Downtown STL Ballpark Village on hold

Today's post is two-fold; one so I can finally show a picture of where I work (downtown STL across from Busch Stadium), and secondly, to "pretend" that I understand all the hype with the city hosting a really important baseball game this summer.

I guess St. Louis is a baseball fans dream since the city is hosting the 2009 Major League All-Star Game set for July. Even though I'm not a huge follower of baseball, I'm sure die hard fans and tourists coming to the city will be disappointed that Ballpark Village is not waiting for them. (Perhaps the city was thinking, "If we build it, they will come.") Unfortunately, due to politics (go figure) and our economy, this investment into downtown St. Louis remains a vacant grass covered lot and the temporary site of a softball field and parking lot.

Hopefully, even without the site showcasing the planned but-not-built-yet restaurants, boutiques and condos, Cardinal and baseball fans alike will still enjoy the All-Star Game. And who knows, maybe I will enjoy the festivities too; first, I need to figure out which teams are playing at the All-Star Game this summer... guess I just proved how much I still need to learn.

Selling our house... take two

In January, we reported that our house in NY had sold; however, the first potential buyer was not able to secure financing. I know it's important to keep in mind the real estate market has it's ups and downs - as of today, I can report a blessing. Matt and I accepted a new offer on the house.

We have placed this in God's hands, and if our house is meant to officially sell this time - it will.

Pictured above is the house even before we purchased it in December 2007. Since then, we've painted the entire exterior, incorporated some landscaping around the front and sides of the house, and removed two huge pine trees in the front yard. (When I say we, I really mean Matt. It was all I could do to paint the front porch. Even though I did my best, I'm officially banned from painting anything now.)

We pray this is the last time we have to post a for sale sign in the front yard. Our prayer is for a smooth closing process.

Spring weather is almost here

Ahhh, has spring officially arrived in STL? Perhaps not; however, St. Louis weather today and this coming week will sure feel like spring. It was almost 80 degrees today, and our five-day forecast looks to be in the low 70s and high 60s. Matt and I are completely enjoying Missouri's early spring weather, as we are used to WNY snow days until the end of April.

A recap on our winter here in Missouri: it has been especially mild with only one significant snow storm to report; approximately six inches of accumulation where we live. Matt and I were surprised that the seemingly small amount of snow fall (compared to WNY's snow-belt region) caused the surrounding schools to close for a few days. Even the College I work at closed for a day. I attribute this to the state of Missouri just not having the equipment or manpower to handle ice and snow covered roads.

Oh well, here's to a wonderful spring! And I'm sure a hot and humid summer - lucky us.