Ultimate dog tease

"Covered it with what?"  haha, love love love this dog!

City Garden and other places

May 21-22 weekend

St. Louis links:

Terrace View
http://www.fialafood.com/Jim_Fialas_Restaurants/THE_TERRACE_VIEW.html
Nice little restaurant with a minimal décor (and minimal menu). Mark had the chicken with cheddar, caramelized onion, mushrooms and arugula sandwich (which he said was good other than the chicken being a bit rubbery…eww, hate it when that happens). I had the organic tilapia with dill aioli, lettuce, tomato and onion sandwich (which was dee-lish!)

City Garden
http://www.citygardenstl.org/
Not much to this little garden other than a few pieces of unusual art, nice plants and lovely landscaping. It’s an attractive spot downtown and has a nice view of the Arch.

The Delmar Loop
http://visittheloop.com/
The loop has plenty of cool places to walk and stop. Plus, it has Michael McDonald’s star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame, among these others: http://stlouiswalkoffame.org/star-location/.

Jilly’s Cupcakes
http://www.jillyscupcakebar.com/
The cupcakes at Jilly’s were really BIG and really pretty but a little dry and only so-so tasting (imo). Personally, I much prefer the The Cup’s cupcakes in the Central West End and Edwardsville (yum yum). I hear Jilly’s has a great Sunday brunch though and hope to give it a try.

Joplin tornado

It’s hard to fathom the unbelievable devastation a tornado can produce until you see the pictures.

May 22, 2011 - Joplin, MO
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1389737/Joplin-MO-tornado-At-89-dead-twister-cuts-4-mile-swathe-Missouri-town.html

There, but for the grace of God, go us all.

two years

I seem to write a lot about my dad. And I think that’s because in one way or another he’s on my mind nearly every day, even more so today with it being the 2nd anniversary of his death. I’ll go to his grave today and with my eyes closed try to remember all the dear things about him I never want to forget. There are so many things I never want to forget. Sometimes I wonder if it's really important to visit a loved ones grave. Does it make us feel better, even if they don’t know we’re there? Do they know we're there? I’ve wondered about this before. I think of past visits over the last two years, his birthdays, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other times when I’ve needed to feel close to him again. Sometimes it helped and sometimes it didn’t. Sometimes it just felt empty. Though I know where to find my dad I don’t believe it’s where he really is. I think about where he is now and wonder what it’s like, if he’s aware in some spiritual sort of way that I’m still here, or is he sleeping, resting in peace until the day he’s united with Christ. Is he already? I wish I knew the answers but then again I know we’re not meant to know, not until our own time comes. I know dad used to wonder too. I can still see him sitting in his favorite chair looking out the window with a faraway look as if contemplating the Universe and what it was really all about. He always wanted to know what it was all about. I know he still had questions when he left but I feel certain that even with his questions, deep down, he knew there was more than could ever be explained. He may not have understood God the way he desired but he knew God. He always knew he was there.

A little hot tub humor

When Mark asked if I would help him dispose of his hot tub last Saturday I thought sure ok. He had a plan. He rented a dumpster and acquired a saw powerful enough to cut the "fiberglass" hot tub into manageable pieces. He and I would then simply haul the thing piece by piece to the front yard and place them in the dumpster. Fairly simple plan right? Uh, no. It would have been a real mission impossible without the assistance of our two helpmates Marilyn and Jake. God love 'em!

Friday the 13th and Jessica Lea Mayfield

On this Friday the 13th the weather may have been bad but the music was all good. Mark and I had the pleasure of seeing three unique and entertaining bands at Off Broadway. The highlight of the show was of course Jessica Lea Mayfield. Opening up for Jessica was Blood Pony followed by Nathaniel Rateliff.

Blood Pony (below), this local St. Louis band has lots of members and handclapping/foot stomping fans. Their music may start out a little slow [yawn] but eventually builds layer upon layer into an enthusiastic crescendo [yes!]. A band I liked and appreciated a bit more than Mark.

Nathaniel Rateliff (below), Denver, CO, an interesting and slightly rumpled musician. I love his voice and the way he belts out songs with it. Standing near the front of the stage I didn’t notice the loud talking the night of the show…until I listened to this video. The video really picked up the noisy crowd. Gross as it was when it happened it could explain why in the middle of his song Nathaniel shot a loogie clear across the stage floor. ha! That’ll teach a rude crowd. Eww ick and yuck Nathaniel (but I love your voice so I forgive you).

Whimper and Wail (loogie and all)

Jessica Lea Mayfield (below), a 21-year-old singer-songwriter, from Kent, OH known for writing dark and sad songs with a plaintive minimalist style that draws on both country and rock music (Wikipedia, and I couldn't agree more). I can’t say enough about this young woman. She has a gentle shy way and a sweet sounding sometimes haunting voice, a truly mesmerizing and talented performer. Like Mark says…she’s going places (or words to that effect).

This video includes three partial songs by Jessica.

Nathaniel Rateliff

Nathaniel and Mark

Jessica Lea Mayfield





Guitarist Richie Kirkpatrick

For another great song and a video better than mine:

Jessica Lea Mayfield - Sometimes at Night

A weekend past

This post is a little late but better late than never I suppose. The video below is from last weekend (when the weather was warm and the skies were dry, very much unlike the current one).  The accompanying song is called "Please Don't Go," a great old song by Willie Tee.

A great mother's day

I had a great Mother's Day yesterday. Good food and good company at mom's house, nice gifts from my kids. From Emily, a framed picture of her and I (on table below) along with a cute top and necklace. From Mandy, a sweet Mother's Day card plus an Express gift card. From Jake, a Mother's Day card and promise of a dinner (Thursday, right Jake?). And, to top it off, beautiful flowers from my grandson Jude (with a little help from his mommy). What a great Mother's Day. What a great family.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

I Love You!

Mom and I, 1964

Mom and her Harry & David goodies, May 8, 2011

Gotta go to Aiello's

Mark and I tried a new pizza place in downtown Granite the other day. It's called Aiello's Pizzeria and it's located across the street from the new cinema. Both of us were impressed with our hand tossed pizza's great flavor and crust and happy to see the restaurant booming with business. Hopefully in time places like Aiello's will help downtown GC truly come back to life.

http://www.bnd.com/2011/04/25/1681625/new-businesses-are-helping-to.html

1318 Niedringhaus Ave

(618) 451-5855

A hero in the family

http://www.stlbeacon.org/issues-politics/112-region/110043-bin-ladens-death-closes-a-long-open-chapter-for-afghan-vet

With the events of the last few days I can’t think of anything more fitting than posting the above link to a story about my cousin Phillip, my Aunt Betty Lou and Uncle Tom’s son. Years ago I remember hearing talk of Phillip giving up his job and enlisting in the Army. I remember thinking to myself at the time “he’s crazy”. After all, he had a wife and three children at home (he now has four). He had everything to stay home and live for. I couldn’t imagine giving up a good job, leaving your family, and putting your life in imminent danger. I’m more selfish than that. I couldn’t understand then but a lot has happened in this crazy world since and I think I understand a little more. I now realize Phillip wasn’t “crazy” for putting himself in a position he surely didn’t want to be in. He wasn’t crazy. He simply cared. He cared about what happened to others and he wanted to make it better. When it comes to life’s tragedies there are those of us who tend to sit back and let others get involved and do “something” and then there are people like my cousin Phillip who actually do something. After reading his story I realize more than ever the meaning behind the term “war hero”. I believe my cousin’s a hero. My aunt and uncle must be extremely proud of their son. I know my dad would have been proud of his nephew. Phillip gave his heart for something he believed in and even though he paid a hard price he believes to this day he would do it all again. I think that’s the bravest thing of all.

Phillip, at one of Uncle Conrad's Christmas parties

Five years after 911:
http://graphics.stltoday.com/online/baldwin/

Just a silly little dog movie

I live with two dogs. Winnie, an old dog, who's 12 or 13 years old. And Lola, a young dog (Emily's dog, who thinks she's mine) who's 3. Winnie and Lola have very different personalities. Winnie's a sweetheart without a mean bone in her body. Lola's uhh...well, Lola. She likes to pester Winnie any chance she gets; actually, she likes to pester everyone any chance she gets, and she likes moles, among other strange things. Sometimes it's hectic and crazy living in a house with two dogs but one thing about it. No matter how serious life can get, no matter the ups, no matter the downs, these two dogs can always make me laugh, and scream, but mostly laugh. :)

Happy Birthday Big Brother!

Download this mp3 from Beemp3.com

Jeff, today it's your birthday! Your 55th birthday! Wow. Seems like only yesterday we were kids growing up under the same roof...fighting, squabbling, teasing, blackmailing, all the fun and loving things kids do. haha. Remember the time you got in trouble for shooting me in the face with your "super powered" powder gun? Powder in the eyes, not funny. Remember the time you chased me down the hall for the TV guide and ran into the wall and broke your toe? Now that was kinda funny. Remember going to school the next day with the toe cut out of your shoe? Haha even funnier. Oh the joys of having you as a sibling. I wouldn't trade 'em for anything. I wouldn't trade you for anything. You were a stinker when we were kids but you my big brother grew up to be a kind and caring man, a sweet man with a good heart, not unlike another man we know. Truth be told I think you're the greatest! You're the dog's woof woof and the cat's meow, and more! Happy 55th Birthday Jeff and many many many more!! Love you!!! :-)

Were you the cutest kid or what?

KADI. Now that's a flashback.

Your "hunk" days ;)

same as above

who is this hairy beast?

nice perm Mr. Kotter

and now here you are, better than ever. :)

Yesterday's rainbow

What a thing of beauty when rain and sun combine to make a rainbow.

Let's go Grandma!

What fun it was taking Jude for a walk in his new stroller. He loved it. Can't wait till clear days and sunny skies so we can do it again.

Winnie and Lola get this same look when they wanna go for a walk.

For more pics of this cutie pie, click here:
http://gottalovejude.blogspot.com/2011/04/have-wheels-will-travel.html

Love these boys :-)





Cupcake crazy

I love cupcakes. Who doesn't? They're just so -- cute. I like their size, their prettiness and the creativity you can put into them. I like it that they remind me of being a kid. I think I like making cupcakes even more than I like eating them. Tonight I made cupcakes for Easter Sunday and if I do say so myself [pat on back] I think they look good enough to eat -- and tomorrow I will. :)

Family Means Everything

Thanks to my Uncle Conrad for sending me the picture below. Pictures like this take me back to family gatherings through the years. They take me back to reunions as a child, of reunions growing up, and of reunions with children of my own. I fondly recall the childhood stories of my Aunts and Uncles, their silly jokes, laughter, singing and harmonica playing, their warm and caring character, and the feeling they gave me of being part of something bigger than myself. The Kee family taught me what family truly means. From my grandparents, the root of our family tree, on up to my dad and his brothers and sisters, the branches, family to me means everything.

Jesse and Donnie Kee & Family
standing left to right in order of age:
Lee, Jesse (dad), Vernon, Eanos, George, Lester, Conrad, Denny,
Donna Jean, Bobby Dean, Betty Lou and Stanley
June 19, 1966

Better Together

The video below is about a boy who rescued a baby hummingbird. After nursing it back to health the boy and the bird soon discovered they were better together. How sweet is this?

Happy Birthday to Marilyn!

Woohoo! I’m Fifty!!!

I'm a half century old. Wow! 50 and Fabulous, or so my kids say. The truth is my kids are the fabulous ones. I'm just Fifty! 


Thank you thank you thank you to my wonderful kids (and wonderful mom too) for throwing my surprise birthday party and also for the fabulous picture book below, my favorite gift of all! You all put a lot of effort into it and it shows. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT and I'll treasure it forever!



And one more BIG Thank You to my sweetie Mark. Thank you for your part in making my 50th birthday so special. Having you by my side makes turning 50 a whole lot more enjoyable. :) Also, thanks for being part of the party planning shenanigans. I know it wasn't easy being sneaky and lying to keep the surprise. You were really good at it though! Almost too good, haha. Muah!

Dogs love flowers too

My beautiful birthday flowers from Mark.

Happy Birthday dad

I couldn't let the day go by without mentioning your birthday dad. All day long I've been thinking of your past birthdays and one of the things I remember most is how hard it was to find the perfect gift for you. Now I realize it was impossible to find because nothing could be perfect enough to express what it meant to me to have you as my dad. What it meant was... everything. Today, on what would have been your 87th birthday, and all the April 12ths to come, I will celebrate you and everything you are and will always be. Happy Birthday dad. I love you so.

boo boo the chicken

The blurry video below was in my inbox today. I don't know which tickles me most:  the hilarious lady from Arkadelphia (I was jus' walkin by), the thought of CPR on a crazy haired chicken named Boo Boo, Terry Bradshaw busting a gut, or the joke about an Arkansas ICU (cardboard box).  I don't know but I crack up every time I listen to it. I just love it. :)

So completely smoochable

And now for something soooooo completly smoochable, my grandson Jude, the littlest Cardinal fan I know. muah! :)

And the weekend begins...

If 50s the new 40 why am I 45?

The thought of turning 50 next month doesn’t thrill me. Of course it beats the alternative but frankly I don’t wanna turn 50. I don’t feel 50. Well occasionally I feel 50 but on most days I don’t. "50 is the new 40," or so some say. Movie stars say it. I'll say it too. “50 is the new 40”. Yeah. Sounds good. I think it means in earlier times when you were 50 you were 50 but not anymore. Uh-uh. These days thanks to advances in modern medicine, public health, diet, exercise (yeah sure), botox, and so on, people are staying younger longer. The old 50 is the new 40. What a comforting thought. So maybe that’s why it was a bit discomforting recently when a co-worker said he just COULD NOT believe I was turning 50. Discomforting because he then went on to say “You don’t look a day over 45”.  What?! Hey! If 50s the new 40 why am I 45???!  Did he really just say I look 5 years older than my age? To my face?! Well!! 

I love fuzzy math.

a little more Josh Rouse

...this time in the streets of Barcelona. Why uber-talented and Nebraska born Josh Rouse isn't a household name is beyond me. It's amazing how many mainstream artists don't have half the talent of many of the lesser known like Josh. I love the filming style of the video below and to catch a glimpse of Spain with its rich history, beautiful people, and sounds of life (including barking dogs) in the background is wonderful. I wanna go to Spain.



More Josh Rouse videos from Spain:
http://www.blogotheque.net/Josh-Rouse,5240

More Josh Rouse music:

it's not you I was searching for, it's only me

I was driving and listening to the song above when the last few lines caught my ear. It’s one of those songs that start out about one thing and then suddenly becomes about something else. At first I was confused by the song. And then I got it. The words made me think how people sometimes idealize and stay in a relationship that’s not right for them because it’s easier than being alone. And how these same people will search continuously for themselves in someone else before they realize their self isn't there. The elusive happiness they seek isn't in another.

An old song says 1 is the loneliest number but is that really true? No one wants to be alone but isn't it lonelier to be in a relationship with someone and still feel alone? To be a 2 but feel like a 1? Isn't it better to be happy as 1 first? I think so. I like the part in this song when this realization becomes clear.

Princess on the Porch
Josh Rouse

I searched for you but you were nowhere to be found
A coastal state and all I stood on was frozen ground
And now I found you, it's been three months to the day
Oh and baby it's so good to see you, how I missed your face

The bedroom light was on as you waltzed off thru the hall
My hands were shaking, it was like I never knew you at all
You move so slowly, with such eloquence and grace
Oh and baby it's so good to see you, how I missed your face
Oh baby, it's so good to see you, how I missed your face

Princess on the porch as I waited for the flood
Gave you all the love I could, I gave you all that I should
And now you tell me you are dying to be free
Oh baby it's so good to see you, why'd you have to leave?
Oh baby it's so good to see you, why'd you have to leave?

I walked out to my car, in my pocket that's where I found the key
I turned around to see you staring right back at me
That's when I realized how you are and how we'll never be
Oh baby, it's not you I was searching for, it's only me
Oh baby, it's not you I was searching for, it's only me
Oh baby, it's not you I was searching for, it's only
it's only me

Oh baby, it's not you I was searching for, it's only me.

Yum!

Not only yum but healthy too!

For a baby shower at work yesterday Paula made these dee-lish (and colorful) fruit and yogurt parfaits. The pretty treats made for a healthy alternative to the other goodies at the party, making it a tad easier to pass up the marble cake, fudge brownies, key lime squares, chocolate cream pie etc. (ok, who am I kiddin, I didn’t pass up the other goodies either but the f&y parfaits were mm mm particularly good)…

Ingredients:
Low fat vanilla yogurt
Low fat cool whip
Strawberries
Raisins
Blueberries
Pineapple
Granola
Sprinkles

Directions:
Put ‘em all in a dessert cup of choice, top with sprinkles, and ta-da! Simple as that.

The other not-so-healthy stuff...

Happy St. Pat's Day!

Being that today is St. Pat’s Day and being that I myself am a wee bit Irish (thanks to me Granny Kirkpatrick) I planned on posting a playlist of songs from my favorite Irish Indie bands. There were two reasons why I didn't. 1) I was too lazy to do the research and 2) I ran out of time. So, in honor of St. Pat’s Day anyway, I will post a little music from one of Ireland’s most famous musicians (if not THE most famous), "Van the Man" Morrison.

Kinda scary how much they look alike...

(Side note:  Oops, for some reason the text in the last two songs above displayed incorrectly. Song No. 8 is "Ill Tell Me Ma" and No. 9 is "Irish Heartbeat")
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