Molly Cat, my favorite cat.

For those of you who don't have the pleasure of knowing Molly, you're really missing out on a simply delightful kitty.  My dad and I adopted her Christmas, 2004 for my mom and she named her.  So already knowing that, you've got to know this cat is very special, especially to me.  She has many traits of a dog.  She always greets me at the door when I get home from work, rubs herself all over me, meows chit chat, loves to play, licks a ton, and is extremely social with strangers.  Conveniently for me, she can eat on her own schedule, use the litter box when needed, and can be left alone without a second thought.

Wednesday morning when I woke up, Molly was lying next to me as usual, but she had a bit of blood on her mouth and her chin and jaw was extremely swollen.  She would try to yawn, open her mouth a few centimeters, then give up and close.  The pain!  When I was telling my grandmother about this, she commented, "Bless her heart!"  Only my grandma would say that about her grand kitty.  When I could see into Molly's mouth, her gums at her teeth were inflamed and it appeared that's where the blood was coming from.  I was able to leave work in the morning to take her to the vet and turns out she has gingivitis.  I have her on antibiotics and thankfully she's improved or else we could have had a much more serious issue on our hands/paws.  She has a dental appointment for Tuesday and I really hope that they don't find anything major or untreatable.

Since the visit to the vet yesterday and medication, Molly has her spunky spirit back which is a relief.  "Molly Cat" is a treat for me, my friends, and strangers alike.  I can't imagine being without her.  Every trip I take when I'm away from her, I tell whoever I'm with how much I miss her.  She's the best, and so was my first cat, Annie.

Weekend Getaway!

I was lucky enough to be invited to spend the weekend in Chicago with Leslie!  A visit was long overdue, but we made up for it by having a splendid time together.  I can't even go into all the details of how I was a spoiled guest.  We talked and talked and talked over tea, meals, walks, and in bed; like two girls having a sleep over!  It was the best.  Too bad Dario wasn't there to enjoy the fun, but all the better that we got some precious girl time.

We rode the train into downtown and Leslie showed me the Marshall Field's windows.  I wish Halls, or someplace in Kansas City would create old fashioned holiday windows.  Hopefully someone does and I'm just not savvy to it.  We wondered in and out of stores and then met her parents (who I absolutely adore and always look forward to seeing) for a very nice Italian dinner in the 900 Michigan Ave. building.

We walked around Lincoln Square, right near Leslie's neighborhood and explored interesting local shops.  The weather was "mild" while I was there which made it so great for walking outdoors.  Low 30's, but that feels so much better compared to the 10 degrees it is in Kansas City right now.  She made the best breakfasts for me.  Saturday morning it was pancakes (from scratch) with fried plantains with yogurt.  Sunday morning were old fashioned muffins (also made from scratch) along with the best French Pressed coffee I've had.  I don't know what she's doing differently than I do, but her's is always so much better than mine.  It could be the bean grinder, so perhaps I should look into getting a better quality one.  I highly doubt it's the Starbucks beans compared to my Kansas City Roasterie beans.  I also doubt it's my runt sized French Press.  Anyone have any ideas?

We dreamed about living more conveniently to each other and creating festive meals for house packed family and friends.  Oh maybe someday we'll only live minutes away from each other again.  Until then, I'm glad it's an easy Southwest flight up to Chicago.

Priorities

Last night when I got home from work, there was a man sitting on my front step mumbling something to me.  He most likely was homeless and it was so cold last night.  The wind was blowing hard, it had been snowing, and I was making a beeline to get inside.  I continued thinking about him; how cold and miserable it was outside.  I knew that if I gave him something to eat, he could come back, even harass me.  I risked it anyway.  I put in a sack, almonds, my last two Honey Crisp apples (my favorite!), a hunk of cheese, crackers, and two beers.  I got to the front door, he was there still but now there was another person with him.  I opened the door really fast and put the bag between them and went upstairs.  I got to thinking about people who are looking for their next meal, warm bed, where they're going to go to the bathroom, etc.  All that's been on my mind for the past few weeks is a Miu Miu handbag and how I need to practice my saving discipline.  It's such a stupid, frivolous thing to want.  But silly me, I still want it.  Think: perspective.

On the side of the road

I can only think of one person I've ever shared this with, so thought it'd be a good thought to blog.  Whenever I'm driving and I see really personal item along the side of the road, it bothers me, and my mind starts to make up stories about it.  I remember in Rochester there was a certain part of the inner loop that I saw a gray stuffed animal on the shoulder.  I felt so sad every time I saw it because in my mind, I thought about the child who it belonged to and who was without it now.  I think about that when I see shoes too.  Usually, one shoe is on the side of the road and I wonder how could a person loose one shoe on the side of the highway and still have their other.  Sometimes you see a pair of shoes tied together and then hanging on some city wire, high above the street.  Who did that to the owner of the shoes?  They're barefoot now!  That was not nice.  If someone did that to me I'd be totally pissed.  When I was driving home from the Briarcliff today, on 169 South, there was a baby play gym on the shoulder.  Not upside down or on it's side, but sitting up right as though someone actually placed it there.  I can't imagine.  It's such a strange thing to see and curiously, some baby or parent is without it.  Do they even know?

Michael's visit

Last Wednesday Michael was finally able to come visit me in Kansas City.  It was great to see him, and to have him here for five and a half days.  We had some bad and good meals, did a little treasure hunting, got a fish, saw a movie, had a party, and relaxed too.

Bad meal: Thomas on 39th Street.  We'd been there once before for small plates and some really good Fat Cat pinot noir.  This time: YUCK!  Plus, the guy that plays piano at Bull Dog (who totally stinks) was playing there that night.

Good meal: Bluestem on Westport Road.  We went for Sunday brunch and it was so deliciously yummy.  Michael had the eggs benedict and I had a feta, butternut squash, mushroom omelet.

Michael suggested we hit up Half of Half on a Saturday afternoon which I thought would totally be a nightmare.  I dragged my feet and told him I was leaving my purse in the car.  I had barely been looking through a rack when I pulled out a brand new dark blue AKRIS punto jacket for $20!  MAJOR SCORE!  Went back for my bag and bought it!  YES!!!

After 1/2 of 1/2 we went to PetSmart so I could get my new beta fish, Rocky.  I've been wanting a fish for a very long time and I finally figured out a way to have one and not let Molly Cat get naughty with it.  He's red and I printed out a little living space to put behind his jar.  There's a fish lamp, Eames LCW pony chair, and an artichoke lamp.

We went to see Bill Maher's new movie, "Religulous" at the Screenland on Armour up north.  It was very interesting, and revisited a lot of questions that have come to mind before.  I recommend it.

Sunday after our meal at Bluestem, it was nap time.  We watched "A Mighty Wind" and I think I should watch it again.  I wasn't laughing very much, mostly dozing.  Later in the evening we had friends over so they could see Michael and he could see them while he was in town.  Molly Cat was quite a hostess; mingling, snuggling, and licking most everyone.

It was a great visit, but now I'm alone and miss him so much.  When I got home from work yesterday, Michael had left a note and flowers for me.  I'm lucky.

First Day

Today was my first day in my new position at Halls.  I'm the Merchandising Assistant for the buyers for Couture and Fine Jewelry.  There was so much to learn today!  I called a vendor, entered purchase orders, proofed and confirmed orders, am doing end of month reports, editing vendor files, etc all on the first day!  Yipee skipee.  I'm going to be busy!  Plus, I totally dig my 9-5 schedule...leaving early is such a blessing that I forgot I came in an hour early.

After work, I ran an errand and then volunteered for Obama.  YES!  I called people to recruit them for volunteering.  It was fun, I saw some people I knew, and made some new friends.  All in all, a good day.

Boston Trip Oct. 25-27

Since Saturday afternoon I've been here in Boston with Michael.  Everything has been great.  I'm still not a "big city" girl, but each trip I'm figuring out how it can work for me.  First tip: avoid Newbury Street!  The sidewalks are very narrow and there are way, way too many people crowded on them.  Boylston is a good alternative.  I've also learned to avoid the CVS on Boylston.  There's a woman slumped in a wheel chair, unable to help herself, with a sign encouraging people to help the Multiple Sclerosis Society.  Yesterday when Michael and I passed, I completely broke down into tears.  It's just too much.  Thankfully he was there, had his arm wrapped around me, protecting and comforting me as always.

We had dinner Saturday night at Bangkok City.  Cheezy name, but pretty good food.  The most memorable part of the meal was a round table of three old gay men ordering.  One wanted "Wet Pad Thai" and the other wanted his "dry pad thai."  You had to be there to hear it!  Michael and I were totally cracking up.  I told Michael in a soft low voice that I like it extra wet!  We would have been rolling around laughing if we had been home!

Went to the Boston Symphony concert that evening and it was a very French modernism program that was very interesting.  The Messiaen and the Boulez were more enjoyable than the Berlioz, though the principle violist totally rocked it out.

Yesterday morning we had brunch at Toro on Washington, just east of Massachusetts Ave.  The food was so flipping amazing!  I had brioche topped with acacia honey, apricots, and goat cheese alongside a lovey salad of arugula with pine nuts, and shaved mild cheese.  I asked for a Bloody Mary and the waiter told me they don't serve alcohol before noon.  Wow, did I ever feel like a lush.  He ended up confessing that he'd made a mistake and served me one for free.  Whew!

We walked around a ton, looking for a new winter coat for me.  I bought a new down coat last year for nothing at Marshall's and the darn zipper broke and I gave the coat away.  So now I need a new one that's better quality, etc.  The only one that I found that I liked was a $900 Burberry coat at Saks.  If I had $900 to spend, it'd be a great investment.  The month I worked there I learned how amazing the quality is of their outerwear and I know the coat would last me many, many years.  However, I ended up finding a coat at Macy's that I'll pick up in Kansas City when I'm home.

We had an okay meal at Dish, then went to the Bee Hive for some cocktails and live jazz.  We weren't sure if we should stay, but when then combo started playing, "All the Things You Are" (my favorite standard thanks to Bill Marvin), I knew we'd have to stay.

This morning we got up very early to drive to Cape Cod.  The best Volvo 1800 specialist in the country lives there and Michael decided to have a new dashboard installed.  The drive was so beautiful.  All the trees are changing colors and it was perfectly clear and sunny.  After we dropped off the car, we stopped at a local farm, bought some bread, then made another stop for some tea, (though what I really wanted was warm cider and an apple doughnut).  We came back to the city and no traffic either way!  YES!  Michael took me back stage at Symphony Hall and it was neat to see.  He's coaching a quintet at NEC now and then he's going to show me Brookline; a nice suburb that's less than three miles from the City of Boston.

My flight's out this evening at 6.  Thankfully, Michael's finally coming to Kansas City the day after Election Day and will be staying for almost six full days! YES!  Hopefully I'll stay very busy between now and then because I'm starting my new position tomorrow!!

Busy

So the last couple weeks have been full of busy and fun times!  Went to Barbie's for Rosh Hashanah, and went the following week to Susan's for Yom Kippur.  Been a loyal Pint Nite'r at Flying Saucer; today will make fourth week in a row (as long as I go).  I had an awesome time at the Kemper Flip Gala Late Night Party with friends last weekend.  I wish I could go out and dance and have tons of fun every weekend to live '80s music!

This weekend was the weekend of Meredith.  Went to the symphony with Meredith Friday night.  It was nice, but geez!  I hate not hearing Michael play!!!  It's not that I want him to be back here in the KCS, it's a dream come true he's in the Boston Symphony, but going to KCS is just not the same.  It's hard.  Saturday night went for Mexican with Meredith and Christopher.  I was totally Debbie Downer.  It'd been a very rough day with my dad returning from three weeks in Ukraine and I was totally having a very, very bad anxiety spell over it.  Sunday I felt better though!  Got up, did lots of things, hung out with Dad, then spent the evening at Casa Suarez where I felt like everyone tried to humor me by playing the Taboo game I brought.  Does no one like to play games anymore except for me?

Today's the first day of my last week as the Links of London Specialist!  I can't wait to get to my new little office next week when I return from seeing Michael in Boston!

Saturday evening

I'm so frustrated that I haven't started my new job yet!  I feel like Hall's is teasing me!  On the other hand, I'm sure the buyers feel that Hall's is teasing them too; I'm just standing there!  I must remember patience.

I finally know when I'm going to see Michael again!  I'll be off to Boston the 25-27th.  I'd love to catch another Red Sox game, but I can't be that lucky.  I really miss him, but it helps to know when we'll see each other again.  Not sure what the BSO will be playing that weekend, but it'll be great.  Jimmy's conducting, that's for sure!

I'm in the preliminary stages of planning my second annual pumpkin carving party.  Should be a fun group of girls for a fun time.  Wish Madelyn was here for it!

Tomorrow I'm off to see Grandma since she broke her wrist.  Should be a good visit.  I miss Mom.

It's been too long

It's been too long since my last post that I'm not sure I'll recap everything but here are the biggies:

My first week back at Hall's, I found out that the Merchandising Assistant for Couture and Fine Jewelry position was vacant.  Holy cow did I jump on that!  I talked my buyer's ear off daily, I interviewed, and found out Wednesday I got the job!  YES!!!  I am so excited to start though I don't know when that will be.

Wednesday morning I flew to Boston for opening night of the Boston Symphony.  Was everyone dressed to the nines!  I wore my black recital dress with a red wrap loaned to me by Lisa.  I attended the cocktail hour before and when I went to pick up my ticket I couldn't believe the price: $1000!!  And, it was FREE!  I walked around the room sipping champagne and viewing the historic instruments.  During the course of the evening about a half dozen ladies complimented the wrap and thought it was gorgeous!  Thanks, Lisa!

The concert was amazing.  When James Levine came out, the audience gave him a standing ovation!  The orchestra began with a Glinka overture (which I played a transcription of at ESM horn choir), a beautiful Tchaikovsky aria, and then Pictures at an Exhibition.  Oh my goodness was that principle tuba AMAZING!  I've never heard the tuba solo played like that; it was great!  After the concert Michael and I met up and rode a trolley over to this fancy-shmancy Boston hotel for a post concert dinner.  The ballroom set with tables was something from out of the movies.  It too was dressed to the nines.  The three course meal was sumptuous, the people at our table were very pleasant to visit with, plus we got a party favor of a crystal votive with color applied Faberge.  What a great souvenir.  Michael was even recognized as one of the new members of the orchestra and was introduced to many contributors.  How nice of the BSO to show their appreciation and respect for him.

I was so pleased to be able to be a part of the beginning of a new success for him.  It was sad to leave on Thursday, but when I got there on Wednesday he asked me to stay.  Perhaps one day I will.

Home.

Boston was a lot of fun.  My favorite parts of the trip were: 1. Michael, 2. Red Sox game, and 3. A shared cannoli from Mike's.  Since I left Boston, "Sweet Caroline" has been running through my head non stop from that baseball game.  It seems like there's so much tradition with Red Sox fans, it was so fun to immediately feel a part of it.  Whenever the Red Sox would score, everyone would be high-fiving!  The boys that kept having Michael and me stand up to get out of the aisle to either get more beer or pee were really nice.  Every time I'd pass money down from the vendors, people would smile.  There was just so many people smiling!  Even when the Sox were down, people sitting around us were friendly and still smiling.  I'm sure it's not always like that, but I'd like to think that it is.

My 6 a.m. Sunday morning flight home was really tiring.  Plus, when I got to my Dad's, we couldn't find Molly for a really, really long time.  At least an hour passed.  I was scared, stressed, and got a headache.  We finally found her; glad she was safe and healthy.

Even though I enjoyed my few days in Boston, I didn't love it like I remembered.  I thought that I was more of a city girl, but my heart's in the midwest and especially the prairie.  When I was a little girl, my grandmother gave me a light blue tee shirt with wheat on it that said, "Prairie Person."  'Suppose that's me.

BOSTON

I arrived here in Boston Wednesday afternoon.  Wasn't able to do much around the city because Michael had a rehearsal and performance for some corporate gig, and I was totally exhausted from getting up at 4am.

Yesterday was a busy day.  We went to Flour for a sticky bun and coffee.  The brownstone neighborhoods are really beautiful and there are moms everywhere with their carriages and kids, people walking all kinds of dogs, and the urban joggers.  Michael and I walked all the way to the east end of Newbury Street, stopping in consignment shops, and then having a great lunch at Kashmir, an Indian restaurant.

After walking for a chunk of the day, I suggested that since it was rush hour, we walk to the South Bay Target.  I was totally pumped for the adventure, since we saved $8 on public transportation and ten minutes in transit.  However, when we got to the Target--it was totally ghetto.  It was massive, a wreck, and they were so low on stock.  We walked the 1.7 miles home, got in the car and drove about 30 minutes to IKEA.  I love that store, but Michael gets frustrated, feels super contained and then has to get out of there.  We drove from there to the North End for Italian, but the restaurant he wanted to take me to was totally full, and the kitchen was done!  We had some not-so-special food, but then went to Mike's for an awesome cannoli.  We were totally exhausted, and our feet were hurting but we slept hard.

This morning while at Whole Foods, we got a call from Michael's new friend, Henry.  He invited us to his restaurant for breakfast with two tickets to the Red Sox v. Bluejays game tomorrow night!  SCORE!  We'd been wanting to go to a game, but not spend a fortune.  Well, Henry did it for us!  He's had these season tickets since the '70s, in the fourth row, between 3rd base and home plate!  WOW!!  We're totally pumped.

We had planned to eat at the top of the Prudential building tomorrow night for Michael's birthday, but since we've got the tickets, we're going to an Afgan restaurant, Helmand, for his birthday dinner, compliments of big brother, Jonathan.  I've viewed the menu online and it looks amazing!

There are so many things that Boston has to offer, but I'm finding myself a little homesick.  I definitely miss, "The Little Girl" (Molly).

priceline.com

Who doesn't love priceline.com when it saves you $299.53 on a flight for a last minute trip to Boston?  I couldn't believe the savings.  When I put in my first bid and it was so far away from the actual prices, I thought that there was no way I'd get the flight but I did!  So now I have something to do all week and I'll get to spend Michael's birthday with him.  I can't wait to get back to Boston.

So I was on the phone with my friend Emily last night and we were talking about shopping.  Thanks to Michael, I have learned the skills of research, negotiation, and as I like to call it, "treasure hunting."  Yesterday I did a bit of hunting at Re Runs in Westport.  I found a beautiful gold bracelet with leaves and pearls and two handkerchiefs.  I can definitely wear the bracelet for opening night of the BSO later this month.  Score!

I love my "prayer plant."

Saturday was my last day at Burberry.  YES!  I can't wait to get back to the great, supportive family at Hall's.

Grandma and I were going to go on a road trip together to visit my great aunt Ann in Milwaukee, swing by Chicago and visit Emily, Leslie, and Dario.  I got a call from Grandma this afternoon and this morning she fell and broke her wrist and the trip's off.  I couldn't believe what she was telling me.  I might still have a childish trait, thinking my grandparents are invincible.  We were both really looking forward to our trip and are bummed it's not going to work out.

Went to church with Dad for the first time in months and it was great to see my friends there.  It's just incredibly hard to work, spend time with a friend on a Saturday night, then get up at 6:30 to shower, and then drive half an hour to meet Dad for the 8:15am service.  I wish St. Andrew was closer to downtown.

Molly is such a naughty kitty!  She has been chewing my "prayer plant" and it really makes me mad!  She started doing it the last Saturday, the day before Michael left for Boston and she hasn't let up.  Last week I bought wheat grass seeds and planted grass for her.  It's out, next to her favorite spot, and I even sprinkled cat nip on and around it to make it extra attractive.  That little stinker chews on the grass but is still wanting the "prayer plant."  Guess the next step is to find a spray for the plant that will make it taste bad to her.  If that doesn't work, I'll need some suggestions.  That "prayer plant" is just so sentimental to me and I can't have her wrecking it!

Hump Day

Yesterday evening I got to see Brian, Madely, and Elliot in their new house!  Wow!  I am so happy for the three of them (almost four of them).  Madelyn is a beautiful pregnant person and Elliot is chattering up a storm!  That little kid is pretty spectacular.  Dinner was awesome too--I need some lessons from her.

Worked all day then spent the evening with Dad.  He picked me up after work and we had dinner at Bo Ling's off the Plaza.  I really, really like that Bo Ling's location.  It reminds me of Chinese restaurants of my childhood.  Everything is red and I love the "tucked in" feeling of those booths.

We went to hear the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Trombones.  Saw Roger and Ilan there and met the new bass trombonist and his wife: Graeme and Brandee.  It was nice to see people and the quartet was fun too.  Glad to switch it up a bit.

Planning a road trip with Grandma to visit a great aunt in Milwaukee.  Four days in the car with Grandma should prove to inspire some interesting blog entries. 

Alone.

Yesterday I quit my job at Burberry.  What a relief.  I'm glad to be going back to Halls in two weeks.  I receive incredible support there, but I need to find something that's more stimulating.  Yesterday I felt motivated and energized and this evening I feel stressed out with a headache.

It wasn't fun working; missing the Labor Day parties.  Michael's in Boston now and I feel totally alone and empty without him.  I knew this would be hard.

An Exciting Time to be Alive

So, how exciting it is that Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee for President!  His speech at the convention Thursday night was so powerful and again, inspiring!  I haven't been much of a praying person the past few years, but I feel the urge to pray for his and his family's safety.  I really wish for at least four years of Obama-Biden!  

So yesterday was my last trip running errands with Michael for quite a while.  The post office was a nightmare.  It would be perfect material for an episode of, "Curb Your Enthusiasm."  We also went to Target which was fun like always, and then we had to work in a new restaurant (for me), Mr. Gyros.  It was good, but boy oh boy did my fingers reek of gyro all afternoon, even after washing them three times!

Took Helga to have her foot operated on and she did great!  Michael came up to her apartment and finally got to see how amazing it is.  After I reminded her about all the things she needed to do to care for her foot, and offering my assistance as much as possible, I found that I was being overly-helpful.  She's an incredible lady who is so smart, independent, and incredibly determined.  I just love Helga.

Yesterday ended by a marvelous dinner at Fred and Julia's.  I did much better at this dinner than the one before.  This time, I expected many courses and paced myself  really well.  Last time, the pasta Fred made was so delicious and I didn't know there would be more food to come, that I had several servings of pasta and then could hardly finish the remaining courses.  We all had a great time together, except I goofed and started crying at the table in regards to Michael leaving for Boston.

Today is Michael's last day in Kansas City and I have to work during most of it.  What a bummer.

I like to play hostess

I've been living in my loft since February and I had my first overnight guest (Michael doesn't count).  I went to Eastman with Elise and it was really good to see her again and share what's been going on in each other's life in the past year.  I enjoy having company over, especially friends that aren't savvy to the area.  Midwest Pride, right here.

Work is, hmm...ridiculous.  I can't understand how a business is successful (and even that's debatable) with such shaky leadership.  I miss The Halls.

Tuesday night Michael and I went to Michael Davis' house for an amazing dinner of pasta.  Oh my gosh, that guy can cook.  I tried a new recipe for blueberry almond cookies and took some over.  The cookies contained lemon zest and Davis served limoncello; what a perfect coincidental pairing!

Only a few more days before Michael leaves for Boston. :-(

Make lemonade, seriously.

So the saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."  I've had run-ins with family, friends, colleagues, strangers, and the two most important lessons that I've learned are 1. Don't take it personally, and 2. It's, "their stuff."  Meaning, don't take it personally because it's an issue the other person needs to work through.  It hasn't been an easy habit for me to make for myself (this thinking), but it's worth the struggle, so make lemonade!

Work is well...I have good days and bad days.  That's all I want to say about that for now.

Last night Michael and I made Thai food and we were our usual speedy team of "Annie Sugarlane" and "Tom Undermount."  SOOO GOOD!  Made me think of some friends who lived in Thailand for a while, and the night before I wore my hot pink Thai lounge pants.  YES!  We went to the Flying Saucer for $2.75 pint night, had a couple (Overture to) Oberon beers, and met all the new symphony people for this year.  Seems like a nice, fun group.

My first blog

So after reading Madelyn's blog many times, I decided this is the perfect time to start a blog.  I've started a new job as a Key Holder at Burberry, Michael's moving to play with the Boston Symphony, and I'm looking to the MS Society and Wayside Waifs to begin regular volunteering along with my regular blood donations.

Can I get a big, "Oy Vey!"  Michael leaves for Boston a week from today. :-(  Last night, we went out to Westport to try out Blanc Burger.  The atmosphere was the slickest we've found in KC, but the food, not as happening.  It was good, but we like great burgers so the only place to go is the Flea Market.  It was a fun evening though.  First time we've ever "pre gamed" at home and then when we were out, I unintentionally embarrassed Michael by ordering a Shirley Temple.

This morning after having coffee at the Filling Station, we found one of the two Frank Lloyd Wright houses in KC.  The old Valentine/Roanoke neighborhood is so beautiful and the house was tucked away from the road.  We chose not to venture down the drive on a Saturday morning--maybe we'll hit it up again when the owners are at work during the week!  Also went hunting for Drummond houses in old Leawood.  I wasn't thrilled, but that's as modern as you get in KC.