Too Big

The guy at Family Tree wanted to take a picture of us with the big frog you can see in the background but Colin became upset when we got too close. I don't blame him, it was huge.

 

Sucker Egg

Colin is selecting a lollipop from the egg at Merriam Community Center.
 

They Have Returned!

My beloved lilacs are blooming after taking a year off. Something happened last year and none of the lilacs bloomed so I was delighted to see them this year. They used to bloom for my birthday but I guess climate is changing and they've bumped up to April.
 

Hands Off!

Cindy and I took to the streets in support of the Hands Off! national protest yesterday. We joined the group at Mill Creek Park. Reminded me of 50 years ago but thankfully many of the demonstrators weren't alive then so we're not the only age fighting back. One of the Easter bunnies joined in.

 

Tax Preparation Assistance

Stacy is again working as a volunteer tax preparer through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) in Kansas City, KS. I visited her at Avenue of Life, an organization that helps low-income individuals and families be self-sustained and independent.
 

Secrets of Adulthood

Enjoyed hearing Gretchen Rubin talk about her new book, Secrets of Adulthood, at Unity Temple. She was quite engaging talking about the book, which while small is packed with aphorisms for living.
 

Mom and Dad's Easter Finery

They looked pretty spiffy on Easter in 1957.

 

In the Shop

Colin had to work on his car in the repair shop at the indoor playground.
 

My Prize

I received this fun mug for completing the winter reading challenge at Mid-Continent Library.
 

Second Blooming

The amaryllis Stacy gave me for Christmas created a second full bloom extravaganza! It looked like this January 27 and then sent up a new shoot.
 

Intense Game of Dominoes

Introducing Vala to dominoes with Lowell and I allowing some leeway.

 

Picking Up the Compost

We have a compost plan where we take our bucket and drop it at a gathering place. When I went to dump our bucket they were picking up from the large containers. I had to wait through the emptying of 6 bins but now I know how it works. And it appears many folks are composting.
 

Best in Show

The tulip trees are outstanding this year. After several years of frozen blossoms they are putting on quite a show.

 

Road to the Final Four

Stacy and Hayden in front of the giant bracket in downtown Seattle in 1995. A mere 30 years ago.
 

Jumping for Joy

Colin dubbed the mini trampoline a little bounce house.

 

Breaking Fast

A group from Colonial attended a Ramadan Dinner at Avila that explained the concept and then we broke our fast together at sunset (7:35 pm). The woman in purple was the speaker. She provided a very good basic Ramadan explanation.
 

Monochromatic

We siblings talked before attending Benson's party so we could be color coordinated. If only.
 

Happy Birthday to Benson

Benson liked the singing but wasn't at all sure about the cake after he got it on his hands. The tree was stunning behind them.

 

Kids and Critters

The grandkids encountered turtles, a hawk and a bunny up close at the Ernie Miller Nature Park.

Doll House Wonderland

This is so cool, according to Lowell and Vala as we visited the Toy and Miniatures Museum. Of course, the Barbies were a hit.

 

Back When Things Were Civil

Steve and I and my friend Anita visited the White House during spring break in 1973.

 

Keeping His Distance

Colin wanted to get closer to the turtles but they would slide into the pond and he didn't want to get closer to the geese so here he sits.
 

The Money Museum

We visited the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve and each got a bag of shredded money. It said it was $81 (if you wanted to make the effort to put it all back together). We all three also tried to lift the gold bar but couldn't. I thought it was a trick but then a hefty young guy made it look easy. It's the only gold bar in the Kansas City Federal Reserve.

Living Enthusiastically

Yesterday, Colonial hosted Hazel Krebs, an author, speaker, and advocate for transgender people. She told a fascinating story of her journey to becoming Hazel and her joyful approach to life.
 

The Dumpster Wins

While we were eating dinner, the hellacious wind on Friday slammed a commercial dumpster into Howard's car. A witness said it came barreling down the hill and unfortunately we were in its way. It actually pierced the door but at least the door can be opened. A repair odyssey shall now begin.

 

Train Island

Lowell put the train track together and sat in the middle while Vala's train encircled her.
 

Raising the Flag

Adam assisted Pops installing my new garden flag. He added the clips to keep it centered. It looks fabulous.

 

Top of the Morning To You

Dad was always a hit on holidays for the Children's Conversation.

 

I Match

Colin noticed his shirt matched the ball, the fish and the floor. We were investigating the new installations at Family Tree Nursery.
 

Pot of Gold

Between squirrels and young children, I wonder how long the gold coins will last in this pot by the street.
 

Everything Old Is New Again

Hal and Julie planned to move in to 1275 Jewell – where Mom grew up and Gussie lived until she died – but decided to renovate before doing so. The house will be 100 years old next year so it needed an update but they kept much of its character.

Hal is standing in the basement workshop and by his feet you can see the line on the floor that marks the edge of the old coal bin. We had a lot of fun with that coal bin as kids. They also added a sewing hideaway for Julie in the attic.

 

Ready to Sing

The kids were ready to sing to Adam at his party but Stacy couldn't keep the candle lit in the wind. We finally sang and Adam blew it out just as she lit it.

 

Happy Birthday, Adam!

Adam is now 6! (with a traffic light cake)

 

Book Character Potato Challenge

Indian Hills is encouraging students to create a favorite literary character from a potato. Hayden provided the potatoes, and accessories as needed. These are Hayden's creations. The students will turn theirs in today. I can't wait to see them.

Paddington and Frederick