Tag Archives: kansas city

Vietnam: Honoring Our Veterans

Posted on by annandmeg

Today is Veteran’s Day.  For most of us it represents a holiday: a day without the responsibilities of work, a day to spend with family or friends.  But it is, really, so much more.  In a time when our nation is at war in Afghanistan, and when our soldiers are being killed in action, or returning home with serious physical and mental injuries, it is important to honor their service.  We must also respect the sacrifices they have made for us and to always, always remember the human cost of our countries decision to go to war.  As a result, Veteran’s Day is, and should remain, a day of reflection, a day of sadness and a day of loss.

 The memories of each war are different.  The few remaining veterans of World War II have a different experience than those of the Gulf War, the Korean War and every other war of our time.  To fully understand Veteran’s Day you must, almost necessarily, have served in the military or been close to someone who has served.

Kansas City’s Vietnam War Memorial, located at 43rd and Baltimore, is dedicated to the men and women who lost their lives in the Vietnam War.  The memorial wall includes the names of 385 Kansas City area servicemen who lost their lives during that war.

This wall is personal to many Kansas City residents.  For me, the name  John Igert says it all.  Johnny was a friend, a classmate and a casualty of the war. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1964, and attended Central Missouri State College, in Warrensburg, Mo., before entering the military in 1967.  He died in Gia Dinh, Vietnam, on August 17, 1968, just three months after he should have graduated from college.  He was only 22. He was an easy person to know.  He was fun, he was a good man, though only barely a man when he began his military service–and when he died.

Each of the 385 servicemen whose names are carved in the granite of the monument has a similar story.  Each name represents someone who is remembered by family and friends, who loved him when he was alive, and love him still.  Each name represents a life lost.

Kansas City’s Vietnam War Memorial honors our soldiers who fought, died and missing in action.  The memorial acknowledges that the war deeply divided our country and that in the middle of the dispute were the men and women who fought and died in the war.

The memorial is based on a series of pools and fountains.  The separation of the pools is designed to acknowledge the deep divisions within the country over the war. The fountains represent the healing and cleansing power of water in restoring our national spirit.

The words on the granite summarize a message of hope.  “Only by remembering can we assure it never happens again”.  Wishful thinking?  Repeatedly.  But the message of hope sustains us and causes us to search for better solutions to the challenges of our times.

Sheila Kemper Dietrich Park: Where Urban Renewal is Child’s Play

Posted on by annandmeg

Within walking distance of Crown Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, the Juvenile Court building, Ronald McDonald House and a host of children’s and family services, Sheila Kemper Dietrich Park is an oasis in a sea of turmoil.  Few people choose to spend their time at the nearby children’s hospital or any of the children’s agencies.  But the Park is another matter all together.

Located at 26th and Gillham Road, the park is a happy place.  The sight of children and their parents sharing the everyday experience of a swing is a reminder that wounds and illness can heal, troubled children can find joy and estranged  families can be reunited.

As therapeutic as a park can be, this park was in need of a sprucing up.  And it got it.  For the last month or more there was a construction fence around the park.  I was concerned at first that it might be demolished.  But I didn’t need to worry.  Construction crews rejuvenated the park so that it is even better than before.  Urban renewal at it’s best!!

Imagine the fantasy land of a park where a child can experience the thrill and sense of adventure associated with climbing on an old ship (well, not really so old, and certainly not seaworthy) or fending off an artificial sea serpent.  They can maneuver a rope (well sort of) to climb up to the ship.  They can play to their heart’s content while imagining themselves as great adventurers.

Children can wander around cartoon figures that, for young children, are every bit as exciting as the statues at Disneyland, and they are free to all who enter the park.

The park includes children’s slides, swings, jungle gym type climbing equipment.  There are tennis courts on the adjacent property.  Sheila Dietrich Kemper Park is a place where the environment encourages happy thoughts and a spirit of adventure.

For a few minutes at least, the park can remind children and families with loved one’s who are sick or troubled that there can be happy days and happier tomorrows.  And for the neighborhood itself, it is simply a wonderful block where families can experience the simple joys of time together.  For all, the park builds the spirits and inspires us all.

The Art of the Wall

Posted on by annandmeg

In years past, teenagers snuck out at night with paint brushes and spray cans to create what was generally mediocre, if colorful, graffiti under bridges, on vacant buildings and sometimes the sides of churches and schools.

Without question the world of graffiti has changed.  The murals I see on my drives through urban Kansas City are often exquisite works of art that appear to have been the work of artists hired by business owners to create colorful displays on the exteriors of their buildings.  Even the texture of the bricks beneath the designs adds to the visual impact.  It is, in effect, graffiti “grown up”.

When I happen upon a particularly colorful design, I find I alter my route to and from work just to see the art over and over again.  I regret only that I am unable to identify the artist so I could praise them by name on this post.

At least I can honor these urban artists by sharing their creative designs with our friends.  In Kansas City, at least, art finds its form in these creative, incredibly colorful, urban designs.  Aren’t we lucky!

Wandering the Grounds at the Kemper Atkins Museum of Art

Posted on by annandmeg

Weekends are for wandering, pondering and enjoying life.  Especially gorgeous September weekends.  What could be better?  Casey is almost always with us on our weekend jaunts.  He is not a particularly well-disciplined dog.  We forgive him since his sense of adventure is similar to ours.  

Sunday evening we headed to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  It is elegant and inviting.  While most of my museum time has been spent wandering the galleries inside the buildings, Sunday we focused on the grounds.

Since my earliest childhood, Auguste Rodin’s, The Thinker, has symbolized the Nelson for me.  Originally inside the museum, he now sits outside, prominently displayed near the front entrance.  The question has always been “What is he thinking about?”  I have no answer.

Sharing the front lawn with The Thinker are the shuttlecocks.  A total of four shuttlecocks  rest on the front and back lawns.  Presumably, the museum itself is the net.

The Kansas City Sculpture Park, located on the grounds, includes formal and more casual gardens with more than 30 sculptures by 20th and 21st century world-class artists.   It includes the largest collection of Henry Moore bronze sculptures outside England, as well as works by Magdalena Abakanowicz, (one of my favorites), Isamu Noguchi and Pierre-August Renior.

The original museum building is an architectural treasure.  Designed in the neoclassic style by Wight and Wight architects, it was completed in 1933.  Even the exterior lighting displays the grace of the design.

When the decision was made to expand the museum, the project was awarded to a renowned contemporary architect, Steven Holl.  He created a building strikingly different from the original museum; focused on fusing light, shadow and water.

Not to be ignored is the artistic nature of the landscaping itself.  Pathways meander through the trees, encouraging visitors to explore the nooks and crannies of the gardens in search of the art spread throughout the park.

If you live in Kansas City, visit the gallery for an afternoon.  If you are from out-of-town, spend a weekend.  Enjoy!

Another exciting Kansas City weekend

Posted on by annandmeg

Jake and I went home for the holiday weekend for several reasons. We had a wedding, a few family members who needed some extra love, and naturally we needed some good KC barbecue. While my work life is about to get crazy, it was a perfectly timed trip.

We have now learned that in order to see everyone over these weekends we simply have to split up and do the best we can. It can be exhausting, but oh so wonderful to spend time with our family and friends he in KC. I even managed to have a few afternoons of bonding time with my parents, including a yummy dinner at the new Mexican restaurant on the plaza with Pud.

Friday night was Brian and Tracey’s wedding. Mum was the officiant, and she did an amazing job of making everyone laugh and feel excited about being inside in light of all the rain. Tracey looked stunning of course!

Padre and I were able to fit in a 125 mile ride on Sunday morning, stopping at a little diner outside of Perry, KS for some breakfast. I ride a 2002 V-Rod, and Padre rides a 2009 Softail.

On our last morning of the trip, I went for a refreshing run and passed by Nicholas Kemper in Loose Park. Little did I know that Lotte was in town too! After my Mum’s delicious French toast, we went to meet the Kempers for a latte at the Roasterie. It was the perfect end to a wonderful weekend in Kansas City.

Meyer Circle Fountain

Posted on by annandmeg

Have a wonderful day!!

_________________

Meyer Circle Fountain is located at Ward Parkway and Meyer Blvd. in Kansas City, Missouri.

Meg and Jake are Back in Town

Posted on by annandmeg

Nothing warms my heart more than Meg’s presence in my town, my house, and my car. Hanging out, talking about life, work, and the challenges of both, are the basis of solid bonds.  Despite the sudden cooling of the weather around me, my heart overflows with the warmth of Meg’s presence.

Meg and Jake were in town for a brief visit in the midst of their frantic lives.  Visiting Kansas City for a wedding they made full use of the weekend with visits with family, friends and elderly relatives (no, I don’t mean Terry and me).  They kept a schedule almost as busy as if they were working back in California.  Much of the weekend was fun, but it was fun with a purpose. Because of that, the luxury of lunch on the Country Club Plaza was our special time, just the two of us enjoying a gorgeous afternoon. We shopped for clothing to spiff up her wardrobe, focused on outfits that she can transition from office to work related social events to casual weekend outings.  Our friend, Martha Jane, now works at this great little shop we learned might have clothes for Meg’s needs.  Her expertise made this a fun and successful adventure. But no, the glittery gold dress was not among our purchases. Friday we attended a wedding of Meg’s friend from UMKC Law School.  While scheduled for the Rose Garden at Loose Park, the weather, particularly the remnants of Hurricane Issac, had other plans.  It rained all day, forcing the wedding inside.  Californo’s, in Westport, efficiently transitioned the reception area to a wedding venue and back to a reception hall in record time.  The bride looked great, we had a fun evening and our parks and gardens got much needed moisture. Friday was a record day for “views” on our blog.  We didn’t understand it until Jake explained that he used our blog as the equivalent of an old-fashioned scrapbook, showing his family photographs from their travels and California adventures.

Ultimately it was time for their return to Petaluma.  I will miss them, but it is a happy sadness, knowing that their lives, and ours, are rich and full of adventure.

Sunday mornings with Terry–In the shade of Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Posted on by annandmeg

Terry and I are pretty independent souls.  Our work lives keep us busy during the day and our clubs, committees and boards take much of our spare time.  But Fridays after work and Sunday mornings are our time.  Virtually every Sunday morning you will find us in the car with our dog, Casey, with a destination in mind, preferably pet friendly.  We combine breakfast with a drive through an area of the Kansas City metropolitan area that remains unexplored or, in this case, under-explored. This morning was no exception.

It is hot here.  But Casey would not understand if we don’t include him in the morning explorations. That significantly limits the restaurants where we can eat to those that are dog friendly.   He knows, really knows, the rhythm of our lives and which day of the week is for the three of us.  Today Terry selected a restaurant on the North edge of the Crossroads District of Kansas City.  I walked just a block to photograph this  view of Kauffman, Webster House and the Bartle Hall pylons. Y & J’s Snack Shop is eclectic to say the least.  Obviously a haunt for both young city dwellers and middle age professionals , I had never noticed it until this morning.  But it was inexpensive, the food was good, and Casey was content.  The staff even provided water for pets. The aesthetics of the so-called “snack bar” were minimalist at best.  Tiny, with a kitchen smaller than my own, the cook served such standards as bacon and egg sandwiches, coffee and a variety of breads.  The decor was not even shabby-chic, it was just shabby.  The door was covered with stickers of various sorts.  The tables and chairs were plastic and metal.  Nothing really matched.  But the environment was casual and accepting.  Obviously, many patrons were regulars and felt right at home.  Even for first timers it was a happy place to spend some time.  We wandered the block or so surrounding Y & J’S, and were surprised by the variety of retail stores, coffee shops, businesses and an urban garden, all sharing adjoining spaces.  I can’t even tell you the address, because street signs were few and far between.  But one business had prominently displaced its address as 1818 something.  It was a true urban experience made more satisfying because we know it is part of the rebirth of our central city.

“Making Water Fluid” From Snapshots to Great Shots

Posted on by annandmeg

Anyone who follows our blog knows that I am struggling to master my camera.  I bought Rob Sylvan’s Nikon D5100 From Snapshots to Great Shots, and am making baby steps toward improving my technique.  Chapter 7 on Landscape Photography explains how to get shots with silky or “smooth-flowing” water.  Among the recommendations is to set the ISO at 200 or lower and the shutter speed at 1/15th of a second or slower.

I followed the directions, sort of, and ended up with water that is silky to frozen. The shot was taken at Kauffman Garden, in Kansas City, Mo.  Too me it looks much like glass.

I hope you like it.  If you do like it, give credit to Mr. Sylvan, if you don’t, I guarantee, the fault is all mine.

Everything’s up to date in Kansas City–For the 2012 All Star Game

Posted on by annandmeg

July 10, 2012: the American and National Leagues’ best players compete in the 83rd All Star Game, right here in Kansas City.  If you live here, you just can’t avoid the excitement.  Cowtown has always been in love with sport–and celebrations of all sorts. We also love to show off our city.  The best of all worlds for us.

Kansas City is all spiffed up to look its best for the athletes, their wives, the fans and the tourists who have blessed our fair city with their presence, and their dollars.  And everything is blue.  Bright blue.  Fountains on the Country Club Plaza, Barney Allis Plaza and at Crown Center spew out vivid blue water.

The last All Star game in Kansas City was in 1973.  The National League won.  39 years later, we are ready to again host this spectacular event.  In fact 3 days of special events are being scheduled throughout the Kansas City to Plaza corridor, all of the places that most symbolize our home town spirit.  Well, and Kauffman Stadium, of course!

Hotels in and around Kansas City are full.  Streets on the Plaza began to close by late afternoon Sunday in preparation for Tuesday’s parade. This giant baseball sits on Wornall Road, adjacent to Michael Kors, on the Plaza.  It is directly on the route of the All star parade scheduled Tuesday afternoon.

Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers and Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants face each other as starting pitchers.  Kansas City’s only home town player is Billy Butler.  But every Royals fan will be rooting for him.  Kauffman Stadium is all dressed up and ready to take center stage.   There is so much energy in the air.

Kansas City takes great pride in showing off our wonderful city during the festivities.  Not only are key intersections labeled with All Star regalia, even fire hydrants have been painted for the occasion, blue of course.

There are decorations on store windows, intersections and even a bit of whimsy on the lamp poles.  As the day ends Monday, it is quiet on the Plaza.  The entertainment tonight is at Kauffman Stadium.The game culminates tomorrow’s events.

Even the elegant Intercontinental Hotel has succumbed to baseball fever, and shares the frenzy for royal blue.

Take us out to the ballgame!