The Mud House

One of my new favorite places around town (STL)  is The Mud House on Cherokee St.
2101 Cherokee St to be exact. It's a great coffee house/cafe. The food is good, the chai latte is very tasty and the interiors are fun and not over done.

  I like the way the soda bottles are arranged in the white cabinet. Vintage sign is kind of great too.

 This bookcase is amazing. I love the way the books are arranged by color and the typewriters on the top are perfect.

This photo is from The Mud House website. It pretty much says it all about the staff. It's a great place.

From Flower Market To Show House

This week I have been styling my room at the Ladue News show house. The finishing touch required an early morning trip to the flower market. I wasn't sure what I wanted for my room but as soon as I walked into the super chilly "rose room" I knew.
Roses
Everywhere, in every color I could imagine.

A trip to the "rose room" is a great way to start the day.

The beautiful follies rose in deep pink is the perfect choice for my Bohemian elegant room.

Just Sayin'

Mermaids, Water Lilies and St Gabriel

There is a beautiful oasis in my charming part of the city, Francis Park.  It has a playground where the grand daughters like to run, swing and climb. Our favorite area these days is an oblong pond where there are water lilies floating on the water.  

 There is also a a statue of a winged creature (dog?)

 and a reclining mermaid reading a book. It's all so intriguing and picturesque.

 Across from the park is St Gabriel Catholic Church, a stunning structure with a tall spire and a clean, crisp facade. A mid century design that is perfectly comfortable in a area of homes built in the 1940s and 50s.
Francis Park is a great place to take a walk, read a book or just relax and enjoy the ambiance of an oasis in the city.

And while you're in the neighborhood there is no better treat than the delicious frozen custard at Ted Drewe's. It really is the best and not to be missed.

The Summer So Far

Summer is great. There is always something happening. It's also wonderful to be outside and do next to nothing. Sitting in my yard reading or writing is one of my favorite summer past times.

 I live near Forest Park which means the zoo is a few minutes away, as well as The Muny and The Jewel Box.  This glorious peacock wanders the grounds of the zoo.

 This summer we visited the sting rays of Caribbean Cove.

 The Missouri Botanical Gardens is another wonderful place to be in the summer. On Wednesday evenings people fill the garden to listen to music at the Whittaker Jazz Festival.

 I took this photo as I was leaving. The glass Chihuly pieces were glowing in the entry pond.

 Summertime is softball time. My oldest granddaughter has become quite a good player. Way better than I ever was.

 Some play ball and others just play.

 The granddaughters and I go to the Muny every year. This year's choice was The Little Mermaid. The reviews are in. It is claimed to be " the best we've seen." It is a joyous production.

 The colonnade and entry at the front of the Muny grounds. Beautiful. The Muny has been producing outdoor theater in St Louis since 1919.

 In my neighborhood on the morning of the 4th of July is the Macklind Mile. A down hill run enjoyed by old and young alike.

 There a groups for various ages and running times. These kids were amazing.

 A few ride the run.

You have to love a runner in a tutu.
It's been a great summer so far and there's more to come.

Independence Day

For the Fourth of July I have a series covers from The New Yorker. The first is from cartoonist George Booth. A dog, the flags, the fourth of July. Perfect.

 2011

From 1956, the cover is by Edna Eickle.  America at home.  A boy and a flag.

 1966' s cover is by Arthur Gets.  Just a flag on a house. Pretty much says it all.

Arthur Getz also did the cover in 1981. Main Street USA. A wonderful view of our Independence Day.

In  1988 Lee Lorenz drew an optimistic, happy Uncle Sam.

For 2007 the ever charismatic Lady Liberty standing strong by Bob Staake. 
Have a great Fourth of July. Enjoy and appreciate our independence.

For Fathers Day

For Fathers Day

My Dad (standing) with his older brother. The date on the back of the photo is August 1945.

Happy Fathers Day