Rest Well. . .

 

Earlier this year (during tornado season) I stayed at a hotel in Boise City, Oklahoma.  I was looking for the phone book and opened the nightstand drawer by the bed.  When I did, I found the phone book located right next to the Holy Bible.  It's cover boasted of an impressive tornado that had touched down on May 31, 2010 in Boise City. I'm not sure if it was just a convenient place for the cleaning staff to stash the two books in that drawer together or if it was a ploy to encourage guests to seek God!  If I was not an Oklahoman or was not familiar with tornados I think that this might have encouraged me to reach for that Good Book!  

Dead Peoples Stuff

 

Very intriguing and captivating store name in Oklahoma City. You know. . .it is the reality of antique stores.  You ARE shopping and looking at items from those who have gone on before you.  It just sort of puts it all in perspective when it's called out in this manner.  I took this picture in 2011. Not too long ago, I went back by this store and the top part of the sign was there but the bottom part was gone.  Very happy that I got this before it was removed or came down on it's own.   It's not everyday that you see this blatant type of advertising.  I kind of like it. 

Where the Buffalo Roam . . .

Another day at work in Oklahoma.  I love it!

 

Old Things

 

On the west side of Cherokee, in northwest Oklahoma, sits this old thing.  As I studied it's parts and pieces I was reminded of the words that Clay Harrison penned in his poem, Old Things.  "Old things are more beautiful than many things brand new because they bring fond memories of things we used to do. . . . . "

John Deere Green

Did you know that John Deere was raised by his mother, Sarah Deere who was a single mother in Vermont?  Her husband, William Deere, boarded a ship for England in 1808, hoping to claim an inheritance that would improve the lives of his family but was never heard from again.  It is assumed that he died at sea leaving Sarah a window.  John's mother made a meager income and his education was rudimentary.  He was limited to common schools but at the age of 17, he apprenticed himself and learned the trade of blacksmithing.  In 1836, he moved his family to Illinois and in 1837, he build his first plow using a broken saw blade.  The rest, as they say, is history.  This John Deere hay tractor was built by the Brown's, at the Brown Ranch Hay Maze, a couple of years ago near Ardmore. Very cool!     

The Wind That is All Things

The Wind That is All Things

In the wind that is all things
Everything you can taste
And touch
And hear
And smell,
The salt sweeps horizontally
Across the lunar landscape
Of western Oklahoma.

And there is beauty here,
Where selenite crystals jut from sand,
Exposed by the ceaseless wind
And the ceaseless search
For treasure that brought me
To you and us to this place.

–Shaun Perkins

In Alfalfa County, just north of Jet, is the Great Salt Plains Lake and the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge.  If you have never visited here it is almost eerie.  Traditional northwestern Oklahoma pasture land stops and abruptly merges into a truly lunar feeling salt flat.  It is strange.  A drastic landscape transition.  It is quiet and white.  Just another reason why Oklahoma is my favorite place.  We have so many ecological regions and diversity.  The Great Salt Plains have gypsum concentrations high enough to grow selenite crystals.  These crystals have an hourglass-shaped sand inclusion that is not known to occur in selenite crystals found anywhere else in the world.  Because of this, many people travel here to dig for them. The wind does certainly blow here and as you stand out on the sand, for just a moment, it does become all things.          

Whatever Powers Your Saucer!

This is, by far, one of the strangest things I have seen while driving around Oklahoma!  This picture (which is not very good because I hated to get any closer) was taken in early summer.  At first, I was thinking that this was set up for some type of Halloween party or something.  But since it wasn't even close to October, and it was set up for a period of time, I think that maybe it's just their lawn decoration. . . . . . Whatever floats your boat or powers your saucer!  

Bamboo Satori - A Must See in Oklahoma!

Satori is a Japanese Buddist term for awakening, comprehension or understanding.  It is commonly translated as enlightenment.  This is not something I would have know without doing a little research!  After visiting the Bamboo Satori in Guthrie, I can definitely say that this Oklahoma Bamboo garden definitely provided me with a new understanding as well as an appreciation for this amazing plant.  Over 35 varieties of Bamboo are present in the garden each very different in color, foliage and growth patterns.  The owner of the garden said that during the growing season this plant grows very rapidly.  Bamboo can grow up to 50 feet in one season and sometimes, if it is really quiet at night, you can actually hear it grow - it makes a moaning sound.  Awesome!  The Bamboo Satori, appropriately named, is a "must see"!   

Greasy Cheeseburgers

Not sure if they even have a restaurant, but if I were looking for a good cheeseburger I think this is the Oklahoma town I would start in! 

Minnows and Goldfish

I've always had a secret dream to one day own a bait and tackle shop.  Maybe it was because when I was a kid my Grandma lived on a Lake here in Oklahoma and I always loved it when my Dad would take us to buy bait.  I was always fascinated to see the oddities of tanks that the bait was housed in, the hoses strung out to keep fresh water coming, the old refrigerators and all the unusual things that was sold as bait.  You know things like gizzards, crawdads, worms, crickets, stink bait and of coarse crappie jigs.  One day, one of the old gas stations where we bought bait lost part of it's deli sign out front and all that was left was the word, "HOT".  Right underneath it was a smaller sign that said, "Crappie Jigs".  While we were standing there a lady came in and asked the attendant how much their "Hot Crappie Jigs" were.  I thought my Dad and I were gonna crack up!  Yep, if I owned a bait shop I think I would paint old signs just like this one and laugh at seeing what type of fisherman used minnows and what type used goldfish! 

Small, Available Things

I love Hummingbirds!  I just can't get enough of watching them.  We are very fortunate in Oklahoma that we are in their migratory flight pattern so we have the opportunity to see a lot of them during the summer months.  When I look at them I am reminded of how delicate and yet resilient their lives are - our lives are.  I am also amazed at how many places they can find a little sip of nectar to keep them going.  It reminds me of one of the verses in Mary Oliver's poem entitled Summer Story, “When the Hummingbird sinks its face into the trumpet vine, into the funnels of the blossoms and the tongue leaps out and throbs, I am scorched to realize once again how many small, available things are in this world that aren’t pieces of gold or power that nobody owns. . .”

Pondering the Pumps

Pondering the Pumps . . . When these pumps were set outside of the, now abandoned, W.S. Kelly gas station and general store in Cogar, no one would have ever thought that in 1988, they would be featured in a scene in the the movie, "Rain Man" and words like unleaded, ethanol and high octane gasoline were not common place. Gas was only distinguished by its color. Red gasoline was used in automobiles and green gasoline (on which you didn't have to pay taxes) was used for agricultural and industrial use. In Oklahoma, in about 1958, gas prices had reached the unheard of price of .35 cents per gallon. Today, the Oklahoma average is $3.48 per gallon. Since 2008, the big red APCO Petroleum Products sign has come down from in front of this station but the pumps are still standing and they still reflect the prices from an earlier and less complicated day. Sometimes, I stop for a second just to look at them and ponder as I drive away.

Best Just Sitting Out in a Pasture

I just can't get enough of these old trucks!  Whenever I see one I just have to stop and take it's picture.  They always have so much to say.  They talk about the good old days when families acted like families and when the cost of gas didn't take you to the poor house.  They represent hard work and the hope and possibilities that come with progress and innovation. They are sturdy, lasting and yet colorful.  They are always neat to look at when you go to a car show but I like them best just sitting out in a pasture.

Peace Eagles

The Turkey Vulture is one of the most amazing and beneficial birds in the world. We are very fortunate that they are so abundant throughout Oklahoma. These birds can be seen perched on old buildings or barns but spend much of their day soaring in the sky looking for food. Unlike most birds they rarely flap their wings.  They are such skilled gliders that they can stay in the air for more than six hours. They are an extremely important part of our ecosystem because they clean up the flesh of decaying animals.  The Cherokee Nation calls these birds "Peace Eagles" because unlike other birds of prey they do not kill.  They are actually quite magnificent when you get to see them this close up - Oh and a little ugly!!

Never Approach A Bull From the Front

Never Approach a Bull from the Front, A Horse from the Rear or a Fool from Any Direction!

HONEY-dos

My husband was out doing some HONEY-dos and heard the hum of this swarm of bees.  It stayed around for a few days and them moved on.  One of the days that it was here it was cold enough that I was able to walk right up to it and take pictures!  Pretty neat huh?

Must be the World's BEST Festival!!!

As most of you know, one of my most favorite things in the whole world is my rooster Stephen!  I have had chickens for many years and never had I had a boss like him! 

He LOVES to be held and he comes running when you call him just like a dog would!  

He takes care of all of his "girls" and makes sure that he doesn't go to bed at night until they are all nicely tucked into the coop.  

When I saw this banner for the Rooster Days Festival in Broken Arrow I was sure that it must be the world's BEST festival!!

"The bird war, the bird attack, plague - call it what you like." Mitch Brenner

For fans of the movie The Birds here's a little trivia for you!  Alfred Hitchcock saw Tippi Hedren in a 1962, commercial that was aired during the Today show and put her under contract. In the commercial for a diet drink, she is seen walking down a street and a man whistles at her slim, attractive figure, and she turns her head with an acknowledging smile. In the opening scene of the film, the same thing happens as she walks toward the bird shop. This was an inside joke by Hitchcock.  I couldn't help but think of the movie when I saw this massive flock of birds on an Oklahoma roadside.

Excuse the Pipe!

This is one of the more unusual things that I have ever seen while driving around Oklahoma!  You can tell by the tree in the background that it is quite large and obviously it took a lot of work to put together.  It's big, it's funny, it's kinda weird, but artsy and I almost didn't show it to you because you need to excuse the pipe! 

This Kind of Beauty Will Make You Stop!

When you're driving down the road and see this kind of beauty your only choice is to stop and appreciate it. 

The Sun is Slowly Fading in the Western Sky

John Denver said it best, "The sun is slowly fading in the western sky, sometimes it takes forever for the day to end - sometimes it takes a lifetime, sometimes I think I'll never see the sun again."

This is one of those moments when I just thank God for allowing me to see all of the pasture land that I see. I glanced out my window to the west and saw this amazing sunset. I appreciate the hard-working Oklahoma ag producers who keep us all grounded.

Husband Day Care Center

This is a sign that literally made me turn around and go back to read it again!   Somebody in Oklahoma has a big 'ole sense of humor!

Moustache Mania

Hysterical!  According to the owner of this vehicle you can buy these car moustaches in a lot of different colors!  Love Oklahomans with a sense of humor!!!

Binger and Johnny Bench

Binger is the home of Johnny Bench - my favorite baseball player!  If you are a fan you must take a drive through the town and take a few pictures of the signs and stop in at the Johnny Bench Museum.  They have lots of memorabilia and items that a true fan would want to see.  Right after the 1976 World Series, Manager Sparky Anderson uttered this most famous quote ever spoken about Johnny:  "Don't ever embarrass anybody by trying to compare them to Johnny Bench."  I agree! 

Dug Out but Dug In

I am always amazed when I see the old dug outs that are still in existence.  This one is located on the Shattuck Windmill Museum grounds.  These little structures were, often times the homes to large families.  When you walk in them you wonder how in the world could a couple raise so many children in there with so little material possessions. Guess they knew something that today many of us have lost - the art of how to dig into being thankful and content with what you have!

Taking Care of Business

When you see this you can't help but appreciate our Ag folks who are out taking care of business!

Standing the Test of Time

Just can't resist stopping to look at these old, leaning houses!  Looks like the next Oklahoma wind could barely blow and bring it down but it still continues to stand the test of time.  So neat!

Once Upon A Time in the West

If you travel out west to Cheyenne, Oklahoma you will be able to see this fence adorned with boots at the the Croton Creek Ranch.  The ranch has been around for a long time and is always one of my favorite places to see!  It reminds me that once upon a time in the West life really was about working hard and carving out your spot in this ol' world.

Born 2 Farm

Oklahoma and pickup trucks just go together.  In some places they may be a status symbol, a novelty or a fashion item but here they are a necessity!  This truck owner is proudly displaying his John Deere green with a message that many of us embrace.    

Pee and Win

I LOVE it when I'm out driving and I see a funny sign.  When I saw this sign I cracked up!  Obviously, the "L" fell off of their sign! 

Remembering Railroads

In the town of Carmen sits this very neat old train car in front of the train station.  I love the colors and the memories that it represents. 

The Real Thing

In the little town of Olustee, you can see this very cool Coke mural.  Love these painted advertisements! 

Prairie Dogs Just After Sunrise

In the front lawn of the Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton, is a huge prairie dog city.  Even though the temperatures are below freezing if you are patient and have a good zoom lens you can see these little critters stirring about shortly after sunrise.  They are entertaining but quick to scurry down in a hole if you get too close.  Fun to watch outside your car window!   

The Mother Road Rolls On. . . .

I LOVE Rt. 66!  Having owned a small business that sat right off of it for several years I have been blessed to be able to learn some of it's history and meet lots of people who are traveling it.  For the 75th anniversary of the Mother Road two of my friends and I walked 20 miles on it in one day!  I love to see the classic cars that are driven on it while people reminiscence and it's sometimes sad to pass the remains of businesses that faded away when I-40 became the more frequently traveled road.  We have a lot of Rt. 66 still in Oklahoma and if you have time you should map out a day and try to follow it for a while!  I know that anytime I'm driving and I get to be on Rt. 66 I LOVE it! 

Dinosaurs and Dreary Days

We are so desperate for rain in Oklahoma that driving in it today wasn't even frustrating.  It was a dreary, wet, 51 degree, January day but I cracked my window for a while just so I could smell the rain.  The patches of fog almost felt like a security blanket reminding me what moisture felt like.  I topped a hill, glanced to my right and saw this guy in the pasture.  WOW!  Now that some dinosaur creativity!  Oklahomans are awesome!  

WHATEVER IT TAKES ! ! !

I want to drive this rooster El Camino SO bad that I can't stand it!!!!!  Every time that I pass it I just want to go cruisin' in it and listen to the Cluck of the Bells!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsqx2fwDGrM 

Goin' Nowhere

Nowhere, Oklahoma is just southeast of Ft. Cobb Lake in Caddo County and is a one gas pump, hunter check-in, sorta place.  It represents all of the things that I love about Oklahoma and small town living all rolled up into one tiny little convenience store with a gravel driveway.  Nowhere is truly a destination in a sense and somewhere that everyone should go at least once.  I guess if you're a cup-is-half-full kinda person you could say I'm Now here! 

Canadian Geese at Ft. Cobb

The Canadian Geese at Fort Cob lake are beautiful!  I know that they are a pain and most people don't like to have them around but watching them fly over the lake is spectacular sight! At this time of year there are literally thousands of them there and if the weather is nice you can take a walk around the lake and take lots of pictures! 

Pink Pigs and Propane

LOVE this!  In northwestern Oklahoma the pink pig propane tank lives!  Someone put a lot of effort into making this and it was well worth it!  If this doesn't make you happy while your out driving nothing will!