Meet Me In St. Louis, Louis...

On Friday, September 22, we "ran away from home" for a much needed weekend getaway. We pointed our car west and headed toward St. Louis. Before arriving at our final destination, we stopped off at Cahokia Mounds State Park, site of "the remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico." Who knew something like this existed in the state of Illinois. It was truly amazing.

We arrived at the St. Louis Hilton downtown that is located in a rennovated bank building just one block from the Arch. Our room was perfect and even featured one of the corner "turet" windows where we had a table and four chairs. After unpacking and a short nap, our evening consisted of a prime rib dinner aboard a riverboat, complete with cruise.

We began Saturday by visiting the Anheiser Busch factory for their free guided tour. Our homework had been done, however, in that we knew they were featuring a special photo opportunity with one of the Clysdale horses. The stables were amazingly clean and we even played with the dalmations. The afternoon was spent touring the Arch (Ed had never been). We had dinner at the rennovated Union Station and, because of a festival that was occurring that weekend, we were hosted to a full fireworks display that was framed in the arch - very cool!

After checking out on Sunday, we visited the restored Fort de Chartres located in Prairie du Roche, Illinois. We were the only ones there and hope to revisit in the future to participate in a French and Indian rendezvous. Then homeward bound we were.

It was the perfect weekend and I would recommend it to anyone. The trip is a straight 4-hour trip along I-70 and driving in the city of St. Louis is no problem whatsoever.

Small Town Pleasure!

I've traveled quite a bit in my life - to many countries and cultures. But, its nights like this that I feel blessed to live in the town I do - Lebanon, Indiana.

Tonight was the evening celebration of the Back to the Fifties Festival. They block off the town square and vendors host food booths. A band plays old time favorites, children play on the courthouse lawn, neighbors and friends catch up, and, yes, we have the renown hula hoop contest.

Tomorrow will be a full day of entertainment, a classic car show, and numerous booths from local artisans and organizations. Our house is only two blocks away so we walk over to enjoy the festivities.

We just got back from the evening's activities and I am pleased to show off some pictures of where I am proud to call home.

Click on each picture to enlarge.

- Lynn

Landscaper or Artist?

As most of you know, my wonderful husband, Ed, is a professional landscaper. There are so many times, however, that I question that label. It is times such as today that the label "artist" most accurately describes his talents.

It is a beautiful, sunny, September day and our backyard is ablaze with color, similar to an artist's palette and I was inspired to take this picture. While the picture is beautiful, it simply doesn't do justice to his work.
I hope you enjoy as I do on a daily basis. - Lynn

What a glorious day!

Some times we allow ourselves to become overwhelmed with the toxins of the "everyday world." Today was the perfect day to cleanse oneself of all those poisons.

It is sunny and perfect today. I am getting caught up on homework and some professional development. I paused to take some pictures of the "colors of the day." First, I have Ed (my own personal "green man") who is toiling away with landscaping chores. The last pic is of our other Green Man who resides in the backyard.

I hope this day is perfect for you as well. Heartfelt wishes to you.

*Click on each pic to enlarge