacy's garb. Her fellow troop members are in the back. 1990
 

What's Up?

Just hanging around. Colin is almost a year old and he looks it.

 

Doctor in the House

Dr. Vala was administering medicine to patient Lowell.

 

Just Breathe

An oasis of calm.

 

Left Behind

Either it's a jump on Christmas 2023 or Santa forgot to retrieve his mailbox after Christmas.
 

Expressive Bookmarks

Friends of Johnson County Library solicit original bookmarks each summer and announce winners in October. Many of the entries are now on display at the Central Resource Library. I like their passion ... "I have always imagined paradise will be a kind of library" ,,, "If you're bored, go to the library" ... "Reading is a treat" ... The winning bookmarks are printed and available throughout the library system.
 

Getting Some Pointers

Howard and Adam were discussing golf swings.

 

Skating By

Hayden and Morgan enjoying the Crown Center ice terrace with Cindy.

 

National Championship Heart

This heart was part of the Kansas City parade of hearts and is inspired by KU's postgame celebration after the championship, according to artist Megh Knappenberger. It is signed by coaches and players on the championship team. The three of us also helped KU survive Oklahoma during the game last night.
 

On Display

Vanna White (Lowell) is showing off my new flag holder/shelf that Howard made. My Super Bowl flag fits perfectly for this run for the 2023 title. For Christmas, Howard made one for me, for Stacy and for Hayden out of the wood from the bunk beds he made for them 30 years ago. So cool!
 

Second Life

Prairie Village is mulching Christmas trees as they are dropped off. The trees will enjoy a new life nurturing plantings around the city.
 

Lighting Up for the Chiefs

Beautiful way to start a day. Even the sunrise supports the Chiefs with its color.
 

In the Morning Light

 

Piquing the Imagination

Art, puzzle making, crowns and play – Kaleidoscope is a wonderland. Lowell loved it.

 

Swearing In

Stacy and Hayden (back) being sworn in as pages in 1993. Below with Senate President Paul "Bud" Burke and Dad.

 

Backwards Day

Colin dumped all his toys out of the basket so Izzy decided to take over. Usually she's on the outside trying to reach the toys.
 

There's Always One

You think you have all the Christmas decor stored for another year and then you find one that was missed. Vala and I were getting a puzzle and there stood Father Christmas. He was there because the cats kept chewing on his crown so I put him where they couldn't get to him.
 

Izzy's Tree

Izzy claimed ownership to our Christmas tree and didn't appreciate that we were taking it down. You may be able to see that we have few ornaments on the bottom third. Between she and Bruno, most were removed and we stopped putting them back. Perhaps next Christmas they will be better behaved.
 

Highlights of 2022

As we bid 2022 farewell, remembering the Jayhawks national championship and enjoying this Waterford Crystal ball commemorating the win, a gift from Howard this Christmas.