Sunday, May 31, 2009

Kimmswick the Tour

The small Village of Kimmswick had a wonderful Memorial Day Celebration to honor the Vets. There were all kinds of veteran present displaying their military vehicles, garb and living quarters.
Pretty nifty little ride!

This is a Half Track. Emily asked if he would give us a ride. So we climbed in for a zip around the block.

All 8 of us fit no problem. It was even a smoother ride than I would have ever thought.

This gentleman proudly showed us a picture of his dad during the Korean War. He was able to bring home his dog that is shown in the picture. Unfortunately I've forgotten the dog's name. His dad had the dog for 13 years, the dog was 17 years old when he died.



Not only are there wonderful old homes, there are very cute little shops of various kinds.



I passed up an ankle bracelet in this shop. Maybe I was too taken by this pink bicycle.

We toured this fancy log home.
An herb garden in front of the home.





Do you know what this is? We all had no idea at all....

It's a rope tightener used to tighten the ropes under beds. Assuming maybe only the wealthier people had rope beds???? I'd never seen this until a week ago.


Like I said, really cute shops...


Who's this guy? I bet he's missing a Cardinals game about now...

I didn't get a picture of this particular store, but hands down, it was everyone's favorite. Including the two lucky men folk in our group.


You walk out the back door into heaven on earth. No kidding!

Isn't it awesome? We all just wanted to sit down and make ourselves at home. Incredible...


No doubt Abby and I were thinking the same thing...lets just buy this place and stay here forever!


Hubby loved this. We have the perfect tree to attempt to do this ourselves. Now just to find an old window...




Then there was a Christmas store. A very warm Christmas store.



Here's that guy again. I bet he'd crap if he knew how many times he's on my blog!! What he doesn't know...


One of my favorite pictures from the day. This railroad bridge sits right beside a very old wooden bridge from the late 1800s. I guess I should've posted it's picture too huh? I just liked this one better.
This ends our tour of Kimmswick. We can't wait to go back hopefully very soon....

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Emily, The High Jumping Graduate


Today Mom and I travelled to Jefferson City to watch my cousin Emily in the class 4A State Track Meet. She's a high jumper. Last week at sectionals in the St. Louis area she placed 1st at a jump of 5'2". Since she qualified for State she had a BIG decision to make. Attend State or graduation. One of many big decisions in life. She chose State. I fully understand why! I love this picture. Something about a 6'1" girl in black and white speaks tremendous volumes...

All of these girls are preparing to high jump.


This was her first jump. Needless to say I didn't get a picture perfect shot, but she looks great!


This was her second jump. I have a fancy smancy feature on my camera I must learn to use. Take 3 shots boomboomboom. I could have had her in action. But no, I forgot how to use that feature since I only take stills...
This isn't Emily, just me practicing to catch her at the right time. Darn these digital cameras! Emily didn't make the top 3, but let me tell you something, we are very proud of her just the same!!!! None of us could brag about going to State for anything. If she received a medal she planned on putting on her cap, gown and cords and making her own little graduation walk. We told her she needed to anyway.

Emily donned her cap and posed for us. She graduated 3rd out of 572. Pretty darn amazing to me!!
Proof is in the pudding...Emily was my flower girl at my first wedding. Here's the same little girl who was dancing and flashed her underpants as I was saying my vows. I believe she's the reason my first husband divorced me. I wouldn't show him MY underpants...
I eloped without telling her the second time...
hubby and I are still married so you know...

Here's to you Emily...a very bright, beautiful young lady who has the world at her fingertips. May all of your hopes and dreams come true!!!! I love you Emily!!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Memorial Weekend Pt. 2 - Kimmswick

The Blue Owl Restaurant
as seen on Road Tasted


On Sunday we had reservations at the Blue Owl Restaurant in Kimmswick, Missouri. This restaurant was featured on Road Tasted with Paula Deen's good lookin' sons. Later the owner of this fabulous restaurant was invited to Paula's Party to show how she makes her amazing apple pies. Fortunately I got to see the episode of Paula's Party. Her pies are amazing!! You'll see in a bit...


Take a look at the restaurant. Homey and quaint. Next, take a look at those Levee High Apple Pies. No kiddin, according to the horse's mouth, these apple pies have 17 apples a piece in them. The one you see on the left is a Caramel Apple Pie. The right is just a plain ole Apple Pie. Levee High mind you.


As I said, I'm redundant remember, the restaurant is cozy, just like home. We sat at a round table similar to this one. There were 8 of us enjoying this tasty treat.


Cousin Emily is looking over her roast beef sandwich.

I didn't get pictures of any one's lunch. Hubby had a open face roast beef sandwich with potatoes. Other's had chicken salad, turkey sandwich, roast beef. One of the specials was fried chicken. I wish I had gotten that, the turkey sandwich was calling my name. If we are able to go back, I'll try the chicken. Can't beat country fried chicken!! After the main meal we HAD to try dessert. They have a bakery where we could check, in person, our selection. Too many to remember from the menu. So to see them in person made it a little, little bit easier.

Get the idea?

We were still celebrating mom's 60th birthday. She chose a Strawberry Shortcake Pie. Candle and all...




I got a mini, seemed like a large mini, but mini sugar free Banana Cream Pie. I took off the white stuff (they put that on sugar free stuff for decoration, believe me, it has NO flavor) and the pie was very banana-eee.

Hubby had a White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie. I couldn't believe he ate it all. He never does that ever. Especially after a huge helping of roast beef.

Cousin Abby chose a Strawberry Pie. She's the strawberry girl!!

Aunt Paula chose Chocolate Cream Pie.

Cousin Joel had the Levee High Apple Pie. No Ala Mode for this guy. Look at the apples in this piece. Isn't that amazing? His 6'4" frame was filled with apples. Filled I tell ya....it should be noted Joel and Hubby were missing the Cardinal game for all of this...they were such good sports. Uncle Dave had business to attend. He missed out, after all these stories, he won't miss next time!

Cousin Emily doubled up. She had Cherry Pie and a chocolate covered strawberry. She deserved it after placing 1st in the High Jump the day before. She's headed to state on Saturday and missing her graduation. Wish her the best!! (She's 6'1", only I tell people she's 6'2" cause you know how one inch makes ALL the difference!)

Aunt Debbie had Lemon Pie. It was VERY lemon-eee!! Very!!! And, she's the short one of the family!! Sorry Aunt Deb, just had to give everyone the visual!
While waiting on everyone to finish their after lunch/dessert business, we mingled outside. Next time, I'd love to eat out on the porch. Especially on a fall day, eating Mile High Apple Pie, what could be better than that?


Isn't the porch inviting?


This was our trip to the famous part of Kimmswick. Tomorrow I will post a few more pictures of this visit. Anyone who visits St. Louis should take the extra 30 minutes south of St. Louis to visit Kimmiswick and this fantastic restaurant!! And, you MUST partake in the dessert!!!