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 A return visit to the Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum found the scene much as we had left it the year before.  Indeed, it proved itself similar to it had been 100 years ago.  Greeted at the door by carolers, the interior stood warm and inviting, though somewhat crowded, early in the evening.  A variety of activities absorbed the interested of short folks, including the opportunity to receive a free wooden toy, and have a chat with Santa, all while dribbling hot apple cider and scattering cookie crumbs throughout house.   Out at the campfire, others enjoyed the offering of roasted chestnuts, and the opportunity to lightly socialize on the topic.  All in all, this low-key Christmas experience warmed heart and soul for attendees of the evening events.

A mostly cloudy and chilly 8°C afternoon encouraged on outing to the  44th Annual Eagle Days  for a closer look at these impressive raptors.  Hosted at  Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge , a variety of new and familiar activities made for an interesting day in the rural landscape northwest of St Joseph. The event witnessed a repeat appearance from the ever watchful and somewhat talkative Harpy eagle, a native of the southern Americas, and very much conservation dependent species.  A Golden Eagle joined the conversation after that but appeared pre-occupied with escaping the crying baby in the front row.  The row ended with the continuously piercing gaze from the American Bald Eagle, who lingered afterward the interviews ended for small talk and photos. Numerous sites established around perimeter of the 16 km Wild Good Auto Tour loop offered young and old the opportunity to get a closer look at the Bald Eagles in their locally native habitat, as well as t

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.