11/15 fri ps

This is some more of our time in arkansas.  Sorry the last one was so long.

 This is Little Rock the nite we got there

 One of the hikes we took was across this walking bridge.  The longest walking bridge in the country.  It is called  The Big Dam Bridge

 This was it at nite, we only walked a bit of it as it was late and we were tired.

This is a picture taken from the bridge.  That is the Ozark Mts in the background.

fri 11/15 ps

I did forget to tell a couple of things.  We didn't come here from Branson.  We went to Little Rock and stayed there for about 3 days.   It is an old city and has lots of historical buildings.  We walked across the bridge which comes out at the Clinton library.  I got some shots of that I will include but we also had a lovely delight because Heifer International is right there.  So we got a tour of the building and site and it is totally green.  Let me tell you money that goes to them goes to the spot it should.  I have tried to support them in the past and constantly swear I am giving to them and sending that to people for presents but haven't gotten around to being that brave.  So don't be surprise if you end up getting a card that says you gave a flock of chickens to someone on in a third world country tho they do things her in the USA also. Anyway that was so inspiring.
We also went to Central High School where the 9 kids were escorted in by the guard to go to school.  They are in their 70's now and they make mention of how it felt.  Can you possibly imagine what it felt like to sit in class with kids and teachers you knew didn't want you there, and then walk in the halls or eat in the lunchroom with them.  None of the kids were in the same class even.  How horrible.  Now you see the kids roughhousing and laughing and talking together, all races.   The building is an architectural marvel.

This the Clinton library

 This is just such a neat building, I couldn't pass it by.

 This is the central part of this building.  It kinda curves forward on the sides and then there are two spots in front that curves toward the building.  It covers about 3 blocks by 5 with the foot ball field and track.

 This is the left side that attaches to the picture above.  The trees have grown up so it doesn't show as well as it did then.

 This is the right side from the first picture.

 This is the part that curves toward the building.  It is to the left of the front door.  There is the same thing on the right.

 This is above the front door.

 This is a quilt that honors Bayard Rustin, a civil rights.  He is being celebrated this year with the Medal of Freedom.  There is more to the explanation, but its a summary.

 This one is called Racism is a Weapon. Its about the subtle, sometimes intentional and sometimes clueless comments directed toward her.  Its hand embroidered on what looks to be a linen or woven like that material.

 This one is called Guardians of the Land.  It is about people being connected to the earth and being guardians of the environment. Our responsibility, and the fact that changes affect us all.

 This is called Esperanza.  It is about migration as a natural process and how only humans create and recognize borders.

 This is called Women's Foundation for Peach.   This was created in response to the war on Iraq.  About women serving and not recognized.  Her grandma always called a bra as a foundation garment so she used it to form a peace symbol.

This is called Dirty Laundry in the U. S.  its about hate crimes.  It becomes a way of life and usually begins with bullying.  It identifies the most targeted groups and what constitutes a hate crime.

 This is called Si Se Puede! Dancing at the Revolution. It celebrates community activists, change makers.  Emma Goldman's statement, "If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution"

 This is called the Divine Nine.   The first president had 9 slaves and it is to celebrate the 9

.  It was built in 1929 and it is still in use and doing well today.  No changes have been made, and bla bla that we always seem to have to pay for as the schools don't hold up or are to small or etc.  This thing is so huge and so beautiful.  I will try to include pictures but not will do it justice.
But when i went into the visitors center, low and behold was a small art quilt show by Sabrino Zarco.  "an award winning Chicana queer artist, cultural worker, and educator.  As a Latina with autism she uses her unique way of experiencing the world to create visual stories around social justice.  Her art utilizes re purposed items and found objects in unconventional ways fused with cultural influences.  Sabrina is the co-founder and original director of the center for artistic revolution in Little Rock" says her bio.  The quilts were thought provoking and i will try to put on the ones i took that came thru the best.  Those few quilts took me forever to look at as they truly are thought promoting art quilts.
Aren't I just having the most amazing experiences.  God is good, no doubt about it.
Oh yes, we also took a trolley ride around Little Rock and North Little Rock and was that ever a nice and very cheap way to get a guided tour of the city.
We got off in one spot so we could have lunch.  I ate a restaurant and had the absolute best BLT that is even possible to make.  That made my day.  But then we came across a lecture and book signing for an author that had his bus there and is on tour with this book.  The Proof of Living I think it was.  I have seen it in stores.  A neurologist who dies and comes back to life.  Anyhow I am sure it was by ticket only but we got right in but Leroy was to uncomfortable to stay i think plus we didn't have the time, as it was just starting.
Its so easy to do stuff like that, no wonder terrorism gets such a chance.  No one even noticed us.

Fri 11/15

Well, we are now in murfreesboro Arkansas.  I forgot to tell you that we went out to eat one nite in Branson.  Usually we live on fast food (i know bad for us) or whatever we can scrap up here at home.  We try to eat or fix one good meal every few days.  Normally we eat 1 maybe 2 meals a day.  I know, its a terrible way to eat but if we eat 3 squares a day we gain weight even with all our activity.  I know its the food and the portion that does us in, but anyhow.  We ate at the Fish Shack which is a restaurant owned by Bass Pro Shops.  It sticks out over the river so we decided to go in.  I had great trout and Leroy had, hell I can't remember, BUT Leroy ordered alligator tails for a starter (can't spell the other word).  They taste like chicken, ha ha Tom, they really didn't taste like anything but the batter and I guess can be kinda tough and chewy which these weren't.  So i tried something new.  Yeah for us.
We left Branson the next day and headed for here.  its a state park with an open diamond field that you can mine diamonds in yourself.  it is the only one in the world and some very large diamonds have come from here.  Arkansas is known for diamonds I found out and the diamonds here are very superior as they usually don't need to be cut as they come out so perfect.  Well we got here yest afternoon and then today we went over to the field.  We got some nice rocks, some stuff to sift thru here at home but at this point we didn't find diamonds.  We learned some techniques from the old timers and some full timers and I think our next trip over there will be better.  We didn't really know what to do or how to do it today but we spent 6 hours there and for $14 we had a hell of a lot of fun, met some great people and got some good laughs. We did get some other nice minerals tho.  it is amazing to think that there are 8 or  9 of these tubes that have erupted in the area and this is the only one active now.  They blew up (volcano) and the areas around are full of diamonds.  They tried to make this one a productive commercial mine but it isn't enough or consistent enough to make it worth while so the state bought it and turned it into a state park and opened the fields to the public.  How cool is that.  
So we now have mined for ameseth in northern Minnesota and panned for gold in Washington and now hunted for diamonds in Arkansas.
Anyhow, guess we will stay here for a few days.  It is so beautiful.  It is so peaceful.  We have hiked some trails already and today came home from the field exhausted but had to take dogs for their walk.  We walked about 2 miles cause it is just so rejuvenating.  It is so beautiful and peaceful here.  Walking at sunset, crickets chirping, birds nestling in for the nite, I cam back so relaxed and refreshed. Leaves everywhere to walk in, and they crunch when you walk in them not squish.  This is a beautiful state.  It is so not hectic.  So think we will sit and relax here, get some things done we want to do, hit the diamond field again, and just chill.  Very few campers around, but great sites.  I plan on taking a few pictures tomorrow.
Today, I was walking in the field, lost my footing, as the ground has been plowed, wobbled around, and down i went, bounced around on the uneven ground, saw my feet go up over my head, and laid there laughing on my back as i felt like a turtle.  A very nice Iraq veteran came by, laughed and offered to help.  I told him this is not unusual and i should be able to get up.  I got up in my unlady like stance that I need to use and as i stool there with both hands and feet on the ground I realized I would need help as I wasn't standing on flat ground.  So I lifted one arm for him to steady so i could stand, he said, i can't lift you with that one, switch, so I had to switch arms,and lifted the other for him to use..  (Now at this point I had not met or looked at this young man) Tho it wasn't easy for me, he grabbed the arm and helped me straighten up.  I then find out the young man had the other arm blown up with a tank shot at he has limited use.  He then tells me, don't worry, no one saw it and i won't remember i helped you in a couple days.  That part of my brain is gone and doesn't work anymore.  I laughed and told him, that's what old age is like and he is just getting an early shot at it.  He said, my grandpa says that, and hes 91.   I later found out, Leroy had met the guy and had a veteran to veteran chat already.  So it was an interesting afternoon to say the least, and that was just a bit of it.  One guy was mining and talking to me and I almost fell flat into his area and messed it all up, I slid into the water.  So needless to say, I really need to wash clothes soon.  I was a total mess when i got done.
There is a beagle cross dog here in the park that was abandoned about 2 months ago and the warden won't come and get him unless the park or someone catches him first.  So that is my goal in the next couple days to see if I can do my dog whispering to him and get him in and safe before I leave.  We will see if I am any good or not. ha ha.
So, we are at Murfreesboro, AR for a few more days.

more missouri picts

some pictures are on my camera and some are on my phone.  I didn't have them both on before i made the last post.

 The above is picture from the Lewis and Clark museum

 The above is a picture from the Purina Farms stadium we trialed in.

 The above and below are one of the amazing Clydes  Don't you love my butt shot.

 This is a beautiful cathedral in St. Louis, but not the Basilica.

 These are from the basilica.  The red ceiling,in fact all you see, is tiny pieces of class.  The red is breathtaking.  The artist destroyed the left over glass and dye after he finished this ceiling.

 These designs are all tiny pieces of glass, and the faces actually have expression, can you imagine that.  And doing it all on your back.  They had to draw the design in reverse, then place all the pieces of glass on it, then put plaster on the ceiling and then take this piece of paper and press the design into the ceiling.  I can't even fathom it.

 The pulpit above.  The below is the floor in the quiet sanctuary spot where Pope Paul came and had his private prayer.  The floor is what ......... a quilt pattern.

 This is a window where you come in.  it is Tiffany glass.  One of the few places in the world where any is left anymore as the Germans bombed the churches in Europe and destroyed it.

 This is looking into the room with the red ceiling.

 This is the major pulpit where the priest stands during big or special services like big weddings or funerals of big shots where no other spot is big enough.

 Isn't this ceiling just incredible.  I was just in awe the whole time.  It truly gave you goosebumps.

Missouri pictures

 This is the handler that did so well with Iris tho she doesn't look real happy in this photo

 This is the arch the nite we got into town.

 This is the arch in the morning.

 This is a replica of the small little bubble that we rode up in the arch to the top   630 feet.  This is the exact size and i sat in it with three other people.

 This is Leroy in the capsule with me and two others, the two people below who were from Tennessee.

 This is a white Bengal tiger nose, and below the head.  They are extinct in the wild now, as are most Bengal tigers now..

 This is the cardinals stadium (Busch Stadium) that they played the world series in (while we were there in fact)  Cardinal fever was EVERYWHERE.  Unfortunately they didn't win.  That was sad I thought.  Would have loved to see the place after they won.

 This is out of sequence.  it is the observation tower at the top of the arch.  Those windows are what you look thru and where i took the picture of the stadium from.

These are the narrow streets in El Dorado Springs that we drove up and down looking for dads grave.  No room for mistakes.

national pass

Have I bothered to tell you, and if i have, ignore this, about the Senior National Pass.  You can get a pass thru the national park service or on line for seniors.  $10 or 20, think it was 10, and it lets you and any one with you for your lifetime into any national park, national monument, forest, or anything national.  It is one of the best deals are government has for us.   We should all take partake of it.  It is a pretty cheap deal.  We only got one thru Leroys name and it has already paid for itself with one outing.  Keep it in mind folks.

Will be posting missour pictures soon.

tues 11/12

Well we left Branson yest and got into Little Rock last nite.  We visited with a lady at a rest area desk so it helped us find a spot in Little Rock and what we might want to see.   The park is in North Little Rock and it is a gated one.  Nothing special, just a lot, but its safe.  There is a big bridge right next door that you can walk across to Little Rock.  It comes out just beside the Clinton Library.  You remember that this is Pres. Clinton's hometown.  I did not go in, have no desire to go in any presidential library but the building is quite interesting.  It sticks out over the water.  Architecturally its pretty interesting.
Today we took a walk, went to see an old mill that was used in the opening scenes of Gone with the Wind and are back home.  There is a big trail here for biking, so if the weather would cooperate we would like to do that.  In the meantime, you can ride a trolley car for 50cents.
The weather was cool but a front came in and it is to get really cold (below freezing) tonight and the wind came up so its kinda a bear out there.  But guess its like this down to the coast so we will take it in stride.  I mean it isn't like we haven't been residents of cold weather before.
Before we left Branson we went hiking on some trail in some different places in the woods.  I have to say it is beautiful country down here and the cost of living and the homes are cheap cheap cheap.  Veterans are so honored here it is just unbelievable.  Leroy gets as many thank yous for serving and handshakes as I get comments on my purple hair.  Still getting one a day down here but i get some strange looks.  One restaurant we went in to i couldn't figure out but all the old people in the place were staring at me and then it hit me, I got a good laugh out of that.
The Twelve Irish Tenors were very very good, a well spent two hours.  They put on a nice show and have great voices.  When we saw the Pierce Arrow western group, they had the funniest but clean cut comedian that wove his way throughout the show and it was really good,.  I had stand up comedians but this really worked and didn't give you too much at once of him.
Today Leroy and I had a big fight.  He hit his toleration limit with me.  It happens periodically where ever we are.  I told you I am a terrible wife and a terrible person to live with.  My mother and Donna are probably the only two that can attest to that.  Anyhow, he got mad and said we were going home tomorrow.  When I reminded him we were home we made up and I apologized and we decided to rethink the whole thing.  Kinda funny when i think of it now.
Sydney and Diesel fight over the bed in the front dash while we travel and sit.  I guess we need to find another one so we don't have to go thru this.  its pretty funny,
Oh, we went to the cat sanctuary.  That was very interesting and a very good place to rescue these cats and work towards education so that people quite contributing towards this Nice surroundings and very clean and spacious.  I learned a lot and found out I also already knew a lot. It always amazes me how much their mannerisms are so similar to small house cats.  So anyhow, that was well worth the few $ it took to get in.
Will be here and probably head out on Thurs.  Leroy won't drive on ice or in heavy winds so we will limp along the road playing with the weather as we go.  We are always warm and cozy in here tho.