WEEKEND TRAVEL - West Plains

Hi Everyone!

This was supposed to be last week's post but I've been down with my back for over a week. Before that, the weekend of this 'travel', I managed to drop a battery operated chain saw on my right foot and torqued my back taking out the garbage. That was the beginning of this more than a week-long aggravation.

While the swelling has subsided in my foot and most of the lovely purple tones are gone, the back is still being a pain - literally.  So bear with me, please as being at the desk isn't the most comfortable right now.

Okay.. off to my weekend travel.

West Plains is one of our go-to shopping spots. Our supercenter/ $ Tree/ ACE Hardware are our main stores to visit, though I've also been in Ramey's grocery for specific items. Last week I learned via the internet that our CashSaver is also the same as the 10box store in Poplar Bluff that I shop at frequently for our meat.

CashSaver bought one of our Ramey's locations several years ago. I checked out the store right after they opened and found it not very clean nor organized. I realize West Plains is in one of the top five poorest counties in Missouri but do our stores have to reflect that statistic?! I've never been back.

I've noticed that while the sign doesn't say 10Box, the Cashsaver sign is less predominate so I'll be checking the location out again soon. If I still see problems, I'll write to corporate.

Anyhow - while in West Plains a couple of weeks ago, I took a very hot stroll through the farmers market in the Endurance Church parking lot. There was a very nice variety of fresh meats/ seafoods as well as vegetables/ baked goods and hand-crafted items. 

The Church is located at 805 Worley Drive - West Plains MO  

Next to Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply

Here are a couple places for you to investigate.

My #1 choice is SGT. DAN'S REDNECK CATTLE CO.

Don't let the name fool you. Dan Crowder is a reallyl nice guy and a veteran. All Veteran's receive a 10% discount on purchases.

All meat is grown and raised in Oregon Co or just over the border into Randolph Co. AR, USDA inspected. 

He is currently working on a delivery route and will be happy to try and work a route close to you if you give him a shout. 

You'll find him on FB - Sgt. Dan's

Give him a call: 4179384834

Email: DanielCrowder7@gmail.com

Tell him you saw this on KellysCountry!

Next we have:

KELBY HUTSLER

Kelby is the seafood outlet.

Fresh from the gulf via SS J-BELK GULF SHRIMP AND CRAWFISH

Give him a call at 417-372-2015

He sells out quick so get there early!

I hope to be more mobile later in the week to take you along.  There is a cave near Van Buren I want to tour. 

Safe Travels & Country Blessings!

WEEKEND TRAVEL - Back to Van Buren

Note: I inadvertently posted this to an alternate blog last week.

Before I get into today's post I wanted to give you an update on Zoey.

She and Honey got along until Zoey and her long legs would overpower HB and pin him. He would growl, then she'd growl and the fight would begin. We found a shelter group that deals in Weimer's (which we are pretty sure she is).  I've never missed a temporary dog as much as I miss that girl.  But HB had to come first. 

Okay, on to today's post!

Good morning, everyone. Cool, damp start to our week. I will admit that while Bob and I did travel this past weekend, we just went into the city for some thrifting and time together before he heads back to work sometime this week. We are back on the day-to-day, waiting for the call routine.

A couple of weeks ago I drove to Van Buren to check out the Saturday Flea Market that Hannah, from Springhouse Cafe told me about. I decided to start my day with breakfast at the Springhouse:

The food was good, for the most part. Everything cooked to perfection. This is probably the only place I've eaten where they actually know how to cook an over-easy egg... the whites cooked and ALL of the yolk runny and delicious. The hash browns were perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside and that slice of ham fed me that morning plus an addition to breakfast for Bob and I later in the week.  The only thing I wasn't impressed with was the biscuits and gravy. I knew ahead of time it was not 'sausage' gravy, but white pepper. The biscuits were tough on the bottom. I ordered them mainly to see how they were so I could tell Bob ahead of time. He does not like pepper, period so pepper gravy is definitely not an option for him.

Overall, we both have really liked the place. They're never overly busy, the waitresses are right on top of things and friendly.  Their food has always been good, making it hard to pick a favorite whenever we go back. We do like their 'handmade' burgers. Bob also liked their hand-pounded, hand-breaded pork tenderloin. There's usually at least one decadent dessert on the menu but I've avoided due to the sugar content, but their triple chocolate cake is drool-worth at $3 - $3.50 a slice, leaving me only to add that the prices are very reasonable. - Update (May 30, 2019) Bob and I caved and tried the Triple Chocolate Cake. Super Rich - Delicious - Decadent for sure! I suggest an glass of milk with this one!

To find The Springhouse Cafe, traveling West on Hwy 60 from Poplar Bluff (or St. Louis), turn right just as you come past the 55 mph sign (road just before McDonalds) You'll go about 1 to 1-1/2 miles and you'll see the place on your left.

Please tell them you heard about it on An Ozarks Journal blog. Doesn't get me anything, but I do like to let business owners know that the few minutes they took to chat with me was worth their time. Thanks to Nick Dorris for the friendly update. 

Where will you travel to this week.  Where ever you go, be safe and Enjoy the Adventure!

I have a big announcement coming tomorrow. Please stop by. 

Safe Travels!

WEEKEND TRAVEL - Dining Out

A couple of weeks ago I was headed to Poplar Bluff. On my way through Van Buren I had a taste for the chicken tenders.. good ones. Not those tasteless breaded things but real breast meat tenders battered and deep fried til golden. Crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside.  I knew just where to go...
The Float Stream Restaurant in Van Buren.

Bob and I've eaten there several times. They have the best Hot Roast Beef With I've had in awhile... the kind served with REAL mashed potatoes. We've done the all you can eat cat fish buffet and breakfast on occasion. We've always been happy.

Until a few weeks ago...
Bob was on his way to Poplar Bluff and decided to pull in for lunch. The hostess showed him his seat and gave him a menu.... fifteen minutes later he still hadn't been waited on. The waitress totally ignored him. He finally got up and left.

Now, I have to stress THIS IS NOT THE NORM at The Float Stream. Someone was just having an off day.

What I DO WANT TO STRESS... is that Joey Crafton will make anything right if you give him the chance. He never knew my husband had issues until I stopped in. Here's the thing... if an owner doesn't know there's a problem, he can't fix the problem. That doesn't mean throwing a fit and trash talking the establishment. What you do is have an adult conversation... remember those?

So I pulled in, order my tenders and iced tea... prepared to work on my manuscript over a quiet lunch. The waitress was friendly and right on top of things. I asked to speak to the manager and he was happy to come out and talk with me. Joey Crafton is a good guy. He wants his customers to have an enjoyable experience and good food... to walk away with a plan to come back again.. and bring friends.

So if you're ever passing through Van Buren MO on Hwy 60... stop in to The Float Stream and enjoy a  meal... Oh.. and leave room for dessert.

WEEKEND TRAVEL

No weekend travel post this week.

I spent yesterday getting some things tidied up around the house before Bob came home. He arrived late afternoon after being on the boat for 31 days.

He pulled into the drive to be greeted by this pretty girl.

Who wouldn't love that face?! 

Bob put her picture on FB in hopes of finding her owner. We did, but according to the man's mom (who identified her) it's more of a 'good riddance' attitude. As she said, if it's up to him we can keep her. I'm thinking there is family involved that might not be as willing to see her gone.

At first we thought she might be a Silver Lab. Folks on FB told us we had a Weimaraner . We've since found out she will be 1 year old in March. Her name is Zoey.  She is 1/2 pitbull, 1/4 Aussie and 1/4 Neo-Mastiff. If she'd been a Weimer, we could not have kept her. 

She is soooo loving and sweet. Gets along with HoneyB - whom she'll be sharing the run with and even the 2 female cats. Spirit wants no part of her. And she's okay with Tabby as long as Tabby doesn't run. Then Zoey thinks the game is on and I'm afraid she'd be too rough on Tabby, just based on the size difference. She is very gentle. 

If we get the all clear by tomorrow, Zoey will make a trip to the vet to get complete determination, see if there are medical records/ shots on file. We'll bring her up to date on shots and get her fixed. 

While I said I didn't want any more dogs, HoneyB does need a playmate, though even he gets tired of her antics after awhile and we bring one of them inside to catch a break. LOL  The girls are going to love her this summer. 

I hope to be traveling later in the week and have pictures to share. 

I'm also getting things back up to speed and will be starting the Emergency Prepper posts again in March so, stay tuned!

WEEKEND TRAVEL

Welcome to my backyard

As I type this on Sunday afternoon, the temperature is 35*F. 

Some ice is starting to drip but at 4 p.m. and the sun going down, that won't last long.

Nearly every branch is still coated in a frozen protection.

Like many places across the country, we have been drenched in freezing temperatures as well as a mix of snow, sleet, rain... you name it, Mother Nature has shared.

I keep telling myself this is nourishment the ground will need for spring planting.

I am blessed that I do not have to go out in this horrid weather.

Every time I hear of major accidents like the one  that occurred on I-70 on Friday, I have to ask 

"What were they doing on the road to begin with?"

Like the tragic duck boat accident in Branson last summer, these people were given 

AMPLE WARNING!

Even if by chance they missed the news/ weather reports, being out there should have given them just a moment to think - we better pull off at the next exit and wait this out. 

If you are an employer, I would hope you would have sense to tell your people

"Weather is going to be dicey, take a personal day. Be safe"

or

"Looks like the weatherman was right. Why don't you folks head out early today. Be safe"

Then there's the folks who can't afford to lose a day of work. They've gotten themselves so deep into the 'gotta have' mentality that they have to get a full check.

Well, folks. I'm here to tell you.. and something I've always believed.

NO Employer is going to pay you enough to be critically injured, lose your life or take someone else's in an accident. If you are hurt, chances are you're going to be off a lot more than ONE DAY!

While you are out, 

your employer is going to be looking for someone to fill your spot while you're off.

I think if roads are bad enough that schools are off or dismiss early, then businesses should at the very least, go down to a skeleton crew. No should be out shopping/ eating, anyway.

They should be home - SAFE - with their family. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Please comment below. 

In the meantime, BE SAFE - BE SMART - LIVE!

WEEKEND TRAVEL - Amazing Herd!

On a trip to Poplar Bluff on Saturday I spotted a field loaded with a herd of deer. I have never seen so many deer on private land... on  preserve, yes. But never in an open field. Between the ridge to the left out of camera, across the field to the far side of the pond out of camera on the right, I counted THIRTY!

This was as close as I could get. I pulled over and took a couple of shots then about a block up, I found the farmer's entrance to the field. The gate set back from the road a bit so I was able to get a bit closer. With cropping, this is the best view out of all of them.

With all the rains we've had, the fields are greening up and these beauties were enjoying the bounty.

As cars and trucks whizzed by, I had to wonder how many of them were missing this amazing site. I'm glad I was able to see them.

While we're talking deer (okay meat in general) I had dinner at my favorite restaurant in Poplar Bluff last night. Castello's is an Italian restaurant connected to the Holiday Inn. They offer Prime Rib on Friday and Saturday nights. Folks, if you want the BEST prime rib in the Ozarks, I suggest a drive to Poplar Bluff.

I'll leave you with these two pics.

The 20 oz. King Cut... medium rare. This is an end-cut.

The depth of the fork tines tell you the thickness of this juicy piece of meat .

WEEKEND TRAVEL - West Plains

Okay.. so this isn't really a travel type article but I had to make a trip to West Plains on Saturday. Never thought about taking pictures. Just doing what I needed to do and get home. I had things here to do before the sun went down. 

To get a better scope of West Plains, you can visit WestPlains.net

I love spending time in the Visitor's Center. I get turned around direction-wise when it comes to West Plains but you'll find the VC on your right as you're coming into town on Hwy 63 from the west (Springfield/ Willow Springs)  They have some great displays including a pants suit previously owned by hometown country girl, Jan Howard and a rhinestone suite by the late Porter Wagoner, also from West Plains. You'll see those HERE

I'll never forget the first time Bob and I went to West Plains. We'd not moved here yet but had purchased the house. We were looking for some building supplies. We stopped at the local fire station for information. Their directions to where we needed to go included Porter Wagoner Blvd and Jan Howard Ave.  You know you're in a small town when....

Finally, the 14th Annual Library Chili Cook-off was held at the West Plains Civic Center. This is a big fundraising event for the local library and the great programs they offer. Dr. Julie Hart of Hart Family Eyecare is the reigning Chili Queen! She's our optometrist and one of the sweetest ladies you'll ever meet... and I guess she makes a mean bowl of chili!


For the rest of this month I'll only be posting on Monday's and Friday's. I should be back up to speed and able to bring some Ozark history posts back in. Wednesday posts will only run if I have Ozark books to review and Thursdays... well, we'll see where my mind wanders.

Hang with me. You know we don't move real fast around here :-)

WEEKEND TRAVELS - sort of

My intention was to show you pictures of Blue Spring this week. The weekend before Bob left, we took a drive.. took the turn off Hwy 60 between Birch Tree and Mountain View on OO onto CR 492

About 2 miles on CR 492, you'll see this sign. you can only turn left. About 1.6 miles to junction 128/114. Just follow the crude sign. It's 3 miles to the river from there.

Of course, I have no pictures to show you. I can tell you the road was a much more pleasant drive than to Rhymers. As you near the river basin there is one steep spot and quite rocky. I thought we'd need the 4-wheel drive to climb back up.

As we reached the bottom, Bob's battery light on the truck came on. He didn't want to risk turning the truck off as there was no cell service and not the place to get stuck without transportation.

That said, from what I could see when we turned around there was a beautiful sheer cliff across from a sandy beach, separated by the most amazing blue water. I've only ever seen water that blue at Big Spring - which I'll show you on another trip. 

Here's information from Ozark National Scenic Riverways about BLUE SPRING.

I have a couple things in the works I want to start running here. I'll do my best but honestly, over the next few weeks I have 3 crucial deadlines:

August 25th - approx. 20 contest entries for the (OCW) Ozark Creative Writers Conference One is a travel article so that might be showcased here in some form.

September 26th - my birthday and the absolute deadline for A Christmas To Remember. That is my contemporary romance set in Eureka Springs AR. I want to have that finalized and copies ordered so that I can have them available for sale when I attend OCW the second weekend in October.

September 26th - Companion workbook to my talk on Social Media that I'm giving at OCW. Again, I need to be able to order these from Create Space and get them in on time.

I'll try to get in here at least once a week from now on. I'm trying to set Monday posts up on Sunday nights. Dividing time between blogging and the day job writing gets tricky when Bob is home, but he's gone for at least 2 more weeks so I'm diving in and tunneling through.

One of the series I want to start is Home Town Ozarks. If you have a small community with a quaint main street from days gone by in southern MO and northern AR, I'd love to hear from you. I might just travel your direction!

Country Blessings!

Kelly

WEEKEND TRAVELS - Rymers Ranch

Can you tell Bob has gone back out on the boat? I'm here and have a post to share. I'm hoping to schedule several this week so I won't have lapses when he's home next month. Cross your fingers.

Now, how about a road trip?

A couple of weeks ago I decided I'd check out a place I've not visited since our move here. I've passed the sign for the turn off hundreds of times but never ventured down what seemed a harmless blacktop road. The Department of Conservation said said 6 miles. I have to tell you, that was the LONGEST six miles I've ever traveled... and still not reached my destination.

I don't know how much farther I had to go when I decided I'd had enough of this crazy one-lane logging road with an embankment on one side and a ravine to the other.. depending on which direction you were going. I did get lucky three different times. Once, going down, before I got to the the 'narrows', I met a Jeep Waggoneer coming my way with a canoe on the roof. I had just left the blacktop but the road hadn't become interesting... yet.

Later, after I'd turned around, I met with a smaller jeep but he must have known the road and how far he could hug the drop off. He stopped and motioned for me to pass.  About a mile farther, a woman in a 4-door sedan that didn't appear to have any business on this type of road.. and I use that term loosely, came barreling around a curve and I barely had time to hug the bank to let her pass... she giving me words as she went by. Seriously?

I'm also surprised to find very little information regarding Rymers Ranch on the Dept. of Conservation websites. The closest I came to was THIS article published in 2015.

I also found a bit of information a book, Civil War History of the Ozarks, I found at the Cabool Library.

The book describes Rymers Ranch as being located 'on the butte of Devel's Backbone (as spelled in the book) near the town of Birch Tree'.  Half way up the face of a 100 ft. perpendicular cliff some one made the signs and by nobody knows. The 'hollow' is known is Johnny Hollow, having gotten it's  name from an outlaw robber who was known only in the hills as Johnny. For months he had kept stolen cattle hidden in the canyon.

I can tell you I will NEVER travel this route to Rymers Ranch again. I want to check with the Ozarks Scenic Riverways headquarters in VanBuren MO to find if there is another route to what I'm told is a picturesque spot.

I'll keep you posted.

That book did provide a lot of cool information I'm going to continue to research and bring you here.  Bob and I have also been exploring eateries we find on our wanderings. I hope to add some of those to the blog as well.

WEEKEND TRAVELS - Rained Out

Each year in April, Twin Pines Conservation and Education Center holds it's Heritage Festival... usually the second Saturday. In past years, I've been unable to attend for various reasons so I was excited to be home this year and be able to check it out while bringing you some of  my own photographs.  Alas, Mother Nature had other ideas.

We began with severe thunderstorms and tornado watches/ warnings the night before. I have NEVER heard the gale-force winds we experienced Friday night. We wound up with 1.5" of rain and thankfully, no damage anywhere.

Saturday morning dawned misty, rainy, cold. Ugh. Is Spring EVER going to arrive? So I stayed home. I'm sure the event ran as scheduled. I've not checked to be sure. The afternoon did turn decent enough but by then I was into other projects at the house.

Instead, I bring you photographs from past Heritage Festival events, courtesy of their website:

As you can see, they demonstrate how things were done back when this logging community was formed. I especially like the Union Jacks hanging from the line. :-) And while the participants in the bottom picture are not in garb, they are demonstrating the hands-on approach to this event.

As I type this, the weather is again cold and dreary. I woke up to 32* on the thermostat and very gloomy skies. I will venture out to take my beast of a dog to the vet. After all my worry, it appears his problem stems from an abscessed canine. Poor baby, Bear. Loading him into the Suzuki should be fun but he trusts me to do just about anything to him - except groom him. That is definitely a two-person job. He is in sad need of a shave/ brushing but will have to wait until Bob comes home.. hopefully this week.

My next post will be the Friday Prep as I spend the rest of this week finishing up projects I want done before Bob gets home Wednesday night. Wish me Luck!

Safe Travels!

WEEKEND TRAVELS - The Old Home Place

I've not traveled much in the past couple of weeks. I just don't leave the house much.  I did go to West Plains on Friday for a book launch at Wages Brewing Company. Nice little place. I tried a 4 oz of Irish Red. Very smooth beer. The owner seems to know what he's doing. Normally, I don't drink even one drink and drive but I felt safe in having a 4 oz. without issues. They offer various forms of gathering fun nearly every night of the month... from live music to Trivia and card games. I look forward to visiting again soon.

My pictures this week are from my own back yard.
From the time we moved here, there have been daffodils. Lots of daffodils in large groupings like this one in the back yard I've dubbed 'On Golden Pond' for it does look like a miniature yellow pond.

A couple of closer looks:

Last fall I planted over 100 bulbs in various places throughout the yard. My main focus was under the big Maple. I'm seeing some fruits of my labors in the Hyacinths. Nothing from the Tulips yet except for green leaves.

I hope to be out and about more in the coming weeks if the rain will ever stop and the temperatures warm up enough to want to venture outside for more than a few minutes.

Have you planted flowers? Do you have favorites? Link in your comments below so I can come wander your garden.

Blessings!

WEEKEND TRAVEL - Snow

We got our first 'major' snow on January 14th. Pretty, isn't it? 

As we make the slow dance to spring, I thought I'd show our grand hurrah. As I type this mid-February, I'm not expecting any big snow. Ice has been an issue north and west of us and we're too see more this week. Measurable snow, however, has been elusive. But there's always next year, right?

WEEKEND TRAVEL - Wintery Splendor

Early last month, I took a drive to Poplar Bluff. Something about dogs needing food. ;-) Just West of Van Buren, I saw a beautiful sight:

The contrast of running water cascading over the bedrock to meet with nature's ice sculptures was breathtaking. 

The reason for the live water run as opposed to the ice on the left is due to a fresh spring farther back in the hill that constantly runs, preventing the freeze.

Sights like this abound in the Ozarks and is one of the reasons I prefer avoiding interstates when I travel. The beauty lies beyond the norm... in everything.

#SafeTravels!

WEEKEND TRAVEL - Cruising on the River

This week,  I want to give you a totally different view of my world... or rather my husband's world.

I don't know if I've mentioned before that my husband is a river boat captain. His life's work has had him on the river for over thirty years. Over the course of his job, he has shared many pictures he has taken while cruising down the river. They've included Bald Eagles perched in a tree, geese on the barges enjoying bread bits from crew members as well as deer and fox along the banks or attempting to navigate floating ice chunks in an effort to cross the treacherous waters.

But my favorites are of the sunsets. On a recent long-trip down the Illinois from Joliet to just north of St. Louis. He doesn't normally make this long haul but the ice required tow boats to make the run rather than one and Bob was willing to bank some time.

I hope you enjoy these pictures he took.

This first shot is just approaching a bend..

As he capped the turn... behold:

WEEKEND TRAVEL - The Market Basket and Cafe

A week ago last Saturday Bob and I took a trip to Poplar Bluff, MO. Poplar Bluff is growing by leaps and bounds. With the exception of a Sam's Club, we can get just about anything we need there. If it weren't for bulk flour and sugar, I could bypass the 'club' all together.

As we passed through Elsinore, we saw that a restaurant we used to visit on occasion has changed into a place of sheer enjoyment. 

The Market Basket and Cafe is a fabulous surplus discount grocer - something that is popular in this area - as well as a deli and scrumptious buffet.

And I do mean SCRUMPTIOUS. I was surprised to find that after eating there that when I weighed in on Sunday I'd actually dropped two pounds!

The Buffalo Hot Wings, that are not all that 'hot' but pleasantly spiced in a thin buffalo hot sauce, pork ribs that are smoked to perfection, pulled pork, smoked chicken and meatloaf. They offer a wide variety of sides from real mashed potatoes with a rich brown gravy, fried okra, green beans, corn... well, you get the idea. I'm sure some of the sides change periodically. There is also a full salad bar, desserts and beverage selection included in the price of about $12.

The Market sits along Hwy 60 - Westbound lane across from Leerjack truckstop just west of Elsinore city limits. Plenty of parking and seating. They even have picnic tables for outside in pleasant weather!

Aside from the buffet, The Market offers a wide selection of grocery surplus including spices in bulk. The Deli includes a variety of meats and cheeses sliced to order.

If you're cruising through Elsinore MO, on your way to Branson, plan on this place for lunch or dinner. With their bountiful comfort food selections cooked to perfection, you won't go away hungry!

I apologize for the snowy photos. I failed to take pictures while we were there so my husband kindly stopped in a snowstorm to take these pictures for me yesterday. 

WEEKEND TRAVEL - 10-14-17

I'm finally getting back in here. Truth is, I've been traveling just not getting in here to post pictures - or much of anything else. And today is a quick fly through as we prepare to start stripping  out the garden. I can NOT believe we are talking wind chills in the teens for later this week. Really? It's not even Halloween!!

So today we are laying the mulch for a new strawberry bed I'll need next spring and scheduling delivery of the 30 hay bales I need for the spring as well. We'll get them set into place and they should be ready for feeding/ planting on schedule when the time comes.

In the mean time, I thought I'd take you with me to where I was last weekend. For almost 20 years I've been attending the Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs MO. This is a true meeting of the minds as writing conferences go. This year marked our 51st year! That's a feat in itself.

For 50 of those years we have met at Best Western Inn of the Ozarks. This is the only hotel I will stay in when traveling to the 'stair-step town'. The staff is always pleasant, easy to work with and like family. Once you stay there you'll understand why they have a 4 Star rating across the board.

This was our table on Saturday night at the Awards Banquet. 

The two gentlemen, John (L) & Tom (R) were new friends we made this year.

Are you an Indian Jones fan? Max McCoy is the man behind those amazing stories. 

Beyond talented!

A cross between our Cassville MO writers group and Oghma Creative

We're a cross over. as 4 of the 5 you see in this picture belong to both groups.

L - R:

Max McCoy, Kim McCoy (Max's wife) Johnny Boggs

The Bard of the South

Ricky Pittman

If you ever aspire to be a writer in any genre, THIS is the conference you want to put on your list of ones to attend - the TOP of your list just a step below genre specific. 

WEEKEND TRAVELS - Colton's Steakhouse - West Plains MO

If I'd been thinking instead of cleaning/ gardening on Saturday I'd have taken you to Logger's Day in Birch Tree MO. But I was focused on getting spring bulbs in the ground and finally getting planting dirt on the new Butterfly garden I'm putting in. And I hadn't planned to go anywhere on Sunday. I had already made two trips to West Plains in as many days and was looking forward to staying home for awhile... then I went to Facebook. There are many reasons I don't go there often but I'm glad I did this time. I saw a notice that The Journey would be in West Plains for a Pardners In Good Deeds promotion... a project the brainchild of Cowboy Rick.

Seeing this beautifully restored stagecoach always puts a lump in my throat and a tear to my eye. Especially after having researched her 'journey' for an article I wrote. You can read the article on-line in the Spring 2017 issue of Saddlebag Dispatches magazine. The Journey - The Story of an 1880s Wells Fargo Stagecoach

The stagecoach resides at Silver Dollar City - Branson MO, where Rick first rode in her as a young boy. She will be the prominent attraction during their National Crafts & Cowboy Festival featuring the finest craftsmen and authentic cowboys, September 13 - October 28th. Cowboy Rick and his wife Arkansas Bev will be on hand the entire seven weeks. Plan to spend a day or two at the festival and tell them Kelly's Country sent you out!

Country Blessings!

Kelly

WEEKEND TRAVELS

The girls will be here in two more days! After having not seen them for almost four years, I am beside myself with excitement. The girls are 9 and 5 and we have so many adventures awaiting us for the next 8 weeks.

So for this week, I thought I'd step back to mid-February when Bob and I took a road trip to Sullivan MO to have our taxes done. The place I'm about to show you has been on the market for two or three years at least. I look at this place and see so much potential.

The restaurant was built by a couple who won the lottery. They thought it would be a good investment for their son (possibly grandson - I'm unclear on that point) to run. From what I understand he ran the restaurant for about two years before walking away. 

This little guy proudly stands guard:

Sadly, all of the kitchen appliances have been removed, depreciating the value of the property. When I look at the property I see convention centers, special events such as conferences or retreats. There is a living area upstairs.

The opening allows plenty of private parking

I think the $264,900 is a hefty price for what they've left you to work with. Bob and I discussed and wouldn't go above $186,000... if we were in the market.

The restaurant sits NE of Houston MO on road that has nothing more than local traffic, pass-through. Would be better marketable as a restaurant if it were along an interstate or closer to town. This is strictly a special events kind of venue... or to total remodel as your very own castle home. 

You can see interior pictures by checking out the Stagecoach Realty website.

Safe Travels!

Kelly 

WEEKEND TRAVELS

Hi Everyone!

I'm trying to get back in here more frequently. I usually travel over the weekend and take pictures but I never get to this account. Sounds odd? Well, it's lack of focus in a way. I have several blogs that connect with my freelance interests. Two of my blogs, including this one, log in under different emails accounts - not associated with my Google account. I get so focused on updating the other five blogs that I fail to log out then into this one. My author account is the other one that usually suffers.

That said, I have a plan of attack as long as blogger plays nice with multiple schedulings.

Whenever I'm traveling the back roads I look for places like this. Creek beds that seem to vanish into the never ending beyond call me to follow their path like the door in The Secret Garden. But I'm really squimish of ticks these days and I just know as the silent call wafts to me, I hear the chattering of ticks even louder and pass on the adventure. 

What places call to you?

My granddaughters arrive in one week. They will be here for the entire summer! We will be going on many adventures and I hope to share them with you but if I"m silent for a few more weeks, I hope you'll understand grandma time comes first.

Safe Travels!

Kelly 

WEEKEND TRAVELS - Kansas History

Unlike a lot of people I've talked to, I really enjoy driving across Kansas. There is so much history there and a lot of the rural topography hasn't changed from the days of the Youngers and James gangs rode the hills. 

One of my brothers in law lives in the north central part of OK about 15 miles from the KS/ OK line. So the shortest route there is to cut north out of Joplin MO then west through the southern part of KS, including historic Baxter Springs and Coffeyville.

The pictures below were taken about 45 miles east of Arkansas City if I'm not mistaken. My husband is great about stopping so I can take pictures.

I dubbed this first one a Saloon. Looks like it may have been a store front a hundred years ago. When I'm going through on my own, I hope to do some history research. I love the decorative wood work and painting.

This next one has to date back quite aways as well. Notice the arched windows and the bunting. 

In the next picture I've zoomed in on the west entrance. Notice the arch beneath the porch. and what appears to be a trio of garage doors. The entrance is mirrored on the east end as you see in the above picture.

Architecture and old buildings fascinate me. If those walls could talk, the stories they'd tell.

Do you have any buildings that speak to you? If you can, link me up to where I can see pictures. I'd love to explore.