Red, White and Blue, Blue, Blue and Leaning to the Left

Okay, if you don't think that November 4th was one of the greatest days in American history -- or if you still have your W sticker on your car, skip this post entirely. I rarely get partisan on this site but I'm about to, so be warned.

On my recent trip to Brenham, one of the stops on the schedule was at the George Herbert Walker Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Let's see, which would I rather do -- go there or have root canal? Well, I didn't have a choice. So I went and I behaved -- mostly.

I did almost lose it when I saw the sign forbidding photography in the replica Oval Office. I went to the visitors' desk and asked about permission and was sent to the front desk to a young man who was about as interested in my problem as I was in the museum. I explained that I was with the group of writers and usually we were allowed to photograph whatever we wanted. He said he was pretty sure I couldn't. I asked for the p.r. person and he told me he/she had just left. He added that in the two years he'd been there, they'd never made an exception that he knew of. Which just shows what he knows!

I have to insert here that for only $9, the docent would take my picture in the Oval Office, so there was a profit motive going on -- exactly like getting your picture with Air Force One at the Reagan Museum.

I went back to the group, my feathers as ruffled as any righteously indignant hen, and was passing on the news when the museum director walked by. We grabbed him and asked him -- and got permission.

I had Teddy, my SATW traveling teddy, with me and I took lots of pictures to send back to Mrs. Kysar's class. And, trust me, Teddy will be respectful when he blogs about the visit.

On the way out. someone asked me how I enjoyed the museum. We try not to talk politics on press trips -- but usually you know where people stand. (Oh, yeah, "liberal" media, I hear some of my r.w. friends saying -- I prefer to think of it as "educated and intelligent" media. )

I ducked the question but replied that Teddy enjoyed it a lot and went on to describe all the places Teddy had his picture taken -- sitting on GHWB's knee (okay, it was just a statue), in front of the White House play house, reading a book in the children's library, in front of a piece of the Berlin Wall. A voice from the back of the group intoned, "Tonight we must burn Teddy!"

I thought it was pretty funny. Almost as funny as the group member who wore an Obama 08 ball cap and put it on the GHWB statue for a photo!

I really don't dislike President Bush -- he served his country well in many ways. I just wish he and Barbara had been more careful with their birth control!

Bluebonnet Bounty

I just got back from a marvelous trip to Brenham, Texas, one of the country's coolest towns. It's charming, laid-back, off-the-beaten-track and altogether nifty. And this time of year, surrounded by fields of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, evening primroses and wild verbena.

We did a lot of neat things -- and I'll be blogging more about them in the future -- but maybe my favorite was driving the backroads and taking photos.

The only thing I could have asked for was a blue sky. It was mostly overcast -- with an absolute downpour last night. But they really need the rain there so I won't complain too much. I hope you enjoy the photos.

This photo was taken right before an old lady drove up and told us to get off her private road! Our guide from the CVB, Lu, apologized to us and made soothing noises about how she might have had bad experiences with people coming on her property, etc. Frankly, I think she was just a cranky old lady whose clip on earrings pinched and furthermore, I'm pretty sure she's not a native Texan because they are unfailingly friendly and hospitable.

One-armed Paper Hanger

Accckkkkk!!!!!! I am having a terrible time finding time to blog! I have great intentions but this book project is eating my lunch. I spent three days in Tulsa this week -- more checking out restaurants (still lost a pound this week, YEA ME!), hotels, shops, you name it. I did manage to get to the zoo and took Teddy, the SATW traveling bear with me. Teddy managed to blog to Mrs. Kysar's classroom. So if you want to keep up with me, check Teddietravel.blogspot.com. I'm leaving in the morning for five days in Texas. I can't really afford the time, but I made the commitment before I got the book deal. Hopefully, I'll catch up with you a bit when I get back. I'm looking forward to seeing the bluebonnets.

Taste of Tulsa

One of the nights I spent in Tulsa I stayed at the Hotel Ambassador -- a renovated beauty, now Tulsa's premier boutique hotel. And I'd put it up against ANY hotel in Tulsa. It's one of my all-time faves. It's also home to the Chalkboard Restaurant, a bijou of a bistro. As I've mentioned, I'm a Weight Watcher and checking out the eateries in T-Town is tough. I've eaten at the Chalkboard in the past -- even tried its signature Beef Wellington -- so, knowing it's excellent, I thought I could get by with just an appetizer and a salad. I figured without Manager Tracy and Chef Paul. They brought me an extra appetizer and two desserts! There were four young women at the next table and I brazenly barged in and asked if they'd like to try some of the goodies. (I tried to be kind of sneaky -- I didn't want Tracy and Paul to think I didn't appreciate their consideration. I got caught but they were cool with it.) And I did taste some of everything. I ate one of the two crabcakes I'd ordered and I knew after I finished the first that if I didn't do something drastic, the second one was going to follow the first. The other appetizer was a giant sea scallop on a bed of marinated lentils, garnished with a bit of seaweed salad. The desserts were a bread pudding with white chocolate sauce and strawberries and an apricot mocha cake. Be careful when you look at the pictures. I think you can gain weight just from looking at them!

Deco-rave

I'm learning so much about Tulsa and meeting so many nice people! I spent some time with Alice Froeschle, owner of Bandana Tours, the other afternoon. She gave me a taste of her Art Deco walking tour (plus an extra favorite off the beaten path). Tulsa is noted for a wealth of Art Deco buildings and I saw several amazing examples. First she took me by the 1934 Fire Alarm Building. A Frederick Kershner design, the building has a Mayan Temple theme with an iconic combination of mythic and industrial motifs. This is the place where all the fire alarms in Tulsa were reported -- a state of the art system at the time. A Greek-god-type figure holds alarm tape. Now cut of from the downtown area by Highway 75, the building stands,renovated but out of the limelight it deserves.


It's hard to pick a favorite building, but the Boston Avenue Methodist Church has got to be close to the top. Designed by Adah Robinson who founded the art program at the University of Tulsa, its soaring tower punctuates the SoBo (South Boston) landscape. The stained glass windows are as delicate as dragonfly wings and everything directs visitors toward heaven.

Waite Phillips twin downtown towers, the Philtower and the Philcade, are also of prime importance. The Philtower was built first and while it has definite deco touches, it tends to Gothic extravagance. Notice the elaborate fan vaulting.

The Philcade glows like a Midas treasure. The ceiling of the ground floor arcade is covered with gold leaf.

We stuck our heads in the Atlas Building, cut through the Mid-Continent Building and ended with the 320 Boston Building -- originally the National Bank of Tulsa. The first ten floors were built in 1917 but the building was added on to later.


Alice's tours generally cover a larger area; there were several important buildings we didn't see. I simply ran out of time and energy. But, fortunately, I will be back many times and I plan to see lots more of Tulsa's architectural treasures.

Oh my gosh, this guidebook thing is consuming my life!!!! I haven't had time to blog or check anyone else's blog. So here's a quickie. Jack and I made a research trip to Tulsa last Friday and I found a treasure. It's no big secret -- lots of people know this -- but, just in case you, like I, hadn't tried it. Here are directions. Go directly to the Palace Cafe on the northeast corner of Cherry Street (15th) and Peoria. Food -- fantastic. And, best of all, there were some great choices for light and healthy eating. I hate to say that because, in the past, I would shy away from those selections because the usually tasted .... well, light and healthy. I have for the past three months been seriously Weight Watchering. As opposed to the years before when I was casually weight watchering and not losing anything. Now here comes this guidebook project and at least three dozen restaurants to check out and I'm feeling a bit panicked. If they were all like the Palace Cafe, I'd be in like a porch-climber! Can't say enough about presentation, taste, portion -- Chef James Shrader has it all. He also has dishes that will harden your arteries upon reading them on the menu. And I'm sure they taste great. But if you're like me and you enjoy eating out and you don't enjoy feeling deprived -- this is a great place to go. They're open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11 to 2; dinner Tuesday through Saturday, 5 to 10 and Sunday brunch from 9 to 2.

Photo: Shrimp Spring Rolls with Asian slaw

Wild Week

Oh, my, what a week! Deadlines were coming out of my ears -- articles on the OKMozart festival in Bartlesville, the Norbeck Scenic Byway in South Dakota and munching my way through Fredericksburg, Texas. And Monday night, grandson Calvin competed in a speech contest sponsored by the Edmond Rotary Club. Of course I'm biased but I'm also right. He was the best. He'll be competing in the district contest in April. Needless to say his grandfather and I were proud!

Then I got a call from an editor about a guidebook to Tulsa. I'm going to do it but it scares the foo out of me -- more words than I've ever written and of course, it was due yesterday! I'm going to have to learn everything there is to know about Tulsa from the attractions and restaurants to the schools, senior facilities and yoga classes and bus schedules! Recommendations are welcome!

And last night was a great night out for Valentine's Day.

Oh, I forgot. We had a tornado. It clipped the northwest corner of Edmond -- no where near us -- but a sad week for many in the state. The weather was wonderfully warm -- part of the creation of the storm. It's gotten cold again, which I hate, but at least we're safer.

Lemonade award

I really appreciate getting a "Lemonade Award" from Donna at www.gatheratthefarm.blogspot.com! This is supposed to reflect a blog with "attitude and/or gratitude." Now I'm supposed to nominate at least eight blogs I follow for the citrus-y honor. I had a real problem putting the logo on my site -- part of the instructions that came with the award. I tried for days -- even enlisted Jack who, for all his years with IBM and teaching MIS at OU, couldn't do it either. Today I turned the problem over to daughter Zoe in England. She did it in a manner of minutes! I don't know how, so don't ask. She's such a whiz at computers! Anyway, now I have it on here and I'm supposed to list my eight. This is going to take a little time because apparently Donna and I like a lot of the same blogs! So stay tuned, I promise to make my list within the week.

Looking for Adventure?

I was working on my article about Grand View Lodge and called Maury Duval for a few details. He's the one who took us dog sledding. Our rides were short and lots of fun but nothing compared to the trips he plans for people with more time, more money and more of an adventurous streak. He takes groups of up to nine people on combo dog sledding/winter camping treks to what he refers to as "the boundary waters." The excursions start from Ely in far north Minnesota and go up to the Canadian border. "We see wolves, moose, mink, eagles, otters and occasionally the elusive wolverine and we ice-fish for lake trout," he told me. "Our camping equipment is tested to minus 60 degrees so we stay warm. And we have great meals -- some outfitters just take cans of stuff like Dinty Moore stew. We have steak for dinner and" fresh baked biscuits with sausage gravy for breakfast." He suggests that first-timers take a two-day/one night trip to make sure they enjoy it. For others, he'll arrange longer outings. Talk about getting away from it all. This is an opportunity to travel in virgin territory. Sounds like an amazing opportunity. If you're interested, contact Maury Duval, All-American Sleddog Kennels, 218-828-4665.

Frozen Follies

The ice fishing contest was quite and experience -- a lot of fun -- and it makes a great story. It did present some challenges -- like keeping the camera batteries warm enough to work. I took the picture (above) from the scissorlift. My friend Paulette got up in the lift and her camera wouldn't work! What frustration for her. Down below, Clare and Traci kept warm with their amazing snow dance.

Go Granny, Go

In the afternoon, after the dogsledding, we took to a more contemporary mode of transportation -- snowmobiling! I'd never done this before and felt pretty sporty trying out a couple of the machines. A slick little red number caught my eye and I was in love! There are miles and miles of groomed trails around Grand View Lodge. We helmeted up and, after an exploratory loop on the lake, took off. We zoomed along beside the highway, into the woods and over lakes. We started out at a leisurely pace but the macho guys leading the pack soon picked up speed. I had to get brave or lose sight of the machine in front of me. We averaged about 30 mph but, once, across a lake, we got up to 50. I was feeling pretty cocky and figuring I was going to really rack up the granny points with my three grandsons. Alas, pride goeth.... I took a curve too quickly and slid up a snowbank where I sat like the cherry atop an ice cream sundae until one of the guys came up and got my snowmobile back on the trail. It's really tacky to feel better at someone else's misfortune, but I have to say I did experience that awful feeling when I rounded a corner to see three of the men pulling another snowmobile out of a ditch. The rider was unhurt, so maybe I don't feel so bad! We rode between 20 and 30 miles and my thumb was starting to ache from pushing the accelerator -- and I had to pee. Our leader asked if we'd like to make a potty stop or just head home. I girded my bladder and voted for home. It was only about 15 minutes more. When I finally got back to the room and started peeling off the layers, I discovered my thighs felt like ice. I now have another use for the hairdryer!

Going to the Dogs

I can't believe I came home from frozen Minnesota only to hear the weather man say we're about to get a really bad winter storm - freezing rain/sleet mix. And it won't be fun like Minnesota. The dogsledding was a real highlight. We went in shifts - two of us riding on the sled, Maury Duval driving the team of 10 dogs. Maury made the sled himself using white ash. Cindy sat in back and I squished up against her as tight as I could get. With a shout of "hike" we took off on a groomed trail that wandered over the snow-covered golf course. At first the dogs squabbled amongst themselves, more interested in social and anti-social behavior, but they quickly settled down to business. We clipped along at about 12 mph. On one curve, the sled swung wide and we headed for a tree. Maury halted the dogs and Cindy and I clambered out so he could lift the sled out of the snow and back on the trail. We were just about to load back up when the dogs got impatient and took off. Maury grabbed the sled and, pulled off his feet, went skidding down the trail on his side. As he passed Cindy she heard him say, "This is not good!" He finally got the dogs stopped and we loaded up again. We were almost home when we slid around another corner and turned over. I toppled out, head first into the deep snow - getting snow in the eyeholes of my spiderman mask. I had to dig my new camera out of the drift. It survived like the little trouper it is. Maury mumbled something about more weight on the front of the sled making it tougher to turn. Hmmmm, I believe I was the weight on the front of the sled! I wish I knew how to operate the video feature on the camera. I would love to have recorded the sound of the dogs and their eagerness to get to work. They were truly amazing and this was an experience of a lifetime.

Fish Fear Them

"There's a whole ice fishing culture," Larry Stelmach told me as he huddled over a hole in the ice at the 19th Annual Ice Fishing Contest. "Some people think we're crazy. It takes a special kind of person to do this." He's not kidding -- and he's not alone. There were approximately 10000 people on ice-covered Gull Lake. It was -15 when we left the lodge at 10:30. I think it made it up to 0 by afternoon. Fishermen -- and women -- started lining up to have their fish weighed just minutes after the opening cannon. And they kept it up for several hours, hoping for prizes. The big winners are the charities supported by this fab festival and the community which has developed such a great cameraderie in the effort. Was I cold. Yes, but not as much as you might think. Of course, I had on so many layers of clothing that I couldn't bend my arms or legs -- two pairs of wool socks, two pairs of long underwear (one silk, one cotton), blue jeans, insulated pants, a turtleneck topped by a sweatshirt covered by my down coat, insulated gloves and boots, a knit headband over my ears and topped off by my now beloved and much appreciated spiderman mask! What a great day! I still hate cold weather but these Minnesotans know how to party and they don't let a little thing like cold temps slow them down. And they're cute. Lots of lumberjack-looking guys -- towering hunks with lots of facial hair and nice manners. Larry offered me a beer. After my, "No, thanks," he added, "Would you think I was rude if I had one." Are you kidding? What a gentleman. And he took off his glove to shake my hand when I left. I was impressed. But then, a lot of things have impressed me on this trip.

Great White North

I'm looking past the computer monitor at a vista of tall pines and snow. There's a long path, shoveled, lined with lights, leading down to the frozen lake. It's absolutely beautiful and absolutely cold. High today has already been -- 20 -- it's headed down to 2 by this afternoon. The skiers have just left and the first group of dogsledders is out now. I'm waiting my turn. I have on so many layers, I can hardly bend to sit! Are we having fun yet -- yes -- and it's just going to get better!!!!

What Was I Thinking?

It was 6o here today. Tomorrow it's supposed to be 78. And I'm going to Minnesota where the temperature Friday is going to be 5. What's wrong with this picture? Oh, I have all my warm clothes -- two pairs of long underwear, wool socks, insulated pants and gloves, neckscarf and hat. But it occurred to me that my face is going to be hanging out. Margaret Kysar suggested I go to Ace Hardware and get one of those knit thingies -- a hat that comes down over your face but with holes for your eyes and mouth. I've got good news and bad news. Ace had them. That's the good news. The bad news is they only had kids' hats. And I didn't have time to run all over town trying to find a nice grown-up one. So I'm going to Minnesota with an evil Spiderman mask. The good Spiderman hat is red with a black web. The evil one is black with a white web. My ensemble is blue and black. So I will be coordinated. I promise a picture. It should be so amazingly embarrassing that it will be lifted to an iconic level. And I'll bet there'll be a little silent envy by those less sartorially spectacular ..... or less warm.

Cat Lovers Unite

If you love cats, you'll love www.icanhascheezburger.com. The pictures are great and the captions hysterical. And, occasionally, they include other animals. The video of the hedgehog eating a carrot is a hoot. I'm too cold to go in my office and use the computer there - the one with my photos on it. So this will have to do for today!

I've Got Good News and Good News

Congratulations to Kansas City on their listing as one of five international destinations to watch this year! I love Kansas City -- have a great time EVERY time I visit. That's the good news. And now more good news -- this designation came from SmarterTravel.com. I checked this site and found LOTS of good information including a chart of all the airlines "extras" charges. Bookmark this site -- it's a gold mine.

Sad News

My friend and fellow writer, Sharyn Kuneman, died. I wish I had a picture to put with this post. I see her clearly in my mind's eye -- short, strawberry-blond hair and always smiling. Whenever I saw her name on the list of journalists for an upcoming press trip I knew it would be a fun trip. She was a great traveler; never let glitches get her down and she was the first to tell a joke on herself. I remember sitting with her at breakfast in Freeport, Maine, and talking about funny things that had happened to us on trips. One of her stories was about a time she only took one pair of shoes on a trip -- and got them wet. How to dry them fast? Hmmm, how about the microwave. It seemed like a good idea until the microwave melted the glue that held the soles and the uppers together -- and, all of a sudden, she had topless bottoms! I'm glad she shared that -- sounds like something I might try -- like the time I decided to warm my pajamas in the microwave and, not realizing there was a kleenex in the pocket, set them on fire. Sharyn will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

A Puzzling Tradition

Jack and I spent the evening putting together a puzzle given to him as a Christmas present by the 3rd grade class he reads to each week. He'll take the picture to school tomorrow to show the kids. This puzzle was pretty easy. Last year the class gave him one of a red barn in a snowy field in front of a snowy mountain range. We didn't finish that one until spring break! This is supposed to be a travel blog -- but what does a travel writer do on vacation? Stay home!!!!! Hang with me -- I am hitting the road again in two weeks and I'll get back into work mode.

Christmas Is Officially Over

That's not a theological statement, just a physical fact. Jack made me take the tree down today so the recyclers could pick it up and mulch it -- sort of tree reincarnation. I loved the tree. I loved getting up in the gray early mornings and turning on the lights to enjoy their colorful sparkle. Now all that's left of it is a pan of yucky water and piles of needles. Rats!

This Is Just Gross -- And I Love It

The only thing weirder than someone who owns a brain jello mold is the person who bought it for her! I absolutely love weird. I've had this brain mold for a long time. I only used it once but didn't get the jello solid enough and when I unmolded it, the brain ran all over the plate. I happened to mention the mold to my minister's wife. Two of her children were studying the brain in their enrichment classes and she asked to borrow it. She was successful and got major props from the classes when she showed up with edible brain on a plate. I was talking to another friend who shared a new recipe for a raspberry/cranberry molded salad. It included whole berry cranberry sauce, raspberry jello, pineapple, pecans with sour cream mixed in -- a lovely pinky-purple color. You can see where this is going, can't you? My grandkids were duly impressed -- but they refused to eat it. Too bad, it was really good!

Big Day at the Bird Bath

One of the best buys we ever made was a heated bird bath -- it's better than television. Boy, was it busy today. I counted 14 species -- most I could positively identify: chickadee, cardinal, blue jay, robin, tufted titmouse, house finch, goldfinch, wren, hairy woodpecker, bluebird and junco. Three I'm not sure about -- simply my best guess from poring over the bird book: pine siskin, yellow-rumped warbler and hermit thrush. Anybody else seen any of these or are these outlandish guesses? The other day there were five male cardinals in the trees in the back yard -- looked like God had tied bright scarlet Christmas bows on the bare branches. Today I got this picture of the bird bath -- sorry it's a bit blurry. You can enlarge the picture by clicking on it. You can easily see the cardinal and blue bird and robins. There's a goldfinch tucked behind the robins. Happy birding!

Read All about It

Nice article about my son-in-law Simon Forward in todays "Cornishman." I'm so impressed with his writing -- he really works to craft each sentence and puts them together with such wit. I hope my own style is "breezy" and conversational -- not simply sloppy or slapdash -- but I'm humbled in the presence of a REAL writer!

Squirrel Wars

Jack has an on-going battle with the little critters who regularly raid our bird feeders. We have a squirrel guard on the support pole -- it's about four feet above the ground. One of the more adventuresome squirrels climbed a nearby walnut tree with a branch that aaaallllmmmoooossst

hung over the feeder. The squirrel would venture out as far as he could on the flimsy limb then drop three feet to the feeder, hoping to balance on the slender rods. He was pretty successful until Jack went out with the pole saw and trimmed the tree. Then Jack sat in the kitchen with his cup of coffee and laughed as the squirrel went up and down the trunk looking for his branch. The squirrel has had the last laugh because now he backs up and launches himself at the squirrel guard, hoping to land above it. And, as you can see, he's succeeded! Oh well, squirrels need to eat, too, but at least the obstacle course slows them down.

Partnerhood of the Traveling Pants

Caution: No picture accompanies this entry. Viewing such an image could be hazardous to your sense of humor!

I don't know what possessed me -- I HATE COLD WEATHER -- but I've accepted an invitation to go to Minnesota in January. Well, I actually do know what possessed me. I need a great winter story and the pictures of Grand View Lodge plus the list of activities -- dogsledding, sleigh rides, ice fishing, skiing and snow tubing, snowmobiling and an elegant spa for unwinding -- looked irresistible. So I had to break down and find some insulated pants. They arrived just in time for our bitter cold snap and I came home from walking the dog yesterday morning (it was 16) absolutely toasty. Here's the bad news. Pants big enough to go over my butt are made for people 7 feet tall -- I'm just 25 inches short of that. Talk about a roll-up! And here's worse -- Jack wore them when he walked the dog yesterday afternoon. Needless to say, they looked better on him. Here's a visual for you -- if it snows on me when I'm bundled up in my new ski pants and my down coat, I'm going to look like a walking igloo! But I'll be warm.

O Christmas Tree....

I finished decorating my Christmas tree last night -- only two weeks later than usual. I love my tree and thoroughly enjoyed putting on each ornament. It seems it's all about me! The decorations reflect things I love most -- my family and travel.

In the close-up, you can see the Arc de Triomphe, a London bus, a Chinese lantern, an Oklahoma bison, a Lake Charles, Louisiana, alligator (that's the magenta ornament in the top center of the photo, and a Scottish bagpiper. There's also a Simpich cloud baby -- souvenir of a Kappa Kappa Gamma Christmas homes tour in Kansas City - about 40 years ago. You can just barely see a little tin frame (from Laredo, Texas) with a picture of my oldest grandson, Calvin. The other two boys, Austin and Alexander also have framed pictures elsewhere on the tree. There's also a little white paper wreath with a picture of my son Jay - made when he was in pre-school.

The tree is dotted with over a dozen jigsaw wreaths with pictures of family members. They're all my favorites, but I especially love the wreath with my mom and dad. Mom's been gone seven years and dad ten, but they're always in my heart and no Christmas would be complete without sweet memories of Christmases past.

Calgon, Take Me Away

I was shivering at my desk yesterday when I got a cruelty email from Padre Island. It was reminding me that South Padre is a real bargain, warm and where I want to be. Yes, they occasionally have a cool day this time of year but all in all it's a great nesting place for snowbirds. And for birders -- from South Padre over to McAllen are some of the best birding spots in the country. Dolphin tours are popular and New Year's fireworks are a real blast. Check out their web site at http://www.sopadre.com/. In the meantime, I'll just grab another blanket and pretend that freezing my butt off will make me thinner!

The Griswolds Live in Edmond

My six strings of icicles pale in compari-son to the symphon-y of color and sound at this house! The lights and music are on a motion-sensitive switch so they go on when a car drives up. And believe me, plenty are driving up.

Utensils of My Own

I don't drink coffee, so I feel very left out when I visit restaurants where regular customers have their own coffee cups. But now, I've found my spot. Dot Wo, my favorite local Chinese restaurant has offered special chop sticks to regulars. I have my own little paper container that holds them. Since my name isn't actually on the chop sticks but on the container, I don't want to think too hard about exactly how this works. I mean, I don't want to put the dirty chop sticks back into the little envelope. Our server tonight had a bit of difficulty with the language and couldn't answer my question. Fortunately, the manager came and took chop sticks and paper envelope saying she would take the chop sticks to the kitchen and wash and sterilize them and put them back in the container. Aside from the food being good, I feel so special!

Show Me Your Market Share

Well, this just sucks the mean weenie! Son-in-law Simon got comments from the Harper Collins editors who praised his work, Evil Unltd., then explained why they weren't interested. It won't sell. According to them, sci-fi readers don't want humor and humor readers won't read sci-fi. Tell that to Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett. Simon has two more books up on http://www.authonomy.com/ -- Kip Doodle and the Armchair of Lost Dreams for young readers and Tortenschloss. So if you get tired of watching football this weekend, please check in and give him a bit of a read. I like them both but think maybe there's a better chance of Kip Doodle getting published. Don't know how it will do on authonomy -- though it's in the top 20 -- because I don't know how many people check out young adult fiction.

Maintaining Scrapbook Silence

Sorry about the quiet week, but I've had my scrapbooking stuff all over the dining room table for a couple of months -- trying to catch up. Well, I'm having Thanksgiving dinner here next Thursday, so it's crunch time. I have spent the last four days hunched over my photos and have managed to get through 2006! I'm calling it quits now. It will take me another day or two to get all my papers, stickers, cutters, etc. put away but I will succeed!

Getting Wicked in the Wichitas

Weight Watchers was a disaster this morning -- and I know why! Jack, my brother-in-law Dick and I took a road trip to Medicine Park yesterday to check out the Winery of the Wichitas and their wonderful Buffalo Bistro. Wine isn't really my thing -- my first drinks were Mogen David mixed with 7 Up and my palate hasn't progressed much from there -- but food is, and this place is a doozy! Executive chef Anna Banda (a graduate of Chef Kurt Fleishfresser's apprentice program) has taken old favorites and given them a new twist -- meat loaf sliders with caramelized onions, grilled cheese sandwiches made with Gruyere, Swiss and Cheddar. And what she has done to the peanut butter sandwich elevates her to the heights of gourmet goodiness! The dessert, pictured above, called the Vinny (after her husband, who loves it), features peanut butter on walnut-raisin bread, toasted, and topped with honey and caramelized bananas. I thought that sounded awful but, oh my goodness, just a sample bite wouldn't do -- I did real damage! Of course, there are much more figure-friendly items on the menu but as a working journalist, I felt compelled to try the specialties. So, reading public, this pound's for you!

Hallelujah!

I just got home from a choir rehearsal -- Oklahoma Choral Artists has invited the choir from Oklahoma City Centennial High School to join us for one of our Christmas concerts. The kids will be singing "Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light," and "And the Glory" and "Hallelujah Chorus" from "The Messiah" with us. I would be willing to bet that few of these kids had ever heard "The Messiah" let alone sung any of it. We had a joint rehearsal tonight and they're doing a great job learning this difficult music. As we were leaving I watched one of the high school altos skipping down the hall singing bits of the "Hallelujah Chorus." Hallelujah! The concert will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 25th and Western in OKC, Sunday, December 7 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 (available at the door) will proceeds going to Infant Crisis Services -- a worthy cause any time of year, but particularly appropriate for a season celebrating a wondrous birth.
I hope you'll put this on your calendar.

Et Tu, Tuva

Big doin's at the library this morning. As part of their "Our World" series, the Metropolitan Library System presented a concert by Huun Huur Tu Tuvan Throat Singers. Tuva is a small republic squashed between Mongolia and Siberia. Throat singing is an ancient art -- its origins lie in prehistoric religious rituals and communication with spirits. The five singers/instrumentalists sang ancient songs and more contemporary compositions. They began the concert with plucked notes on a stringed instrument. The singing began with a primal growl -- kind of a cross between wind blowing through a great cave and a giant tiger's purr. Throat singers are able to sing two or three tones simultaneously. Above a ground bass-like growl, flute like warblings are produced -- an amazing sound. The musicians were dressed in robes of rich fabric, three in brown tones, two in shades of rose and mauve. One was a rich mahogany with medallians of embroidered gold thread. Over 200 people showed up for the concert -- a number of them had to stand outside the doors. Who says we ain't got culture in Oklahoma?

Missing Period

I just finished a story about Frisco, Texas, and included a paragraph about their cool Dr Pepper Ball Park. I called the team (Frisco RoughRiders) public relations department for some information and not only got what I needed but an offer to check what I'd written for accuracy. Dane Brugler, their p.r. person, gave me an A+ for the paragraph but pointed out that there is no period after Dr in Dr Pepper. Curiosity piqued, I went in search of the missing period. Here's a little history. Dr. Pepper was invented in 1885 by pharmicist Charles Alderton, working in Waco, Texas. I found two stories about the name. The company site, in classic corporate butt-coverage style, prefaces their version with "legend has it..." and says that the drug store owner, a Mr. Morrison, named the drink after the father of a girl he had once loved. The other version also credits Morrison but leaves out the romantic embellishments. Popular in Waco, the soda gained wider acceptance after its appearance at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. In the 1950s, the period was dropped "to improve legibility on bottles." And the admonition to drink it at 10, 2 and 4 came after a 1920 study that stated that a person's blood pressure was lowest at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. All you really need to know about Dr Pepper is that it RULES!!

The Cat's Meow

We've been so lucky with the weather on this press trip! It was cloudy yesterday and we were expecting rain and a cool front. Both graciously arrived while we slept and were out of town before the sun came up. It was bright, cool and clear when we arrived at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, just outside Eureka Springs. This is the largest, open-to-the-public, big cat refuge in the world. Strictly professional, it is one of the very few USDA licensed facilities for large carnivores in the U.S.

One of our first greeters was a very small cat -- an 11-week-old leopard named Spike. Actually, he didn't greet us but let us watch as he explored the front lawn of the facility. We were then introduced to some of the over 100 big cats -- lions, tigers, leopards, mountain lions and bobcats -- who have been rescued by the center. Each has a special story but most of them involve stupid people who think having a tiger (or other big cat) as a pet would be fun. Did you know that there are more big cats in private homes than in the wild? Dumb de dumb dumb! Several of the animals suffer from improper declawing they received as babies; others have other disabilities exacerbated by ignorance. Here, all the animals receive excellent care and even animals who have suffered from their early keeping now live good lives.

You can stay on the property in several different types of accommodations. In two of the rooms, you can look into tiger cages. A tree house provides a cosy room for two with sleeping in a loft. My favorite rooms were tent-like structures in the Safari Camp. Built on a deck, around a fire pit, the five "cabins" are decorated with original artwork and each feature a private deck in back. There's also a large hot tub available. Though farther from the cats, the Safari Camp is often visited by local wildlife -- deer, sometimes coyotes. And all the rooms are serenaded at night by "caroling" lions.

This is a great destination and a great cause. Please check their web site: www.tiger.tc

Journalist's Idea of Hell

We were told yesterday that there would be no TV available last night!!!!! I was already having withdrawal -- no TV at my B and B and I hadn't watched CNN or read a paper since Sunday morning. Most travel writers on press trips are good sports and go with the flow. Not yesterday. The troops were definitely testy. We arrived last night at the Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca, Arkansas. The cabins had TV, but all but one were only working with VHS and DVD. One of the cabins was able to get PBS through a blizzard of snow on the screen. After dinner, some of us gathered in that cabin to watch the little TV with a picture so bad we couldn't read any of the graphics. But it was live; it was happening and we were able to savor history being made. A little after 10 we shared a bottle of champagne. I couldn't imagine living through the long months of the presidential campaign and not watching the election returns come in. It would have been like reading a 1000 page novel only to find the last page torn out!

I woke this morning and walked out on the front porch of my cabin. The sun was just coming up and I could see for miles across the valley and hills. What a great day!

I'm in Love with Charles Banks Wilson

Charles Banks Wilson with a reproduction of a portrait he painted of Will Rogers -- Wilson was 14 at the time.

Fayetteville, Arkansas -- today we visited Charles Banks Wilson at his home/studio. What a lovely, gracious and talented man! He let a gaggle of travel writers invade his space and offered to answer any questions we asked. We asked, he answered -- with great wit and patience. I wish I'd had my tape recorder -- pearls were dripping from his lips and I could only grab a few. My favorite -- advice to parents -- "give your children what they need, then get out of their way." This was in answer to a question about how his parents felt about his wanting to become and artist. He felt that they had done just that. I'll never look at the paintings in the Oklahoma State Capitol the same way -- I have touched the hand that held the brush. And it was really special.

"Suzanna and the Elders" painted by Wilson in 1978. "I drove over a hill and there was this woman bathing in a stock tank. She waved at me and I waved back. I think the Herefords look like lecherous old men."

Teddy-a-go-go

Wow! What a wild and busy week! Two articles due -- done and delivered -- campaign phone calls to make, rehearsals for last night's Brahm's to Broadway concert -- it went great -- Cal's birthday -- lunch one day and "W" the next afternoon -- and watching Simon's book on http://www.authonomy.com/. And yes, Evil Unltd. finished in the top five. Hurray! It's promised a read by a real live book editor! He has a new book up on authonomy now -- a children's book, Kip Doodle and the Armchair of Lost Dreams. As with all his writing, this one is brilliant -- so if you get a chance, please check it out and "Back this Book." I'm wondering if being a children's book will make it harder to make it into the top five. As for now, I'm off to the airport. Teddy Bear (the SATW travelin' Teddy) and I are headed for northwest Arkansas and, hopefully, some beautiful fall foliage. Teddy's got a full schedule in the next month. He's been invited to visit Mary Hendron in St. Louis -- and go with her to Ireland for Thanksgiving! You go, Teddy. Come to think of it, why isn't Mary taking me?