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A completely random encounter with St Charles Historic District discovered an interesting little annual event along Main Street.  It all started with the thought of simply dropping in for a little breakfast and a walkabout to see what the area had to offer. After satisfying ourselves with some delicious breakfast tacos, Chai for some and coffee for others, at  Frontier Perk Cafe  we stepped out to find the street bustling with activity.  A few blocks south found evidence of greater activities afoot, and soon after a simple parade that offered a glimpse of the various street performances that would lurking throughout the day. The parade was not overwhelming as some that evaporated as quickly as it had appeared, with Santa waving from one of the many horse-drawn carriages serving the streets for the afternoon. The crowd trickled slowly into the space left behind, soon consuming most available space.  It had g

Leaving Kansas City and Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror to entertain other notions found us at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St Louis.  There seemed no better place to be to avoid the harried shopping masses than surrounded by a dazzling array of Christmas lighting. Arriving just in time for our appointed entry for the evening, we crossed into the garden space aglow with a variety of displays and other lighted artistic renderings.  Each area enabled a different sort of experience, with a few interactive encounters mixed in along the way. Additionally, warm treats were spliced in between provided some comfort on this chilly 0°C evening.  Adult beverages and those designed for the younger crowd steamed from inside gloved hands for many involved in the affair. The temperature proved not much of a deterrent, in the end.  The masses avoided through most of our journey to the garden emerged early and lingered longer than likely anticipated by organizers.  In contrast, thankfull

The Christmas lighting ceremony at the Zona Rosa Shopping District  went off as expected, without complication, and to the immense profit of all involved with the sponsor, St. Luke's Health System. Hundreds turned out for generally good music, if you discount the occasional caterwauling. Multiple food trucks and tents enabled consumers to enjoy drinks and greasy delicacies at inflated prices.  Additionally, the Mario Brothers, the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and of course, Santa Claus made spotlight appearances to help ramp things up for the anti-climactic lighting of an oversized Christmas Tree. It is a bitter irony that a major healthcare provider in this town has enough profit to put up an event like this, when so many remain unable to afford healthcare, or are currently having their lives destroyed by healthcare costs.  Merry Christmas? The event supported nothing in particular, unless one considers corrupt capitalism a worthy recipient of donations.

The opportunity arose to enjoy an evening with the recently resurrected John Cleese, a personal long-time comedic hero from across the pond.  He is doing rather well with his recent return from the land of the dead and offered a visit to Kansas City to discuss relevant matters and answer a few questions about his past life. The discussion, held at the beautiful Kauffman Center, opened with thoughts from his youngest daughter.  While she is funny in her own right, it is entirely different situation.  She is simply not silly enough.  Although, this is likely through no fault of her own.  It has to be difficult to stand in the shadow of a father renowned as the Master of Silly throughout his entire career.  His comedic sense remains unparalleled, except by compadres of the Monty Python class.   He began with talk of the unique perils associated with the ventures of aging, splicing in snapshots of the Monty Python era.  This led to thoughts on our anxieties and theories about what makes us

  The remnants of ancient celebrations bubbled up in the heart of America in a weekend long celebration for the dead filled with food, drinks, music, and dancing along about six blocks of Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. Cultures from every corner of the city came together to enjoy the day, in spite of the gray and moody skies that occasionally dripped on attendees.  Art, souvenirs, and activities like face painting continued throughout every block; the latter enabling youth and adults to join in the look of the day. The most delicious, original, homegrown food appeared at every turn along the route. Sampling a pambazo for the first time proved a superbly tasty experience!  A fresh tamale and pastry later, coupled with a luscious Horchata, satisfied an appetite constantly teased by the smells in the air. Numerous memorials appeared regularly honoring those that had passed on stood out