Missouri Botanical Gardens in the Winter

 

Explore Missouri Botanical Gardens

In St. Louis we have a beautiful botanical garden that has been in continuous operation since 1859.  It was founded by Henry Shaw and is one of the few gardens to achieve National Historic Landmark status.  I have spent many hours visiting the garden during the spring, summer, and fall times, but until this year, I had not visited it in the winter.  What a delightful experience!  In February my son and his family were visiting us from New Hampshire, and I took my daughter-in-law and two granddaughters to visit the gardens.  We had a wonderful time.  

Orchid Show

I had often seen photos of the annual orchid show but had never been to the garden to see it.  This show is held in February when the more than 5000 individual plants are moved from the greenhouses to the Emerson Conservatory.  The botanical garden has over 700 unique kinds of orchids, which are cared for year-round by the horticulture staff.  Here are a few of my favorite photos from the orchid show.

Growing Orchids at Home

In the brochure we received at the orchid show there is a section that talks about how easy orchids are to grow at home under the right conditions.  Here some key points.

• Potting medium  - many orchids grow best when their roots are exposed to the air.  There are mixes for the pot that help with this aeration.
• Temperature- most orchids are comfortable at room temperature- 60-80 F 
• Humidity- 40-70% is ideal, this can be achieved by placing pots on a gravel-lined try filled with water.
• Light- Orchids like a sunny room or artificial lights.  If leaves turn yellow or lanky they need more light.
• Water- Make sure potting mix nearly dries out before watering again.

I found this book on Amazon that helps you in growing orchids.

No Stress Orchid Gardening for Beginners

Chinese Garden

It was a beautiful day out, so after visiting the orchid show I took my granddaughters and daughter-in-law to some of my favorite spots in the garden.  There were not any flowers blooming at this time of the year but the beauty of the sculptures and structures around the park made for a delightful visit.

Our first stop was at the Chinese Garden, this garden was designed by Chinese born architect Yong Pan.  It is modeled after "scholars gardens" in the southern provinces of China.  

Here are some of the photos I took of my granddaughters exploring the garden.

Japanese Garden

A favorite place of mine to explore at the gardens is the Japanese Garden.  I wanted to show this to my granddaughters, so we took a stroll to the garden and walked around the lake to experience all of the sculptures and features of the Japanese Garden.  This 14-acre garden is called Seiw-en and was dedicated in 1977.  I have photographed it often through the years. Here are some of my photos.

The Garden through the Years

I have taken photography classes at the garden and have enjoyed my visits through the years.  Here are some other reviews I have written on the garden.

Japanese Garden

Missouri Botanical Garden

Origami in the Garden

Garden Photography Tips

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Reviewing Veterans Tribute Park

 Last week I visited a park that was new to me.  It opened in October 2018.  It is located on Kisker Drive in Weldon Springs Missouri.  It is an 120 acre park with lots of wonderful features.

Park Features

The park is loaded with features for every age group.  They include:

• Two Lakes where you can enjoy a nice stroll or go fishing.
• A Dog Park
• Playground
• A Great Trail System for those who like to hike.  
• Storybook Walk   This trail is designed for parents and kids who love to read.  Book pages are posted at various stations along the trail, so you can read a book while you take a walk.
• Picnic Shelters

In addition, it has two of my favorite features- the Veterans Memorial Plaza and flowers which I will tell you about in more detail in the sections below.

Veterans Memorial Plaza

Veterans Memorial Plaza is a beautiful area that honors Veterans from the St. Charles County area that have given the ultimate sacrifice.  It includes a beautiful walk lined with flowers that lead to the Tribute Wall.  The tribute wall is a curved stoned wall engraved with names and has waterfalling over the wall.  After you see the wall, the walk continues up a slight incline and has stops from each of the conflicts from 1812 to the present day.  Each stop features a board that describes the conflict and, on the walk, in front of the board is a star on the sidewalk with the names of those residents of the county that died in that conflict.  It is a very moving feature of the park.

Lots of Beautiful Spring Flowers

I visited the park in early May and there were lots of beautiful flowers that lined the walkway to the Veterans Tribute.

Zazzle Products From my Photos

Two-toned Iris Beauties Two-Tone Coffee Mug
by mbgphoto

https://www.zazzle.com/inspirational_greeting_card-256580751976839042

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Black Bear Diner Review

My favorite style of restaurant can best be described as ‘simple and plentiful’. In other words, just home-style comfort foods. I do not care for spicy or fancy or exotic. Just give me simple plain food in a family friendly atmosphere. My family calls me ‘Plain Jane’ due to my boring food preferences. 🙂

Because of my food likes and dislikes, finding restaurants I enjoy is not always easy. But last week I found the perfect one and after two visits in less than a week, it has now become my ‘go-to’ favorite. 

In case you are thinking you would not be able to enjoy my new favorite restaurant, you will be pleased to know that it is part of a franchise which includes 161 diners in 13 states…. And growing.  It’s called the Black Bear Diner.

The Black Bear Diner Celebrates Thirty Years 

The first Black Bear Diner opened in September 1995 in Mt. Shasta, California. The owners, Bruce Dean and Bob Manley, believed in a welcoming place where friends and families could gather for abundant portions of quality food at a fair price. 

Each Black Bear Diner has a bear-themed, cabin-like cozy environment. They believe in serving large portions of favorite homestyle meals of good old-fashioned comfort food such as homemade meatloaf, chicken fried steak, chicken pot pie, pot roast and fish & chips. Naturally, there are also hamburgers and chicken fingers and specialty sandwiches, soups and salads on the menu. Plus, they also serve fantastic breakfast meals and breakfast is available all day! 

A favorite line from the Black Bear Diner advertising says:

If your big bear-sized dinner just didn’t quite fill you up, don’t forget to check out their amazing display of desserts for just $5-6  

Check out a sample menu at Black Bear Diner - Menus.  

Personal Opinion

My first visit with my family was for brunch on Easter Sunday where I had a platter of delicious french toast made with sourdough bread. Yum! 

Later that week, we returned to our local Black Bear Diner for dinner. I had the Fish & Chips served with French fries, homemade coleslaw and homemade tartar sauce. The tarter sauce was fantastic and the lightly battered and fried Cod fillets were the best I’ve ever had. 

Each of the meal choices of the rest of my family (son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons) were just as well received and definitely thoroughly enjoyed, even though their food preferences include a much wider range of foods than mine do. :) And, because of the very generous portions served, we each brought home leftover takeaways! 

Summary

The 160+ chain of Black Bear Diners are currently serving the Western side of the United States. Since the chain began in California, the largest number (over 60) can be found there, particularly in the northern part of the state. Quite a few Black Bear Diners are found in Arizona, Colorado, Washington State, Utah and Oregon. 

Another large grouping of these diners are now found in Texas, with a smaller number in Nevada, Idaho and Oklahoma. At last count, we discovered there are two Black Bear Diners each in Kansas and Missouri. 

*It is interesting to me to note that the two Kansas diners are in the two Kansas towns I have lived in (Garden City where the hubs was from and where two of our children were born, and Olathe ~ a suburb of Kansas City ~ where I currently live). 

The Black Bear Diner concept states that they are always growing and continuing to expand east with a goal of being coast-to-coast.  Meanwhile, if you live in or are traveling to one of the western states which have Black Bear Diners, I highly recommend them. 

• Click here for a list of Black Bear Diner locations. 

• For more Restaurant Reviews click on:  Restaurant Reviews: US

Black Bear Merchandise

Black Bear Diner Black Bear Family Giclee Art Print Poster from Original Travel Artwork by Artist Paul A. Lanquist 12" x 18"

Tree-Free Greetings lm43117 Vintage Black Bear Diner Nostalgia by Paul A. Lanquist Ceramic Mug with Full-Sized Handle, 15-Ounce, Multicolored

Black Bear Wildlife Animal Wilderness Graphic T-Shirt

Wild Republic Black Bear Plush, Stuffed Animal, Plush Toy, Gifts for Kids, Cuddlekins 8

*Black Bear Diner Restaurant Review was written by Wednesday Elf

 

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Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell

Book Review of Book 28 of 28 in the Kay Scarpetta series.

Patricia Cornwell sold her first novel, Postmortem, in 1990 while working at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia. 

During that same time period, I was working for a Medical Examiner in Mid-Missouri and found the whole subject of the work of medical examiners fascinating and interesting. Thus, Postmortem appealed to me. After reading it, I immediately became a fan of author Patricia Cornwell. As a matter of fact, during that time my boss attended a medical examiner meeting on the East Coast and actually met Patricia Cornwell. 

Cornwell has written several series, but her most well-known one is that featuring Kay Scarpetta, a Medical Examiner in Virginia, as the main character. This is my review of her latest book in the series, Book #28 ~ Identity Unknown. 

Synopsis of Identity Unknown

Identity Unknown (Kay Scarpetta)

The plot begins as Dr. Kay Scarpetta is summoned to an abandoned theme park to retrieve a body. She is devastated to learn that the victim is a dear friend; well-known astrophysicist, Sal Giordano. 

The  murder scene is very strange. The body appears to be atypically red and is found lying within a crop circle of petals. Examination of his fatal injuries indicate that he was dropped from a great height from an unidentified flying craft. 

The subsequent autopsy and investigation reveals suspicions that include an otherworldly force or perhaps something Giordano himself was involved in. 

Kay Scarpetta, along with her niece and her husband (both who work for the Secret Service) search out an explanation closer to home, which is possibly far more evil. 

Summary

Outstanding storytelling, with characters who feel like family after twenty-eight books in the series, Identity Unknown is an excellent addition to the Kay Scarpetta Series. I highly recommend it to fans of the series and of author Patricia Cornwell.

Related Review:

• Autopsy by Patricia Cornwell

For more Book Reviews, Check Out

ReviewThisBooks.com

*Book Review of Identity Unknown written by Wednesday Elf

 

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Happy Thanksgiving from Review This

 

Today is a day of Thanksgiving in the USA and I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving on behalf of the entire staff of Review This.

I have many things that I am thankful for, but on this post I'd like to share my thanks for my hobby of photography by sharing with you several of the photos that I have taken this fall.  I always see Thanksgiving as the end of the colorful fall colors and the start of the winter holidays.  

Fall  Photography

In the photo at the beginning of this post, I have shared a photo that I took down on Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri.  They always decorate for each holiday and fall is no exception.  I loved this box of fall flowers set against the wood railing.   Another place I visited to take some fall photos was our Missouri Extension gardens.  Fall is really the end of the blooming season, but there are still some great flowers to photograph.  The photo below shows some bright purple flowers peeking out of an old wooden fence.

I love the beautiful shades of colors of the leaves in the fall.  Here are a few of my favorites from this year.

One of the views I particularly enjoy all year round is the view from the sliding doors in our kitchen.  It looks out past our deck to the trees in a subdivision below us.  It is interesting to see how this view changes with each season.  In the photo below it is a early fall morning and the trees are just beginning to change colors.  The sky is full of color in the early morning light.

As I look at nature and my photographs, I thank God for this beautiful creation He has giving to us.

May you and your family be blessed with a thankful heart!

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2024 Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas begins Friday, October 18th with a new Hallmark film  Twas The Date Before Christmas. This year Hallmark brings over 35 new Christmas movies on the Hallmark and Hallmark Mystery channel.

 

A few of the most anticipated 2024 Hallmark Christmas movies are:

Three Wiser Men And A Boy

They are back! One of the best Hallmark Christmas movies is back with a sequel featuring the original cast:  Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell. Reunited this trio takes on parenting with a now growing up baby (Boy) and all the antics and love that resonates.

Holiday Touchdown A Chief's Love Story

The title tells all in this highly anticipated Hallmark Christmas movie which premieres November 30th. Tyler Hynes, Hunter King and Ed Begley Jr. star with Donna Kelce, Jenna Bush Hagar as supporting cast adding a touch of realism to the movie.

Vying for fan of the year is King with Hynes the marketing brains and fan evaluator as the finalists weave their way to the goal of Fan Of The Year. Filmed in Missouri, speculation is high trying to predict who from the Chiefs may pop up in the movie...

Unwrapping Christmas

New four part Christmas series which airs November 7, 14, 21, 28. 

A Christmas Quest

It is not Hallmark Christmas without Lacey Chabert. This year Lacey stars with Kristoffer Polaha in this holiday story featuring mystery, adventure, Iceland and treasure of the Yule Lads, premieres December 1. Filmed in Iceland.. enjoy!

A few favorites from seasons gone by to look for in the 2024 Season.

A Merry Scottish Christmas 2023

The number one movie of 2023 at Hallmark1 Party of Five fans showed up for this movie and the movie/reunion did not disappoint. Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolf play siblings on a family trip to Scotland during the holidays. Family reunions and family mysteries are in the air. Filmed in Ireland and Scotland and the Duns Castle Estate is featured in a movie full of gorgeous landscapes and castles.

Never Been Chris'd 2023

The A team Hallmark actor Tyler Hynes leads reunion as hometown friends reunite for Christmas Hallmark love triangle, the Hallmark way. As always  Hynes brings humor, wit and a few winks to this holiday movie.

Three Wise Men And A Baby 2022

By far, the best Hallmark Christmas movie of 2022 was Three Wise Men and A Baby with Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell (who also co wrote the movie.) Sure, the storyline may sound a bit familiar from the original movie, but this movie will bring smiles for the second time with a cast of Hallmark A team actors and their chemistry. 

A Cozy Christmas Inn

Jodie Sweetin (Full House) and David O'Donnell take on Alaska, Christmas, old loves reuniting and B and B's all in one charming Hallmark movie. If you love Hallmark then you can surmise the storyline and great to see O'Donnell back. He was in Christmas Under Wraps with Candace Cameron Bure, also in Alaska! 

Haul Out The Holly And Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up  Sequel 2022

Hallmarkies loved the first Haul Out The Holly and continues the love with the sequel. The characters continue to battle their inner Grinch with the annual HOA decorating competition and all that entails for the winning homeowner to win the coveted award.

It's a sequel, it is cute, it is Christmas, it is Hallmark and we love it. Lacey Chabert  and Wes Brown reprise their roles in this cute sequel which continues the charm of the first move. The  cast which proved its' chemistry already in the first movie also continues which contributes to the comfortable feel of the characters.

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviews

Hallmark Christmas Moves 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age 

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

You, Me & The Christmas Trees by The Savvy Age

A New Year's Resolution by Cynthia 

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2020 Reviewed by The Savvy Age23

Finding Father Christmas by Cynthia

Christmas Tree Lane by The Savvy Age

Broadcasting Christmas by Cynthia

Top Ten Hallmark Christmas Movies by The Savvy Age

Debbie Macomber's Mr. Miracle Hallmark Movie Review by Cynthia

Where To Find Hallmark Christmas Movies?

 The Hallmark Everywhere App offers wide access to the Hallmark Channel content, but a cable subscription is necessary. Your cable subscription username and password wil be needed to log in.

Hallmark + is the rebranded  Hallmark Movies Now  which is a streaming service for a monthly fee. A seven day free trial is available.  Find information on pricing and the free trial here.

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A Review of Oktoberfest

A Cultural Folk Festival Holiday Review

What is Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a festival held each year in Munich, Germany. The origin of the festival began on October 12, 1810, to celebrate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria (later known as King Louis I) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

Why is it called Oktoberfest when it is in September?

Because the weather in October in Germany is already getting colder, with the days being shorter, the festival coordinators elected to have the festival begin on the first Saturday after September 15 and last until the first Sunday in October. Thus, for this year, 2024, Oktoberfest begins Saturday, September 21 and ends on Sunday, October 6. 

This two centuries long event has become best known for featuring beer, pretzels, and German food. The fest includes a parade, music, and a traveling carnival. 

Costumes

The traditional costumes for Oktoberfest are:

• For men - Lederhosen with suspenders. The lederhosen are the part-pants, part-shorts combination that are held up by suspenders.

• For women - the costumes include the Trachtenblouse - a distinct blouse style due to the lace trim on the sleeves and neckline and a Dirndl skirt, which is characterized by its laced straps and circular cut, which starts at the waist and falls below the knee. A matching pinafore (or apron) is worn over the dirndl. 

*Important Note: The knot on the pinafore indicates your relationship status. If the knot is on your right side, that means you are taken. If you tie the knot on the left side, it means you are single. 

Oktoberfest Around the World

A number of U.S. cities, particularly those with large German American populations, hold Oktoberfests modeled on the original Munich festival. These popular celebrations, which feature beer and German food, are an attempt to reproduce the Bavarian sense of gemütlichkeit—cordiality.

Many of the U.S. Oktoberfests are shorter in length than the two weeks normally set aside for the Munich festival. For instance, the Kansas City Oktoberfest in 2024 is just a two-day event held on the final weekend of October 4-5, 2024. 

The German town of Hermann, Missouri celebrates the town’s German heritage every weekend in October by hosting Oktoberfest. The backdrop of Missouri fall colors this time of year also pays tribute to the Autumn season. What better way to celebrate than with good food, wine, beer and music. 

Summary

Whether you dress up in traditional costume or wear just regular clothes, the fun and happiness of this Fall Celebration will be a fun time of traditioning into the holiday season. 

Find an Oktoberfest near you ~ and enjoy. 

*Oktoberfest Holiday is review by Wednesday Elf

 

Dirndl Oktoberfest Outfit Women Dress Bavarian Fancy Costume Halloween 3 Pieces Set Carnival Traditional

BAVARIA TRACHTEN Oktoberfest Lederhosen Men - Real Leather - The Original Men's Lederhosen from Germany - Authentic German Octoberfest Outfit Dark Brown - Short

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