Hi Y'all!

I had a lovely day again at our MOBOT event of the Best of Missouri Market. If you read my writings at all, you know how much I enjoy this city attraction. There's always something "happening" at the Garden. This time it was the 16th Annual Market. They had over 130 vendors and artists showing and selling their wares.

This was my first time to attend this event and it was just great, as the weather co-operated with sunshine and a nice breeze! You'll see a bit of what was offered in my slideshow, but they had so much to see and buy, you'll just have to make some time in your busy schedule to come here and see it too!

There was fresh produce from Soulard Market, flowers and plants, herbs, nuts, candies, meats (mmmm, brats!), seasonings baked goods and of course our famous Missouri wines and Cheeses. So many tastings! Yum.

Artists brought their hand-crafted furniture, wooden birds, ironwork, sculptures, baskets, pottery and so much more! Most of the items there were unique and not the same old thing we see at the craft shows that are so popular here in St. Louis County.

I was there early as I'd been warned about the crowds being huge. They were and increased as the day wore on. I wore out from the walking and stopped near the fountain to rest and enjoy people watching. I just had the best time talking with folks and taking photos, which I hope you'll enjoy viewing. Add this event to the list of things you want to do here in St. Louis in October. Links to some of the artists/vendors can be seen in the following slideshow!

Ah, Kirkwood! A community of older stately homes and a mix of smaller homes, quickly being bought up strictly for the land & building of new homes. It's tough to find a first time home buyer home here as the prices are typically higher than average. Think LOCATION!A friendly older community that has lots of charm.  Kirkwood will be a destination that you won't want to pass up! It was established in 1853 and was the first planned suburb west of the Mississippi. Stop by to see the train station (still functioning!) and while there, get a custard at the ice cream stand. Great places to get a bite to eat, fun parks (over 300 acres of park land), ice rink, ball fields, tennis courts, and playground areas, Kirkwood has a lot to offer! I love to visit the charming shops that dot this area. Sunday past, I happened to visit a Sculpture park at Maryhurst's Rooster Gallery.

While I was taking photos, the artist happened by and we discussed his work. This is just a sampling of what you can see. After talking awhile, he informed me that my uncle was buried there in the adjoining park-like area. Sure enough, after he'd left, I went over to find my uncle's gravesite, which I located. I had attended the funeral in 1968, but we had not been allowed to go to the gravesite and I never knew where he had been buried. The cemetary is small and consists of Brothers and priests (my uncle had been Provincial at Chaminade) that had taken the vow of poverty and service to others.  Besides the exterior scuptures, there are two galleries that you can view (closed on Sundays).

On a clear day at Geyer and Big Bend, by the railroad tracks, you can see the Gateway Arch as you look down the tracks! How cool is that!

Kirkwood school district serves all or a part of 7 other nearby suburban communites. More than 62% of Kirkwood's high school graduates entered a four year college or university, compared to the state average of 38.7%.