These SM East seniors have re-formed the East Against Gun Violence Club in response to a frightening spring lockdown drill that they didn't know was a drill and an experience at the National Speech and Debate tournament in June when there was a suspected active shooter. They spoke to Grandparents for Gun Safety. A group from Sumner and Wyandotte schools also spoke and are organizing. When you get the youth interested in gun safety, I feel hopeful.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Between Earth and Sky
Kansas City native Elaina Wendt Michalski used clay to create this large sculpture in Antioch Park to express the experience of standing in a forest surrounded by trees. It's part of Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department artists in residence program. The sculpture will be on display through December.
Friday, July 25, 2025
More Water Sport
Lowell was happy to show me her new swimming skills while Vala preferred swimming with Barbie mermaids and ponies. 😎
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Hanging Out
Scott and I in 1957. He looks precariously placed but he was the 5th kid so maybe they had relaxed safety measures. I like that the lawn chairs are all there in the living room. The beginning of our optional seating.
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Water Day
The grandkids had a blast at the splash park, especially trying to fit into the waterfall/jelly fish feature. Adam is barely visible. Vala would only back in.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Sea Nettle Jellyfish
Sea nettle jellyfish at the Denver Aquarium. One of the photos that wouldn't post while we were there. The jellyfish were cool to watch.
Monday, July 21, 2025
Welcome Visitor
I love it when goldfinches come to my feeder. It's a hummingbird feeder but the birds like to drink out of the water (which is there to keep ants out of the nectar).
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Leaping Coneflower
I planted this Cheyenne Spirit coneflower last year to attract butterflies and had one bloom. This year it has kindly decided to leap into action. Mostly attracting bees right now.
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Early Morning Gateway
This lovely sculpture in Meadowbrook Park looks amazing anytime but was lit up beautifully in the early morning. Made of glass and steel it is illuminated all night or by natural light in the daytime.
Friday, July 18, 2025
Sheeps Lake
This view of beautiful Sheeps Lake meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park hides a group of bighorn sheep that like to eat the mud you can see for the minerals. A ranger is stationed next to the road where they cross to stop traffic. He says they come each day sometime between 9 and 4 and then go back up the mountain.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
El Tovar Grand Canyon Lodge
The family enjoyed a rest on the porch of El Tovar Hotel on the Grand Canyon North Rim. Built in 1905, it fortunately is not the historic lodge that burned this week. 1991
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Alluvial Fan
I learned a new term - alluvial -
the rock and sand washed down in a flood. This is from a 1982 flood
when a 1900 earthen dam burst and sent water down the mountain and into
Estes Park. It leveled off some here so deposited a bunch of the rocks
in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Monday, July 14, 2025
Rocky Mountain Majesty
The Rockies - always impressive in Rocky Mountain National Park. And we were fortunate to see some wildlife up close.

Sunday, July 13, 2025
Ready, Set ...
Colin was too young for VBS but he got to participate in the finale stuffy blaster. He captured a dinosaur. Adam did too. Vala thought it was too loud.
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Vacation Bible School – Day 2
VBS fun continues. Lowell is ready to nail someone with a water balloon. Vala is creating a flip flop picture frame. Adam loving the games.
Friday, July 11, 2025
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
I'm Half Gone!
So spoke Colin. To me it looked like a lot of sand to have to brush off of him before we could get in the car. Different perspectives.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Monday, July 7, 2025
Farewell to Pastor Keith
We bid our interim pastor, Keith, farewell at church yesterday. The kids gave him a banner signed by the congregation.
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Bringing Joy to Walkers
Kudos to our neighbors for adding this narrow but long field of zinnias along the sidewalk. When it was being planted this spring, I couldn't figure out what they were doing but a wonderful addition!
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Parade Ready
Ready to mount their vehicles for the parade and in the wagons and ready to roll.Below, the annual attempt to make a flag out of the fruit. Getting closer.
Friday, July 4, 2025
Happy 4th of July
I joined Cindy, Scott, Kathleen and Stacy for the Fairway fireworks. Cindy bought a ticket from a fundraiser for the Shawnee Indian Mission that got us a parking spot and a table and snacks. Score@! Fireworks were great too.
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
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