Most of you have seen my group of rowdy girls, known as the Destination Dolls, traveling about, but for those of you who have not heard of them before, let me give you a bit of background.
Six local gals who are "
Bunco Babes" made a pact to get together as often as possible to "explore" rural Kansas. As the girls travel they document their adventures and how much they spend. Their goals include learning about this great state we live in, and having an impact on the businesses they see along the way.
You should know that I tried to talk them into naming themselves "Claude's Dolls", (after me of course) but they wouldn't listen. I'm amazed they hear anything I say over all that chatting, but that's another story. Anyway, I thought you might enjoy hearing a bit about their latest adventure.
This past Saturday, December 12, 2009, Concordia's "Destination Dolls" spent the afternoon Christmas shopping in unique shops around the area. They began their journey at the Museum Shop Around Gift Shop located in the Cloud County Museum Annex, downtown Concordia. After checking out the new "Prisoner's of Plenty" DVD, the new book on the Col. Brown family, and the Kansas Barn Alliance coffee, they headed for
Belleville.
The Rusty Wheel was first on the list. Located in an old house, the Rusty Wheel has an awesome collection of Christmas ornaments, decorations, and collectibles. They truly have something for everyone from modern, rustic, traditional, and county.
The Feathered Nest was next on the list. Home furnishings, home
decour, unique baby gifts, and kitchenware are just some of the things you will find. I always love it when the girls bring back some of the great party dips from the Feathered Nest.
After wrapping up their purchases the girls then headed to Crossroads Floral and Antique Villa where they found antique jewelry, lovely holiday floral arrangements and unique baskets.
By this time the girls realized they needed to head to
Scandia so they wouldn't miss the Wine and Sweet Treats Tasting at the
Scandia Antique Mall. Needless to say the Dolls had a great time!
Jane Ann took time out to pose with the Dolls.
While they would have loved to stay longer the Dolls did not want to be late to the Christmas Open House at the National Orphan Train Museum in Concordia. (The Dolls swear it had nothing to do with the wine and hors'dourves being served) If you haven't stopped by to see the new exhibit: "From Orphan Trains to Convents: 5 Stories of Religious Women", you will want to add it to your list of things to do this winter.
It is my understanding that the Dolls ended their day at Heavy's BBQ, although none of them will confirm the events of the evening, I've heard there was a lot of rowdy laughter. (Stories and photos are welcome!) The Dolls had so much fun that I expect there will be more shopping tales to be heard soon.
As you are planning your Christmas shopping, please remember that everything you purchase in a small town, big or small, has a big impact on the local economy.
While I may like snowflakes on my eyelashes, not everyone does. So the Concordia Christmas Lighting Committee came up with an idea that gives shoppers a special treat; snow without the mess! 
watching in awe as they maneuvered the old passenger car down the alley then turned it to go into the Cloud County Museum'
s back door. A collective gasp from bystanders could be heard as the car literally hung in the air as it made the last turn. Kudos to Peltier's! Loads of patience, a mastery of physics, a great deal of math, mixed with a bit of luck made for a smooth journey for the dining car.
Museum curator, welcomed both the National Orphan Train Museum passenger car and curator Muriel Anderson. The passenger car will temporarily be residing inside the Museum during its restoration where onlookers can watch the progress from the floor above. When the restoration is complete it will be returned to its home at the National Orphan Train Museum Complex. 
While traveling down the dirty, (soggy) roads of rural Kansas, a rowdy bunch of Kansas Explorers are working their way across the state to Valley Falls. Today we were honored with a visit from this eclectic group who proudly call themselves the Kansas Frontier Gazetteer Musketeers. (They have matching shirts to erase all doubts that they are a together, just in case). General Director, Princess Pee, Commodore Bacon, and Count de Ice Cream, accompanied by Harpo, the Septarian of the Hills, swooped in for a few brief moments in search of a crown and septor. 
n spied a POW Camp Concordia likeness on a rock he just had to ha
ve in the Cloud County Tourism Gift Shop. 
Skylar Alexander, Omaha, Nebraska, had a lot of questions when he came upon this display at the Cloud County Museum Annex. "Did women really used to do this?" and "Why?" were our two favorite. 
Most of you have seen my group of rowdy girls, known as the Destination Dolls, traveling about, but for those of you who have not heard of them before, let me give you a bit of background.
After wrapping up their purchases the girls then headed to Crossroads Floral and Antique Villa where they found antique jewelry, lovely holiday floral arrangements and unique baskets. 
