Farewell and Godspeed

We said good bye to our ministerial intern, Shea Zellweger, as he completed his seminary work and was ordained. He now will shepherd two congregations in Connecticut. He has been at Colonial for three years.

Orange on the Go

Not sure why, but this brightly painted bike is chained to a tree in front of a gas station.

Battle Lost

Three Nelle Peters apartment buildings, built in 1927 on the west edge of the Plaza, are being demolished. The owner said they had deteriorated beyond the point of salvage. The Historic Kansas City Foundation attempted to stop the demolition, saying they were part of the character of the Plaza but to no avail. Peters was an architect from 1909-1965.

 

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article54561700.html#storylink=cpy

Light Show Before Dinner

As we arrived at the New Theatre for our dinner and show, we were treated to quite the light show. We were seeing Over the Moon with Hal Linden.

School Teacher

Mom became a teacher here in 1944. I love her description of getting the job: "I got a job teaching at Pleasant Valley #57. I went to interviews at the 3 board members farms with my mother. I never got a job on my own. I don’t think I marketed well and it always took someone with influence to get me a job. My contract gave me $130.00 a month. I was also in charge of janitorial service and the furnace. I didn't have to mow the lawn."

Honoring Eagle Scouts

This monument at 39th and Gilham honors Eagle Scouts. Where the Eagle Scout badge can be seen was once a clock face because this marble piece was part of the Pennsylvania Station in New York. It was over the Seventh Street entrance from 1910 until the station closed in 1963. Kansas City businessman and national Boy Scout executive John W. “Twink” Starr arranged through a friend to have the piece brought to Kansas City and in 1968 the monument was dedicated at Gilham Park. Read more of the fascinating history here.

Do You See Sydney?

She surprised me by lurking behind the photos on the piano.

How Many Glasses Do You Need?

You have to know your etiquette to eat at this dinner party being set in the grand hall of the Nelson - 3 glasses, 3 forks, 2 knives and 2 spoons. Choose wisely so as not to make a faux pas.

Outdoor Art Class

These youngsters were participating in a drawing class at the Nelson. The woman in blue on the left was the instructor. They were very serious about their work.

The Work Begins

Between wood rot and woodpeckers, we needed some major work before they can paint.

Peeking

The bulbs are sending up shoots to see if winter really isn't going to happen this year.

So Many Patterns

 Hayden and Dad are in competition for the most colorful apparel. Stacy could be but we can't see her pants.

Taking the Lord's Name in Vain?

Is this really what God/Jesus intended for use of the name? Using it didn't spare the candy from the sale bin. All marked down now.

The Phoenix Rises

Briarwood School where Hayden completed grade school was torn down last fall and is being replaced with a new school to open in the fall.

Street Valentine

This neighborhood is expressing its holiday spirit.

From on High

I often gazed at the Swope Memorial from Starlight Theatre. Here's the view from the Swope Memorial looking at Starlight.

Bringing Color to the Neighborhood

This newly painted birdbath now has Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer characters in it. The homeowner periodically create scenes in the birdbath.

Valentine Delivery

This team came by my office to bring me a Valentine and wish me happy Valentine's Day. Not easy for them to say but it was close.

Baseball Lineup

Just a little play on words. I wish this was a better photo but I think it's funny that we're all sitting on a bench in the middle of the backyard holding on to a bat. What's the occasion?

World Series Cans

One of the entries in the Canstruction contest for Harvesters.

Peeling a Cactus

Look what you can find at the grocery store. Apparently, these cactus paddles, or napales, are used in all sorts of recipes. You peel them like a potato to remove the thorns, being very careful, and then dicing. Looks daunting to me.

Stump the Pastor

The Tweeners (5th and 6th grade) asked questions of Pastor Aaron yesterday. It was fun and informative.

St. Teresa's Lace

This facade at St. Teresa's Academy was designed of aluminum as a tribute to the Sisters of St. Joseph, who earned income by making and selling lace.

Thank Que

Who doesn't enjoy BBQ with Elvis standing over you?

Kindness Matters

Yes, it does.

Step Back 20

And here we are. Taylor is not very happy but everyone else is at least looking at the camera.

What Was the Plan?

I'm curious what the reason for this design would be. It's very intricate but to what end?

A Little Fresh Fruit

The orange trees are bearing fruit in the Kauffman Memorial Garden conservatory.

Mirror, Mirror

The Nelson and a shuttlecock in still waters.