Show Me State No-Mow

Over the Holidays we did much driving in the great state of Illinois. We did some hiking in the strikingly gorgeous Shawnee National Forest at the Pomona Natural Bridge and Cedar Lake sites. We also did much driving to and from the Bethalto and Fairview Heights areas.

I couldn't help but notice that Illinois is doing a much better job of prairie restoration and no mow areas along I-255. If you compare it to I-55, 44 or 70 in Missouri, there is no comparison.

In these days of state budget cuts and tight spending, it seems logical that Missouri should adopt more of these no-mow areas. It saves on gas, labor, tractors/equipment and of course lowers carbon emissions. I'd rather have the state pay botanists and naturalists to reseed public land with native, low maintenance perennial plant species that do not require mowing.

In fact, why doesn't St. Louis do this? Take for example the land adjacent to River Des Peres Blvd. in South City. This ground next to the river and between the north and south lanes could be managed back to native prairie grasses and not mowed. Couldn't the city team up with the Missouri Botanical Gardens or Wash. U. plant sciences or Gateway Greening to collaborate on this? Or would that be too much leadership to ask from a Slay administration?

Things I'm thankful for today

That I have a job.

That I was able to shorten my daily commute by 18 mi. per day.

That I am able to have Metro as an option to get to work. I start riding the Metrolink next week.

That St. Louis still offers many new things to do and experience after 14 years here. Last night the Stable and the Fountain made for a nice night.

Fascinated with TGS/TGE

St. Louis is indeed a city of neighborhoods. For better or worse, I truly agree. Making the change, the move to another neighborhood, is almost like moving to another city. People love their neighborhoods and blocks and streets and homes in this town. I like that. People are protective and proud. They think you're crazy to move. And that is good. There is a strong sense of place in this city.

We are looking for all our needs within a walkable distance...or at least a reasonable scooter ride.

Our little spot in Boulevard Heights or Holly Hills Addition (depending on who's talking) does not meet our needs.

Here are the things we want within walking distance:

cleaners (where did all these wool sweaters come from?)
library (shan and ben are avid readers)
coffee shop (many lattes required)
deli (is there anything better than a sandwich?)
24-hour breakfast joint (eggs at 2:00 a.m., or after church...need both)
park (gotta have somewhere to run, relax, contemplate)
3 bars (gotta be able to walk home from a good bar now and then)
5 independent restaurants (love the carry out and affordable dining)
post office
bank

I think TGS/TGE and TGP have all these things. I think this could be the place for us.

St. Louis is:

an American city

broken and warm

stunningly abandoned

waiting for those who care

The Baptist Generals

I was perusing iTunes looking for some fresh entertainment, when I stumbled upon a band called the Baptist Generals. I trust the Sub Pop label, so I clicked on one of their records. Some guy"ptech" to be exact wrote this hilarious review of the album:

"It's like Doug Martsch from Built to Spill is coming down from a three week mescaline binge with a gun in one hand and a PBR in the other. And he wants to talk about art."

That is THE fucking funniest thing I've read in awhile. Read it a couple times. Hilarious.

I had to buy it.