Sep. 20, 2008 - ManchesterMOExcitement

Thursday  brought a lovely evening and we were out on our deck, waving goodbye to my daughter. All of a sudden we heard a big WHOOSH sound. I looked to the sky and behind a bunch of trees, you could see a low flying hot air balloon. Way too low! I quickly ran to get my camera to film the excitement.

The balloon proceeded to float across the roof tops, just barely missing them and then down it went! It wasn't the best of spots to land, I thought, but it had.

It had landed in the cul-de-sac of the Pheasant Woods subdivision just behind us. My daughter stayed for abit and then we two, jumped into her car to go see what had happened.

The balloon was landed, barely missing the house tops, but grazing the trees that lined the street. I spoke to the pilot, Kevin Knapp; he said he hadn't realized it was going to be that tight of a landing. Kevin Knapp was last years winner of the Great Forest Park Hot Air Balloon Race. The balloon maker is Lindstrand. the Volume is: 105K cubic feet.  I asked what he charged to take people up and he responded he just hires out to Mayflower and does it for them. If you're here in the St. Louis area though you can call Steve Mroz of Balloons Over St. Louis. In the meantime you can check out the movie by clicking HERE 

Two Manchester Police cars came by to check things out, but everything was fine. The neighbors enjoyed watching the process of deflating the balloon too. Some of the kids were even helping!

Friday evening, at Forest Park, they had the 36th annual Balloon Glow. Saturday morning was a great time to have the Race.

Sep. 14, 2008 - butterflyHouse/chesterfield/mo

What a nice day we had here yesterday. It was alternately sunny or cloudy but always had a nice breeze (thanks to IKE).

I took off in the evening to the Butterfly House, in Chesterfield, MO as I haven't been there for a while. I'd heard they were having a Monarch Fiesta which would include a Mariachi Band and a talk by Dr. Peter H. Raven, President of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

There were quite a few young adults there with their families, getting photos taken. Probably a prom, as some were getting dropped off in limousine's. Sure has changed from when I was a kid, I just felt honored to get to go to a prom in someone's jalopy!

Anyway, as I approched, the band welcomed me with some lively music! As I headed for the door, a park guard stopped me, asking if I was planning to attend the event. I said yes, I had my "ticket" in hand! Well, I guess he could tell by my attire, that there was some mistake. We talked abit and I proceeded to the entrance. Inside, I could see that this was not a casual event but a dressy occasion. I spoke with the hostess and found that the cost to get in was $150. as this was a fund raising event! We're talking cocktails, tapas and entertainment! Needless to say, I headed for the exit.

Outside the Los Compadres played on...but not for me! I did stay and took some photos which follow and I hope you'll enjoy.

 I also met some of the entertainers family that were waiting for them. We had a nice chat and enjoyed the music while sitting outside. The evening was perfect for a fund-raiser and butterfly's, both a symbol of hope! My hope is that they raised a huge amount of money!

If you know me, you know how much I love our Missouri Botanical Garden. It's so very lovely and everyone you meet there is kind and helpful. They also support SHAW Nature Reserve . If you're coming our way, be sure to check them out.

Sep. 2, 2008 - VotingResponsibly

 I've been avoiding all the political commercials and the conventions. I'm waiting for the town hall debates and want to also get some information from sources that are not predisposed to one side or the other. No matter the outcome, I always hope and pray they put the country and it's inhabitants first and their personal pocketbooks last! Maybe I'm too naive??
I hope you'll take time to look closely at both sides and then make an informed vote! Remember, your vote does count and many people have worked hard and even lost lives to give you this opportunity. No country in the world is a great as this one is, let's keep it that way!
Here's a good site to start to start getting your information.

Vote Smart: Republican 
Vote Smart: Democrat 
Vote Smart: Independent

 You might also want to view the information on the movie Iron Jawed Angels and then view it. It's worth your time!