8-31-2013 Traffic!

There wasn't much on the agenda today except to go to Walmart.

Traffic on Highway 76, on the main strip of Branson, was just like old time--bumper to bumper!

We then checked out the Coleman's outlet store and found a few bargains we couldn't resist.

Lunch was at "Fuddruckers", a first time visit for Glen and me.  I didn't know what to expect but it was very good...and busy.

A friend from our working years in Poplar Bluff Mo contacted us via Facebook yesterday.  We have known Christopher Keen since he was in elementary school, both at church and birding activities.

Christopher and wife Bailey now live and work in Branson.  They had time this afternoon to come by the MH.  They both have graduated from College of the Ozarks in recent years. It was great catching up on their work and activities.  

Fred and Gay came over after the visit with Chrisopher and Bailey for a couple of games of cards.  

Gay had baked a "quesadilla cheesecake" this afternoon for dessert this evening. Umm-m, delicious.

8-30-2013 "Sight and Sound Theater"

Back left: Gayla and Glen Hickey; Gary and Evelyn Morrow; Front: Fred and Gay Vaughan

We were gathered to say "see you in a little while" just before Gary and Evelyn drive away.  It has been a great time with everyone.

This afternoon Fred and Gay, Glen and I attended the production "Joseph" at the Sight and Sound Theater.  The cast numbers more than 40, plus several live animals.  The stage production is amazing.  Well worth the ticket price of $43, minus a $3 coupon for a total of $40 per person.  

Tonight we taught Fred and Gay a new card game.

8-29-2013 Music and College of the Ozarks

Are you noticing how quickly August is slipping away?  I hope August takes the hot temperatures with it when it turns to September!

This morning there was music at our place!  Evelyn with her guitar, Fred with his guitar, and Gay with her mandolin, and all four--Glen, Evelyn, Fred, and Gay, singing.

Gary and I are the audience!  

For lunch we went to the Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO near Branson.  The Keeter Center is a beautiful building; it looks like Yellowstone Lodge.  The food, ok, let's say "cuisine" is delicious and prepared by students.

After lunch we toured the antique tractors, watched the dairy herd being milked, and admired the view at Lookout Point.  There is a huge, three story museum that is fun to tour, but didn't take time today. 

The evening ended with three games of "19-point pitch", and an ice cream at "Coldstone Creamery.  

We will say "see you later" to Gary and Evelyn in the morning.  They will be preparing for other travel plans next week.

8-28-2013 Day at Silver Dollar City, Branson, MO

Gary and Evelyn, Fred and Gay, Glen and I spent several hot hours at Silver Dollar City today.  We enjoyed the Southern Gospel groups/music.

We didn't stay for the six o'clock show in Echo Holler.  By then we were worn out, and there wasn't a leaf stirring.  No breeze.  We figured down in the holler it would be the hottest of all day.

There were huge lines for three of the major performances.  Almost all of the SDC visitors today were of the "senior citizen" variety.  I would estimate I didn't see over a dozen children.

Did I mention it was HOT?  Sweat running down your back kind of HOT.


The employees of SDC were putting up Christmas lights....yes in August, but it didn't make it seem any cooler!

By the time we got home, rested/cooled down, the sun was down, and it was a very nice evening outdoors.  Just great for playing some cards!  

8-27-2013 Route 66 and Lunch in a Hangar (Lakeside RV Park, Branson, MO)

Leaving the Coachlight RV Park we drove to the "Boots Court" in Carthage, MO.

The Boots Court was designed in the Art Deco Streamlined Moderne style.  It was recently purchased by two sisters and is being restored.

Pull the top handle to see....(look down)

this radio!  Of course there was no tv in Carthage until the early 1950's.

The inside of a restored room.  Beds are covered with a chenille bedspread. Right door has the bathroom area.

The Boots Court was built at "The Crossroads of America", where US highway 71 running north and south, and US Route 66, running east and west, converged in Carthage, MO, opening in 1939.

Today rooms with one bed can be rented for $66 (Route 66), and rooms with two beds can be rented for $71 (Route 71).

Interested in more info about Boots Court:  bootsmotel@hotmail.com 
bootscourt@hotmail.com

Interested in Route 66, the Mother Road, starting in Chicago and going to the west coast?  go to www.visit66.com  or route66chamberofcommerce.org  

We met a young couple that had stayed at Boots Court last night.  They had flown from Virginia to Kansas City, rented a card, and was going to travel from Carthage to St. Louis on Route 66, then flying back to Virginia.  Lots of interest in the USA and internationally in Route 66.

Richard and Janice then accompanied us to Miller, MO, halfway between Joplin and Springfield, for lunch at the "Hangar Kafe."  

The Kafe is located inside a hangar..

Inside the hangar.

Janice and Richard Garrett, Glen Hickey, waiting for lunch.

The Hangar Kafe is in a very rural setting.  Other than lunch you can go hot air ballooning, sky diving, or find a use for crop duster airplanes.  The Kafe was full during the lunch hour, with people waiting for tables.

The owners are adding on to the Kafe, the outdoor eating space, and adding an 18-site full hook ups RV park.

We said our "good-byes" and "see you soon" to Richard and Janice.

We then drove to Branson MO where we are parked at the "Lakeside RV Park" between Gary and Evelyn, and Fred and Gay Vaughan.  

We are going to Silver Dollar City tomorrow for some southern gospel music.  

8-25/26-2013 Great Day--- with Friends, Family

Sunday 
We joined Mildred and Doug for worship service and lunch.  Mildred--or Millie as she is known everywhere except for immediate family--is the second younger sister of Glen.  

It was great catching up with their family activities.  

Monday
We drove to the home of long-time friends, Richard and Garrett in Carl Junction, MO, mid-morning.

We moved to Poplar Bluff in the fall of 1970.  Our pastor at that time said to us, "there's a young married couple that just joined the church.  I think you will like them.  Their name is Richard and Janice."  And, the pastor was right.  Richard and Janice moved to PB in the spring of 1970.  

They moved away from PB in about 1973 (is that right, Richard?) to Kansas City area and then on to Connecticut.  This past spring they retired from Conneticut to Carl Junction where they were both raised and have several family members still here.  

We toured Richard and Janice's new (to them) home, did lots of visiting and catching-up.  After lunch Richard drove around the Joplin-Carl Junction-Webb City-Carterville area, showing us various highlights.

One of the places we enjoyed is the tile murals on the wall of the Harper Ace Hardware in Carl Junction.

Richard and Janice.  These murals were designed and added to the walls in celebration of an interntional conference of Route 66 fans in July  2013.

Here I am with both of the murals visibile.

Also in Joplin is the home/building where the outlaws Bonnie and Clyde met their demise.

***

Richard and Janice, and Gayla, near Joplin, MO.

After a delicious dinner of local bar-b-que we played a game or two or five of "Rack-O".  We hadn't played that game in a long time.

We are meeting Richard and Janice for breakfast in the morning before leaving this area.

***Remember you can click on the photos to enlarge.

8-24-2013 On The Road Again (Coachlight RV Park, Carthage, MO)

It has been great to be able to visit with my sister and her family this past two weeks.  

We really wanted to be able to see more family but I didn't want to share the cold/allergy that I have had for the past ten days.  

We have moved on to Carthage, MO to see..more family and friends.  Glen's sister, Mildred live near here.  Also Richard and Janice, friends since the 1970's, have recently retired to here from Connecticut.  

Stay tuned for whatever happens this week.

Here's an early morning view from the farm this past week.

This was just as the sun was peeping over the trees with early morning fog in the low places.

8-23-2013 Thursday and Friday

Thursday we spent a couple of hours with Mom at the care enter.

My cousin Mike was there part of the time.  Glen and I enjoyed visiting with Mike.  

Mom seemed to be 'under the weather' with a cough and low energy.  I dread winter for her as any bugs, flu, coughs will be hard on her.

Today we are looking forward to a family dinner at the home of Jan and Bruce.  Mark and Becky (brother and wife) will be here as well as Jan and Bruce's boys Matt and Mitch and families will be here.

I baked a chocolate sheet cake.  Jan and Bruce are furnishing the main course.  Everyone else will contribute side dishes.

We will be heading to the Joplin/Carthage/Carl Junction MO area in the morning.  More later.

8-21-2013 Play Time

Tuesday and Wednesday:

Glen has finished his share of the brush-hogging!

Tuesday afternoon Bruce and Jan chauffered us to the Versailles MO area where there is a settlement of Amish.  We visited three different variety stores.  Great fun.

Today Jan and I are preparing a couple of trays to take to a family who has a had a death.  Then Jan has a dental appointment.

While Jan is at the dentist I get to play with her granddaughter, Mattie, who is a third grader.

Hope you are having a great week.

8-19-2013 Part-Time Farmer

Glen is really enjoying being on the farm!  This afternoon he rode the tractor pulling the brush hog.  

The tractor has a cab, air conditioning, and a radio.  It was a really tough job!

Trisha and her family survived the first day of school (today).  She has about 22 seventh graders per science class/period.  

The big accomplishment was Brady drove Tanner and himself to and from school.  What a help it is going to be for Brady to be driving.  

Landon is starting 11th grade, Brady 10th grade, Natalie 9th grade, and Tanner 8th grade.  This is one busy family!

8 19 2013 Yesterday's correction

The last post was written on 8-18-2013 NOT 8-28.  Sorry!  Have a great day.

818-2013 Small Towns

Small towns are the best!

When I lived on the farm with my parents and brothers/sister the farm was/is located between two small towns.  One had a population of about 550 and the other had 65.  Today the populations are about 700 and 95.  This is rural central Missouri.

Saturday Glen rode one of the tractors and pulled a brush hog in a couple of pastures for brother-in-law Bruce.  Bruce was on another tractor with another brush hog.  

Jan and I on a 4-wheeler escorted Bruce, carrying a chain saw so Bruce could cut two or three felled in-the-last-stormy-week trees.  

Last night was the 'third Saturday' monthly "bean supper" at the Brumley Lions' Club.  It's a fund raiser....and the best place to see the neighbors...catch up on the latest of those who has water in the basement, or, is fixing water gaps...or, see a classmate that you haven't seen since high school.

If it is election year, then all of the candidates are there!

The menu at the "bean supper"?  Pinto beans that have simmered all day, cole slaw, corn bread, and homemade dessert, all you can eat for $5.  

Today was church, lunch at the local Mexican restaurant, then visit with Mom at the care center.  Jan and Bruce and Glen sang with a local church group for the residents.  

Our mom is getting more frail and fragile each time we see her.  Enough said.  It is sad to see one's parents get to this stage of life.

Tonight....I worked on Jan's computer.  I know, that is scary, isn't it.  Not that I know much, I don't, but I did maybe help a little bit.  My last advice is get the computer to a professional.  

Have a great week.  School in this area started last week.  Our daughter and her group start school tomorrow.  The end of summer is drawing near.  

8-16-2013 Happy 16th Birthday, dear Brady.

For some reason the WIFI has not been working here--at my sister/BIL's home.

But tonight I once again removed the battery and hit the "reset" button, and it worked!

Today is the 16th birthday for grandson Brady!  Today he went to the Driver's License office to get the official driver's license, and, to school to get a parking permit at school.  Wow, big stuff.  

I know his mom, our daughter, is looking forward to having another driver in the family.

We spent the day at my mother's home.  Remember she is in a care center.  Glen and I cleaned out two chest-type deep freezers; emptied all of those containers.

The saddest part of all that was remembering how many hours my mom spent picking all those gooseberries and blackberries and how many chigger bites she got that itched afterwards; how many hours she spent picking those small cherries and pitting them.  Oh my. 

But she did make the best gooseberry cobbler ever.  Many years ago it was an unwritten rule that "aunt Shirley" had to bring gooseberry cobbler to every family gathering.

We are enjoying the time we are spending with sister Jan and BIL Bruce, and their children and grandchildren.  

The temps this past week has been been in the upper 70's.  It is wonderful summer weather.

8-13-2013 Visiting with my sister! (Iberia, MO)

It was a mere two hours from the State Fair, Sedalia, Mo to my sister's near Iberia, MO.

We attempted to park in our usual place but it was much too muddy.  We barely averted being stuck!

We are on the other side of the fence, and the electric line reached the plug, thankfully.  Otherwise we would have been finding a RV park.

Of course the first topic of conversation was all of the rain the past week.  Right here at the home of Jan and Bruce there has been over 18 inches in the past week.

Mitch, their son, came in from work and said at Ft. Leonard Wood, Waynesville, MO  (30 miles from here) there had been over 23" of rain in the past week. 

Jan has been at workshop at elementary school the past two days.  Students and teachers will report on Thursday.  

We will be visiting with family the next few days.  It may not be exciting for you, but it is always good to see Mom, siblings, nieces and nephews, aunties. 

8-12-2013 State Fair

Glen's sister/brother in law, Evelyn and Gary, are members of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association.  

As part of the Cattlemen's Assoc they were going to work at the Beef House 1:30-6:00.  

We four went to the Fairgrounds about 10:30 and walked around.  We were most disappointed because there were no programs in the Mattison's Arena, where the mule jumping, or cattle penning, or dogs penning cattle, or 6-horse hitch and trailers, etc events are usually held.  Well, there was the dog show this morning, but that isn't our favorite.

We separated from Gary/Evelyn about 1:00 as they prepared to work.  We ate lunch at the Beef House...BTW they have great rib eye steak sandwiches.

We looked through a couple of "commercial" buildings---think infomercials in person!  Didn't find a thing we couldn't live without.

Glen and I rode the tractor-drawn trams all the way around fairgrounds, which gives a great view of all the buildings.

Glen brought me home about three and went back.  The sun had popped out, causing high humidity and heat.  I enjoyed the air conditioning while he looked around more.

Glen and Evelyn and Gary got back to the campground about 7.  Evelyn and Gary said 'good-bye" and "see you in a couple of weeks" and headed back to their home.

We are headed to the customized RV site at my sister and brother in law's----personally mowed and trimmed by Jan and Bruce  :} in the morning.  

It's time for a visit with Mom.

8-11-2013 Missouri State Fair, Sedalia MO (Countryside RV Park, Sedalia, MO)

You have heard me say that rv-ers of the full-time variety often have plans written in Jell-o....meaning the plans aren't set, they jiggle and may change any time.

We left Hannibal by way scenic route 79, headed for Hermann, MO.  About 15-20 miles down the road we said to one another "how about going to the Fair? to Sedalia?  Gary and Evelyn are there."

I got out the Missouri map, set the GPS, and off we went west.  

We went through parts of Missouri this morning that we had never been through.  

We called Gary and Evelyn to ask about available sites at their campground.  Thankfully there was a site available.

We arrived mid-afternoon, had a time of catching-up and visiting.  Then off to an early supper.

With Gary driving we toured the historical area of Sedalia.  The main street is lined with big maples and other trees.  The old buildings have been carefully kept up.  There is a big hotel, the "old" library built of stone is being updated, a huge Catholic church and other buildings.

From downtown we went four miles north to the Bothwell Lodge, a huge stone home for the Bothwell family.  The farm and lodge building was given to the state in the early 1970's, and became a state historical site.  There are tours during the day time hours.  

Hope you have had a great week end.

8-10-2013 Glen Remembers....

Glen tells the story of visiting Hannibal when he was about 7.

His aunt and uncle, Bryan and Margie, lived in Hannibal.  He isn't sure what they did in Hannibal.  Uncle Bryan may have been a teacher.

Glen was excited to be in Hannibal and see where Huck and Tom lived.
He was able to visit the cave, see the white-washed fence, got a book with all the stories about Huck and Tom

Sometime later, months or a few years, Glen says he was told that Huck and Tom were just characters in a book, not real boys.  He even argued with whomever told him they weren't real because he had seen the white-washed fence and the cave.  

He thinks it was his older sister, Evelyn, that told him the devastating news that Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry  Finn weren't real boys.

8-10-2013 Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn

I am not sure Tom and Huck would recognize their stomping grounds if they were around today.

There is a historic area in downtown Hannibal but the rest of Hannibal has moved to the west.

We drove to "Lover's Leap" which overlooks the Mississippi River and Hannibal, and across to Illinois.

Hannibal even has a lighthouse.

Here's the "Mark Twain" boat.  We enjoyed the dinner cruise at 6:30 this evening.

Here we are waiting to be served.  Glen chose baked chicken, I had roast beef tips; sides were pasta salad, greens salad, green beans, baked potato, rolls, and brownie for dessert.

It's the end of the day.

There was a great jazz band playing and singing during the cruise.

8-9-2013 "Show Me" State (Mark Twain Cave and Campground, Hannibal, MO)

As mentioned yesterday there was an 8 a.m. appointment to have the new motor installed on the front door steps.  

We went to breakfast (at Cracker Barrell) and by the time we were back the installation was finished.  Wow!  It is nice to have steps that work.  No more jumping out and climbing in.

We started through the western half of Indiana, into Illinois, going straight west.  Guess what?  there were no campgrounds available.  We were going to stop in the Peoria area about 4:30, but couldn't find campground.  We weren't in the mood to stay at Walmart parking lot.  We just kept going west, and stopped in Hannibal, MO.

The campground is off of Highway 79, south of Hannibal.  It is very wooded, but we were able to get satellite.  Highway 79, south of here one more mile, is closed due to high water.  
We are going to play "tourist" tomorrow as it has been 30 years since we have been here.

I just talked to my sister, who lives near Bagnell Dam/Lake of the Ozarks.  Jan reports they have received 17 inches plus of rain in the past week.

How much rain have you had in your area?

8-8-2013 Home, Sweet Home! (Back at) Elkhart Campground, Elkhart, IN

Home, sweet home!

We checked out of the hotel this morning.  The best part of a week in the hotel?  Unlimited hot water plus great water pressure equals a wonderful shower!

We drove to the paint shop, unloaded the refrigerator/freezer items, and the clothes/computers/Kindles/bath items.  After some conversation with Michelle we learned there was a couple more hours of work to be done.

We ate lunch, walked around Menard's, and was on the way back to see Michelle at Phoenix Commercial Paint when she called to say, "all finished."  

Writing a check to her, we called it a "done deal" and headed to Elkhart Campground.

We need to say Michelle does excellent work and we will highly recommend her for any paint work on vehicles, especially RVs.

There is an 8 o'clock appointment in the morning for the new motor to be installed on the front door steps.  That will be all of the items on the list for Elkhart, "RV Capital of the U.S."

8-7-2013 Not Today

Too rainy today.  One more day before picking up the motor home.  

Glen did go see the motor home this morning and says it looks great.  There is fresh caulk on the roof around different vents, a/c and it needs to be very dry before driving.

Michelle the paint tech/owner says to come mid-morning and hopefully pick it up Thursday morning.

We have lots of family living in mid-Missouri.  I am receiving reports that in the past 24 hrs over 13 inches of rain has fallen. All of the flood gates at Bagnell Dam at Lake of the Ozarks were opened this morning, causing the Osage River to raise 3 feet every hour. Of course there were many evacuations. 

 Many...most... of the highways were closed this morning due to high water.  And....up to six more inches of rain is expected overnight.  

My niece and family can't get to or from their home as the gravel road is completely washed out.  

Glen and I drove 25 miles into Michigan this morning.  We checked out a couple of RV surplus businesses.  We found a couple of items to buy.  

8-6-2013 Still Waiting

Still waiting.

Maybe one more day.

It will depend on the weather.  If it is rainy, then the mh needs to stay under roof for the day.

No more needs to be said.

8-4 and 5/2013 Nothing, absolutely nothing, Going On

Sunday and Monday....
just waiting, just waiting for the motorhome to be finished.

Glen checked on motorhome this morning.  If all goes well today, then final coat of paint applied, then clear coat, then buffing.  Maybe Tuesday, maybe Wednesday.

We are ready to be out of motel. 

7-3-2013 Fall Flower Carpets

This afternoon Glen and I drove the 80-mile Heritage Trail around the Amish communities of Elkhart, Bristol, Middlebury, Shipshewana, Goshen, Nappanee, Wakarusa and back to Elkhart.

The Heritage Trail is described as "a scenic, winding loop that leads you to area attractions, treasure-filled shops, historic stops, restaurants serving tasty Amish fare, lively downtown eateries and friendly faces at every turn."

I would agree wholeheartedly with that description.  There are hundreds of neat, clean, beautifully landscaped Amish farms; thousands of acres of corn and popcorn, soybeans, alfalfa.

Every lawn is edged with many colorful flowers.  Most of the houses are white.  I feel that the flowers add color to their lives (but what do I know?)

Planning a trip to the northeast this fall?  Save this date--October 1-12.  

"North America's only Fall Flower Carpets will create dazzling, showy displays in the down towns of Elkhart and Nappanee."

Each garden will share a "Celebrate the Arts" theme and will be crafted with over 7000 mums.  Each will fill an entire city block.

Below are two photos that represent  a "quilt garden site" that is scattered throughout the Heritage Trail.

We also checked on the status of the motor home this morning.

Yes, Michelle was working on Saturday.  She had applied the first primer coat but wasn't happy with it so was starting over.  Here's a picture of our home.  The area above the windshield, front door is the area being painted.

8-2-2013 Mixed Jobs for Today

My task for today: find a place for a pedicure.  The sign that said "$30 pedicure/manicure" called to me.

It was a good decision.  The tech knew what she was doing, was gentle, and liked to talk!  In fact she told Glen we were kindred spirits!  She likes to travel and loved to learn about our lifestyle.

Glen's task: find the Discount Tire business.  It is time to have the tires on the pick up rotated.  Mark that off the list as done.  

The day started with a trip to the paint shop.  Glen is very impressed with what is being done.  Michelle said she may work on it tomorrow, and MAY be done by Monday.  We shall see.  

8-1-2013 Homeless or RV is Being Painted

We packed morning, then drove the MH the approximately 5 miles to the paint shop.

Upon arrival Michelle, the owner/technician, said "I did tell you the refrig needs to be empty and turned off, didn't I?"

"Uh, no, you didn't."

We left, found a motel with a full kitchen, but the room wasn't cleaned/ready.

With a stop at the repair shop for the next item on the list,the steps/motor, to say it would be next week before we could leave the MH, we then went to Sam's for OTC medications.

We have been noticing big crowds at a restaurant called the "Chubby Trout".  For lunch we decided to see if it deserved the big crowds.

Yessir-ee it did.  Lunch special, "bison burger" was Glen's choice.  It was delicious. I had a shrimp basket with homemade chips and slaw.  All was great.  The slaw was one of, if not "the" best I have had.  The cocktail sauce was made in kitchen and delicious.

We are settled in for the next few days.