Scenes from St Louis

We took a mini trip down the road to the other side of Missouri and visited St Louis last week.

Our first stop was The Hill, where we walked around and enjoyed the pretty day, bought goodies at an Italian market, then headed to lunch to meet long, lost family.

My husband had a sister he had never met!  She brought some of her relatives and we had a great, getting to know you chat over pasta.

Then a quick stop at Forest Park before heading to the Chase Hotel.

OMG

I have always loved this historical hotel, but at Christmas?  

Wowzers.

See my grin?  I was in my element there.

We had wine with delicious appetizers before heading out to the Jason Isbel concert downtown.  After that big (and eventful) lunch, we didn’t need much of a dinner.  But this hotel was one of our old haunts, from the days when Rich worked in St Louis, so we wanted to enjoy the lounge for old time’s sake. 

I am not a big fan of concerts.  But this one was in a 100 year old theater, you know the kind with all of the gold trim and red velvet curtains?  It was a decent sized venue, but felt intimate. Plus, vaccines were required.  

My husband would go watch live music every week if he could, poor guy, he probably wishes he had a wife who was more fun.  But I did enjoy this show, especially the opening act, Strand of Oaks.  Their lyrics came from a life of hurt and healing. This one epically touched me:

Jimi and Stan in heaven
Making friends going to shows
In my dreams I just hope they're having a blast

Jimi found Stan in heaven
Sitting in a sun filled room
All the galaxy in view
Jimi and Stan

Back in life I wonder why we hang around so long
For me it's all the songs I haven't found

We're born with flaws, conditions
Generational anxieties
Just screaming look at me
It's all for show

But not Jimi and Stan
Not Jimi and Stan

Now I don't have my buddy
He knew me so well
It's hard to be happy
Or even go out
Without Jimi and Stan

Our trip was quick and ended with a breakfast at St Louis Bread Co., which I remember discovering there years ago and thinking it was just wonderful, before it became Panera’s and spread nationwide.  I had to stop when I saw the original sign out front.

 

 

Comments

[Ellen D. Bailey]

Looks like an amazing trip. Gorgeous hotel and decorations, and touching song lyrics.