‘Tis the season for hustle and bustle, shopping and wrapping, parties and food! Everyone is so exhausted from festivities that little time is spent enjoying the season and the reason for it.
Amid preparations for hosting Christmas at our house, we took a day off to just sit back and relax on a day trip to St. Joseph, Missouri with a group of others from our area. After a mere one-hour bus ride, we found ourselves at Luna’s, a fine dining establishment, for a private lunch with just our group. We completely devoured what Chef Ralph Filipelli served us for lunch, including his exquisite Bananas Foster for dessert.
Following lunch we toured St. Joe by bus. I had no idea this city, founded in 1843, was once an important site for commerce and trade, including transportation and communication. The vast wealth generated by St. Joe’s thriving economy resulted in a town full of mansions, each trying to outdo the other with its’ extraordinary architecture. The impressive number of historical sites and museums warrants another trip to this area on our own.
The bus tour ended at the historic St. Joseph Cathedral for a Christmas concert presented by the St. Joseph Community Chorus and the Fountain City Brass Band. The concert topped off the day beautifully! As the music swelled, the late afternoon sun shone through the stained-glass windows, and passion filled the hearts of musicians and audience alike.
Christmas music has a way of making me weep and rejoice simultaneously. My hope is that all of us experience an abundance of joyful tears and moments of gratitude in the coming year. And when we weep in sadness, let us rejoice in His presence and carry on – one step at a time.
There was a beautiful sunset on the way home from our trip to St. Joe!
Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it. I am grateful for you, all of my blogging friends.
For Ragtag Daily Prompt: Festivities
Grammy Writes 
Happy Christmas to you too. I hope you have a wonderful and peaceful time 🎅
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I hope you enjoy all the season brings as well!
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The outing seemed spectacular and the mansions are grand and lovely! Thanks for the reminder to slow down and enjoy the reason for the season and to be joyful!
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So many mansions, we couldn’t take photos of them all! I hope you are able to relax and enjoy the holidays!
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Merry Christmas to you!!
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Lovely architecture!
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Yes… there were MANY stunning homes!
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Beautiful sunset and Merry Christmas! Yes, to rejoicing in His presence. ❤️
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Thank you!
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🙂
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Thank you!
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Merry Christmas. The music in the cathedral snd that glorious sunset. A Merry Christmas to you. ❤️Ruth in Pittsburgh
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The two best parts of the trip! Thank you!
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So interesting. Thanks for sharing. Have a happy holiday season!
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My pleasure! Thanks so much!
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Wishing you and your family health, happiness, peace and prosperity this Christmas and in the coming New Year. Aiva xx
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Thank you so much! Peace and joy to you and yours!
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Such a lovely Post. It almost felt like being with you as I read it. The mansions are spectacular – and so is the food you mention. Happy Christmas.
Gwen.
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We really enjoyed the day! Thanks so much!
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Such stately homes, all decked out for the holidays. Thank you for these great photos! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🌟
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My pleasure! Thanks for the comment! 🙂
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What a wonderful way to get in the Christmas spirit.
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Yes, it did the trick, for sure!
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