Hello Laura Thake

I am the youngest of 5 girls, raised in Crestwood Mo. We are all fiercely independent and at the same time, close friends and confidants. My parents are both in the afterlife, and remembered fondly. I have been married to John Thake for 29 years, and we have no children. I am an Aunt to five nieces and nephews plus a couple of greats. I'm proud to be known as the “Fun Aunt!”  We are dog owners and currently lavish our love and affection on Gus, a black and white Springer Spaniel. I have been a knitter for the past thirty-three years, currently looking for my next project. I love to garden and have a large collection of native plants to attract pollinators. My favorite pollinators are the Monarchs. I have enclosures where I keep the caterpillars safe and release them when they are ready to fly. I belong to Monarch Watch and we tag each and every butterfly that we release. (Yes, seriously, it's a tiny little sticker that doesn't affect them in any way.) John and I own a farm in Ozark County Missouri, where some of you have been over the years. The farm has a house, a barn, a river and a cave, but no livestock. We are there as much as possible! I love to bicycle, and can often be found early in the morning on Grant’s Trail. If anyone knows of a good spin class for Winter, I'm looking! I have been active in politics and prefer to defend democracy in any way that I can. I have attended many protests, with some of you! I love cooking, hiking, kayaking, eating good food, traveling, & drinking signature cocktails and good wine. I am also a member of Weight Watchers who is always trying to stay on track and often fall for sweets! Finally, if you are a fan of Halloween decorations or Christmas lights, check out my website called www.holidaylighthopping.com, I share the best FREE holiday lights in the St. Louis area. I forgot to even mention that I’ve been a Graphic Designer in my professional life. I worked for Stan Gellman, Alex Paradowski, and Webster University before going out on my own 21 years ago. I’m definitely ready to retire!