Sugarplum Festival

New features at this year's Albrecht Art Gallery Sugarplum Festival included a wine-tasting walk-through of the booths and a photo shoot. Of course, sister Dot and I particiapted in both.

Black Friday

Continuing the Black Friday tradition established several years ago, Dot and I went to lunch the day after Thanksgiving. Then we went shopping, only buying things for ourselves.

This year, our traditional plans changed several times between Thanksgiving day and Friday morning. The first change was when we decided late Thanksgiving eve to stay in St. Joseph rather than drive to Kansas City. Then, just 30 minutes prior to 11 am on Friday, we switched our lunch location from the usual 54th Street to Ground Round.  

Shopping for ourselves didn't change though. After margaritas, a spinach appetizer and a shared quesadea, we walked through Penney's on our way to Gordman's ($$$). We also shopped Hallmark ($$$) and Dillard's ($$$) before going our separate ways.

Dot went to Hobby Lobby ($$). I went to Bath and Body Works ($$) and Christopher & Banks ($$).

Since I was still shopping at 5 pm, I had to choose between the traditional Barney dinner or 15% off at JC Penney. Hmmmm....choices, choices.....I missed dinner but I have a new red coat ($$).

Looking forward to next year's traditional Black Friday: Lunch, margaritas, $$$ spent on me.

San Antonio, Texas

When Joyce and I visited Sally and Roger, we were joined by Barney and Dorothy.

Sisters

Birthday Shopping

Democrat BBQ

Look who was at the annual Democrat BBQ last night!

Trails West!

Happy Birthday

Kelly, Rodney, Andrew and Adam sent a teapot and cup filled with flowers for my 70th birthday.

 And Rodney sent me a special gift from Rush Limbaugh: a case of patriot tea.

No kidding.






(click the pic below to enlarge)

My brother-in-law Barney took me to chicken night at the Country Club...my favorite food and favorite place to eat. Afterwards, sister Dot and I sat on their patio and looked at our old blog posts on her new I Pad.
By the way, I gave two bottles of Rush's tea to Barney and Dorothy. They were moderately happy to have some.

 Life in the 70s is real good.

And this is what 70 looks like. *he he he*

St. Joe Avenue DQ

Here's sister Dot anticipating a Dairy Queen treat. Barney took us on a nostalgia tour of the North End...with the final stop at the DQ where Dorothy worked back in the day. I got a sundae with chocolate sauce, caramel and nut toppings. No calories, of course, when eaten with memories.

Flood 2011

Missouri River rising at Remington Nature Center.

Excellent Women

Here are some of the excellent St. Joseph women who attended the annual luncheon sponsored by the local YWCA. (left to right) Joyce Edwards,  (Joyce's grand daughter) Maggie Johnson, me, (my luncheon guest) Dawn Hirter, and (my sister) Dorothy Tietz.

Mt. Mora Tour

At the beginning of the Civil War, citizens of St. Joseph had divided loyalties. The mayor, Jeff Thompson, became a Confederate general while a Union regiment from Illinois secured the city from Fort Smith on the Missouri River bluffs. Dorothy, Barney and I toured the oldest cemetery in St. Joseph and learned of the city's past.

Dillard's Before and After

I went to Dillard's for a make-over. Oh, yes. I bought it all and plan to go back for more.

Alaskan Cruise

Nine family and friends cruised to Alaska May 10 - 20. We stayed in Seattle the night before Sail Away to visit briefly with my niece Marcee. Several travelers were sick at various times during the cruise but by the time we reached Hubbard Glacier, all  had recovered enough to enjoy the beauty of Alaska.

In the photos above are my grandsons Andrew and Adam at the hotel in Seattle, on the float plane excursion to Misty Fjords and dressed for dinner on board the Celebrity Infinity. Background photos were taken at Hubbard Glacier, the Canadian/US border and Icy Strait Point (Indian motif mural).

Check out Adam's photos on the Alaska blog I made for him.

Theater in Kansas City

Dorothy, Barney and I saw "West Side Story" at the Music Hall in Kansas City Friday. Although the actors' microphones were so loud that some dialogue and lyrics were distorted beyond understanding, the dancing was exciting and the sets interesting. Before the play, we ate at Lilly's, the Marriott Hotel restaurant. After the play, Dot and I got drenched in a downpour running to get in the car when Barney picked us up.

Again!!

An overnight dusting of snow was almost melted off by afternoon but was still discouraging to wake up to after several days of 70 - 80 degree weather.

Winter 2011

Kansas Visit

I was in Kansas today for the 55th wedding anniversary of Kelly's in-laws. Around 80 people attended, nearly all related to my grandchildren.

Winning!!

The sisters have won again. Dot received a first place award for her watercolor "Whimple House," a painting of the house where she and Barney live. I received a third place award for "Missouri Spring," a painting based on a photo of red dogwood flowers that I took at Powell Gardens in Kansas City several years ago.
After the awards ceremony, Dot and Barney and I went to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner. The winner buys drinks so Dorothy and I each owe Barney one.