I got home from a weekend in St. Louis yesterday. It was a fun progressive pajama party. Bob and Martha stayed with me on Friday night while Bob called our dance, and then I went up to stay with them for a couple of nights and dance there. I saw all kinds of really lovely friends I hadn't seen in far too long, including several trees I love in Tower Grove Park.

It had been fully a year, so I was relieved to see my favorite old sycamore, below, still thriving. I visited her first on Saturday night and then spent a lovely Sunday morning walking and sketching at the other end of the park. I was having so much fun with people that I spent less time than usual with trees this trip, but I have a feeling I'll be going back again sooner this time.

Also, I'm way late scanning these in, but I saw Le Tumulte Noir, one of my favorite local bands, the previous Sunday at Huey's. Going to sit and listen and have a burger is one of my favorite small pleasures in life when there's a good band playing.