Surprisingly, it seemed both Theron and I forgot it was St. Patrick's Day last Tuesday. We went on a little adventure in downtown K-wood, all on foot (to those "green" folks out there), since we live in the downtown area.
Went by the firehouse, where I found this little guy that was painted on the fire hydrant out front. Does anyone find it odd that the firehouse has its own fire hydrant...? It seemed odd to me, but of course they need water too if a fire starts. So much for their pet dalmations, I think those are illegal in Kirkwood (at least for public forums) since they are the deadliest dog in the U.S. time and time again. NOT pit-bulls like many think.
As we walked farther, we relaxed a bit in the historic part of down town, near the train tracks which were laid in
the 1830s. We found an art rendering of a steam engine right next to the train tracks, so of course I made Theron stand next to it so I could take a corny picture.
the 1830s. We found an art rendering of a steam engine right next to the train tracks, so of course I made Theron stand next to it so I could take a corny picture. I took a picture of the train station (from the 1860s) becuase I take it for granted, since I spend most of my young life in K-wood. I know what it looks like and it acts as a symbol for the town. However, in talking with Theron about it, I was reminded of the time in 2000 or 2001 when someone bought the train station and wanted to tear it down! The town protested for at least a year and somehow was able to save the station. Thank goodness as it stands as a testament to the rails that made America 
liveable. It still has old, lead glass in the windows and has rounded windows that stick out almost like a bay window. What makes these so cool is that the glass itself is rounded. Not sure how much that would cost today. And the station is still functional with trains coming and going everday. Living two blocks away, hearing the train whistle is a true indication that I am "home."
liveable. It still has old, lead glass in the windows and has rounded windows that stick out almost like a bay window. What makes these so cool is that the glass itself is rounded. Not sure how much that would cost today. And the station is still functional with trains coming and going everday. Living two blocks away, hearing the train whistle is a true indication that I am "home."After eating at our favorite little "hole in the wall" bar, Ice and Fuel, we finished up by walking past a buildin
g famous for its old advertisement of the Hay and Grain Flour and Feed Mills. Although that particular business is long since gone (and The Bug Store has taken over residence) it is always neat to me to see this building and remember that the top portion was used as a train lookout so those working in the mill knew when to ready themselves for a load coming in or going out. Further, I think it is neat that those who ran the mill came from a family that still lives in town and I went to high school with two of their girls.
g famous for its old advertisement of the Hay and Grain Flour and Feed Mills. Although that particular business is long since gone (and The Bug Store has taken over residence) it is always neat to me to see this building and remember that the top portion was used as a train lookout so those working in the mill knew when to ready themselves for a load coming in or going out. Further, I think it is neat that those who ran the mill came from a family that still lives in town and I went to high school with two of their girls. I wanted to stop by City Hall, which has unfortunately come to be known as the place where the "shootings" occurred. We all remember that horrible night. I thought it was wonderful that they had white trees blooming all around the building, which to me seemed to serve as a reminder of "hope" in today's age. Surprisingly K-wood has still not put up a memorial to those that lost their lives in the shooting. I am assuming someo
ne somewhere is waiting for a donor. Or...I was thinking maybe since this was a K-wood citizen perpetrated act, by putting up a memorial to the victims, the other half of the town might get mad. This town is still segregated, unfortunately, althought race relations are decent after the shooting. Sad stuff.
ne somewhere is waiting for a donor. Or...I was thinking maybe since this was a K-wood citizen perpetrated act, by putting up a memorial to the victims, the other half of the town might get mad. This town is still segregated, unfortunately, althought race relations are decent after the shooting. Sad stuff. The amazing part of the night came on the way home when we heard a "clack clack, clacking" of feet and looked up to see two grown men fully decked out in Scottish tartans with real bagpipes. Anyone who has known me long knows that the Scottish part of my ancestry is very important to me and I LOVE men in tartans...don't kow why. The men walked to a resta
urant that was having a St. Paddy's day celebration (I suppose) and began playing the bag pipes for all of those on the patio. I did not have the nerve to run up to one and snap my picture, they seemed busy and I certainly didn't want to mess them up in their little routine. Not sure if these were roaming guys or if they were meant to go to that restaurant. Nevertheless, I've never seen bagpipes played in person and it was absolutely beautiful.
urant that was having a St. Paddy's day celebration (I suppose) and began playing the bag pipes for all of those on the patio. I did not have the nerve to run up to one and snap my picture, they seemed busy and I certainly didn't want to mess them up in their little routine. Not sure if these were roaming guys or if they were meant to go to that restaurant. Nevertheless, I've never seen bagpipes played in person and it was absolutely beautiful. 
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