311th HHD Family Day

The 311th had its first family event since Jason had been named commander - a lunch in the park followed by swimming at the pool. As the commander's wife, I wasn't really sure what was expected of me. I knew families were supposed to bring food. So, I put together a fruit tray, bought a small vegetable tray, made some Rice Crispie Treats and iced tea, and rounded up a cooler full of popcicles. Plus I brought some non-pool toys for the kids.

The final formation was at the picnic in the park. Half the guys were in uniform and half had already changed for the pool. Some awards were handed out before food. Strangely, not a lot of people brought food to add to the hot dogs supplied by the Family Readiness Group. The kids also enjoyed playing with the toys I brought.

Then we headed to the pool. Jason and I had fun. He took a few turns on the diving board and we went down the water slides together. Unfortunately, I found out that Jason is not a good sunscreen applier; my back and shoulders took on an oddly shaped burn.

2009 Schad Reunion

Every couple of years we have a Schad/Bennett Reunion. Uncle Dorsey's family came up from Texas for a week of visiting and fun. It was good to see everyone again, mostly my siblings. I talk to Lauren frequently, but I try to stay out of John's way while he's doing his own thing. Consequently, we don't talk a lot. I think that is going to have to change...

The Fourth Plinth

The Fourth Plinth is a 22-foot-high stand in Trafalgar Square in London that was designed to hold a statue of someone on horseback. Unfortunately, they ran out of money before it was completed. Since then, the plinth, also known as the Empty Plinth, has supported many different statues and works of art.

Right now, it is home to an art exhibit called One and Other. Designed by Antony Gormley, it's a living exhibit, a representation of the country's people. From July 6 - Oct. 14, which is 100 days, people of the United Kingdom will spend an hour doing whatever pleases them while locals and tourists in the square look on and people at home watch via the Internet. Plinthers have used their time to promote causes they feel are important, to perform burlesque dances and to recite poetry. One guy even taught the crowd how to dance to Thriller.

The plinth is only open to those living and staying in the UK, but I can't help but wonder what I would do if I had an hour. What would you do?

New baby Lappy

Jason decided to sell his laptop on eBay to make room for a new smaller laptop that will accompany him to class. According to his order, the new baby Lappy will be born today in China!

Picnic your pants off

Jason and I decided to explore a little on Saturday. First we headed to the City Market downtown. People from all over Missouri, and probably some parts of Kansas, came to sell their wares, even some Zimmermans from Versailles! There were booths of fresh veggies and fruits of all shapes and varieties, including a weird-looking thing called a bitter melon, plus meat, baked goods and beautiful bouquets of flowers.

We stopped in at the Wine Cellar for a "trip to Romania," according to the gentleman pouring the wine. And we were adventurous; we came away with two bottles, late harvest wines from Dreamer.

There was supposed to be a corn festival in the market, but we didn't see too much of a theme. We did enjoy the music that we came across. There were a couple of groups playing country music in the open area and on the street. We saw a lady playing the harp in the corner of a restaurant and a man was playing the drums on the backside of the market.

After our market adventure, we stopped by a trail and park that's just off the interstate in Independence. Jason had packed the picnic backpack, and he carried it along the trail to our picnic spot. After lunch we walked the trail for a mile or two. We saw lots of pretty wildflowers along the trail and something resembling a river otter was tromping around down on the riverbank. We decided to get some ice cream cupcakes at Cold Stone Creamery before we headed home.

The Maurer Wedding

My friends Brian and Kathleen finally tied the knot!

It was a beautiful small wedding in the Uptown Theatre in downtown Kansas City with requisite dinner, dancing and slideshow. Not so usual...an open bar, digestive biscuits and purple potatoes.

Seriously though, the bride was gorgeous, and I got a little misty-eyed when Brian started tearing up as he said his vows. They introduced me to my new favorite song, the food was delicious, and it was the most fun I'd had dancing in a long time. I even got to take my husband for a spin on the dance floor! Those Maurers really know how to throw a party!