The Children's Garden. . .

In preparation for an upcoming Garden Tour Tea,
"Mr. Ed" and I have been completing some
forgotten projects and beginning some new ones
here On Crooked Creek.

Before. . .

Recently completed, The Children's Garden, 
is the view from my Northernmost windows.

It began with cutting out overgrown shrubbery
when we arrived, nearly 11 years ago,
and has been an on~going project ever since.

. . .After!

This is the view of The Children's Garden
On Crooked Creek since its completion!

This past week,
"Mr. Ed" installed the concrete block edgers
to contain and showcase all the plantings!

The Children's Garden!

As you can clearly see, 
bald spots are still evidence of two years of drought. 

This rambling climber rose bush is original.
The addition of a new trellis, purchased at the end of the season,
adds stability and has aged nicely 
to harmoniously blend with the fence.

The "Man in the Tree",
was a past Father's Day gift to "Mr. Ed" .
He resides on a Cottonwood Tree at the far West edge
and keeps careful watch over The Children's Garden.

While clearing his garage of unwanted items,
this deteriorating two~step ladder of my father's,
joins us On Crooked Creek and now resides 
at the base of the tree. 

Under the care of "Mr. Ed",
the irises have flourished and spread 
to nicely fill the West side of The Children's Garden.

Continuing along to the East side ,
are the Mother's Day Rose bushes gifted from our children,
thus giving this Garden its chosen name.

Petite Red Tea Rose.

Pink Tea Rose. . .
now has turned to a
Soft Buttery Yellow Tea Rose.

Double Fuchsia Pink Knock Out Rose.

Pink Knock Out Rose.

The bird house is original On Crooked Creek,
but was moved to The Children's Garden
when the interior fence separating our yard was removed.

The Children's Garden.

The Children's Garden is one of  six
featured On Crooked Creek's Garden Tour Tea.

I do hope you'll return soon
and join us as we continue our Garden Tea Tour. . .
On Crooked Creek!

Until next time. . .

Week~Day Get~Away. . .Part II

Dear Ones,
Many of you may not know of the horrifically l o n g 
Autumn and Winter I experienced here On Crooked Creek,
but I will tell you that a much needed respite
was the best medicine I've had recently!

"Mr. Ed" and I on the porch
@ Glick Mansion in Atchison, KS.

After losing my voice in October, I have struggled 
with regaining my speaking voice, breathing, swallowing 
and the return of my vocal abilities.

So~o~o. . . feeling "home~bound",
I was long over~due for a week~day get~away!
When "Mr. Ed" asked where?
It didn't take but a second for my answer, 
Tuck U Inn @ Glick Mansion in Atchison, Kansas.

A return visit to stay with my sweet friend Chris,
and her hospitable husband Loman Wildy,
at their historic Bed and Breakfast
was totally enchanting along the bluffs of the Missouri River.

Tuck U Inn @ Glick Mansion
Atchison, Kansas.

During our previous visit,
"Mr. Ed" and I stayed in The Eisenhower Room.
Gorgeously decorated in proper period furnishings,
but more with a masculine appeal.

This time, I made reservations for The First Ladies Room.
Pampered elegance at its finest!!!

As you enter the room,
the elegant dress form combined with chaise lounge 
is the first glimpse of this exquisite suite!

"Always Kiss Me Goodnight" above the chaise
is also the message that rest above the Master Bedroom
closet doors On Crooked Creek!

I was enchanted with the period detail on the dress form!

Lace shawl, Cameo, Victorian Era blouse and lace skirt. . .

what's not to l o v e!!!

Through lace covered French Doors is the onsuite bath.
The entire perimeter of the bath is wrapped 
in white shutted windows!

The jacuzzi tub is directly across 
from this gorgeously decorated fireplace.

Thru the vintage mirror above the mantle
you can catch a glimpse of all the amazing sunlight
that floods through this room!

I adore all the details that Chris tucks into her decor!
How cute is this footed vase holding extra washcloths???

This is the view from the onsuite bath 
of The First Ladies king size luxurious bed!!!

The canopy curtain surrounds the entirely of the bed frame
except the ends on the sides. 

Elegance and comfort!
The luxurious linens and mattress 
made for "sweet dreams", indeed!

Chris has wound garlands of sweetheart roses at each end!

Atop the antique bedside table
is an elegant porcelain lamp with cherubs encircling the base.

The gifts were handmade items
from "Mr. Ed" and I
for Chris and Loman.

Across from the bed is this elegant seating area.

"Mr. Ed" deemed these wing back chairs "extremely" comfortable!

While Chris makes the most deliciously healthy breakfast,
both share the numerous chores of running a Bed and Breakfast,
but it is Loman who cares for the exterior of Glick Mansion.

Tuck U Inn @ Glick Mansion,
Atchison, Kansas.

The Sun Porch .

Tuck U Inn @ Glick Mansion,
Atchison, Kansas.

Breakfast is often served
on the Screen Porch.

Front Entrance @ Glick Mansion.

Entrance for Tuck U Inn Bed and Breakfast
 @Glick Mansion,
Atchison, Kansas.

I was in awe of all of the detailed painting 
while "Mr. Ed" was in awe of the variety of irises lining the walk.
These delicate peachy / pink hued irises bloomed during our visit!

As you can clearly see,
a decadent respite, combining elegance and vintage charm,
is the perfect prescription for renewed and refreshed health!

Until next time. . .






* * * * * * * FYI * * * * * * *
To read about the Walking Tour of Weston, Missouri
see Week~Day Get~Away. . .Part I (here).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Week~Day Get~Away. . .Part I

Ah~h~h. . .
finally the arrival of gorgeous Spring weather!!!
Perfect for a week~day get~away to Weston, Missouri!

"Mr. Ed's" handiwork
at the edge of the Herb Garden
On Crooked Creek!

"Mr. Ed" and I recently took a Road Trip,
staying three days at Tuck U Inn @ Glick Mansion 
in Atchison, Kansas.

Today, we will begin with a Walking Tour 
of Historic Homes in Weston, Missouri.

Our first stop. . .

708 Spring Street
"The Old Methodist Parsonage"

This Federal Style construction built in 1847,
is constructed with three brick thick walls.
Two flanking chimneys accommodate four fireplaces.

"Andy and Susan" slaves, were included in the 
purchase of the property when acquired 
by Dr. Thomas Beaumont and his wife in 1855.

Next on the tour. . . 
is the home that intrigued me most!

517 Walnut Street
"Josepha's House"

Built in 1860, this "dog~trot" style cottage
has a center hall running from the front door to the back.
The home consists of four small rooms.

The entire back yard once held 
a famously known vegetable garden 
planted entirely by Josepha.

This property was purchased in the early 1950's 
by a Polish immigrant, Josepha Grazik, 
who suffered the cruelty of a German concentration camp
during World War II.

Here's the intriguing part ~
At the end of the war, the Bless family of Weston, 
believing Josepha to be a man because of her name,
provided sponsorship for her to come to the United States.

Our last home, on this walking tour,
is most often referred to
as "the home with the wrap~around porch".

Wealthy business leader James W. Cox
built his elegant ten~room home 
for his wife "Lizzie"Noble Cox in 1908.

A socialite, "Lizzie" was once described
as a "lady of uncommon loveliness"
with superior culture and refinement.

Leaded windows, large fluted wood columns
and ornate woodwork are all part of the original structure.

This home was widely known 
for elaborate parties and social activities.
Inspired by the romantic setting,
the new owners were married on the front porch
on October 24, 1998.

All that "walking about" on this beautiful Spring day
with the most amazing fresh, cool air 
gave "Mr. Ed" and I quite an appetite!

Our final destination. . .

Built in 1843, this home was and slave quarters
are constructed of hand~made brick.

In the mid~to~1800’s,
the home was owned by local retailer, Roscoe How.
Sometime later , the home was purchased

by county corner W.L. Stephens.

608 Main Street
"White Lace" Avalon Cafe

In the late 1980’s the home was renovated.

The original floors, woodwork, fireplaces and

exposed brick walls remain in now what is

Avalon Café.

“Mr. Ed” and I both ordered pasta dishes.

His had Italian peppers on Alfredo pasta,
mine had a grilled Chicken breast topped with eggplant
and steamed garden vegetables with basil!

Our table was similar to the one

shown here in the corner of the dining room.

After lunch, “Mr. Ed” and I did some shopping

along the Main Street of Weston, Missouri.

They have some of the most adorable,

quaint specialty shops!

Yes, I made a few purchases. . .

But we’ll save those for another time.

502 Spring Street
Pirtle Winery

Weston, Missouri,

a perfect time and place for a week~day get~away!

Until next time. . .