A bit o' the Irish

 Went on a day trip with my city again and sighted another cake! We visited places that have a Irish connection in St. Louis. This is in front of the Shrine to St Joseph in the city of St. Louis.

 The shrine was founded by the Jesuits in 1843 on land donated by Ann Mullanphy Biddle and dedicated in 1844.

 The inside is being renovated. A group of lay people saved the shrine from being razed. This alter is called the "Altar of Answered Prayers".

 The church is also called the "Church of Miracles" and is the only Vatican-authenticated shrine in the Midwest. In 1864 A man near death was blessed in the church by a relic of Peter Claver, noted for his work among slaves. The man was immediately healed and walked out of the church on his own. In 1866 there was a cholera epidemic and the priest asked the parishioners to make a vow to St. Joseph that if they could be spared from more deaths, the would build a monument to him. All who signed and their family were spared.

view of the Gateway Arch between the buildings.

250/250

 This year is St. Louis' 250 birthday. Our history museum has a exhibition called 250/250. 50 people, 50 places, 50 objects, 50 moments, 50 images of St Louis. Lindbergh's flight suit used when he flew non stop to Paris

 Stan Musial, local sports hero, played for the St Louis Cardinals. He played the harmonica and was beloved by the people of St. Louis

 Chuck Berry's "Black Widow" guitar. He was born in St. Louis and still performs here occasionally

My first birthday cake sighting. There are 250 four foot fiberglass birthday cake placed all over the area in historically or interesting places. I hope to photograph as many as I can this year. The cakes are decorated by local artists.

Jake (from State Farm) the new granddog

 This is Jake (from State Farm, Jakes name is based on a tv commercial from State Farm Insurance)

 He is sporting his new fashion accessory and he hates it. He managed to get it off the last time I was babysitting and it was a fight to get his head back thru it.

don't think he is going to fit in this chair too much longer

art class

we had an art class a few weeks ago, anything to break up the cabin fever. Our weather has been so bad, we are not able to get out with the ice, sleet, snow and bitter cold. This is my first attempt at drawing, better than I thought I could do but I won't be quitting my day job!!! I like the tree best. We used black magic marker and white out for the snow on the tree and house.

Coronation

 L was a page at the basketball coronation at the high school her cousin attends. She was so excited, said it felf like a dream!

 L's dad, the queen and L

 dancing with her cousin

the whole family