Snow, Snow Go Away... and Don't Come Back

When the winter storm warning came through for the Northeast Oklahoma area, we decided we'd just go ahead and hit the road. Figuring south and west would be a good idea, we packed up Heili, the cats and headed out.
WRONG! We no sooner hit OKC than the temperature started dropping rapidly. Optimistically, we kept going on towards Clinton, OK. At a truck stop there we learned we were heading right into the heart of a wonderful winter storm with a blizzard warning. BLIZZARD!!!! This is southern Oklahoma! Okay, I'd like to know who was praying for a white Christmas around here. I would gladly kick their little butts and more than likely be joined by several hundred truckers who were trying to get home.
We noticed our LP tank was getting low and thought it just might be a good idea to find someplace to top it off. Just in case we wanted to stay warm throughout the night, you know. Off to the closest Flying J which is just past Elk City, OK. For some reason the kid dispensing the LP heard 20 gallons, not 20 dollars. Merry Christmas to us! The manager said she wasn't about to charge us for LP we hadn't ordered. Not sure who had to eat the extra charge, but the fuel was appreciated since the night brought that blizzard and freezing rain they were predicting.
I believe this trip is going to fall under the heading of "Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men". Anyway, the afternoon has brought some sunshine, decreased winds and the truckers on the CB are saying it's looking pretty good on towards Amarillo, TX. With any luck we'll get to Cline's Corner, NM or someplace else with more warmth.
I'll be sure to keep all updated on the travels and travails of our "Run for the Sun".

Lake Greeson, Arkansas

After a nice visit with Al’s daughter and her family in Malvern, Arkansas, we headed south to see Crater of Diamonds State Park. We arrived rather late and found that the park closed at 6:00 pm, which didn’t really give us much time to look around. We toured the gift shop and watched a couple of videos, but decided not to pay the entrance fee to the diamond field, since time was so short. The attendants recommended a nearby campground that we reached after dark. We initially paid for a five day stay at Lake Greeson Campground, but this turned into a lengthier stay when we decided not to take the planned trip further south to the Gulf Coast just yet. It turned out to be a wise decision, since a hurricane had chose to hit the same time we had planned to be there.

The fall weather cooperated for the most part with warm temperatures, very little rain, and only small breezes. It was perfect weather for me to get in a couple of paintings of the lake and surrounding scenery. Lake Greeson is the result of the Narrows Dam across the Little Missouri River near Murfreesboro, Arkansas. It is a beautiful area consisting of stone bluffs, pine, hickory and oak trees, and plenty of wildlife. Deer were common visitors, as well as several squirrels and a few crows. Al saw one Pileated Woodpecker and we heard Blue Jays most mornings. The buzzards around the area take advantage of the warm updrafts coming from the dam area to reach greater heights.

We enjoyed taking walks among the fallen leaves and acorns, and even gathered a few hickory nuts. Al took the opportunity to do a little maintenance on the bus, which seems to be a never ending chore. We had neighboring campers off and on during our stay. With hunting season starting, the weekends seemed quite a bit busier than other days. Al especially enjoys when the other campers arrive since it gives him a chance to speak to others from around the country. We met several locals, people from Texas, Wisconsin, and Florida. Of course, many people stay here when heading out to the diamond mine, since the campground for Crater of Diamonds is closed for maintenance this year.

The marina on the lake offered a small store, boat rentals and cabins. A few people decided to winterize their boats during the mild weather, but we did see people out on the lake enjoying the weather and fishing. Because of the rains before we got here, the dam was open letting water out much of the time and fishing was affected.

Internet service was not available around the campground, but we could go into Murfreesboro every few days to catch up on emails and such. The sites were only equipped with electricity, but there were showers, toilets, water, and a dump station available. Our winter rate was only $10, which was cut in half with Al’s Golden Age Passport. Not a bad price for the amenities offered, and a very enjoyable stay in southwestern Arkansas.

On The Road Again - South We Go

We’ve had a nice visit with my dad and sister; and have made sure the two younger kids are all situated. Heili is the one I wanted to make sure would be okay, though. She is only fourteen, and I wanted to give her every opportunity to change her mind about staying with my dad. She is a very determined young woman, which makes me very proud of her. As parents, we all have our doubts and hopes with our children. It’s good to get the reassurance that our children are headed on a good path through life.
On our way once more, we are headed into Arkansas towards Malvern to visit with one of Al’s daughters and her two youngsters. We stopped off at Siloam Springs along highway 412 to play at the Cherokee Casino and have dinner. Neither of us are really gamblers, which I believe I’ve stated before, but we both enjoy the entertainment of the slot machines. We limit ourselves to $10 each, which isn’t but the price of a night out at the movies. The buffet at the casino was excellent. Southern cooking at its best, with Mexican, Asian, Barbecue, a Local Favorites, Salad, and Dessert bars; the selection just about covered every taste. They even had a nice selection of sugar free desserts, a must for Al who is diabetic.
We continued on the first night to I540 until we reached the Hilltop Truck Stop to spend the night. Free Wi-Fi was a bonus to be able to check e-mails and play on Facebook. Both of our families subscribe to this internet community, so it is an easy way to see updates on family members and friends, see the latest pictures of grandkids, and post our own comings and goings. I am heavily addicted to Farmville, a game sponsored on the site, since my eldest daughter sent me a virtual cow. Now I grow virtual crops, care for virtual livestock, and build or expand my virtual farm. I also can help my virtual neighbors who are also friends and family. My only problem is playing a little too long sometimes. When Al and I looked at the clock and it was 3:00am, we figured we’d better head to bed.
The next morning found us only a few miles from I40. Al spent some time outside the bus checking things over and chatting with neighboring truckers. I did some last minute e-mails, and then it was off again. It was slightly greener along our route but the leaves are definitely turning and some trees are already bare. I love the Ozarks anyway for their absolute beauty, but fall is really a time they shine. The “hills and hollers” with farmsteads and little towns provide a picturesque scene. My fingers itch to paint them, but not while we’re moving. Al can take some pictures for me to paint from before we leave the area. Just off I30 and south of Little Rock, Malvern is a bustling community. We stayed parked at the Wal-Mart near the interstate, since maneuvering the bus through city streets is not for the faint of heart.

Ponca City to Rose, Oklahoma

I have entered a new phase in my gypsy travels. After a chance meeting with a wonderful man named Al, we’ve decided to travel the country together, along with a very mild mannered tortoise shell cat named Chloe. Heili has decided to spend the rest of her high school years living with her grandfather and my youngest sister. We’ll be sure to return every school holiday to, hopefully, take her on short trips.


Our home is a 1983 MCI Crusader II bus that we are in the process of refurbishing. The kitchen is completed for the most part with the exception of decorative touches. We have a smaller apartment sized fridge, a four burner stove top and a wall oven with broiler. The most convenient thing about our kitchen is a deep stainless double sink. The bedroom and living room is a work in progress, as well as the shower area. For the time being, Al does all the driving; an arrangement that we both find convenient.

Our first trip together began in Ponca City, Oklahoma, which is mostly a stomping ground for Phillips-Conoco refinery employees and several Indian casinos. We spent one night at the 7 Clans Paradise Casino, in Red Rock, where a sign up for their casino club card netted us $10 in free play each. After an hour or so on the penny slots, we walked out with a little over $30. We parked our bus at their RV facilities and hooked up electric for free. Our plan was to stay only one night, although our understanding was any further nights would be $10 each; still a great price.

The end of October fall colors here in Oklahoma are just beautiful. Sumacs are already brilliant ruby red; the maples are a combination of yellow, orange and red; and the variety of oaks provide just as many color variations. Our route took us down Oklahoma’s state highway 177 to 64, and then across 412 where we stopped off at my dad’s house until November 1st. We decided to stick to state roads rather than cope with the traffic of the turnpikes and freeways. The country side is a combination of farmland, forest, and a few sleepy little towns, with the exception of Tulsa, which is a major metropolis. The bright sun warmed the cooler fall weather and reflected brightly off the myriad of small lakes and ponds along our route.

I am rapidly learning that the world of full-timers and especially those who travel in converted buses is a world of friend folk. Wherever two or more end up parked near each other, there will be visits between. The morning we pulled out from the casino, a gentleman who had worked on buses came over just to learn about ours and take a look; like I said a very friendly group. I look forward to many trips with my new companions.

Less Traveled Roads

I haven't been out and about lately, and thought it might be fun to talk about some of the roads out there that are much less traveled. Not the ones that lead to cool, but out of the way places; these roads lead to people's homes and farms. Here in Northeast Oklahoma it's not hard to find a dirt road. They seem to be about everywhere I look, and they all lead somewhere. One leads to my dad's house, where I live now.

Lately, with all the rain we've been having, my son and I have been taking the truck mud bogging. There isn't really a lot of choice. Oklahoma has what they call "low water bridges". They consist of concrete slabs poured across a section of a stream. The stream flows over the slab, and you get to drive through the water. If you're like my son, with a slightly devious side, you suddenly gun the engine so you can see how far the water will spray up the sides of the truck; especially if your mom or sister have their elbow hanging out the window.

There are roads that we have to be careful of and not drive across until after the water has gone down quite a bit. It may not look like a lot of water going across the road, however, if you look at those areas during dry weather and see how far down that creek bed really is, you'd definitely think twice about chancing one.

One benefit of all this water where I live is not having to worry about watering any type of fall garden. I have a mum and a small pansy that I've been trying for some time to get planted in the ground. The water just hasn't cooperated with me in getting the flower bed revamped before I plant them. They seem to be very happy in their pots, though. I have them sitting on a lawn table and haven't really touched them. With the rain they stay watered, and Northeast Oklahoma's temperate fall weather there's little worry of a hard frost.

Being virtually homebound has been very hard on my gypsy spirit, but I wait for better weather and the funds to continue my travels. And, console myself with the my son's mud bogging in the four wheel drive.

A Feline in Flight

The first leg of our journey home is in progress as I write this. We are airborne on our way to Houston, TX on our way to Tulsa, OK, where my youngest sister will pick us up for the final drive homes. Thankfully, thus far our trip has been pretty uneventful. That’s really saying something since we are taking this trip with my youngest daughter’s cat, Crissy. An interesting affair taking a pet on a plane...
First of all, you have to make reservations for the pet. They have to coincide with your own, of course. Most airlines require the pet to be vaccinated, and have proof of current vaccinations. Although it varies from airline to airline, ours charged $75 just for the cat. This doesn’t entitle her to a seat, mind you. She’s considered part of our carryon luggage. I’m sure if Crissy understood that fact, she would be quite insulted. Cats are peculiar that way, you know. Most every cat I’ve met believes it is descended from royalty and expects treatment accordingly.
The only part of our trip that we were a little iffy on was going through security checks. Crissy had to be removed from her pet carrier and hand carried through the scanners. Thank heavens she decided she kind of liked being carried instead of going with her carrier through the x-ray machine. Crissy is really a very opinionated cat, and when she doesn’t like something, she’s not averse to letting everyone around her knowing it. Crissy doesn’t yowl incessantly; in fact her mew is just that, a very quiet mew you have to be listening very intently to hear. However she has claws and teeth and she’s not afraid to use them if she believes you’re not paying the proper type of attention to her.
Her favorite people are my two youngest kids. She’s decided she likes cuddles and scratches around her ears, petting and strokes down her back from either one. Just don’t touch her tummy. Unlike a dog, Crissy DOES NOT think that’s appropriate for someone of her royal heritage. Now you can’t prove that royal heritage by me. Crissy was the kitten of feral cat that one of the other campers in our campground in Lewes, DE, had adopted. My daughter decided the long-haired little fur ball needed to come home with us even though she’s highly allergic. Go figure. I guess since I don’t really believe Crissy is royalty, she’s responded with a definite attitude towards me. Unless I have a treat in my hand or something else she thinks she wants, I know better than to let her claws or teeth near me.
Oh yes, the little princess is assuredly spoiled. She’s allowed up on the couch, has her very own scratching post, and we even leave the shades part way up for her at night in case she wants to look out. In our new home, my youngest sister is already working on an outside pen to attach to one window of the bedroom, so Crissy will be able to explore the outdoor portion of her new world safely. It will be large enough to put a tree branch in for her to climb and sharpen her claws on. The things we do for the little fur balls in our lives. When I come to think of it though, where would some of us be without our pets. They provide a little something that many of us need. I guess that’s why my daughter puts up with her allergies, and I put up with an occasional scratch. And, I shelled out an additional $75 to bring one very spoiled, temperamental feline all the way from Delaware to Oklahoma.

A New Home Base

Well, the gypsy in me has decided that the time has come to leave Delaware and find a new home base. Our next posting will come from Northeastern Oklahoma, near the tiny town of Rose. My youngest two and myself will be arriving there sometime after the middle of September. We've got a few things to still take care of here and loose ends to tie up. A yard sale to get rid of accumulated items that we don't really need and packing up those few items that we never part with.
I'm actually very excited even though we've been to that area of Oklahoma many times, and I was born there. It's time to get closer to my parents who are now in their eighties and won't be with us much longer.
A home base is nice to have, but I will probably never quite be able to completely cure my itchy foot to see what's out there. At this point, I have no desire to do so.
Until we meet again....

Preparing for Our Next Outing

I haven't really been traveling a lot lately. We've been helping the in-laws pack and load trucks for their move to Florida and before that assisting with a three day yard sale to help get rid of 40 some odd years of collections in one home. We do have plans in the works, though, that I'm very excited about.

Sunday, August 9 is Big Thursday in Bowers Beach, Delaware. In additions to yard sales, a parade, and other events, there will be craft and food vendors. The reason for my excitement is my sweetie and I will be joining the craft vendors for the first time since we've been together. Bill makes gorgeous wooden bowls, vases, puzzles, names, etc. My 14 year old daughter creates beaded jewelry that will appeal to the younger market - something she is an expert at, and I have semi precious stone and wire sculptures, jewelry, and maybe some of my paintings.

I'll have to add another entry to my blog once the day is completed to let you know how things went, post pictures of the event, and tell you all about Bowers Beach. Or, better yet, you could just join us if you're in the neighborhood.

Delaware City Days 2009

Saturday, July 18, we enjoyed an interesting afternoon at Delaware City Days. Vendors of crafts and foods along with music, and local stores created an atmosphere of relaxing fun. The few townspeople that hadn't come down to the gathering of craftspeople and food vendors could be seen in lawn chairs along the streets waiting for the fireworks to begin. Other townsfolk had joined in by holding yard sales.
The most interesting display was that of the Buffalo Soldiers. Calvary uniforms, arms, and writings brought history to life. My son spent a great amount of time discussing the various guns and their attributes with the gentleman on duty.
Vendors hawked their wares of handcrafted jewelry, carved wood jewelry boxes, beautiful glass creations, hand crochet shawls, and more. We didn't succumb to the smells of the cholesterol laden foods, but it was a definite temptation. Aromas assailed of crab cake, catfish, french fries, chicken, hot dogs, and burgers. Even the local bar and grills had thrown their doors wide. Dieting was not something you wanted to be doing while walking around the park. There was, however, free bottles of water being handed out, of which we were grateful, for the day was considerably warm.
The tide was out along the canal, and we stopped along the boardwalk for a moment to watch the attempts of several poor souls to remove their motorboat from a sandbar. We could have told them the best thing to do was to wait for the tide to turn, but didn't think they would hear us among the helpful calls of onlookers.
The festivities had an air of hometown fairs. As crowds go, this one wasn't so bad as to set me fleeing in the other direction. A country girl at heart, I have an aversion to being among so many people I don't feel I can breathe.
The evening was capped by a fireworks display that I'm sorry to say we ended up missing. We had come home to catch a bite to eat, and were much to tired to head back for the show. Ah well, maybe next year.

Off to Oklahoma

Thanksgiving 2008, my sweetie and I, along with my youngest daughter, took a trip to Arkansas and Oklahoma. Our first destination was Diamond City, AR. The actual reason for the trip was to have a new custom transmission installed in the pickup. Of course, mixing business with pleasure is always okay with me.

Diamond City is located on the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. Fall 2008 wasn't a real good year for the lake, since unusual high spring and summer rains had raised the water levels so high the lake had been unusable the entire season. The campground had been completely submerged, and was in need of major repair. You can see the high water line on the bluffs in the picture.

A small town, Diamond City boasts a couple of motels, one restaurant that is open in the afternoon, and one resort that will serve a limited menu from early morning until around 9pm. The people were extremely friendly, and our three day stay was very enjoyable.

Thanksgiving dinner was spent with my dad in Rose, OK. It was kind of a bittersweet visit. I always enjoy seeing my dad, but this time it was very evident that he is aging. I guess we really don't notice that we're getting older ourselves until we see our parents do so. Always a very active man, it was hard to see him having trouble just getting out of his chair. I am very grateful my youngest sister lives right next door and is available to help him out.

The trip home was rather rushed since my sweetie was along. He tends to want to get home quickly, whereas I am the kind to take the side roads and see the sights along the way. I'll get him trained yet.

Lancaster County, PA - Short and Sweet

My boyfriend surprised me for my birthday this year with a camping trip to Lancaster County, PA. This has to be one of my favorite short trips ever. Not only is the countryside quaint and beautiful, the greatest smorgasborg ever can be had for a very reasonable amount. Shady Maple has every Pennsylvania Dutch dish you could ever dream of. They vary a featured item or two each day, but it's always delicious. A word of warning - you're going to overeat, so be prepared to take a nice rest afterwards.

The rolling countryside is filled with cornfields, tobacco, soybeans, potatoes, and plenty of roadside stands. You can get fresh eggs, milk, homemade ice cream, whatever vegetables are in season, and hand crafts from the Amish and Mennonites in the area.

We stayed at a great little campground perched on a hillside. We had a terrific view of farms and fields. My son took several pictures for me to use as inspiration for paintings at some time in the future. The trip was over too soon, but well worth the short time we got to spend away from home.

Crossing the Country

I don't remember a time when my family wasn't packing up and leaving for a new home somewhere. As early as the age of 3, I've seen pictures of three of my sisters and I sitting on the hood of a car, ready to go. Most of the travels in my childhood were between Oklahoma and Wyoming. Now that I'm an adult my travels have been much more extensive.

I love the open road and being able to go where I want when I want. Spontaneity is the rule rather than the exception.

A favorite trip was taken about two years ago. My youngest daughter and I left Wilmington, DE for Big Pine, CA, with one stop in Rose, OK to pick up my younger son. The first part of the trip was pretty uneventful with the exception of crossing the Mississippi River at near flood stage. As far as I was concerned, the river was wide enough at normal conditions. Overflowing it's banks, even though it didn't come near the height of the bridge, was an experience for me. We hit a rain storm just as we cleared the bridge and I wondered who had decided to unend all the buckets at once. I finally gave up trying to drive through it in West Memphis and got a motel room.

The next day dawned bright and clear, and my daughter and I continued on to my dad's house in Oklahoma. After a short visit with him and my younger sister, we added my son and his suitcase to the pickup and continued on our way. We had been travel Interstate 40 for the most part, but had left it to pick up my son. Now we made our way toward Tulsa, OK and the Turner Turnpike to rejoin the Interstate for the majority of our trip.

If you've never traveled I-40 through Oklahoma, you should experience it. I'm not sure what causes it, but you get a rythmic thu-thump, thu-thump the entire way. You actually tell when you cross over into Texas or Arkansas because the tires will cease their thumping noise. If you are prone to headaches, I recommend a dose of ibuprofen before attempting the drive. The scenery for me is normally worth the drive, but this was January and the green just hadn't appeared yet.

Winter, spring, summer, or fall, there just isn't anything I can say great or interesting about the panhandle of Texas. I can say that it's not a true representation of the rest of Texas. You get to pass through Amarillo, which I seriously doubt has changed all that much from the days of the cattle drives. It's still a cowtown and it was night. Not a lot to see other than trucks and truck stops.

I think my favorite two states to drive through are New Mexico and Arizona. New Mexico has wonderful red cliffs as you enter the state which are decorated with animals and paintings. There is also multiple gift shops along the interstate where you can find authentic crafts from the locals. You may have to dig through the normal "made in China" stuff, but some great beading can be had, as well as some leather and bone work.

Arizona's gem, in my mind is the Petrified Forest. It cost us $20 to go through but was well worth it to see the enormous tree trunks. The gift shop at the south end is fun to go through even as a museum. An enormous geode with amethyst inside decorates the entryway, as well as polished pertrified wood.

It took us a couple of days from Oklahoma to reach our destination. We got to visit with my three grandchildren before having to return home again. All in all, a great trip for the gypsy that lives in my soul.