Is it really August?? — Patti Part Two

The weather this weekend has been spectacular! Usually August is hot and humid but this weekend has been neither. Loving it! And consequently perfect for being out enjoying the city. This weekend I went to TEDxKC, saw a movie, ate at a new restaurant, sat outside at my favorite Coffeeshop, and took a walk in Loose Park. I'm happy to share more details -

Friday night was TEDxKC at the Kauffman Center. Pretty much everyone knows what TED Talks are - and I'm definitely a fan. The live show at the Kauffman Center sells out literally in minutes - but they were doing simulcasts in 3 other locations around the city - so I along with a few friends were able to participate at the KU Edwards campus in Overland Park. It ran from 6 PM to about 9:30 PM, and we heard 10 speakers with the general topic of "Question ? Everything." There were 5 talks and then an intermission with drinks and snacks, and then the remaining 5 talks. We heard from a Molecular Biologist, a Songwriter, an Engineer, a Poet, a Best-Selling Psychologist, an Inventor, an Ethnomusicologist, an Entrepreneur, an Activist and an Artist. We got TEDx tshirts and a swag bag. And afterwards we went out for a drink to discuss the topics. That's quite a bit of brain activation for a Friday night! I am excited to go again next year - and maybe try to even see the live show.

Saturday afternoon we went to see the movie Florence Foster Jenkins with Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. I would pretty much see any movie with Meryl Streep or Tom Hanks - and this one did not disappoint. It's a true story about a woman from the early part of the 19th century that loved music with her entire being - but had an absolutely terrible singing voice. I can totally relate although I am very aware of this lack of talent - and Florence apparently was not. But I had to admire her passion for going for her dream! And seeing all the beautiful buildings and clothing from that era in New York was entertaining. And Hugh Grant is still a great looking guy!

A new restaurant opened across the street from me in the location that used to be the Cashew at 20th and Grand - so we tried it. It's called The Rockhill Grille , and I have been watching them rehab the space for months now as I walked around the neighborhood. They opened two weeks ago so it seemed like a good time to check it out. They have the same huge windows that the Cashew was famous for, and on a beautiful night had them all open. So the best of all worlds - feels like sitting outside with the comfort of being inside. They have done a great job with the space - casual but upscale and a beautiful bar area.

They also have a second floor lounge which serves fancy cocktails, small plates and has some great TV's.

Nice space for a Happy Hour get-together.

The food was delicious and the wine list decent and fairly priced. Not a huge menu but a nice selection of things that all sounded good. I had a hard time deciding. Some meat and seafood choices that I will work my way around to - and also an interesting vegetarian dish that I will try for sure.

Brussel Sprout Salad with grilled Salmon for Jim and Chicken, Sweet Potato Hash and Green Beans for me!

The owners were there and came by and introduced themselves and thanked us for coming. They had a pretty good crowd and I would definitely recommend it as a place to try. Reservations suggested on a weekend - closed on Sunday. And they do serve lunch.

Sunday - another beautiful day! Started with a stop at The Filling Station - my favorite Coffeeshop in town. Got to sit on the patio and enjoy a latte - a perfect way to start a relaxing day.

Their breakfast menu is really good too - breakfast burritos, sandwiches and quiche.

It was too nice to stay inside so I decided to head to Loose Park for a walk. If you have been to the Plaza and not stopped by there make it a priority. It's right on Wornall Rd at 51st St. - just south of the Intercontinental Hotel. Official name is Jacob Loose Memorial Park. The park is 75 acres and is home to a lake, large shelter, tennis courts, rose garden, Civil War markers and a children's play area - in addition to lots of picnic areas. Civil War markers because it the location of the Battle of Westport in 1864, which involved more then 30,000 soldiers and resulted in more than 3,000 casualties.

It is named after Jacob L. Loose owner of the Loose-Wiles Biscuit Company and was originally used as a golf course by the Kansas City Country Club until it was bought in 1927 by Loose's wife Ella. She transformed it into a park and dedicated it to her husband who passed away in 1923.

Beautiful stone all around the park - and gorgeous flowers!

A very peaceful place to walk or read a book. Or play volleyball with friends!

The Rose Garden was built in 1931 and is tended to still by the Kansas City Rose Society. A popular place for wedding photos. It has over 150 varieties of roses - not that I can tell the difference!

There is no cheesecake to report on this week. I am still in sugar shock over the one I tried last week! But I had to have a little treat so went for something that never gets old.

My famous brownie with dark chocolate chips and pecans. Topped with the perfect flavor of ice cream - vanilla!

In my never ending pursuit to "live small" I was cleaning out some things and came across this quote which I had written down and saved.

It reminded me of something my wonderful mother used to say that with each passing year makes more sense to me. "When you're 20 you worry what people think of you. When you're 40 you don't care what people think of you. And when you're 60 you realize - no one is thinking of you!"

Not to say no one cares about you - but we are all pretty self-focused so if you are not living your life as you would like because you're afraid of what people might say stop it right now. You are responsible for your happiness - so do more of what makes you happy!!

Make it a great week!