Kettle Korn

Out working for a living...doing kettle korn.  We will be gone until late Sunday night March 7...Next posting will be on the 8th or after (depending on how tired I am).  Keep coming back

Back Yard Birding

I am taking a one day hiatus from my ventures and adventures. I was watching a cardinal couple in our bird feeder earlier today and thought I would write a bit about the local fauna—or just maybe the birds.

Steve builds some absolutely wonderful rustic bird houses. He has been doing this for several years and sells a couple from time to time. The bird houses are made from cypress, native cedar and local grapevine. Sometimes, when I get talking too fast, I say they are made from cydar (the fast way of saying cypress and cedar, I guess). He then branched out to bird feeders.

Now, I grew up on a chicken farm. Birds were not friends. They brought disease to the chickens. Although my uncle the farm owner never did much to discourage birds, they were not appreciated. Therefore, it took me a very long time to learn to appreciate having them in my yard. Steve, on the other hand, always seems to want to do something for the birds like keeping the bird feeders full of seed.  Steve loves to watch the birds.  Me, not so much...or so I thought.

He moved his one feeder from an area where the squirrels ate more than the birds to a double metal plant or lantern holder. The problem with this was it made a really great buffet for two of my cats. Roscoe could easily jump the height of the feeder and snag a bird on his way down. Well, this was not working very well! So, Steve put in a much higher 4X4 piece of wood with a cross section of Re-bar, thus holding two feeders. This seems to working well except we still get a squirrel visitor daily. Noise will chase him away for a while. The cats can no longer get the birds as it involves climbing. By the time they get to the feeder, the birds are gone.

Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal are our most frequent guests. He is sooooooo pretty. She is bossy. He lets other birds dine with him in one feeder. In the second feeder, she squawks at any outsider till they go away. As a matter of fact, I don’t ever remember seeing them both in the same feeder together. She must nag him, too. They are pretty and enjoyable to watch.

We also have had a red-headed woodpecker munching away at the seed. Woodpeckers are interesting. The metal chimneys in many of the homes in the neighborhood seem to be a fine calling card for a mate. Around this time of the year, we often hear rat-tat-tat, rat-tat-tat while he pecks away against the metal. The first year that I heard this, I wondered why he was not pecking at a tree. I was thinking food. He, obviously, had something else on his mind. This ritual goes on for up to three weeks. Then, we do not hear it again until the next year.

The houses attract Florida blue birds. The first year Steve left one of his houses on the front porch, we started to see some activity. A twig here; a larger one there. Then, one day no more blue birds. The house was abandoned, twigs spread out all over the place—on the house, on the porch. We saw a couple in our back yard a day or two later and wondered if they were the same ones. That bird house hung high in the tree. Why did they move? Well, a few days later, Betsy, our old lady kitty (she’ll be fifteen this year) was sitting like a piece of China--which she often resembles--sitting on the porch railing. Guess the birds moved because they did not care for the neighborhood.

This year is the first time that I have noticed regular full-sized blue jays…not the smaller version usually called Florida scrub jays. These are the only ones Mrs. Cardinal does not seem to chase away. For that matter, she is seldom there when they are. Mr. Cardinal, however, will share with the blue jays; and the blue jays don’t seem to mind sharing with him.

One morning during the recent three-week long cold snap (we had killing frost every night), I looked out to see the ground covered with robins. There were probably forty or fifty of them.  Wait a minute! Robins are the state bird for Connecticut, not Florida. Guess they have not gone north yet. They do not, however, seem to care about the bird feeder and seed. They go more for the more substantial fare of worms. (We had not yet let the cats out for the day. So, the birds were in fine shape).

There is a passel of smaller birds. I have not been able to identify them. But with a good bird book I should soon be able to so do.

MISSISSIPPI--The Old Capitol

The morning dawned in Mobile, Alabama. Our hosts for the previous evening were a nice couple who had raised six children and had lived in many parts of the East Coast, including a stint as farmers in Maine. They had a blurb and picture of the children published in Country Living. One of their daughters is an attorney. When he showed me the picture, he asked me if I could tell which one turned out to be the lawyer. Although, she was only about ten at the time of the picture, she already had an “in your face” expression on her face. We picked that one, and we were correct.

Our goal for this day was Jackson, Mississippi to visit Capitol #11. As it turns out, there are the “old” and the current capitols. They could be in walking distance except that it was raining (well, I really mean pouring). 

We wandered into the Old State House first. In many states, the old capitol becomes the State Museum. But, Mississippi already had a separate building as their State Museum. The Old Capitol Building had long been neglected, but when the restoration was done and finished, it was amazing. The restoration brought the old building back to its original look and interprets the history of the most historic building in Mississippi...not the state generally, but the building specifically. It was used as the State House from 1839 to 1903. Greek Revival is its architectural design. Limestone base and faux-limestone façade were part of its original design. Through various renovations, much of the faux-limestone was removed. It has been “reapplied.” A wrought iron fence with two lanterns and six eagles had been removed in one of its renovations and have been replicated and restored to its welcoming front door.

A handful of pamphlets helped us through our self-guided tour. One called Spy has some fun questions. The answers can be found in the Capitol (or on the back of the pamphlet). Things are not always what they seem.

Unfortunately, Katrina tore off a large portion of its roof. Much of the restoration had to be redone.

Children of all ages should find a tour of this building a fun learning experience. There are many interactive displays. When one enters the building, one is given a “ticket.” At first I thought this was in lieu of payment. But as we pursued the various room, we discovered that our “ticket” could be inserted in several slots. Some of the smaller rooms were set aside to talk about Mississippi’s four Constitutions at various times in its history and the revisions that it brought. The “ticket” was used in each display to let each of us know if we could vote in that particular time frame. Each “ticket” has a different scenario, i.e., white (Confederate) plantation owner, white resident of the town without property, women at various times, and blacks as slaves and free men. One plugged the “ticket” into a computer which read the bar code to identify who each of us were supposed to be. I found it a great learning experience, even as an adult. And great fun!

There is a display near the Senate gallery of first ladies of Mississippi. This area also houses portraits of people who have been elected to the Mississippi Hall of Fame. Replicated House and Senate Chambers, Supreme Court and State Library, Executive (Governor’s) Office are all under its roof. Speeches of appropriate people can be heard by pushing a button in the various rooms.  In the Governor's Office is a display of articles owned by John Quitman, a Whig, and Master Mason (held the office of Governor for approximately one month, but served in the U. S. House of Representatives 1835–1836, 1850–1851). 

I was surprised to see the name of Adelbert Ames (June 15, 1868 to March 10, 1870 Military and January 4, 1874 March 29, 1876 Republican) on the list of Governors.  The first time he was Military Governor (after the Last Unpleasantness), but was later elected Repubican Governor.  He was later elected Senator, the first since that office was held by Jefferson Davis at the time of secession.  Ames, a staunch Republican would become  the son-in-law of Benjamin Butler, ardent Democrat, shortly after his election to the Senate and move to Washington City.  Butler did not hold a very good reputation in the Southern States, but had become a member of the House elected from home state of Massachusetts when Ames was elected to the Senate.  Ames had earned the Medal of Honor (it was not yet called the "Congressional" Medal of Honor)  during his time fighting with the 20th Maine in the War Between the States.  A New Englander a long way from home.  "Politics" as they say, "makes strange bedfellows."

Cornerstones: Two—One was embedded in the side of the front wall. The date on it would imply that is was laid by the Grand Lodge of Mississippi Masons; the other was a recent date indicating the date of renovation and replication.

What’s Unique?: An area of one room has a huge Plexiglas container which holds rubble. This rubble is all the original bricks, plaster, lighting fixtures that they saved when they started the renewal of the building. Stuff that was loaded with history, but could not be used due its deterioration.

In the early days, there was “A Keeper of the Capitol.” His job was 24/7. He lived right there just right of the back entrance in his small room which includes a bed. His title says it all…he lit fires for heat, left buckets around to collect water from the leaky ceiling, was the keeper of the keys. He was also the State Librarian This job did not change with daily politics.

The building was declared a National Historic Landmark in1990.

Old Captiol Museum

100 N. State St, on the east side of State Street at Capitol Street

Jackson, MS.

(601)-576-6920

http://www.mdah.state.ms.us/

ARKANSAS--The Natural State

State capital (capitol) number 12

We woke up in Mississippi, just north of Jackson. The agenda for the day included a trip to the Capitol. We soon discovered that Little Rock, like so many other states, has two capitols… the one they are current using and an “old” capitol or state house.

Before we left Mississippi, we wanted to follow something we had heard about. That was the River Walk. Apparently, we misunderstood as the Riverwalk was a casino. There is an area nearby following the Mississippi River in Vicksburg. Guess this is what we were looking to find. A wall with many mini murals depicting various historical moments of the State of Mississippi, particularly local history. Parking was difficult, but we drove by slowly several times. It was beautiful.

We took a couple of minutes to walk through a local casino. It was sort of run down. Mid day and almost no activity. We drove further south along the river and found a couple more casinos. (In Mississippi, the casinos have to be on the water—river…ocean--they are usually housed on large barges). The one which we chose to enter was very glitzy…more what one might expect in today’s world. We always like to wander through them, but--as I mentioned before--these places are not built on the money I spend there. It was on the River with a nice walk north and south along the River.

We then went south to find Interstate 20, crossing the River into Louisiana. After a few miles, we went north into Arkansas. Arkansas has some of the most beautiful lakes. Lots of fishing. We are not fisherpeople (is this too “politically correct”!). No, I’m gonna say we are not fishermen, but we certainly could appreciate the natural wonder of the lakes.

Arkansas has some very handsome/pretty rest areas, some of the best I have seen. They are not only on Interstates, but also on some of byways. They were building one on a lake (oops, don’t remember its name…another senior moment). When completed, there would be an extension over the lake with various tiers…one for picnicking, one for fishing. All made from local wood and recycled plastic. Very impressive.

We headed to Little Rock. The beautiful countryside melded into city. I’m a country bumpkin, aka, a hick from the sticks (and proud or it). Steve is more of a suburbanite, but still does not like cities. Well, I do know that capitols are in cities. But we have found several to which the capitol access has been easy. Not so much with Little Rock. Maggie Mae got us there eventually.

I made this editorial comment to the docent who was at the information desk. “I can’t believe the same state elected Bill Clinton and Mike Huckabee as Governor.” (Both, by the way, from the town of Hope.) Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum! She really did not answer me. I am not sure she got what I was trying to say.

Again, the Capitol gift store offers bargains over the same item in other attractions’ gift shops. One thing that was pointed out to me was a neat little booklet ($10.00) in which one can get the booklet rubber stamped at the various capitol buildings (not every state participates). It is like the dated rubber stamps at most of the National Parks that one can place in the “passport” to National Parks. Each stamp has an unique picture, special to its state. The booklet has a place at the end of its small summary of that particular capitol to place its stamp. I wish that I had found this booklet earlier. Now, I guess I have to go back to the earlier capitols. Well, maybe not. The docent gave me an idea. Send a piece of paper to each of the other capitols in a SASE with the date which you want stamped. Most of them, I am told, will oblige. I have not yet done this (actually, until this very moment, I had forgotten about it).

We did the self guided tour, although there are scheduled daily tours. We could not find the cornerstone even after circling the building twice. The guide book states that it needs to be viewed through the masonry railing at the ground level northeast corner below the Governor’s office. But, we did not find it.

Made primarily of limestone, the ground floor walls are from Indiana. Batesville, Arkansas provided the material for the upper stories and fireplace mantles in the Governor’s Reception Room. This limestone is extremely hard. The legislature had required local products to be used as much as possible. It has been built on the land that was formerly the state penitentiary (once used by the Union troops as a federal military jail). Building took place 1889-1915. The architecture is neoclassical…440 feet long and 190 feet wide. The dome (started in 1910) rises two hundred thirteen feet. The dome was replicated from that of neighboring state Mississippi (permission given by T. Link). The ceiling of the dome is by an exterior of gold leaf and Indiana limestone. Suspended from the ceiling in the rotunda by a 73 foot chain is a chandelier that is beyond words of description—12 feet in diameter and 18 feet in height—an intricate assembly of glass, brass, copper, zinc and iron.

There were meetings taking place in the Governor’s Reception Room and Office. So, we did not see them.

The Judicial Offices are now in a separate building nearby. There is, however, the Old Supreme Court Chamber on the 2nd Floor used from 1912 to 1958. It has been restored to its early days…mahogany rails, Justices’ bench with seven chairs, reproduced carpeting, drapes, fancy ornamental plastic. A wonderful restoration.

Portraits of former Governors and Lt. Governors are on display around the first floor. Pictures of former legislatures by class are hung on the third floor. Flags from all the states are arranged in the hall between the Legislature Chambers. There does not seem to be in any particular order. We had to look for Connecticut and Florida. I thought that perhaps… alphabetically…nope. Perhaps, by order of entering the Union…nope. I don’t know if there is any rhyme or reason to finding the flag from your home state. But just keep walking the hall of flags, and you will be rewarded.

The Great Seal of Arkansas is a gorgeous stained glass piece. It is on the south wall of the Rotunda.

The Legislature Chambers (General Assembly) are on the third floor with the fourth floor galleries for viewing. Arkansas has 35 state senators and 100 representatives, meeting every two years starting the second Monday in January. The session is a minimum of sixty days. The Chambers have also been restored to early 1900 décor.

The self-guide tour books are the best I have seen, thus far. One booklet details the building; the other, the landscaping—flora and monuments.  The grounds include over forty varieties of trees, a rose garden and an iris garden. There are thirteen monuments in various media.

What’s unique: The Treasury office is housed in the Capitol. If you wander by it, you are invited in. The old safe is still there. You can walk into the safe where a special employee hands one a bunch of money (most days around $200,000). Our guide, who gave us detailed information about the safe, was a lady named Emma (I think). She stood between us and the exit. She willingly took pictures of us holding the money with our camera before relieving us of our new found treasure. She then handed us Martha Money (Martha is the State Treasurer). Martha Money are large plastic tokens to take home as a souvenir.

http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/

arsos@sos.arkansas.gov

State Capitol

Capitol and Woodlane

(501) 682-1010

Steve was tired of the city life, so we did not go across town to the “old” capitol. Another day. Another trip.

Before we settled in for the night, we decided it was still early. What else could we do that was NOT in the city? As it our custom, we had picked up pamphlets on other venues and attractions. In North Little Rock, there is a delightful old mill (Old Mill Park) with many hiking trails. We plugged the address into Maggie Mae, and we were off. Like so many other times, we did not realize that we had arrived until Maggie Mae kept screaming in our ears, “You have arrived.”

The Mill was used in the opening credits of Gone With the Wind. It is believed to be one of the last (or perhaps, THE last) buildings used in that movie. We walked through the park and followed a couple of trails, crossed the brook (several times). The bridges were interesting. A branch entwined bridge was really cool.

City of North Little Rock

City Services

120 Main Street

P.O. BOX 936

North Little Rock, AR 72115

Phone: (501) 975-8888

http://www.northlr.org/visitor/

We chose to dine at one of the well known “grill” chains. We had been very frugal with our meals up to this time, but felt we needed a “nice” meal. As I have mentioned at various times, we are seniors. Steve wanted a long overdue beer. He ordered. The waitress “carded” him. We thought this was quite funny and could not stop laughing about it. It has been a long time since either of us looked as though we could be under aged drinkers.

Two Days in Missouri

I am doing this trip in reverse. Before we got to Tulsa, we spent several days on the road—almost two full days in Missouri. We had already been to the State Capitol in Jefferson City several years earlier, so this not on our agenda for this trip.

We were going to stay with a couple in Forsyth. We had made arrangements ahead of time to go to a show in nearby Branson. It appears that locals can get bargains on tickets for many of the shows. Ken and Georgianne were to be out hosts for the day and evening. They picked the show. Excellent job for not knowing us. I had not told them that the particular day that we were going to meet with them was my birthday. We had not met them before, but through a fifty-year-plus club, we were recommended to each other.

We were leaving Arkansas early and had planned to meet them at their house. Almost immediately we ran into really bad traffic due to an accident on the Interstate. As we got closer to Missouri, we realized that we would not make it to their house in time to go to the matinee show in Branson. We agreed to meet in Branson at a hamburg joint.

The hamburgers WERE out of this world. Ken and Georgianne were great fun.

The show that they had picked out for all of us to attend was called SIX. It was a super show starring SIX of the ten boys in the family…a little Sinatra, Beachboys, Dion, clean comedy, lots of fifties and sixties music. Lots of talent! As they said (paraphrased) “In Branson, you can still use the name of Jesus and everyone is happy.” There were no girls in the family. Eleven men with no balancing female is definitely too much testosterone for which I would want to deal, but Mom did a good job raising the boys. The last part of the show was a tribute to her (she had passed away several years earlier) and several patriotic songs. The show closed with Lee Greenwood’s "I’m Proud to Be an American.” Everyone was on their feet for this wonderful song.

After the show, we followed them back to their home, which was on a lake. Fall foliage still in its glory. A most gorgeous setting. After a bit, they mentioned the evening meal. We ate such a large lunch that Steve and I were not that hungry, but they said they had a really great place to eat. So, off we went in their car. We went to BBQ place. We followed their ordering. One stood and placed ones order. They brought it to you as it was prepared. Ken and Georgianne often went there. Their special order was a half of a baked potato split between them. We thought that was kind of unusual until we saw the size of the half potato. HUGE! The restaurant would split the half into yet again another half. Each person could order his or her own toppings.

The list of toppings:

pulled pork or beef, coleslaw, baked beans, butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chili, bacon bits.

I had mine fully loaded and mounded high (except for me--no chili). I had chosen pulled pork for my meat. Steve had the pulled pork, beans and butter.

What a scrumptious meal! All for $5.99 per potato half (that is only three bucks each for dinner).

We went back to their house. We saw lots of wildlife on the way home. A deer on the side of the road stood so still that she did not seem real. Then there was the owl that swooped down in front of us to grab its dinner of a mouse. It happened so quickly that we almost hit the owl. But, gratefully, we missed it. Several other critters crossed the road in front of us. We missed them all with the car, thankfully.

The World Series was on TV. We chatted and watched together until bed time.

After a good night’s sleep, we were chatting in her kitchen. I had slipped the evening before mentioning that it had been my birthday. She presented me with “Happy Birthday” via a kazoo. After this wonderful rendition, we went out to breakfast with them. They were great hosts. Hope to see them again.

Traveling north and then west, we went to see my friend Linda. Linda and Jimmy are funeral directors, so one of them always has to be near by at all times. Linda is also fighting breast cancer, so I did not think our visit could be very long. We got to their home. They were in the middle of getting things ready for a funeral. She was doing okay in her fight apparently. After spending an hour or so with her (Steve had gone next door to meet Jimmy…he had met Linda before, but never had had the opportunity to meet Jimmy), we left. But she wanted us to return.

Since we needed to kill a couple of hours, off to Wilson’s Creek Battlefield we drove. We turned Maggie Mae on. She will get you where you want to go, but not always by the best route. On the Interstate, a sign indicated that it was at the next exit and four miles after that was WCBF. Maggie Mae had us staying on the Interstate another twenty-five miles. We followed the sign on the Interstate. We found Wilson’s Creek quickly.

Steve has one of those wonderful National Park cards. $10.00 will get you and your car (or at those where cars are not appropriate such as the Adams home in Quincy, MA up to three guests accompanying the card holder) into almost all the parks or historic sites for life. Or, in our case, it will have cost us $20.00 as we lost the first one. BARGAIN! BARGAIN, BARGAIN! One does have to be either 62 or 65 (a senior moment…can’t remember which) to get one, but once you reach that age, one NEEDS to get one. BARGAIN! And did I mention BARGAIN!

Wilson’s Creek was an early battle in the War (August 10, 1861), the first major battle fought west of the Mississippi.

General Nathaniel Lyon of Connecticut was the first Union general killed in the War Between the States. It has been hinted that because of his early presence, he was able to keep Missouri from seceding. He was killed at Wilson’s Creek and was sent back to Eastford, Connecticut for burial after having already been interred in Springfield, MO...due to a strange of circumstances. A mound of stones was placed almost immediately after his death at the place where he died. It became a quick tourist attraction.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathaniel_Lyon

The battlefield is pretty much the same today as it was in the War. The Park Service was mowing hay on the day we were there. The battle took place on the farms of the Ray and Gibson families. The Gibsons sought refuge along with some neighbors and slaves in their basement.

Benjamin McCulloch commanded the Southern forces at Wilson's Creek. Major General Sterling Price commanded the Missouri State Guard at Wilson's Creek. It was a Confederate victory, but the South failed to follow up and capitalize on their win. This happened all too many times during this war that one side or the other failed to follow through on a victory. In many instances, a good follow up might have ended the war much earlier.

Wilson’s Creek Battlefield

6424 W. Farm Road 182

Republic, Missouri 65738

http://www.nps.gov/wicr/

We went back to Linda’s where we visited for a while. We could see she was getting tired. So, we headed to Oklahoma and stayed in Miami(a) and first met Route 66. I get to see Linda only rarely. She once introduced me to a large group of people she knew as “the evil twin.” I have often said that we were twins of a different mother. We first met by mail and clicked immediately. But, how did I get to be the “evil twin?”

Will Rogers Museums

“For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.”
(Hymn adapted by Geoffrey Shaw, 1919 from a traditional English Melody)



Will Rogers, America’s Wit, Oklahoma’s Favorite Son

"I never yet met a man that I didn't like!"

Probably the most famous quote made by Will Rogers. However, it is only a part of the speech which is as follows:

I bet you if I had met him and had a chat with him, I would have found him a very interesting and human fellow, for I never yet met a man that I dident [sic] like. When you meet people, no matter what opinion you might have formed about them beforehand, why, after you meet them and see their angle and their personality, why, you can see a lot of good in all of them. Saturday Evening Post, November 6, 1926

Question: About whom did this quote originally refer?

William Penn Adair "Will" Rogers was born November 4, 1879 to a prominent Cherokee family. Oklahoma was not yet a state at the time of his birth; it was still “Indian Territory.” He was the youngest of four children of the eight born to survive until adulthood. His parents were Clement Vann Rogers (1839–1911) and Mary America Schrimsher (1838-1890). His father was a Cherokee Senator and judge, Confederate veteran, delegate to the Oklahoma Constitution Convention. His mother was a hereditary member of the Paint Clan (1838–1890). Thus, Will was slightly more than one quarter (9/32) Cherokee. He often quipped that his ancestors didn't come over on the Mayflower, but they "met the boat." Rogers was the youngest of his parents' eight children. Sisters Sallie Clementine, Maude Ethel, and May (Mary) and Will were the only ones to survive to adulthood. He was named for the Cherokee leader Col. William Penn Adair

Will was born on the Dog Iron Ranch near present-day Oologah, OK. The house he was born in had been built in 1875 and was known as the "White House on the Verdigris River." Rogers County is named in honor his father. His mother died when Will was 11; his father remarried less than two years after as was fairly traditional. Fathers in this time frame always needed a woman to help raise the youngsters.

The children attended Willow Hassel School in Missouri. He ended his studies after the 10th grade. He admitted he was a poor student, saying that he "studied the Fourth Reader for ten years." He was much more interested in cowboys and horses. He learned roping skills and the use of a lariat from a freed slave.

In 1908, Rogers married Betty Blake, and the couple had four children: Will Jr (Bill), Mary Amelia (Mary), James Blake (Jim), and Fred Stone. Fred died of diphtheria at age two.

Rogers was an actor (silent and talkies movies, Vaudville), a comic, columnist, radio personality, social commentator, a Master Mason, a Shriner and an ardent Democrat.

He was killed in an airplane crash with Wiley Post in Barrow Alaska at age 55.

Answer: Leon Trotsky

For more information on Will Rogers:

http://www.willrogers.com/

On several of our ventures in Tulsa, we wandered into two of the important places of Will’s life…the ranch on the Verdigris River and his Memorial (twice). Neither place charges an admission fee, but both ask for donations. The Memorial suggests $5.00 per adult.

On the quest to find Route 66 and its attractions, we took a wrong turn (yet agin) and found signs directing us to the Dog Iron Ranch, Will’s birth place. If you are in the area, you should not miss this. Near the Verdigris River on a hill overlooking Lake Oologah. It is so wonderful to behold God’s beauty. Since we were there in late October, the foliage was still beautiful.

The handful of acres that Clement Rogers bought turned into 60,000 and looks like a million acres. Clement started building the eventual two-story, log-walled house in 1870. The building site is on a hillside with a wonderful vista of the river. Using local hardwoods, the logs were hand-hewed. He started with one room; later adding the second room, then the two upstairs room. After the upstairs rooms were completed, he added a lean-to which became the kitchen, dining room and an extra bedroom. When he decided the house was finished, he “imported” clapboards and painted the whole building white.

As judge in the Cherokee Nation, and later a Cherokee Nation’s Senator, he held court and met constituents in the parlor. Sometimes, during the evening, the rugs would be rolled back and a dance commenced.

There is a lot of original furnishings. The tour is self-guiding with a pamphlet provided.

A appropriate time period reproduction barn in the yard houses some animals, but most seem to be free roaming within the large fenced area. We had a most entertaining time with a large duck. He was the loudest duck I ever heard. QUACK! QUACK! QUACK! We followed it through the barn. QUACK! QUACK! QUACK! It’s wings flapping almost hysterically. When the duck got outside, we saw a peacock. The duck ran up to the peacock and immediately quieted down…almost like he was lost without the peacock who was almost seemed like the duck’s Mom. A very funny scenario.

There were other animals to which one could walk to and pet. They were all very docile. Horses and cattle behind a fence. A good working ranch.

Some other convention folks stated a conversation in the parking lot. They were from Ohio. We had a most enjoyable day.

http://www.willrogers.com/birthplace/

Next, we followed some map and found ourselves in Claremont where we visited the Memorial. It was amazing. Lots of little rooms. Film clips. A store. Displays of various possessions of Will and various Rogers family members. We spent several hours just moseying around. We went back a few days later as they were celebrating Will Rogers festival to celebrate his birthday. Cake and punch. Lots of flowers. Boy Scouts’ color guard. Different movie clips.

We learned a lot about the area and Will Rogers.

After the second trip, we stopped at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. We are not gamblers (We lost a total of $2.00), but we always like to see the décor in the various casinos. Had a “free” soda, wandered through the entire first floor. They do not build those gorgeous places on the money that we leave behind, believe me. They also do not build them with money from winners. If one is truly on a budget, set aside an amount you can afford to lose. Take in the beauty. Enjoy your free beverage. And leave.

Valentine and A Birthday Greeting Brings Fame and Fortune (???) --Sort of

Valentine’s Day. Have a happy Day. Hope you are enjoying the one you love.

My father loved Valentine Day’s. He loved to give his four ladies a special Valentine heart filled with our favorite chocolates. Gram got one, my sister and I got one each, and, of course, the biggest one went to my mother.  We would nurse that box of candy for weeks.  This day is always a good memory of him.

My special valentine gave me a potted miniature carnation basket. It is so cold here in Florida that I will have to keep it in the house for several days, but it will soon go out on my back porch, where I can enjoy it from both inside and outside the house. It is kind of a red with a hot pink tinge—a very unusual color—very beautiful.

A Birthday Greeting Brings Fame and Fortune (???)--Sort of

Well, not really. Yesterday, I went with a friend to visit her father at the VA in Lake City. Tomorrow is his 80th birthday. Lake City is just this side of a hundred miles from my house. She lives another 200 miles further away. So, she often crashes at my house for a day or three. I some times go with her to visit. I like her Dad; he is very charming. He and my Dad share the same first name. Their name is a bit unusual, so it was really ironic that after several years of friendship, we discovered our Dads had the same first name. Not only that they were one of two boys in their individual families, both have/had February birthdays, both raised two girls and both were twice married in a day in which this was much less common. They also belong to the same Lodge, albeit two different New England states. My Dad passed in 1986; six weeks after Steve’s Dad (that was not a good year).

The friend’s Dad is somewhat bed confined due to a long time fight with muscular dystrophy. But he stills laughs and smiles a lot and thinks that I am “kooky.” I am not sure that I would like that adjective from just anyone, but I kind of like it from him. We spent about three hours with him. She has gone back today. They need time together, so I begged off and went to church.

People in long term care facilities are lonely. It is kind of sad to look at a visitors’ book at a VA hospital and see so few names. These men and women gave up so much for us and they sit lonely in some hospital room. Many of us work (including my friend), so it is difficult to visit. Our schedules are so busy. One should, however, try to find time to visit some one from time to time in a long term care facility.

One benefit to VA facilities and those run by churches or lodges, such as the Masons, Elks, Moose or any of the many other lodges are usually a step or so above the “for profit” places. The VA, for instance, has an ongoing relationship with other service related organizations—American Legion, DAV, etc. These groups often have people who visit on a regular basis. This certainly breaks up the loneliness. One such group brought “Dad” a cake and a birthday balloon. He had a Polaroid picture on his wall of those in that group who brought the cake. Anyway, I will now get off my soapbox and get on with the “FAME” portion of this blog.

As mentioned, we went to Lake City which is near the Civil War battle of Olustee (or Great Pond). As was traditional during this War, the North named most of the battles after a physical attribute of the land (Bull Run, Antietam [Creek], Shiloh [Church], etc.). The South named the same battle after the closest town (Manassas, Sharpsburg, Pittsburg Landing, etc.). This battle, fought, in northern Florida was no different. Olustee for the South; Great Pond for the North. “Olustee” remains the dominant name used today.

Olustee, then:

The Battle of Olustee (or Great Pond)

Late in the War Between the States (February 20, 1864) a small Federal force of between 5000 and 5500 under General Truman Seymour moved away from their Jacksonville garrison westward toward Lake City—three brigades of infantry, one brigade of cavalry (mounted troops) and a handful of supporting artillery. Their march roughly followed the Florida Atlantic and Gulf-Central Railroad. Near the town Sanderson, skirmishing started. What stated as a skirmish became a full-blown battle by mid afternoon. The Confederates had heard that the Federal Army was on the move and moved to block their continued advance. Their commanding officer was General Joseph Finegan, who eventually also had committed approximately the same number of troops as his Union counterpart.

Seymour and his staff were warned by a defiant southern woman: "'You will come back faster than you go."' The Union officers were amused at her boldness. As it turned out, her “prophesy” was correct.

The Confederates had found a defensible location and dug in with strong earthworks near Olustee Station (ten miles east of Lake City). The railroad passed through a narrow corridor of dry ground bordered by impassable swamps and bays to the south; a large body of water known as Great Pond to the north.

The battle threatened to turn rapidly into a rout for the Federals. A wrong command was given, and the 7th New Hampshire fell into confusion. The regiment soon collapsed—men running to the rear or milling about in a disorganized mob. An untried raw recruit unit--the 8th US Colored—although able to hold ground for a time, soon retreated in some confusion. As with most battles, the maneuvers pushed one side or the other in better positions from time to time.

Eventually, both sides had heavy casualties. The Confederates, however, out positioned and out maneuvered the Federals, who soon fell back…a fine Confederate victory. The Confederate pursuit was poorly organized, however; and the Union troops were able to return to Jacksonville.

If one were to compare the numbers of those that fought in this battle to the number of casualties, they would find them staggering. Union casualties: (40%) 203 killed, 1,152 wounded, and 506 missing, a total of 1,861. Confederate losses: (20%) 93 killed, 847 wounded, and 6 missing, a total of 946. For the North, the casualty percentage was among the highest of the war--Olustee ranks as the third bloodiest for the Union—casualties/the number of men engaged.

Overall, this battle contributed next to nothing to the outcome of the War…too little, too late for the Confederacy.

Olustee Today: The weekend that includes Presidents’ Day presents a local festival in downtown Lake City and a weekend of re.enacting on the actual battle site today known as the Olustee Battlefield State Park. It is a beautiful locale, lots of piney woods. When we first started re.enacting we participated in the event for several years. It was a great event. We had a cook in our unit who loved to prepare meals over the fire for large crowds of people. We had the most wonderful meals…roast pork or roast beef, roasted potatoes for dinner. Eggs, bacon, sausage, etc. for breakfast. Unfortunately, we lost our cook to a divorce. Her husband did not re.enact. But when she left him, she left the state. Gone was the really great grub. Still miss you, Carol.

One of the most unusual events that happened there was with a cavalry horse. Olustee is a magnificent place for cavalry. Sometimes, however, the horses that are not used to hearing gun shots panic. Well, one cavalry gentleman, bought a horse from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Feeling that this horse would definitely be used to gun fire, he brought him to the battlefield. Well, the horse performed perfectly as the battle was about to begin and charged across the field. The first gun fire did not frighten the horse. Instead, he dropped to ground and threw his rider. Looked really good to the crowd. What happened!!?? Well, it appears that his training including protecting his rider when accosted by gunfire. So, he dropped in front of his new master to protect him. Last time that horse was brought out to a re.enactment.

Re.enactors for all over the country converge at the battlefield. Almost every Georgia and Florida re.enactor have attended this event sometime in their re.enacting career. It is the only real battle in Florida (about 160 documented events were raids and skirmishes) re.enacted on the original battlefield. It has the potential of being a great event, but “politics” and silly rules have turned many away over time.

Editorial: We cannot do our kettle korn here, so it is often a weekend “off.” The organizers have this really goofy rule…only local not for profit organizations can do any form of food at the re.enactment. A couple of years ago, an organization in Alachua County wanted to hire us to do kettle korn there. When we checked with the local organizers, they told us “no.” It seems their rule means local as in “Baker County” only. Baker County is the county in which the battle took place. It is not really like Alachua County is “foreign” as it is only two counties away separated by Columbia County (which is where Lake City and the festival take place). So, alas, alack we cannot pop at the re.enactment (although there is no kettle korn there). We do not want to pop at the festival as there already is someone doing that there. We seldom can find an event that is big enough for two to enjoy the benefits of a good day’s pay.

As mentioned earlier, my friend and I were in Lake City yesterday to visit her father. We left him after 7:00 pm. She had not eaten much during the day due to her travel. So, we stopped at the local Cracker Barrel. It is a favorite place for both of us. I seldom eat there as Steve does not seem to be fond of it. We walked up to the hostess who was really cranky. Gave our name. The wait would be about half hour. That was okay.

It dawned on me that some re.enactors might dine here. So, I peeked into the dining room. Miss Pleasant Hostess snapped at me, “We’re Full!” I answered in my sweet smile that I knew but I was just looking. At the very first table by the door were three young ladies in period attire. I spoke to the oldest and said that we were re.enactors too. She asked me if I had been at Mt. Dora. I said “yes, we do kettle korn!” At this point the youngest turned and looked at me and said “Hi, Miss Molly!” Chatted a bit.  She is one of my customers.

Started walking through the country store portion. Saw a lady with her fancy period clothes. She looked at me (remember I am not in 1864 attire, but 2010), “Hey, Miss Molly, I did not see you at camp.” “Nope, not there.” Told her about the screw ball rule. Walked a couple steps further. Ran smack into a Union soldier with his lady in jeans, but her head piece was period. Chatted with them. They were from Colorado. Told them “welcome to warm sunny Florida!” They laughed as we have had nasty cold and lots of rain (more like New England in November). Turned around again and ran into a Confederate sergeant. I knew his face, but could not put a name to him. We spoke briefly. He was with a female Yankee artillery person, who had a couple of primers on the red braid of her hat (I own a couple of primers myself…that means that one has pulled the lanyard of the cannon to make it go boom). She said she was fairly new to the hobby. I think that her heart was Confederate, but at many re.enactments in the South soldiers often have to “galvanize” in order to equalize the numbers a bit.

Galvanize simply means one has to “change sides” for the battle. This usually means just changing ones jacket. Many re.enactors (especially new folks on a budget) buy a pair of sky blue pants and two jackets… one dark blue for Federal and one gray or butternut for the Confederate side. Many times, during the War, Southern soldiers wore Union blue pants as they would take a Union soldier’s pants (who would no longer need them) after a battle. The Union soldier was clothed better than his Southern counterpart. A better pair of pants or shoes was always needed by the Confederate soldier. At the beginning of the War, the Confederate soldier would also take the jackets. But that caused too much confusion, so jackets were usually left behind.  One, seeing, a blue jacket, might shoot at it even though the soldier was a southerner.

Anyway, I guess Miss Molly has a bit of fame or maybe just a good following. Nonetheless, it was kind of fun to be recognized outside of my usual realm. The real irony is that I am seldom recognized when I am not in my period attire. I have lots of stories about this. Everyone always recognizes Steve, but not me. I joke about the fact that soon after a particular event, I will run into someone in—say—a grocery store. We will have a conversation in which they will tell me that they went to a certain event and had kettle korn.

I will say, “Oh, that was me!”

“No, no, it wasn’t you from whom I bought the corn.”

“Miss Molly’s was the only kettle corn there.”

“No, no, it wasn’t you!”

Then Steve walks up and, voile, “yeah, he’s the one!”

I know, therefore, that I look a lot different in my two lives. But, enough people know me either way. As I said, it was fun to be recognized in that persona.

For details of the battle, re.enactment and festival:

http://battleofolustee.org/

Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum

Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum


2,800 animals, 84 acres, 363 days a year

When I was a kid, zoos seemed to be little more than iron cages for animals. Animals were on display solely for pure human pleasure. They never seemed to have much room; their habitats boring for both the animal and the spectator. Zoo keeping has come a long way. Although it is never a great thing for an animal to be contained, there are lots of reasons today for this. For many, it is a matter of protection of the animal. Unfortunately for many species, captivity is the one way to preserve them for future generations. Loss of habitat and human selfishness would be the reasons for this.

Another reason for confinement is that many critters have been injured in various ways and could no longer survive in the wild. This is often a win-win-win situation. The animal survives; the zoo or park is able to use it to teach; and the public gets the thrill of seeing many animals that they might not otherwise have the opportunity. Many species have revived due to good zoo keeping and careful breeding practices. Anyway, we have come a long way from seeing all the animals in their tiny ironed-barred habitats.

Today, many zoos are extremely conscious to things like “natural” habitat. Not only do many of the zoos try to replicate the home of the animal, but they are concerned about the animal being active and not “bored.” Enhancements are given to zoo animals in many ways. Food, for instance, is oft times hidden in areas of the animals’ compound. Freezing their food is another way to make animals “work” for their vittles. Balls, tires, empty boxes and various other “toys” are left for the enjoyment of the animal.

One day, while in Tulsa, and not feeling like spending the whole day at the convention, we decided to plug in Maggie Mae and find the zoo. We arrived fairly early…before much of a crowd had arrived. Seniors’ entrance fee was $6.00 each. We got out map and were off.

An overall theme for this zoo was humans living within the confines of the animals’ world. There are many interactive displays through out. Going to a zoo in Tulsa in early November probably is not the best time to go. There were several displays and habitats that were being refurbished, due to open in the spring. The sealions’ exhibit was one. Always like to see these playing. But, alas, not this year.

The housing for many of the animals was inside buildings. Living in Florida, seldom do we visit animals indoors. But the weather in Oklahoma is much harsher for some of the warm climate species.

Plants, animals, fossils, natives, and minerals of each of four regions in North America are displayed in their own building

The first building we visited was “the Arctic.” There was a great display of Eskimos—their day to day living—lots of relics. There were also a couple of snow owls. We felt kind of disappointed as these were the only animal we had seen to this point. There was a sign that indicated their very aged polar bear had recently died with no current plans to replace him.

The “lowlands” exhibit is currently closed. This is the home of alligators and sharks. Sometime later this year, it is due to re-open.

There was a building for the southwest. It looked desert”y”.

The more we wandered, the better it got.

The area from Africa included as recreation of a Maasai village with several huts and explanations. Typical African animals—cheetah, elephants, various gazelle and deer, meerkats, ostriches—in habitats that are typical of their homes.

I really loved the “Rain Forest” with its various plants and animals. We have several stag horn ferns at our house. We had a discussion with Christopher of the Rain Forest. His were small compared to ours. (One of ours measures about ten feet across). In this exhibit was everything from colorful bugs to birds flying freely within the exhibit…one that lands on spectators begging for food. A jaguar beats a regular trail throughout his jungle.

We saw snow leopards, lions (the cubs were getting big and were out), tigers, and several other big cats, ring-tailed lemurs, monkeys, apes, penguins, emus, prairie dogs, llamas, lots of fish varieties, lots of reptile varieties, insects. All sizes, shapes and colors. Critters from every continent (except, maybe Antarctica). Habitats all very creative. Lots of flora as well as fauna.

One exhibit at which we spent a long time was the chimps. There were two young “children”—one boy and one girl. The older folks mostly lay in their beds (made of mesh), swinging leisurely. But the “kids” were soooooo funny. Played with lots of empty banana boxes—piling them, taking them apart, playing a sort of hide-and-seek within them. They swung back and forth…one hand, both hands, by their feet. Really fun to watch!

There was a farmyard which housed domestic animals that are endangered. This area was a petting zoo (but not the day we were there…petting portion CLOSED). Yes, a farm animal can be considered endangered. Animals that were popular and used in our earlier time periods (various sheep, cattle, goats) are potentially in danger of being faded out for human convenience. Sheep have been bred to produce more wool or meat; cattle have lost their long horns. (An aside here, Florida has a subspecies of long-horned cattle called—Florida Cracker, Piney Woods, Florida Scrub or Florida Native Cattle. They are on the “list” as number five for domestic endangered.)

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/floridacracker/

Cross breeding has come close to eliminating many of the early breeds of various domestic animals.

Play ground and learning centers. And a tortoise a volunteer was “exercising” (she would put him down, he would wander to the edge of the porch…she would pick him up once again and let him wander in another direction…always keeping an eye out for his safety). Quite frankly, I have never heard of anyone “exercising” a tortoise before. I also never realized how many species of tortoise they are.

Question: What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?

Another enjoyable day.

http://www.tulsazoo.org/

Answer: A tortoise is primarily a land animal; a turtle, water.

Oklahoma City--Part II--Bricktown

After our tour of the Capitol, we drove downtown to the district known as Bricktown. It got its name due to the fact that it was an old wholesale warehouse district at one time. Most of the buildings were made of brick. Many of these buildings still have the original names of the companies embedded in its façade. After many years of abandonment and deterioration, many have been bought and restored into restaurants, boutiques, micro breweries and housing. Much of the restoration was done via raising the sales tax by one penny (1%). Raising taxes is not new. But in this case the money for all the work was in the “kitty” before the work was started. Once the revitalization was finished, the penny sales tax was removed. I find that amazing! No one removes a tax unless they replace it with another. But, praise Oklahoma City, they did it.

All day parking is in the $3 to $5 range. Event parking is higher.

This restoration also allowed the city to build a canal and a triple A baseball stadium.

The stadium is mostly brick and is beautiful. Two men from Oklahoma who made it “big” were Mickey Mantle (NY Yankees) and Johnny Bench (Cincinnati Reds). There are two much-bigger-than-life bronzes of these two men. Both are displayed outside the stadium…Johnny’s at the front entrance behind home plate (the catcher’s position); Mickey’s off to the left (still viewed from the front) near the back end of left field. The stadium is built so that they both appear to be in the front, but kind of sideways. This sounds like a paradox, but it was well designed.

Across the street from Mickey’s bronze is a restaurant called “7.” That, of course, is Mickey’s retired number. The seven is outlined in pin stripes.

Starting at the stadium we discovered large bison (American buffalo) sponsored by various people, groups and companies. All unique! As in many towns that have done similar projects, most are designed and painted by local artists. I have seen in other towns which we visited—dogs, horses, cows, moose. The bison was kind of cute. My favorite (I only saw a dozen or so) was the one sponsored by UPS. The bison had his brown UPS hat on and his brown UPS shorts (I wonder--if in the later part of the fall, he puts on long brown pants).

We soon discovered the canal. It was part of the restoration project. It is approximately one mile long. There boats that comfortably seat a couple dozen visitors. The cost for seniors is $6 per person. Gratuities are welcomed! The complete trip on this canal boat is two miles (up and back). The boat man on our boat was extremely knowledgeable. His presentation was well done and casual. The canal takes you past many of the old brick buildings. The first “attraction” one sees is a mosaic mural—absolutely beautiful. We boat under some very pretty bridges—most are pathways for pedestrians. There is another mural depicting labor and occupations of the area stretched over the façade of several buildings. We passed Sonic headquarters, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Bar and Grill, some high rent condos, and oversized Bass store and town fountains. The boat man gave us a lot of detail.

Near the end of the canal is a magnificent set of bronzes depicting the Oklahoma land rush. There are covered wagons, people on horseback and on foot. It is absolutely amazing. I think he said there were thirty something pieces (and it is not totally complete). The only that really blew my mind was a covered wagon, with its driver holding a whip in the air over the heads of the horses. It was really close to the edge of the canal and looked as though it was ready to enter the water as we floated by. The wagons were drawn by horses or oxen. The whole display was absolutely breathtaking and amazing. The bronzes are in a city park. If one would like to see them without taking the canal cruise, a quick walk from Bricktown over a couple pedestrian bridges will bring you there.

Then, we cruised back though the canal to its dock.

As we had gone by Toby Keith’s restaurant, our boatman mentioned that Toby likes fried baloney sandwiches. I never knew any one in the world except Steve who ate those things. Well, we had not had lunch. So, you know that we had to walk back to the bar and grill. It was rather busy. Toby was not there, but makes lots of appearances at various times. Steve ordered his fried baloney sandwich; I ordered a salad. It was not as pricey as I thought it would be. We spent less than $20.00 for the two of us, but we were still on the lunch time menu. I tried the baloney. It was okay, but nothing I would choose to order. It was huge. I thought that it would be sliced thin like baked ham or something. But, no. It was a large chunk of baloney…fried…between some very nice Texas toast style bread…served with French fries. Oh, yum! (Sarcasm!!!!). The salad was huge and very good. I had a tough time finishing it due to its size. I would go back there is a minute, but I still would not order the fried baloney. The service was very good and fast.  We liked the atmosphere including the back end of mid-fifties Chevies that were chairs.  Cool place.

We thought we would try to find some more Route 66 attractions, but discovered the Will Rogers turnpike was about thirty miles away from Route 66 at the point at which we were looking. So, we headed back to Tulsa. It had been a fun day with a great many learning experiences.

A Play and "Dinner" Theatre

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers--the Title Says It All.

We had this weekend off from popping kettle korn. So, I did some non work related fun things. (Work is almost always fun, but there is a time to be away from that as well).

In Hudson, where my long-time friend lives, there is a delightful little dinner theater club. It offers matinees several days a week in addition to a few evening performances. That may sound a little backwards, but we do live in Florida, after all. So, many people no longer drive after dark, so many things are designed to cater to these folks. The name of the theater is Show Palace.

Several months ago, my OES group thought it would be fun to go. At first they were going to get a bus, but that never quite worked out. It was decided to car pool instead. Since it would have been out of my way to get to the car-pooling area --and, perhaps could spend some time with Beverly--I picked up my tickets a couple of weeks ago. I mentioned to the woman with the tickets that I would not need to be included in the car pooling portion. In one ear… The group assembled at the designated place. Yeah, the number of tickets came out right (there was a correct number), but there were not enough people waiting to car pool. After waiting who knows how long, they moseyed on down to the Theatre and hoped. Approximately twenty of us went. When they saw me, dah, DAH! All accounted for!

Lynne (a member in Englewood) drove up to meet us. She has been under some challenging circumstances of late and really needed to just be able to sit and relax and laugh. Worked well for both of us.

I left my house fairly early in the morning, after going to the Masonic Lodge in Williston for their bi-monthly breakfast.  (AUCE for $5--a real value).  Their menu includes any combination of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, hotcakes, French toast, biscuits and sausage gravy, coffee and OJ.   Usually, about thrity or fourty people show up regularly for this time of eating and fellowship.  Most of us are "regulars" for this good deal..1st and 3rd Saturday 

I knew that Bev was working at her church rummage sale. So, I continued on past the theatre and went to her church. The first thing I found was a couple who shared my maiden name (which is very unusual). They spelled it differently by one letter, but it was pronounced the same. We chatted a bit. I gave them my email. I hope to hear from them soon.

I found Bev in the craft and bric-a-brac section. I was not there to buy. I have enough stuff and need to start getting rid of much of it. Visited with her. Found the book area. Bought two. Bought some candles from Bev’s booth. They put everything in plastic bags with little stickers on them to show that they have been paid. Someone stands at the exit to check. Actually, this time there was a couple.  The man of the couple at the door had on a Boston Red Sox hat. Knew he had to be okay. I showed him my packages. He said he knew I had to be okay as he had seen me spending some time talking to Bev. Then he bragged to me that, “he bet he knew her longer than I have.” As it turns out Bev’s husband and this gentleman worked together in Pennsylvania. Yeah, I guess that gives him some seniority. But, I played my “Not unless you have known her since before eighth grade” card. I trumped him. We all laughed.

After my visit, I drove back to the Show Palace. Within a few minutes we were allowed inside. We had assigned tables, but not assigned seat. Somehow, Lynne and I were the first to our table. A hostess came to each table to announce when one could go to the buffet. We were near the end.

A salad bar—nothing extraordinary here. The mac and ham salad was pretty good. Then, to the hot table—good grub! Veggies included corn and a medley (oh, so good—broccoli, regular carrots, yellow carrots, snap peas). Red potatoes (for which I did not bother as potatoes are something I can live without). Delicious penne with a stroganoff sauce. Yum! Breaded Scrod, good stuff. Steamship carved roast beef. Several desserts, including a piece of bundt cake at our place. Coffee and ice tea were included. There was beer, wine and mixed drinks for those so inclined. Since I am a tee-totaller, I ordered the ice tea when the others ordered their wine. All around excellent meal.

Then, it was time for the play. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers! I had seen the movie when I was a kid with Howard Keel (I think or maybe Gordon MacRae) and Jane Powell. I remembered the brothers were named Biblically and alphabetically—Adam, Benjamin, Caleb, Daniel, Ephraim, Frank and Gideon. Those of you who are well acquainted with the Bible know that Frank is NOT a Biblical name. It appears that the Mom could not find a name that started with an “f.” So, she named him Frankincense (because he smelled so good???). The play was delightful…lots of singing, high energy dancing and laughter. We don’t see stuff like this these days.

It was set in Oregon's backwoods in 1850.  The set was rustic, but very appropriate and well done.  One of the funniest (or weirdest or maybe, ironic) moments for me was when Milly with her very tiny suitcase, opened it up and pulled out a huge white linen table cloth to place on the table for the brothers.

I asked my mother about having seen the movie. She remembered seeing it. August 18, 1955, hurricane Diane came through Connecticut causing much flooding, destruction of property, and human life. The night of August 17 we had gone to the drive-in in the pouring rain with the windshield wipers slamming back and forth. I had always thought I remembered that it was Seven Brides for Seven Brothers! that we had seen that night. My mother could not remember that one way or the other, but said she knew that my sister (a horse nut) did not want to leave as the movie was about a horse. But, of course, in those days, the movie theaters, including drive-ins, showed two movies. So, maybe we are both correct. I would put more store in an adult’s memory than an eight year old kid, if I wew to put money on it, however.

Christopher Sanders (Adam) and Sarah Arikian (Milly) and the rest of the cast were fun to watch.

After the theatre closed for the matinee and everyone left, I stopped at Bev’s for tea and coffee cake (like I really needed more to eat). We had a good visit. Having left the house around 9:00 am, I got home around 7:00 pm. Long day. Lots of driving. But, oh such much fun.

This is not one of my Value trips, but I guess even those of us who are cheapskates splurge occasionally. Well, maybe there is value there, but it is higher in cost than I usually spend. 

http://www.showpalace.net/

Capitols--Reprise

I figure I might as well discuss those capitols to which I have been.  I will give more detail in time to come.

1.  Iolani Palace, Honolulu, HI, 1969 "old."
2.  Hartford, CT, various, "old state house" and current, state museum and state library
3.  Montgomery, AL, current  1996
4. Tallahassee, FL, "old" (now a museum)  2000
5. Jefferson City, MO, current  2001
6. Denver, CO, current--one of the few where the State High Court, State Library and Museum are still housed. 2007
7. Cheyenne, WY, current, state museums (starring the voice of the Boston Red Sox--Curt Gowdy) 2007
8.  Topeka, KS 2007
9.  Raleigh, NC, current and state museums 2008
10. Albany, NY, current 2009
11.  Jackson, MS, current and "old" 2009
12.  Little Rock, Arkansas, current only; will vist "old" some other time 2009
13.  Oklahoma City, OK, current 2009

Oklahoma City -- Part One -- The Capitol

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious but unto them which be disobedient, THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS DISALLOWED, THE SAME IS MADE THE HEAD OF THE CORNER. I Peter 2:7 KJV

This posting was started as my “second” posting way back in December. But, other exciting life experiences jumped in my way. So, here it is February and I am finally getting back to it. In late October, we drove to Tulsa for a national convention. We did lots of side trips on the way and while we were supposed to be at the convention. We did spend some time at the convention, but also managed to see and do a lot of other things.

I am on a pilgrimage. I did not know that when I started it by accident way back in 1969 when I visited Iolani Palace in Honolulu. Originally, this venture was just something that I would like to do, but in the last couple of years, it went to the top of my bucket list. Apparently, I share a portion of the first female Supreme Court Justice's--Sandra Day O'Connor--life. When she was near retired, I read that one summer she went with her family to all the state capitol buildings west of the Mississippi. She gained a great deal of knowledge of government that summer. By the time I had read this, I had been to four or five. I then realized not only that they are free, but they also are among the greatest learning devices out there. Do you enjoy history? Biographies? Art? Architecture? All to be seen at ones local capitol building. FOR FREE!

Civics, state history, original paintings, stained glass, bronzes that are often bigger than life, regimental and other special flags--the list goes on--are all things that can be gleaned from any capitol building. I made a conscious decision that I wanted to see all fifty-one capitol buildings (this, of course, includes our National Capitol Building in Washington, DC) after visiting number eight. And maybe eventually, the capitol buildings in all our territories, as well.

Tours can be self-guided or with a guide at schedules intervals—most capitols one has the choice; others, you get one or the other.

And, if one wants a real bang for ones buck...most states have gift shops. Well, big deal, everyone wants to make some money. We have found that the same item that one might find in other attractions--as well as the state capitol building--is often as much as 40% higher in cost at the attraction (or conversely, 40% cheaper at the capitol gift shop). So, if you want a great bargain remembrance of a state, buy it in the capitol gift shop.

Around the same time, I discovered that there are not really fifty-one capitol buildings, there were many more. How can that be, you might ask. Well, many states have an "old" capitol (or in some cases it is called an "old" state house). These buildings are often a state museum now--some with permanent exhibits, some with revolving exhibits, some with a combination.

To bring us up to date, therefore, there are the "new" or current capitols (in several states still called "state house.") In many states, large office buildings now house many of both the legislature and executive governmental offices. The state high court and state library of most states--once housed in the capitol building--are now usually housed in building of their own.

In our Tulsa bound travels, we visited four capitols in three states. My stop in Oklahoma City brought the number to thirteen states. At least two of these states, I visited had only the "old" capitol. Guess Steve and I just have to go back to Hawaii to see the new building which was not used until after I had been there. The tour of the building will be a value, but I'm afraid the budget travel is going to be blown to pieces getting there.

#13--Oklahoma City. Thirteen has always been kind of a favorite number of mine. My grandmother was born on April 13. It was a Friday. And my great grandfather fought in the Thirteenth Connecticut Volunteer Regiment in the Civil War.

But, I digress!!

What's unique about Oklahoma's capitol?

First of all, it is the only capitol in the world with working oil wells in its front yard. The capitol building, along with other state buildings, sit on a hundred acre plot of land. Active pumping oil wells are scattered here and there. One is called "Petunia #1" as it is surrounded by a petunia flower garden.

The second thing that I found unique was that the dome was added recently. Originally built in the early 1900's at a cost of approximately $1,000,000, the building was “domeless” until 2000 when the building of the $20,000,000 dome was begun. It was finished in 2002. It is, of course, beautiful. One can see the entire interior from the rotunda from each floor.

Oklahoma is proud of its art and artists. It has several galleries within its confines (permanent and revolving). The first one we found was on the ground floor. A quick walk through produced some views of some fine art. Steve is not much into art galleries, but I like to peruse them quickly.

There are many six foot by eight foot paintings depicting historic, agriculture and industrial events within its public corridors. Magnificent does not really define them.

There are photograph galleries that include governors and others of prominence. Oil painted portraits also abound.

There is a blue room which is the official room for governor’s receptions, etc. Naturally, it was primary blue, spacious, and a wonderful place for receptions, etc.

Many capitols have been or will be renovated. Many have gone back to “original” designs. Oklahoma was no different. It originally had Tiffany (style) stained glass ceilings in both chambers to allow natural light to filter into the room. They were covered up as some point in time. Now, they have been uncovered and missing glass replaced. In Oklahoma, the company that made the original ceiling is still in business. They were hired to restore the ceilings. These cannot adequately be described in words. Gorgeous, magnificent, beautiful…pick a word…none are strong enough.

We had driven from Tulsa (where our convention was happenin’) to Oklahoma City. We were there only a short time when six busses pulled up…all from our convention. Since I was sort of campaigning for my friend Marianne and still had a bunch of her buttons, I handed them out at the capitol building.

Cornerstones: I have been trying to find cornerstones of each capitol. Traditionally, they should be in the northeast corner. But, the cornerstone of this capitol is in the southeast corner. It is carved pink granite…very hard to read. But like so many of the cornerstones of capitols of “new” capitol buildings and those west of the Mississippi River, it was laid by the Grand Lodge of Masons of whatever state (Oklahoma, in this case). I did not start looking at cornerstones till well after my pilgrimage of capitol buildings had started.  They are sometimes hard to find, but with lotttttttts of perseverance, one may be rewarded (or in some instances…NOT).

Any way, capitols are worth the time to visit.