Welcoming Pineapple

This bannister is in the entry way of the Strawberry Hill Museum, which is located in an 1880s home in Kansas City, KS. The holiday decor was a bit over the top but the home was beautiful with intricate wood trim. It was an orphanage from 1919 until 1988 when the museum purchased it so it's amazing that much of it was still in good condition.

 

Keeping Christ in Christmas

This creche is one of 32 in the Strawberry Hill Museum Keeping Christ in Christmas display.

The Sunday Lunch Quilt

Hayden and I made this quilt out of the tablecloths we used for Sunday lunches at my parents' house. Over the years, Mom made tablecloths for all the holidays and other random designs. Cindy and I and our daughters have many fond memories of Sunday lunches there and picking the tablecloth. We thought this was a good way to remember them. We gave this one to Cindy and are making at least three more.

Little Free Library

This branch of the Little Free Library is at 67th Street and Nall. You can take a book and leave a book. It's part of a nationwide effort to build more than 2,510 little libraries around the world - more than Andrew Carnegie. Learn more here.

Redneck Bluetooth

This driver had her cell phone clipped to her ear by her earmuff. That's one way to have the hands free benefit. She's also smoking so she needed her hands free.

Christmas Kittens

Rory (gray tabby) and Pete (white tabby) joined Stacy's household on Dec. 22. Bundles of energy. Stacy's beloved cat, Riley, lost her battle with cancer so these ruffians bring joy.

Merry Christmas!

I painted this nativity when the girls were babies so they could play with it without worrying about it getting broken. The stubby figures never broke although they have been nicked a bit.

Guess Who's Coming to Town

I am now custodian for my Dad's Santa face, lifted on an Orange Bowl trip about 50 years ago. I put him in a shadow box because of his fragile condition.

When Is It Too Much?

It's a wonderland of great stuff and fascinating to look at. Would I want it in my yard? No, but I enjoyed it.

Migrant Snowman

Susan (holding the tree) decided to get out of the garage and join the snow family at Debbie's house for the holiday. 

Buried

So, I think this makes more snow than we had all last winter. Thankfully, we dodged the ice. If only Kansas City, MO, could understand snow removal, or even just treating streets. 

ENDURING AND ENDEARING

I made a set of these ornaments when Stacy was 1 year old because she wanted to take all the ornaments off the tree. They are soft and durable. Tas has taken a liking to them and wants to chew on them. They've made it 31 years so she doesn't get to destroy them now.

Christmas All Year?

The license plate says Rudolph. Note the antlers on the roof.

All Aboard!

The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express in all its illumination. Such fun!

Rock Chalk

You gotta love games in Allen Fieldhouse, even when they lead by more than 30 points much of the night.

Dazzling

The Grand Hall at Union Station lit for the season.

How Cute is This?

Princess Frances

This is the last weekend for the Fairy Princess court.

Backstage, preparing the princess.

The Snowman Saga Continues

It seems that the one I identified as Susan at my niece Debbie's house was an imposter. It was actually a former sister-in-law that had been stashed in Mom's attic for years. Susan's snowman is pictured here. It is resting in Susan's garage.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

The crew I worked with at the Cross-Lines Christmas Store. I lost count but I think we hosted about 60 clients that morning. They each get detergent, dishwashing soap, tissue and toilet paper, a health kit with towel, washcloth, shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and comb/brush. Then they can pick a family gift - things like appliances, bedding, dishes. Cross-Lines qualified more than 500 families for it during the 6 days.

The Last Snowman Found

Scott decided his snowman would be happier inside so here he sits. Note the Happy Holidays sign also is there behind the stockings. So now we have proof that all the snowman have found homes.

Light Extravaganza

While you can't really tell, this is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. They gave a fantastic, high energy show with lots of lights. But because of all the flashing lasers, I couldn't really get a good photo. So just imagine it.

Santa Looks Good Enough to Eat

And the cooks, Stacy and Lisa.

Where Are the Snowmen - Part 3

Cindy is in her backyard adorned with candy canes and a tree.

Where Are the Snowmen - Part 2

Mom, Steve, Susan and Dad snowmen are now at home with my niece, Debbie, and her sons, Dominic and Cameron, in Wichita. (photo courtesy of Debbie)

Floating Crane

It's hard to see here but the crane is anchored by four posts as you see in the right bottom corner so the tires were just spinning away. Apparently it stabilizes the crane.

Shimmering Delight

Tree Troll

Something lurks in my tree.

Toffee Secrets

Above is the toffee as we added the chocolate. Just good ol' Hershey bars. Below is the finished product. It was delicious. Part of a candy making class we took.

Where Are the Snowmen?

The Morgan snow family has dispersed. Mine is enjoying this holiday in my backyard.

Introducing the Fairy Court

The Fairy Princesses were introduced last night at an open house in the Carriage House at the Kansas City Museum. Good thing it was warm.

Fairyland Winter

Miniature land is now inhabited by fairies frolicking on a frozen pond.

Startling, But Styling

I was quite shocked to find this "woman" standing in the Youth Center at work one morning. In the shadows, I thought it was a real person. Just there for a party apparently.

Do You Recognize This Ceiling?

It's the ceiling in the Union Station lobby, beautifully restored.

Old Time Holiday

The decorations made by my father-in-law about 50 years ago.  My brother-in-law now has them on display in his yard.

Ninja Exit

A sign at the lab where Holly works.

Happy Birthday, Howard!

All Decked Out

Union Station is ready for the holidays.

Fruit Turkey

Frances' creation for the Thanksgiving table.

What Am I Thankful For?

My amazing, irreverent, fun-loving, brilliant, ever forgiving, loveable family! Often to be found gathered around the table. It was my mother's favorite holiday, she said, because it was just lots of food and laughter, no expectations. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, wherever life's journey finds you.

Colorful Seats

You just never know what you can buy on a street corner.

Minus the Soda

Plans call for the soda fountain in the basement of Corinthian Hall to be restored.

In 1987, the first year the Fairy Princess was revived, Grandpa took Stacy, Hayden and Morgan for treats at the soda fountain afterward.

Moveable Mantle

The mantle in the library of Corinthian Hall, the Long mansion, looks untouched but was actually moved by the Longs' daughter Loula to her horse farm, Longview, after they died. It has been returned and is part of the years-long restoration under way. Frances is admiring it to give you perspective.

Woo-hoo!!!

Who knew we would be excited by gas prices below $3? Remember when it used to be 25 cents? Actually I don't but I thought it sounded kind of like walking a mile in the snow.

What Do You Really See?

Everything is not always as it seems.

A little something hidden behind the brass vase, unbeknownst to the casual observer.