Another 20 years ago milestone celebrated....

On August 8, 2011 Sweetie suprised me with these flowers and a loving note thanking me for being his girlfriend for 20 years! I, likewise remembered the day, and prepared a special dinner for the family, but forgot it had been 20 years! Oh my! :) Yes, we shared it with the boys. It's important to do that.

Here is why I feel that way:  1. So many of their friends parents' marriages are being attacked ending in misplaced trust affairs, seperation, and divorce.

2. They need to know that Sweetie and I promised to never use that word (divorce)- EVER. We promised each other in front of God, family, and friends for better and worse. That means we both promise to work hard to keep our marriage strong.

3. Structure for the boys. This way they know things may not always be perfect, but tomorrow is another day, and with God at the center, we can survive- and succeed!

4. Most of all - we hope to model a good family structure. Hopefully, prayerfully this will help them as they grow and make choices, to not make hasty, rash decisions. To work hard, (it takes two) on relationships with each other, friends, and family, and one day their spouse.

The Blue Owl Restaurant, Kimmswick MO

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Saturday I got to have a special lunch with Best Bud, her mom, and her sister. We went to a restaurant called The Blue Owl in Kimmswick, MO. Kimmswick is a little town that has all sorts of artists that sell crafts out of their homes right in the downtown area. This gem of a restaurant is right in the middle of all the action!

This comfortable restaurant offers amazing customer service, and everyone greets you with a smile. The food is fabulous! I ordered a small strawberry salad with Romaine and Iceburg lettuce, Colby and  Monterey Jack cheese, fresh strawberries, and candied almonds! The poppy seed dressing was to die for! It was so great! Come to find out they are famous for it! I know why! It is delicious!

For dessert, I ordered the peach pie! Yummy! Oh! I love peaches, and since I hadn't eaten any this season, I couldn't help myself!

Look at the height on this Caramel Apple pie and the Levee High Apple pie! I've never seen so many apples in one pie before! Awesome!

St. Charles Missouri

Recently I got to visit a beautiful city along the Missouri river, one that is proud and ready to tell their visitors all about the interesting history of the pioneer city. This city is called St. Charles. (Best Bud and I were there to dabble in the views and shopping) It was the first capital of Missouri.
The roads along the historic district are brick, in various sizes, so your tires will let you know when you are in the heart of it all. Off to the left you can see the Missouri river, and on the right you see streets filled with dated majestic and humble homes. Inside of these various old business buildings and homes, you will find many of the areas treasures made by local artists, antiques for learning about, and several you have the option to purchase.

We parked next to the old mill, where a once working water wheel still sets against the left outside wall. The morning shadows slowly back away to revel a small dining area nestled in a grove of gnarled trees. If you get a chance to shop in this wonderful area of town, keep in mind that most of the shops don't open til 10, or 10:30 am.
The first shop we popped in (they opened early!) was The Flower Petaler.
Oh this is a wonderful shop. On the windows walking up to the door were some beautiful wreaths. Thinking this was just a flower shop, I figured I would be in and out quickly. BOY, was I wrong! First off, there were several rooms and two upstairs! The first room was full of fall arrangements. These looked real! Wow. There were lots of pumpkins, gourds, little squirrels, acorns, and bronze, orange, and deep yellow leaves scattered amongst various arrangements. Not really needing anything for fall, I moved on into the other room, oh! This one was full of very rich colors, deep reds, and such. The next room was full of greens, so many shades and styles, I really spent some time looking around. My best girlfriend found an arrangement she wanted in this room. Hooray!
Wandering around we discovered there was also jewelry, scarves, and some antiques purchased from local estate sales. Yeah now I'm jazzed. Snooping around, with help of a great sales lady, I found all sorts of neat items I was interested in. There was even a Christmas room, with all sorts of trees decorated up and any ornament imaginable available. The nativity scenes, and ornaments, and the nutcrackers were beautiful and affordable. Upstairs, I managed to find the sale area, (go figure huh?).
Leaving the store, my friend and I both found an arrangement we couldn't leave without and a few other little items too! Score!
For lunch, we decided to try Lewis and Clark Restaurant (http://www.lewisandclarkrestaurant.com/). We had great service, and the food was great! I got a grilled feta chicken and side order of alfredo. Delish!
So, if you are ever in the St. Louis area and want a great historic shopping/dining experience, please consider stopping by St. Charles. The people are friendly, the food is great, and eye candy is just everywhere!

Look at the towns first church/school house! The wood is laid vertical instead of the typical horizontal...hmmm. Very interesting!