Where have we been?

Thought it was time to give everyone an update. Monty and I haven’t traveled much this year. He had a heart attack in June and that has slowed us down. We will be taking a short trip at the end of this month so I will talk about that later.

Recently I took a short trip to Dallas, TX to attend a book signing of one of my favorite people. I had the great opportunity to meet the original Ross Poldark, Robin Ellis. He recently completed a new cookbook, Mediterranean Cooking for Diabetics (Click here for book info.) He starred in the 1975 series that has been recently updated through Mammoth Screen/BBC1 starring Aidan Turner. Such a treat to talk to him and his wife Meredith. My daughter went with me and we visited the JFK Memorial downtown. Such a sense of history and tragedy. She will take her children there I am sure in the future.

JFK Memorial_Grassy Knoll

School Book Depository

Original Ross – Robin Ellis

Only in Oklahoma

Lunch at the Irish Pub

Lunch in Atoka

The Jewel of a Park in Louisiana

We took a long weekend off and drove to Lake Charles, Louisiana. We had a wonderful time visiting friends and family. The weather was perfect and food terrific. As we were driving back to Oklahoma on highway 171, outside Florien, Louisiana we discovered an amazing state park – Hodges Gardens.

Here is the description from the official site: Known as the “Garden in the Forest”, the Park is one of the most unique additions to Louisiana’s State Parks system. Famous for its botanical gardens and cultural events since 1956, the Park is part of the original 107,000 acres of clear cut land purchased by A.J. Hodges, Sr. between 1937 and 1940. Mr. Hodges replanted 39,000 acres in pine seedlings and became the leader of the reforestation movement. He and his wife, Nona Trigg Hodges, saw the potential of the land and began building the gardens, which were opened to the public in 1956 and formally dedicated in 1959. In 2007, it became a state park.

At Hodges State Park

I was amazed as we drove down the gravel road of the beauty and acreage of the park. We parked and started walking down the stone path. Lovely plants and lush greenery and a waterfall here and there. Beautiful sculptured landscaping. There is a man-made lake in the middle, formerly an old granite mine. No swimming but they rent boats, kayaks or canoes. There are also cabins around the lake that are roomy and have a great view of the lake.

We took several photos and didn’t want to leave the peace and quiet. It is a lovely surprise off the busy highway.

Missouri Bound

This trip was for no particular reason except for visiting a beautiful B&B in Springfield, Missouri. The Mansion at Elfindale. We had heard of this lovely place through friends. We needed a getaway and decided to take a drive (about 3 hours) and find it.

The Mansion

Arriving in Springfield, we locate the B&B; drive through the open iron gate and under the arches down the lengthy driveway. It is absolutely beautiful and we are so excited to be here. We aren’t far from the main highway but feel we are in the woods. The grounds are huge and amazingly quiet. Parking is abundant.

We enter the lobby and I feel as if I am stepping into the past. Dark beautiful wood, antiques, china on display and stained glass in several windows. The office used to be the parlor and we meet the manager. She is very friendly and begins telling us the history of the house and giving us a tour.

The house was built in 1892 by the O’Day family. A series of events happened. It was a convent at one time so there is a chapel next door where weddings are held, there is also a school used by the current owners. In 1989 it was fully restored to a Victorian style bed and breakfast. There are 13 suites, each decorated differently in the late 1890’s style with antique furniture. All have private bath, all the fixtures are of the time period also but modern of course. The rooms are all smoke and alcohol free.

We are the first to check in so we can explore the two floors of rooms. There is the Tower Room, the Rose Room, the Hunt Room and others. We had the Veranda Room with an exterior patio that overlooks the entrance.

The ceilings are high, there are no closets (but a Chifforobe or Armoire depending on what part of the country you are in) and the main door to the room is a pocket door; that’s different.

What fun and every room amazing. It would be hard to choose which room to stay in but we are in the Veranda because that was the only one vacant. We will try another next time.

The first floor has a large dining room for dinner or special events and a smaller room for the serving of breakfast. The fire place hearth is beautifully carved and the manager explains that the O’Day family acquired it from the 1902 World’s Fair.

The first evening we found, by accident a terrific Italian restaurant not far from The Mansion. In a small “strip mall” we found DiGiacinto’s. Intimate tables, dim lighting, and Frank Sinatra playing in the background. Perfect. Just our kind of place. The food was homemade and fantastic.

The next morning we asked the manager at The Mansion if there was another attraction besides Bass Pro. Yes, if you like antiques or craft items. Yes!! That’s our kind of shopping. She recommended an antique mall not far so off we go. We locate Relics Antique Mall and spend most of the day walking and looking. I pick up a couple of items for possible Christmas gifts. After we go back to our room to rest.

Evening comes and we decided to get out again. Monty takes several photographs and we decided to give in and go over to the Bass Pro. Monty doesn’t fish or hunt any longer but we go just to say we had seen the largest store in the country. Crowded and busy this day, but lots to see. We visit the NRA exhibit of guns through the years (and years and years). We see some from presidents, criminals and hobbyists. We then decide to find dinner. Tired we decide to eat at the Bass Pro restaurant Hemmingway’s. I am not a big fish eater but I try the fish and chips. Very good.

We have had a great getaway in Springfield. We will return to The Mansion as soon as we can. I hope you will check it out too.

There aren’t enough days in the weekend.  ~Rod Schmidt

A Day in the Park (actually about an hour)

We had terrific walk in the park weather this past weekend. I took a break from creating in my sewing room after encouragement from my husband and we went down to our favorite Tulsa park. Central Park is one of many park’s in our city. This one is near an urban renewal neighborhood.

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The landscaping is beautiful, lots of trees and greenery surrounding a man made lake with fountains, rocks, and a bridge. It’s a great place to take photos. We were scouting locations for my daughter’s fall family photos. My husband has taken up photography and is doing a great job – a natural talent, but I am prejudice.

Trip to Claremore

Recently, we drove the Mini up to Claremore, about 20 minutes north of Tulsa. A wonderful, cute town that is famous as the birthplace and home of Will Rogers. The amazing Will Rogers Museum is there and is a must see. We were there to wander downtown going through the antique stores.

It was the perfect sunny day and there was lots of people out enjoying the good weather. Everyone is friendly and we enjoyed seeing what was available for purchase. I found a couple of bargains then we stopped for lunch at Boomerang’s. A great hamburger joint (I say that affectionately) with very good food.

Stop in Claremore, next time you are on North 412 and have a walk around town.

Holiday to Hot Springs

As you enter Hot Springs, AR it is easy to forget you are in a National Park. As you drive along State Hwy 7 you are  in the Ouachita Mountains and the scenery is beautiful. The mountaintops are the erosion-resistant remnants of folded layers of quartz and sandstone.

Arriving into the historic downtown area, it feels as if you are in the middle of Hot Springs Mountain. There is a road up the mountain to the observation tower (216 ft) if you don’t mind heights. There are picnic areas up there also. In the early mornings what you think is fog on the mountain is steam from the springs. The spring runs under the streets feeding the bath houses and a large fountain where you can fill your own bottle or jug with the spring water. Many people feel it is medicinal at 143 degree temperature.

Bathhouse Row began with 8 bathhouses in 1832. They are each different and beautifully ornate. Today there is only one, the Buckstaff that is still a working bathhouse.

Buckstaff Bath House

We always enjoy staying in the Arlington  Hotel in the downtown main street. There is very little parking available. We park at a large garage about a block from the hotel. We enjoy walking the main street and seeing all the unique shops that cater to the tourists.

Arlington Hotel

We always go to the fudge/ice cream store for a cool treat. There is also the famous Pancake Shop for the best breakfast in town. It is very popular so you get on the waiting list and wait for your table which is well worth the wait. Great service, reasonable price and a great meal.

There are Duck Tours (ride a boat around town and then it converts to enter the nearby Lake Hamilton); paddle boat dinner/tour on the Belle of Lake Hamilton; nearby is Magic Springs water park for the kids; several antique shops and rock shops to peruse for a fun souvenir.

Try to make it to Hot Springs next time you are driving through Arkansas and need a holiday. And experience the hot spring water bathing. You will join a long line of people who have bathed in the spring waters, a line that goes back centuries.

The Trip that Changed My Life- Part 2

 We leave Venice for the train to Milan.

The hotels in the city are expensive so I find a nice, small hotel in Gerenzano – Hotel Concorde.  We are there two nights and I am loving every minute.

Inside the Galleria

The 2nd day we go to Milan to see the sights. It is the fashion capital of the world which makes everything very expensive. First we see the Galleria where everyone seems to be wearing designer fashions and shopping in the exclusive shops. After lunch visit the main attraction, the Duomo Basilica.

Very large and beautiful inside. We ride the elevator to the top to see the city from above. The roof is encrusted with a forest of spires each with a saint on top. The stone is a pink marble from Candoglia. Buried deep in the museum behind the alter we see thorns from the crown Christ wore on the day of crucifixion (or so it claims).

The travelers in front of the Galleria

Afterwards we walk to the Piazza della Scalla next to the statue of Leonardo di Vinci and have gelato. Next morning is the train to Florence. The scenery is fabulous and I am in a dream. This is my favorite city so far. It has a great atmosphere and lovely buildings and the people are friendly. The hotel was better this time.  The Starhotel Tuscany;  luxury, good location at a good price.

Day 1 we go to the museum Academia to see the original David statue. The museum is small and nondescript. We enter a large room and there he is. Very tall – 17 ft. Amazing. No photos please. I pick up some souvenirs and we are off to explore Florence. As we came around the corner, off the piazza we see the de’ Medici family palace. Originally they had the David in their front courtyard, but now it is a small copy.

de’ Medici Palace

 We walk and walk but no one tired. We find the Straw Market, an open air shopping area near the Ponte Vecchio,  the bridge that crosses the Arno River. I find a beautiful leather purse for an amazing price. We watch the sunset as we cross the river. Fantastic! We find a very nice restaurant for dinner and relax. It was fun, tasted good and a good time had by all.  I am having too much fun to think about what is happening at home.

The next day we take a short train ride to Pisa to see – you know. As we step off the train and walk around the corner and there it is. I feel like I am walking into my old history book. I have seen this picture a thousand time and now I am here in person. It is very surreal.

Pisa

It is time to leave Florence and head south to Rome. I have dreamed of visiting Rome all my life. To see the ruins, the famous landmarks, all the history. I have seen the movie “Three Coins in the Fountain” several times and have always wanted to visit the Trevi Fountain. I am finally going to have this dream come true.

We will be here 3 days and decide to split it up so we aren’t bouncing all over town wasting time. Day 1 is ancient Rome, day 2 is Baroque Rome with the fountains and day 3 is Vatican City. We get there early enough in the day to begin our tour of Rome. We head for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hills which is the center most of the Seven Hills of Rome and is the most ancient parts of the city. It’s amazing to see all these ancient buildings, broken columns and think it was here at the time of Caesar.

Roman Ruins

Sitting on a large boulder I begin to think about how my life has turned out so far. I am very unhappy and know a change is in order. After so long, how will I make it alone? Would I lose my home? Where would I go? I decide that no matter what my life needs to be better, I deserve to be happy. My children are grown and have their own lives.

That is when Italy changed my life – it let me see that the world is big, open and can be what I want it to be.  I am at peace with my decision. It will be difficult to go back and say I don’t want to be married anymore. It was difficult, it would be 2 years before it ended. And I was not the one who said it.

But, today I am sitting in the sun in Rome. Rome! The Pantheon is nearby  and the beautiful fountain in front, Fontana del Pantheon.

Pantheon Front

It isn’t very pretty from the outside, but inside are bright marble colors, the beauty of the architecture. Wonderful. We have lunch in a sidewalk cafe on the plaza of the Pantheon. Now we head over to the Colosseum. I am so excited as we cross the hill and see it standing there after thousands of years. I go up to the third level so I can see more of the floor area. I treasure the dust on my shoes.

The Colosseum

What a wonderful day. Tomorrow we see the fountains and piazzas. My favorite was the Trevi Fountain. I threw in my coin so I will return one day. I am getting sad, our trip has almost ended. I am trying to soak up all the sounds, sights, smells and force it into my memory so I will have it always.

Trevi Fountain

The last day is spent visiting Vatican City. Lots of crowds and long lines. But it is beautiful and so historic. The popes are buried all around. The artwork is amazing and colors are very bright. Candles burning  at each alcove for prayers.

The time comes to go home. I am very sad that I am leaving such a wonderful country with all the history and beauty. I didn’t get to see everything I wanted to; there wasn’t enough time. Spending a month might be enough but my dream is to spend six months, rent a little apartment in Florence and travel by train all over Italy.  It’s a wonderful dream.

I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.

Mary Anne Radmache

The Trip That Changed My Life – Part 1

In 2006 I was working, married to my first husband and just going along day by day. Then one day I received a phone call from my dear Aunt Ina. She is one of my mother’s younger sisters and at the time she lived in Dallas. I spent a lot of time with her when I was younger and we became great friends in addition to being her niece. During the phone call she said one of her sons was traveling around Europe and would I like to go with her as her traveling companion while they were in Italy. I didn’t have to think twice, of course I would go!! After we hung up I cleared the dates with my boss (2 week vacation).

I was fortunate that two of my three children were grown and not living at home so I didn’t have to arrange anything for them while I was gone and the younger daughter was in high school so she was okay. Then I realized I didn’t have a passport. This was about 4 months before the trip and before 9/11 so I got my passport in enough time and started researching where I wanted to go.

We would meet her son in Venice, a day in Milan, 2 days in Florence and 3 days in Rome. We would be going in May and my Aunt asked if I would do the trip planning. I started looking around and found some bargains online. I would fly to Dallas and we would head off to Italy via Zurich to Venice. We would have a day and a half in Venice, then go onto Milan and so forth. It was a dream come true and I was very excited.

As the time got closer, I started packing and getting ready for a trip. I had read where it is best for Americans to dress nice, no tank tops, cut offs, ragged jeans. We were wanting to see several churches, and Vatican City so darker colors and modest dress. I took 3 pairs of slacks, tops and shirts to mix/match and a couple of jackets. In May is a very nice time of year to go, warm days (not hot), cool evenings and maybe some rain comes by. That was exactly right, we only had one day of rain at the end of the trip but it didn’t last long. It was a beautiful time of year.

I get to Dallas and we are leaving the next day. We get to the airport to catch our flight to Zurich and then we would get to Venice in time for dinner. Sounds wonderful.  Well, that is not what happened. Airplanes are unpredictable. The plane we were to board had a small issue with a refrigerator so they are waiting on another plane. About 3-4 hours later we get on our plane. While we were waiting I had to change the Zurich flight which would make us late getting to Venice. I am trying to not get upset and depressed. Just go with the flow. I feel fortunate that I am waiting  to go to Europe so I calm down and just wait.

Finally we board the flight and we are off. I am so excited. It was a night flight but I don’t sleep much. I watched the movies they showed and just enjoyed the ride. My Aunt slept most of the way and that was okay. It was dark and quiet and I had time  to think. I now know why I was chosen to go with her. She was well aware of my wanting to travel but never had the opportunity. She wanted me to see that there is a big, wonderful world out there, it was my turn to go see it and find what I wanted my life to be.

Being late to Zurich made us late to Venice. When I made the reservations I couldn’t find a reasonably priced hotel so I had us booked in a hotel in Maestre on the mainland. As we are leaving the Venice airport and trying to find our way to the hotel.

Now I was a rookie at that time with making trip itineraries so I am looking for a bus to take us to the hotel. Why am I not looking for a cab? I have no idea. I find the bus and somehow my Aunt gets on and I try to drag our bags on so the bus can leave the station. All of the sudden, an Italian Good Samaritan throws our bags into bus after seeing me struggle. Gratzi.

Why did I think everyone would speak English? I am trying to tell the driver what hotel we are staying at and where can he drop us off? After lots of hand signals I realize he is only going so far; will make a turn and we will not come close to the hotel. We hurriedly get off at the last stop before the turn and I set my Aunt on the bus stop bench with the luggage around her and decide I am going to have to walk to the hotel.

Off I go to try to cross the highway to get to the hotel. I am in a foreign country, don’t speak the language but I have to get my Aunt comfortable. I don’t like crossing busy highways (who does?).  I got all my courage up and found the metal bridge that crossed over the highway. I hate heights but it was the only route. After I cross over, I trek across a field and foolishly think the man at the gas station can help me – I ask for a pay phone, what I would do with it I have no idea. I leave the station and keep walking on to the hotel. I arrive and go in and thank goodness all the hotel staff speaks English (we found this everywhere). I ask for them to call a cab to pick me up and then to pick up my Aunt.

While I am waiting for the cab, the clerk gives me a note from my cousin – he had called the hotel earlier – later I find out that what they wrote down wasn’t exactly what he said. The cab arrives and we go get my Aunt and come back to hotel. We check in and go to the room for my Aunt to lay down. This is late afternoon. She sleeps for about two hours while I try to call her son who is across the water in Venice waiting for us. In the note he had said to not check in, come to the vaporetto (water boat) station and come to Venice. That is not what was written down by the desk clerk.

Due to the sporadic phone service, and the several calls between my cousin and I he tells me to get his mother, check out and get to the boats before it gets too dark. Somehow we do this and get to the boats, dragging the luggage over cobble streets. The sun is going down as we are boating to the dock where they are waiting. The city is very beautiful and I feel I am in a dream. The colors of the buildings, homes, hotels, etc. are bright, fascinating, and dream like. It is just a fantastic place. I am wishing I had planned on us staying a day or two to walk the narrow streets and absorb the Italian wonders. But, I didn’t.

We find her son and his companion at the correct stop and walk to the nicest, small, family owned bed and breakfast. Such a wonderful surprise. We have a nice room, everyone is pleasant and glad to see us. We put down our bags and go find a small restaurant – I had my first plate of spaghetti in a real Italian Trattoria – and then walk over the St. Peter’s Square and take pictures. It is late in the hour and too dark. It was hard to see the beauty but I was in a foreign place, away from husband, phones, and noise with lots of thinking to do. I will see more of the Grand Canal as we leave in the morning to catch the train for Milan.

I have been here about 4 hours – I am in love with Italy.

I met a lot of people in Europe, I even encountered myself. – James Baldwin

Stay tuned for Part 2

Bound for Bixby

Bixby, Ok is a small town south of Tulsa. It has really grown in the last several years and now is a hustle and bustle place of new shops and restaurants. But they still have The best fresh, home grown fruits and vegetables around. We decided we wanted some homegrown cucumbers and sweet corn and whatever else looked good and so off we went.

There are several farms to buy from, it’s all good so we stop at the first place we see. As you get out of your car, you immediately smell the watermelon and cantaloupes resting on the porch. I don’t like either of those so I go inside looking for corn and tomatoes and whatever else is available.

We zero in on the cucumbers and get a few in our sack. Then some new potatoes, a sweet onion, and oh some peaches. They smell so sweet and are perfect for snacking. So juicy and much better than what is in the supermarkets. What a treat.

We fix dinner later and enjoy out bounty. It is all so fresh and delicious. I hope you live somewhere that you are able to get fresh fruits and veggies. There is nothing like it.

Day Trip to Dewey

Dewey is about 45 minutes north of Tulsa. As we drive out of town and through the rolling hills I realize how green and lush most of the Eastern Oklahoma countryside is as we travel down the highway. If you don’t venture outside your city limits you can forget how beautiful the state can be.

We stopped at the Saturday Farmers Market and I got some very good tomatoes. Everyone very friendly and it was nice to walk around and see what everyone had. I love that small town feel and casual, relaxed atmosphere.

We are looking for antique stores. Most of the good ones are located on one street at 8th Street and Shawnee Ave (west as you travel up highway 169N). We park and start walking around shop to shop. The first one we see is a shop called Antiques. We are sure the shop has been there for several decades. This is the type of place we like. The dustier, more crowded the better.

 

 

 

That is where the jewels are if you take your time and look in every corner. Each inch of the shop is covered with all kinds of items, even the ceiling. Shelf after shelf of tiny, dusty objects and faded price tags. Monty finds a couple of items of yard art and I fight the urge to buy more items for the house just to collect dust.

We stop at  Linger Longer Antiques with more shelves and booths to scourer through. I find a couple of bargains, Monty finds a bird house for the back yard. All in all a very fun day traveling in our Cooper Mini to a new place with new people to meet.

 

Take a drive to Dewey.

 

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