From here to there, and lots in between

Last evening I decided to forego my usual Tuesday yoga class in favor of taking a leisurely stroll up Lindell to get a closer look at one of the major events that was causing traffic congestion in town–a fund-raiser for President Obama at the Carnahan residence. Downtown there was, of course, the Cardinal-Phillies game (with an unfortunate outcome), the Wilco concert, and Obama's arrival at the Renaissance Grand.

My first stop as I headed west was the serene Murphy Lake across from the entry to Westmoreland and Portland Places, above.

For out-of-town readers, this is one of the beautiful mansions that line Lindell Boulevard, which borders Forest Park from Kingshighway to Skinker.

 

An electronic sign at Union announced that Lindell was closed from DeBaliviere to Skinker for the Obama event. When I started seeing parked cars, and people walking with picnic baskets and folding chairs, I realized there was also a Twilight Tuesday Concert at the Missouri History Museum above, adding even more traffic congestion.

Concert-goers also set up chairs and barbecue across Lindell at DeBaliviere. Amusingly, when I asked several people who was playing, no one knew–or at least they had only part of the name correct (it was Dirty Muggs). One couple said they didn't really pay much attention to who was on tap, they just like to get out of the house and make these Tuesdays part of their routine.

Some dressed up for the occasion above, or wore their message where they sat, below.

There were hot dogs on the grill at Twilight Tuesdays, and a much different scene a half-block west.

Barricades and police had cordoned off the Carnahan residence in advance of the President's  appearance.

And there were demonstrators, below…

When one of my neighbors told the demonstrators, above, that their message was ridiculous, one yelled back that this was about raising taxes. Hmmm, I cattily thought, I bet most of the people who would be affected by a tax increase were home getting dressed for the $25,000 a ticket fund-raiser.

Walking home with a very quiet Lindell at my back was a real pleasure.

And as I got closer to home this gorgeous scene just confirmed how lucky we are to have all of this entertainment and diversity right in our own backyard.