Travelling in Texas

We drove into Dallas on a Sunday morning to avoid the massive traffic jams that are common each rush hour weekdays. But we were drawn to Dealey Plaza and the infamous Grassy Knoll, where on Nov 23, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. 

From here we could see the 6th story window of the Book Depository from which the bullet was fired. There's a museum upstairs now, but neither of us wanted to re-experience the shock and sadness of that time in our young lives. It was interesting to see that even today, young children and foreigners come to pay homage to the great tragedy that occurred on this spot nearly 50 years ago.

We'd chosen a County Park within the city of Austin for our next stay, only to discover they had no water and were 6 miles of twisting hill roads from the main highway to anywhere in Austin. But we did enjoy the spot, a nearly deserted campground on Lake Austin, for it's solitude and quiet.

This prosperous area of the city is quite hilly, and lovely homes can be seen on the hill tops and deep in the valleys, such as these on the Lake across from our camp.

The downtown is a mix of glass high rises and historic Victorian architecture. On 6th Street and through the adjoining Warehouse District there are nearly 200 venues for food & live music, thus the city bills itself as the Live Music Capital. We toured through these areas, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells (BBQ!) of places like Antone's, the Backyard, Stubb's and Threadgill's, but had to depart too early to enjoy a night of honkey-tonk because the gates to the park get locked at 10 PM!

Tonight we are in Georgetown, home of Southwestern University, the "Red Poppy Capital of Texas". This is home to one of the finest collections of Victorian commercial architecture and the downtown area oozes with hospitality and charm. Many of the homes are of the arts and crafts style, and I felt right "at home" in this small city which is growing into a big city with all the latest malls and new home communities.

Cherokee Nation

We invited our friend Mary to join us at the Cherokee National Heritage Center, a museum and ancient village which provides displays and demonstrations of this Native American culture.

We learned about Stickball, a precursor to LaCrosse. These games were used to settle tribal conflicts rather than war, although an intense game would cause severe injury or even death!

Grandpa had visited the Heritage Center in North Carolina, where the Cherokee Nation originally resided. In the 1830's the European settlers began pushing into the Cherokee territory, and when gold was discovered in the region, they came even more intent on occupying Indian land. President Andrew Jackson, influenced by wealthy merchants in the area, authorized the "relocation" of the Cherokees to west of the Mississippi, "to guarantee your survival". Various attempts to save their sovereign lands failed, and the last 16,000 of the Cherokee people were gathered and moved, mostly by foot, in the winter of 1838 to Oklahoma, over 800 miles west. Many children and elders died along the route, which is known as the Trail of Tears. Today, these Native people have reclaimed a small territory in North Carolina, as well as extended their territory in Oklahoma.

We finished our time with Mary in Tulsa with Italiano Bistro dinner and self-serve frozen yogurt sundaes!

Frank Lloyd Wright and Native America

We are avid Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts, so when I read the only "skyscraper" he ever designed was nearby, we took advantage of the sunny morning to explore countryside towns.

The Price Tower Arts Center is a 19 story structure of glass and copper, dubbed the "tree that escaped the crowded forest", is in Bartlesville, north of Tulsa. Closer up you can identify the well-known features of a FL Wright design, such as corner windows, straight lines, references to nature, and on this building the sculpted copper's rich green patina, giving it the tree like identity. The town is the home of Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips 66 Petroleum Company. Oklahoma's first oil well was drilled in 1897 in what is now Johnstone Park. This small city boasts other interesting architecture as well as a charming downtown, with it's collection of painted and decorated bison.

We also stopped in Nowata to see the Native America Mural painted by Woody Crumbo in the lobby of the 1939 Post Office, and meandered through Oologah, the birthplace of Will Roger. I was surprised to learn the world famous comedian/showman was a Cherokee!

The Tulsa Renaissance

This larger than life sculpture by Robert Summers depicts the family of Cyrus Avery, known as the "father of the Mother Road, Route 66" riding in their Model T and encountering a horse-drawn carriage on it's way into the city from the oil fields west of Tulsa. It's a good example of how this cosmopolitan city respects it's historic landmarks while in the process of renovating, reinventing, revitalizing and restoring itself.

We arrived in Tulsa yesterday afternoon at a surburban Elks Lodge that offers RV parking with electric. We were immediately invited to join them for dinner, Ham & Beans which neither of us has eaten in years. It was nice to socialize and discuss potential "must-sees" with local residents.

This morning, sunny and a bit warmer, we headed to downtown to explore. The new BOK Center, a multi-use sports and entertainment facility, is across the street from the Convention Center which also hosts a basketball team. The ONEOK Field is the home of the Tulsa Drillers, celebrating 100 years of professional baseball in Tulsa.

The transportation Centers in most cities tell a story about that city. So it is with Tulsa. The MTTA, a charming art deco roundhouse, still is the city's bus center. But the Tulsa Union Depot train station is now the Tulsa Jazz Hall of Fame.

 Downtown's Brady and Blue Knob districts show how older sections of a city can become new again.The JoeBot Coffee Bar was like a West Coast Experience in the Midwest. Cain's dancing hall dates back to the 1920's, often referred to as the Carnegie Hall of Country Music. It's wooden dance floor is truck spring mounted, and today serves many music genres to sell-out crowds.

And here's Tulsa at Night :

The two above are the Boston St United Methodist and the First Presbyterian Churchs, respectively. Both are magnificent cathedral style structures.

Branson, Revisited

When we finally arrived at Turkey Creek RV Village in Branson, MO, we felt like we had "come home." There was our beloved RV, just where Bernie had left her last October.

We had enjoyed several shows in Branson last Fall, and though we knew the majority of shows shut down for Jan and Feb., we did hope to see one while there. 

 

So, we went to the "Welcome Center" for discount tickets, and ended up with free tickets because we agreed to sit thru the Resort Center presentation. Can you say "Timeshare"?? What a ridiculous waste of our time, except for the 10 minute tour through an actual unit. Imagine if you can, a New England Seaside Village plunked down in the middle of  "Music City"!

But we did get to see one of the best shows of the area, IT. The Hughes family, 5 brothers, 2 sisters, and 33 children all perform. Superb talent, down to the scene stealing 3 yr old. Babies "performed" by not crying or spitting up, I guess :) We recommend you see this show if you go to Branson, and we recommend a trip there!

Got everything unpacked, put away, cleaned up and ready to go!

Are We There Yet?

I have felt like a kid wanting to ask that proverbial question these last 2 days!

This first part of our winter 2013 trip, to discover what our Next Phase of life might be, has primarily been driving through several states in order to arrive in Branson, MO to pick up our RV. Endless hours of rolling along at 65 to 80 mph, passing nothing interesting to see, stopping almost nowhere along the road, except for  lunch or gas. Being so tired and achy from the road, we didn't even take advantage of the amenities we look for at overnight facilities.

While there's nothing going on in Branson this time of year, no shows or specials, I'll be happy to get there and settle into our RV again!

Strengthening Family Connections

I love my families! They have expanded over the years to include a variety of folks, but most important at this stage of my life are my grandchildren, children and my elderly parents.

So before we go on a long journey, I do my best to personally connect with all of them. We were blessed to be able to spend some time with our youngest grand daughter yesterday. Thanks to Grandpa Art for the opportunity.

Today I shared massage time with her Mom....ah so relaxing.

Then we roasted a leg of lamb, mashed real potatoes, and steamed green beans for my parents for dinner. Mom's 83rd birthday is Tues., and she loves to eat home cooked meals with us. Also told Dad that part of my retirement plan is to spend some time with her so he can go for a walk, go fishing, play poker, or anything he wants. As her 24/7 caretaker, he's mighty grateful for my willingness, and I get some quality time with Mom before her dementia takes her completely away from us.

Tomorrow will be a Me day....get hair, nails and toes pretty, get some time with the after school kids I volunteer for, and pack a few more things. Tuesday, grandson Lucas has a half day of school, so we'll go to lunch and to the History Museum together. 

And, assuming everything is ready, we'll be on the road on Wednesday morning!

This is more like it!

Every winter, after I take down the Christmas/Santa decor, I bring out my Snowmen. A tradition I started when my collections grew too large to all be out at once, and to counter the drabness of after Christmas everyday living.

This second week of retirement has been much more relaxed. Grandpa is away working, and I have more time to myself. I read a book, I watched "Brave" on demand cable, I slept in and stayed up late. Sure, I did some chores, did my volunteer thing, and kept up with paperwork, but I also took time to relax and enjoy.

Tuesday I served lunch to 6 girlfriends, who were seeing my kitchen remodel for the first time. Menu included Chunky Mushroom and Tomato Salad, Grilled Marinated Turkey Tenderloin, Pasta Primavera and Winter Fruit Compote with a dollop of vanilla yogurt. Today, lunch out with Grandpa's Office Manager.

All in all, a nice time out to transition between the working world and the New Adventure trip which begins some time next week. Hope many of you will follow along as we travel and learn about being Snowbirds.

So, this is Retirement?

So, Friday December 28, 2012 was my last employed day, and I am now officially "retired".

Day One....I tripped in the garage, mangled my glasses, whacked my nose, and scared the daylights out of Grandpa! Managed somehow not to get 2 black eyes, but the nose is still sore 6 days later!

Day Three....New Year's Eve day...and I celebrated by getting a tattoo, pictured above. Why?...because I wanted one for 5 years!

Day Five....first afternoon volunteering! Seneca St Methodist Church, which is supported in part by my Church, has an after school program for latch key kids....45 registered! From K-12 can come in for a healthy snack (veggies and ranch dip this day), spend at least 45 minutes on homework, then "enrichment" activities like crafts, sewing, music lessons or gym. And before going home at 5:45, they get dinner! I connected with 2 young ladies who seemed to need some encouragement to stick with it and guidance to think it through. I really enjoyed it!

Day Six....spend the day being helpful and supportive to daughter Melissa. She got her driver's license and car today! For that, she took me out for Mexican food :)

So, I wonder, when do I get to sit and do nothing??