A Few Words on Branson, Mo.

We came, we saw, we left!! I guess I'm just not a
Branson kind of gal. I found it to be overprices, undertalented and family oriented.
The best fun Sandy and I had was taking the Duck tour. Pictures follow....P.S. The horse with Sandy is actually from Memphis.....he left Branson too!!!ha,ha

Memphis..Sun Records & The Rock & Soul Museum

Wow! What a day, we left the GraceLand RV Park and caught a shuttle to the Sun Record Studio to begin our music touring. Sun Records was great. All the info on Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee and so many others. From Sun we traveled on to the Rock and Soul Museum. It was a wonderful history of rock and roll and soul. I was 14 years old when Elvis came out with Hotbreak Hotel so this music is very special to me. We walked the short distance to Beale Street and had lunch and checked out all the sights. The day ended at the Peabody Hotel where we saw the original site of the Peabody Ducks. We caught the shuttle home and are now crashing. Tomorrow....
Graceland!!

Hi to My Kids in Texas- Remembering our trip to Graceland Rob- We'll keep you posted on whether Elvis is still there. Ck back soon- Love - Mom

Serenity in Arkansas

After we left Branson we drove to Heber Springs, AR. and found this beautiful lake and campground. We lucked out in that due to flooding earlier in the year, the lake was up 17 feet so every campsite was a waterfront site. In fact, the area in front of us used to be a parking lot and boat ramp so the swimming area had a nice concrete bottom. No usual lake mud and gunk. We spent 2 days of doing nothing. Reading, napping, swimming, eating and loving every minute of this beautiful place.
We left after two days to go to Memphis.

More Bill Clinton Country

I spent a couple of nights in Hot Springs, AR., had a nice RV spot on Lake Hamilton. (see the picture)...then made the short drive up to Little Rock. There I picked up my friend Sandy at the airport and we spent the day at the Bill Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. It was a great day. The library is stunning. They had a timeline display that showed all the events that took place over the 8 years of his terms. I was saddened to realize how far we have come from those days of a solid economy, an excellent reputation around the world and the public funding priorities that resulted in more affordable housing and community development initiatives. Those were good years for many of us. My hope is that we can come back from these difficult years and recoup the gains we have lost. I'm optimistic.

From Little Rock we drove north to Branson, Mo.

Bill Clinton Country

Loaded my new GPS system with the RV Park address in Hot Springs, AR. and headed South.

Shelter as Art

Well I am still here in Oklahoma. Big thunder storm and rain today so I decided to delay my trip to Arkansas a day. For the last couple of day I've been gazing across the road at a hand painted mural. Today I commented on how nice it was to have the artwork and was informed that the structure was "useful as well as ornamental". Turns out it is the tornado shelter for the RV park! This conversation took place in the laundry room during an especially loud burst of thunder. I was assured that "we've hardly ever had to use the shelter"..."we are near but not in the tornado corridor". Comforting....yes???

Im posting pictures of the "Shelter Art" for your enjoyment. Also the lovely eye coloration I have acquired since my hitch handle mishap. It's all art to me.

Just an "Oakie" near Muskogee

Left New Mexico and drove on to Amarillo. Stayed at the Amarillo Ranch, RV Park for one night. Met a nice couple who are living in the park and working locally. They were living in Boise, Idaho happy and working until the September 11th disaster. They lost their jobs when the business slowdowns happened and relocated to Portland, Oregon. They told me the gray days finally got to them and they transferred to Amarillo. They are still not settled and as soon as their work contract is up they are relocating again, this time Minnesota. They are 40ish, no kids and trying to find a place to put down roots. Lord knows I've been there. I wish them well.

I left Amarillo day before yesterday, and drove almost 400 miles to Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma. The lake is huge and the water is very muddy looking. I guess with all the rain and runnoff they have had lately. I'm staying in an RV park just outside of Checotah. Famous as the hometown of Carrie Underwood. They are clearly very proud of her. Big sign on Hiway #40 announcing the fact. Not much of a town but very nice people. I had a good southern breakfast at Katy's Cafe this morning. Biscuits and gravy....so good.

Last night they had an ice cream social at the RV park. Met the regulars and some folks passing through. One couple was especially nice. They loved my "Capri" and I gave them a tour. They were heading for Branson, Mo. today. They are in their late 80's, married 66 years and "on their game". It was a pleasure to talk to them and they certainly have my admiration.

Had a little accident while I was unhooking. The handle on the trailer hitch spun around and whacked me above my left eye. Today I am sporting a vivid purple shiner. Didn't need eye shadow when I did my makeup.

Well that is enough for today. I am going for a swim and then fix a little dinner. Tomorrow it is on the road again.