Former automobile building

When I was a kid, this is where Hudson cars were sold. That was the brand of preference for my dad. We went there to see the new models and I was really impressed by the huge elevator which was able to lift cars to the upper stories! We usually went up to view models that weren't on the show room floor. The last one he bought was a '49 model. After that he shifted to Buicks. I don't think they were sold at the same place but the whole block was "automobile row" with Ford, Chevrolet, Plymouth, Chrysler, Oldsmobile and Mercury located there.

How to damage a lawn

A warning to lawn lovers - do not leave your polycarts sitting beside the drive-way in 100 degree temperature for two days.

Beaded purse

Isn't this a great design with additional beading?

Not much going on here today except that there is a break in the heat....only about 90 this afternoon. So I thought I'd share this handwork with you. It belongs to a friend and I think it's beautiful.

Struggling Sunflowers

These were grown from seeds, purchased at the seed store.
Many other seeds were strewn around by the birds from the sunflower seed bought for the birds.
We could have saved money planting the bird seed. These look too spindly to produce blooms. I guess time will tell.

Summer Haircut

Even beautiful grey hair can't last in the 98 degrees of June. Many times L. has stated he wouldn't care if it all fell out; so he did the next best thing.

A battle in nature

L. caught this white spider and some kind of moth in a stand-off.
I don't think this is the spider that bit me but I have walked around the back yard recently. The mosquitos drive us inside.
They are swarming!

Moon Flower

L. got this moon flower this morning about 8:00, before it closed up. I love the way the background is dark - it looks like it's glowing at night.
Off to the ER to tend to an insect bite that is getting worse and worse.....

The doctor says it looks like a spider bite and I have RX - both internal and topical. It's not a brown spider so that is good news.

Walnut tree regrowth

We had the walnut tree removed this spring.
Now it is putting out new branches from the roots.
L. says we'll let it grow for a while and keep it trimmed.
No more walnuts wanted, though.

Dragon Fly

This persistent dragonfly keeps coming back to a cut off stub of a rose bush. L. got the first two shots; head-on, side view and I got the top view. I don't think I've ever seen one with black and transparent wings before. Too hot out there for people but evidently not for dragon flies.

The Bargain Ferns

Half price is a good deal at the nursery/florist. There are so many flowers and plants at the various places around town that I don't see how they will ever sell them all. I wonder if they perhaps "over bought."
These will be on our back porch and we'll try to keep them going with frequent misting.

Lunch at the Firehouse Cafe

This was the first, but not the last, time to have lunch at the Firehouse Cafe. The grilled chicken salad was very good and very large! Linda and I had a fun morning at the Coffee at the Cosmo and checking out the water on Cow Creek before heading out East 4th to eat.
On to the half price sale at Stutzman at the mall for some plants. We got two ferns for our back porch and some posies for Linda's planters.

Cone Flower

We finally have some cone flowers blooming. L. got this great shot this afternoon.

Sodas!

Today we found the place that serves ice cream sodas.The counter even had models on view. And I had one! Chocolate.

Sad - but no pain

Ever since I first saw the sign go up on a local hamburger joint advertising a soda for $1.00, I have wanted to go. I love ice cream sodas and hadn't had one for years.

Just for something to do, we drove there and I ordered one of "your" chocolate ice cream sodas. The reply over the intercom?
"It's really like a coke or Pepsi." Okay. I ordered the burger and fries for L. Since they cook to order (!) we pulled ahead and waited. When the cute girl came out with the sack, I asked her if they make ice cream sodas here; thinking we could order it from her and just drive around again to the window. Her answer was, "Do you mean like a root beer float?" No. That's ok. So L. says I know they make them at Sonic. I didn't think so but held my tongue. At Sonic we read both sides of the menu - nothing but slushes and milk shakes and ice cream treats.
Is there anyplace in town that makes ice cream sodas? I think I'll try the only drugstore counter here and maybe Dairy Queen.
I could make my own if I had some carbonated water.
The strange thing to me is that nobody I know from Kansas calls carbonated drinks "soda."
I've heard "pop" all my life. Other parts of the country use "soda."
Times they are a changin' here in Kansas.

My choice on the sign would be about a 4 relating to sadness...

The Rains Came

Here is the rain gauge this morning. There is flooding in many parts of the state. This will slow down the wheat harvest.
The forecast does not look good.

More renewal

I hope this is the beginning of the restoration of this whole block between 3rd and 4th on Main.
Love the little "castle" towers with flags.

What is this plant?

I really like this plant. No idea what it is - but it grows in Oregon. Does it look like something from space?

Plaques at the Park

A nice addition to explain the origin of the park.....

George Pyle Park

This is another commuity project that has improved an area that had become an eyesore. Formerly known as Sylvan Park, the area is on Cow Creek and Avenue B in Hutchinson, KS.

The building in the background is Memorial Hall, built in 1911 and formerly known as Convention Hall. I believe President Taft laid the cornerstone for that building. Despite the despair of some citizens, money has been spent to maintain the grand old place! We have lost too many land marks here - we need to preserve our history whenever possible.
The next project is repair on the small white gazebo/bandstand on the left in this photo. Thanks to the folks in a position to provide funds for all these plans!

Pansies

Do they remind you of faces? I see the dark centers forming a little angel...ok, it's far fetched but I do not see a face!

In progress

Work is continuing on the building at 720 North Main.

It looks like it will be a long process. Thanks to the Bob Allen's demolition company and Mann and Co.

Stewart Hospital Hutchinson KS

This hospital was built by two brothers, Dr. James and Dr. Richard Stewart who came to Hutchinson in 1891. They built their hospital in 1900. It became a Methodist Hospital in 1915 and later an addition was added.

It was then known as Grace Hospital.In 1971 Grace Hospital merged with St. Elizabeth's Hospital and the two became known as Hutchinson Hospital South and Hutchinson Hospital North. In 1975 the merger was completed with a move to a new building east of town.
After thirty years, some one in marketing (!) decided to rename the facility Promise Regional Medical Center. Ok. It will still be called Hutchinson Hospital by us old fogies.....

For several years the old building has stood vacant. Part of it was torn down. There were attempts to use it for various things.At last it is being rennovated for apartments. Another good project for our town.