Yesterday I started my chemo treatments at the New Mexico Cancer Center here in Albuquerque. Our day at the Center began at 8:15 a.m. and ended at 1:15. The staff we worked with were very caring, explained all the procedures and the drugs I'm being given and gave us information on the side effects for each drug and answered all questions. The process began with a blood draw, a dose of a steroid for nausea along with a saline solution and then each of the three drugs were administered with close watching to be sure I tolerated them well, which I did. Ron was able to be with me the entire time so I had support. My dear friend whom I consider a sister, Ceil also came by to see how I was doing and to offer her support. It really meant a lot to me. Thank you, Ceil.
It is now a day later as I write this and so far I am feeling fine but was prescribed anti nausea medication to take as needed.
I am optimistic that I will beat this cancer and as I told my daughter in law, I will be around into my 90's to drive my family nuts if I haven't already. Ha ! Ha! So many friends and family have written wishing me well and praying for my recovery and I want to thank each you and to let you know how much your support and prayers mean.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
A Trip to Texas
November 14 - 28, 2015
Before starting my chemo and radiation therapy, Ron and I drove to Kyle (south of Austin), Texas to see my daughter Laurie and family. We expected to go in the RV; however, the campground near Laurie's was full due to the recent flooding again in the area so we took off in the car taking two days to drive the 800 plus distance.
Not wanting to wear out our welcome during the two week visit, we took off for three days to San Antonio where we stayed at a lovely old hotel (The Crockett) just behind the Alamo.
This was our third trip to San Antonio so there was not too much we had not already seen. We did take a narrated tour of the city on a double decker bus, walked the Riverwalk again, went to an IMAX movie (Spectre) and rode the elevator to the top of the Tower of the Americas which was built during the 1968 World's Fair.
Views from the Tower
Fountain at the grounds of the Tower
San Antonio does have some interesting things to see.
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, my daughter and granddaughter and I went shopping at the fabric store for Grammie, but also ended up purchasing material for the two of them to make placemats. Neither has been interested in sewing so I was thrilled to be the instructor taking them through the cutting, sewing, and finishing. They both did a great job and were pleased with the results as was I. Not sure they will do any more but we shall see.
Our Thanksgiving was quiet with just the family and lots of football. We left for home on Friday with lots of rain on the way. On Sunday, we moved our RV to the new location closer in to town and convenient to everything.
Before starting my chemo and radiation therapy, Ron and I drove to Kyle (south of Austin), Texas to see my daughter Laurie and family. We expected to go in the RV; however, the campground near Laurie's was full due to the recent flooding again in the area so we took off in the car taking two days to drive the 800 plus distance.
Not wanting to wear out our welcome during the two week visit, we took off for three days to San Antonio where we stayed at a lovely old hotel (The Crockett) just behind the Alamo.
This was our third trip to San Antonio so there was not too much we had not already seen. We did take a narrated tour of the city on a double decker bus, walked the Riverwalk again, went to an IMAX movie (Spectre) and rode the elevator to the top of the Tower of the Americas which was built during the 1968 World's Fair.
Views from the Tower
Fountain at the grounds of the Tower
San Antonio does have some interesting things to see.
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, my daughter and granddaughter and I went shopping at the fabric store for Grammie, but also ended up purchasing material for the two of them to make placemats. Neither has been interested in sewing so I was thrilled to be the instructor taking them through the cutting, sewing, and finishing. They both did a great job and were pleased with the results as was I. Not sure they will do any more but we shall see.
Our Thanksgiving was quiet with just the family and lots of football. We left for home on Friday with lots of rain on the way. On Sunday, we moved our RV to the new location closer in to town and convenient to everything.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Good News and Moving Forward
Ron and I, our friend Ceil and new RVillage friends Tricia and G did attend the FMCA Rocky Mountain Ramble in Farmington the end of September and we all had a great time. It was fun for Ron and me to catch up with so many of our vendor friends, to attend some very informative seminars and enjoy some good entertainment. Weather cooperated and we were able to enjoy sunny days for most of the time. We spent a couple of extra days in Farmington before returning to Albuquerque and Enchanted Trails RV Park.
An update on my health issue is that the MRI showed the second tumor was benign so no mastectomy was called for, thank goodness. Surgery took place on Oct. 20 with just a lumpectomy and node removal. The node is negative which was great news also. I will undergo another surgery this week to remove a bit more tissue from around where the tumor was before further treatment starts.
This past week we met with a second medical oncologist who was very informative, gave us a couple of options to choose from regarding chemo and helped us to understand more about my cancer type. I decided that this is where I want to do my treatments and we are proceeding forward with this doctor's recommendations, etc. Chemotherapy will start on Nov. 30 and will continue for 5 more times every three weeks followed by radiation therapy. We will meet with the radiation oncologist this week to find out how many sessions I will have for that once I finish chemo.
We hope to make a short trip to either Texas to see my daughter or to Arizona before my treatments start as we will be unable to do so once they do start. We will move to the mobile home/rv park when we return and remain there for the rest of our time here. Our hope is to be able to travel once again come the first part of May.
An update on my health issue is that the MRI showed the second tumor was benign so no mastectomy was called for, thank goodness. Surgery took place on Oct. 20 with just a lumpectomy and node removal. The node is negative which was great news also. I will undergo another surgery this week to remove a bit more tissue from around where the tumor was before further treatment starts.
This past week we met with a second medical oncologist who was very informative, gave us a couple of options to choose from regarding chemo and helped us to understand more about my cancer type. I decided that this is where I want to do my treatments and we are proceeding forward with this doctor's recommendations, etc. Chemotherapy will start on Nov. 30 and will continue for 5 more times every three weeks followed by radiation therapy. We will meet with the radiation oncologist this week to find out how many sessions I will have for that once I finish chemo.
We hope to make a short trip to either Texas to see my daughter or to Arizona before my treatments start as we will be unable to do so once they do start. We will move to the mobile home/rv park when we return and remain there for the rest of our time here. Our hope is to be able to travel once again come the first part of May.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
No Matter What, Plans Change
Our plans for the remainder of this year have suddenly changed and we are not sure just when we may be able to resume our travels. For the time being, we will remain here in Albuquerque.
Last week I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. While the tumor is very small, I will have to undergo surgery and most certainly some kind of therapy, probably chemo. After visiting with the breast surgeon, we found another tumor which is prompting an MRI to determine if it is also cancerous. That is scheduled for Oct. 8 with surgery on October 20. If the other tumor is cancerous I will be looking at a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy. Lots of reading to do about all of these things.
While a diagnosis of cancer is scary and something that none of us want to hear, I know that I will survive just as my great grandmother and mother both did. My great grandmother was in her 50's at the time of her diagnosis and surgery which occurred in the early 20th century and she lived to be 94. My mother was diagnosed with cancer on both breasts at age 78 and again at 92 and died last year at age 95 from old age. There is longevity in my family and I intend to be around for a long time to come. With your prayers and God watching over me, I know Ron and I will have many more years ahead to travel the country in our RV.
At this time, we will attend the FMCA Rally in Farmington, NM next week. We will caravan from here with our friend Ceil and our new RVillage friends Trishia and G. We will return to Enchanted Trails until after my surgery on Oct. 20 then move to a mobile home park with RV's as well for the remainder of the winter unless it becomes too cold for us. The park is close to the I-25 and more convenient for doctors, shopping and chemo. Not sure when my situation will allow us to leave here. Please add me to your prayers.
If you are coming through the area on your way to warmer climates, please contact us so we can get together.
Last week I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. While the tumor is very small, I will have to undergo surgery and most certainly some kind of therapy, probably chemo. After visiting with the breast surgeon, we found another tumor which is prompting an MRI to determine if it is also cancerous. That is scheduled for Oct. 8 with surgery on October 20. If the other tumor is cancerous I will be looking at a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy. Lots of reading to do about all of these things.
While a diagnosis of cancer is scary and something that none of us want to hear, I know that I will survive just as my great grandmother and mother both did. My great grandmother was in her 50's at the time of her diagnosis and surgery which occurred in the early 20th century and she lived to be 94. My mother was diagnosed with cancer on both breasts at age 78 and again at 92 and died last year at age 95 from old age. There is longevity in my family and I intend to be around for a long time to come. With your prayers and God watching over me, I know Ron and I will have many more years ahead to travel the country in our RV.
At this time, we will attend the FMCA Rally in Farmington, NM next week. We will caravan from here with our friend Ceil and our new RVillage friends Trishia and G. We will return to Enchanted Trails until after my surgery on Oct. 20 then move to a mobile home park with RV's as well for the remainder of the winter unless it becomes too cold for us. The park is close to the I-25 and more convenient for doctors, shopping and chemo. Not sure when my situation will allow us to leave here. Please add me to your prayers.
If you are coming through the area on your way to warmer climates, please contact us so we can get together.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Enchanted Trails RV Resort, NM
There has not been much exciting here at Enchanted Trails RV Resort except beautiful sunrises to the east, gorgeous sunsets to the west, grounds flanked by three extinct volcanoes and the majestic Sandia Mountains and overlooking the city of Albuquerque with twinkling nighttime lights. However, the facility does have a history which is interesting.
Enchanted Trails was originally known as Hill Top Trading Post and was constructed in the 1940's featuring a flat roofed adobe style which has been altered several times over the years. The building was built to attract passersby on historic Route 66. There were teepees on the roof line , a burro wandering in the parking lot, big arrows sticking out of the ground and even a stuffed bear at the door.
While all of the fore mentioned have disappeared, there are still numerous old artifacts on the property including 7 vintage trailers and cars, a wagon, and a metal garage covered with old metal signs from days gone by. The laundry room is probably the only one in the city that sports a mangle iron and a ringer washer.
In the early 1970's the property was converted into a campground and has been the backdrop for several mediocre films and recently the Hudson and vintage trailers were featured in a Route 66 travel video and in a magazine called Caravan. Check out the website at www.enchantedtrails.com to view videos of the vintage trailers. All but one of these trailers is available for rental at the Resort.
This past weekend the New Mexico State Samboree took place here with Good Sam members and chapters from throughout the state in attendance. Samborees are a gathering of chapters and members for a weekend of games, seminars, vendors, entertainment and camaraderie. For us, it was a chance to catch up with many friends we made when we were active members in a local chapter and on the state staff.
Ron's eyelid surgery last Thursday went well and he is on the way to seeing more clearly now that his eyelids have been lifted up. He has been a good patient and has obeyed most of the doctor's instructions. He does look a bit like a raccoon or like he either hit a wall or I punched him out but that is clearing up nicely.
Enchanted Trails was originally known as Hill Top Trading Post and was constructed in the 1940's featuring a flat roofed adobe style which has been altered several times over the years. The building was built to attract passersby on historic Route 66. There were teepees on the roof line , a burro wandering in the parking lot, big arrows sticking out of the ground and even a stuffed bear at the door.
While all of the fore mentioned have disappeared, there are still numerous old artifacts on the property including 7 vintage trailers and cars, a wagon, and a metal garage covered with old metal signs from days gone by. The laundry room is probably the only one in the city that sports a mangle iron and a ringer washer.
In the early 1970's the property was converted into a campground and has been the backdrop for several mediocre films and recently the Hudson and vintage trailers were featured in a Route 66 travel video and in a magazine called Caravan. Check out the website at www.enchantedtrails.com to view videos of the vintage trailers. All but one of these trailers is available for rental at the Resort.
This past weekend the New Mexico State Samboree took place here with Good Sam members and chapters from throughout the state in attendance. Samborees are a gathering of chapters and members for a weekend of games, seminars, vendors, entertainment and camaraderie. For us, it was a chance to catch up with many friends we made when we were active members in a local chapter and on the state staff.
Ron's eyelid surgery last Thursday went well and he is on the way to seeing more clearly now that his eyelids have been lifted up. He has been a good patient and has obeyed most of the doctor's instructions. He does look a bit like a raccoon or like he either hit a wall or I punched him out but that is clearing up nicely.
Friday, September 4, 2015
Relaxing and Catching Up
We have been in Albuquerque for just over a week and have just enjoyed relaxing in the RV, taking care of chores and sharing meals and time with friends. Next week the RV will go to La Mesa for a pure sine inverter to be added. We did not do this when we put in the residential refrigerator in June but there are times when we would like to do some boondocking and cannot do that without a way for our refrigerator to continue to have power.
Ron will have eyelid surgery next week so will be laid up for a couple of weeks during his recovery so I will once again become the care giver and chief chauffeur. Don't expect any problems just an improvement in his eyelids not causing discomfort on his eye balls. Also have our annual/semi annual doctor and dental appointments to attend to.
Next week is the Good Sam New Mexico State Samboree which this year is going to be held here at this campground so it will be quite busy here. Having been members of a local Good Sam chapter here in Albuquerque and on the State Staff ourselves, we have many friends who are still involved with the state staff so will have an opportunity to catch up with some of them though we do not intend to register for the events.
Our plans from here are to attend the FMCA Rally being held in Farmington, NM the end of this month. From there we will return through here on our way to Texas for the months of October and November.
Ron will have eyelid surgery next week so will be laid up for a couple of weeks during his recovery so I will once again become the care giver and chief chauffeur. Don't expect any problems just an improvement in his eyelids not causing discomfort on his eye balls. Also have our annual/semi annual doctor and dental appointments to attend to.
Next week is the Good Sam New Mexico State Samboree which this year is going to be held here at this campground so it will be quite busy here. Having been members of a local Good Sam chapter here in Albuquerque and on the State Staff ourselves, we have many friends who are still involved with the state staff so will have an opportunity to catch up with some of them though we do not intend to register for the events.
Our plans from here are to attend the FMCA Rally being held in Farmington, NM the end of this month. From there we will return through here on our way to Texas for the months of October and November.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Albuquerque Home Base
We arrived today at Enchanted Trails RV Park here in Albuquerque where we will stay for the next month. It is good to be back and to relax for a while with no sightseeing. While we have really enjoyed our travels, it will be nice to just stay put for a time. We are looking forward to getting our green chili fix while we are here and having some meals at our favorite places. So far things look pretty much the same as when we left town, but I'm sure we'll discover some changes once we drive around a bit.
The plan for the next month is to just relax, make a few reservations for the month of December and consider where our travels will take us next spring. Starting in October, we plan to spend a month and a half in Texas, then probably a month in the Tucson, Phoenix, Mesa area, and the first couple of weeks of January in southern California maybe in San Diego and then in Indio at an FMCA rally before we head to Yuma, AZ where we will spend mid January to mid April. This will be our first time to be snowbirds and we are anxious to find out what it will be like. It will also be nice to have warmer weather though I expect we will have some fairly cold nights but no snow. The RV Park where we will be staying is one of the smaller ones but does have all kinds of activities we can participate in, if we so desire. I hope to do some quilting with some other women while Ron hopes to do a bit of golfing. Who knows what else we will find ourselves involved in.
I expect to only do a blog about once a week for the next month unless there is something really exciting or interesting to report. So keep watching for further developments.
The plan for the next month is to just relax, make a few reservations for the month of December and consider where our travels will take us next spring. Starting in October, we plan to spend a month and a half in Texas, then probably a month in the Tucson, Phoenix, Mesa area, and the first couple of weeks of January in southern California maybe in San Diego and then in Indio at an FMCA rally before we head to Yuma, AZ where we will spend mid January to mid April. This will be our first time to be snowbirds and we are anxious to find out what it will be like. It will also be nice to have warmer weather though I expect we will have some fairly cold nights but no snow. The RV Park where we will be staying is one of the smaller ones but does have all kinds of activities we can participate in, if we so desire. I hope to do some quilting with some other women while Ron hopes to do a bit of golfing. Who knows what else we will find ourselves involved in.
I expect to only do a blog about once a week for the next month unless there is something really exciting or interesting to report. So keep watching for further developments.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Getting Closer to Home Base
Monday, August 24, 2015
Amarillo, TX
Our drive to Amarillo includes these two sights along I-40 and just a few miles east of town. It is called the "leaning water tower" and was named after a ranching family from the area and is really only leaning 10 degrees.
We also pass this large cross in Groom which is the "Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ" and is 190 feet high and weighs 2.5 million pounds visible 20 miles away. We made a quick stop here several years ago and when I say quick, I mean just that. It was 28 degrees outside and the wind was blowing like mad making for a very quick look before driving on.
We arrive in Amarillo, a town settled in 1887 as cattle raisers, buffalo hunters and pioneers pushed west across the Texas panhandle. The name means "yellow" in Spanish and comes from the gold-colored soil along Amarillo Creek. We are staying for two days at a very nice campground on the west side of town and just off I-40 so it is a popular overnight place. We stayed here for the first time in 207 when it first opened and again in 2011. The sites are large with long pull thrus and concrete pads to park on. Everything is very level. Hooray for that as so many times it is difficult to really be level. I am disappointed that we have not met more RVillage people in our travels but it seems most have just left where we are or we are only overnight somewhere and people are just not interested in connecting.
We just relax at the campground today while I enjoy catching up on some scrapbooking, washing and some reading while Ron enjoys his TV and computer. The temperature is in the low 80's so is very comfortable.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
This afternoon we take a drive back toward town to drive on Route 66 but first stop just down the road from the campground and on the frontage road at the famous "Cadilac Ranch" which we have passed numerous times in our travels through Amarillo. Today, however, is the first time we have gotten out to really look and photograph the cars. It seems a group of ex-hippies called The Ant Farm and a local eccentric art fancier billionaire owned a Cadillac dealership in town, owned this property and wanted to put up some public art which would baffle the locals. The result is these 10 Cadillacs half buried (nose down) and at the same angle as the Cheops Pyramids in Giza. This site is known as the "Hood Ornament of Route 66", is open to the public and you are allowed to bring your own paint to paint the cars. For more information check out the internet site at Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX.
Arriving in town we drive to Historic Route 66 for me to take in a few antique stores which line the streets in this old part of town. There are also numerous funky restaurants and quaint antique, craft and specialty shops.Downtown we find this old courthouse built in 1932 in the neo classical style, this old theater building and the Santa Fe Building built from 1928 -1930 as the regional headquarters for the Santa Fe Railway and recently renovated as well as a long stretch of cobble stoned streets.
Leaving downtown we go to the Polk Street Historic District where we find some very large old mansions some with separate garage buildings with second stories where we assume the "staff" probably lived at one time. Ron also spied this coal shoot on the back of one of the garages.
Returning toward the campground, we spy a Famous Dave's Barbeque along I-40 which called us to stop for supper. If you like barbeque, then a stop at Famous Dave's is a must. We have Good Sam chapter members to thank for introducing us to this place. They can be found in numerous states though to my knowledge we do not have one in New Mexico.
Leave tomorrow morning for Albuquerque where we will remain for the next month. Lots of catching up to do with friends, shopping, RV modifications and doctor appointments before we head to Texas.
Amarillo, TX
Our drive to Amarillo includes these two sights along I-40 and just a few miles east of town. It is called the "leaning water tower" and was named after a ranching family from the area and is really only leaning 10 degrees.
We also pass this large cross in Groom which is the "Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ" and is 190 feet high and weighs 2.5 million pounds visible 20 miles away. We made a quick stop here several years ago and when I say quick, I mean just that. It was 28 degrees outside and the wind was blowing like mad making for a very quick look before driving on.
We arrive in Amarillo, a town settled in 1887 as cattle raisers, buffalo hunters and pioneers pushed west across the Texas panhandle. The name means "yellow" in Spanish and comes from the gold-colored soil along Amarillo Creek. We are staying for two days at a very nice campground on the west side of town and just off I-40 so it is a popular overnight place. We stayed here for the first time in 207 when it first opened and again in 2011. The sites are large with long pull thrus and concrete pads to park on. Everything is very level. Hooray for that as so many times it is difficult to really be level. I am disappointed that we have not met more RVillage people in our travels but it seems most have just left where we are or we are only overnight somewhere and people are just not interested in connecting.
We just relax at the campground today while I enjoy catching up on some scrapbooking, washing and some reading while Ron enjoys his TV and computer. The temperature is in the low 80's so is very comfortable.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
This afternoon we take a drive back toward town to drive on Route 66 but first stop just down the road from the campground and on the frontage road at the famous "Cadilac Ranch" which we have passed numerous times in our travels through Amarillo. Today, however, is the first time we have gotten out to really look and photograph the cars. It seems a group of ex-hippies called The Ant Farm and a local eccentric art fancier billionaire owned a Cadillac dealership in town, owned this property and wanted to put up some public art which would baffle the locals. The result is these 10 Cadillacs half buried (nose down) and at the same angle as the Cheops Pyramids in Giza. This site is known as the "Hood Ornament of Route 66", is open to the public and you are allowed to bring your own paint to paint the cars. For more information check out the internet site at Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX.
Arriving in town we drive to Historic Route 66 for me to take in a few antique stores which line the streets in this old part of town. There are also numerous funky restaurants and quaint antique, craft and specialty shops.Downtown we find this old courthouse built in 1932 in the neo classical style, this old theater building and the Santa Fe Building built from 1928 -1930 as the regional headquarters for the Santa Fe Railway and recently renovated as well as a long stretch of cobble stoned streets.
Leaving downtown we go to the Polk Street Historic District where we find some very large old mansions some with separate garage buildings with second stories where we assume the "staff" probably lived at one time. Ron also spied this coal shoot on the back of one of the garages.
Returning toward the campground, we spy a Famous Dave's Barbeque along I-40 which called us to stop for supper. If you like barbeque, then a stop at Famous Dave's is a must. We have Good Sam chapter members to thank for introducing us to this place. They can be found in numerous states though to my knowledge we do not have one in New Mexico.
Leave tomorrow morning for Albuquerque where we will remain for the next month. Lots of catching up to do with friends, shopping, RV modifications and doctor appointments before we head to Texas.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Oklahoma City, OK
We arrived in Oklahoma City on Thursday, August 20 and have just enjoyed spending time together without doing anything. The weather here has been nice but storms were predicted but so far have not appeared. Thank goodness. Oklahoma has so many tornadoes and I just don't really like to be in the area. Ron was able to find a cover for our water heater at a local RV repair shop so that problem is solved. Though it is white in color, at least the area is now covered.
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Today we take a drive downtown to the Oklahoma City National Memorial which I can only say is thought provoking. It is a beautiful site with the outdoor symbolic memorial and a museum. The Memorial honors those who were killed, those who survived and those who lives where changed forever. It is a sight that changed our world forever as well.
The Outside Symbolic Memorial encompasses the following:
1. Gates of Time which frame the area that was destroyed (see pictures below showing the wall at each end of the Reflecting Pool).
2. A Reflecting Pool which was once a street and is now a shallow pool of gently flowing water.
Next to the wall on the right in the second photo is where the Survivor Wall is located (mentioned in # 6 below).
3. A Field of Empty Chairs (one for each person who died in the building and arranged in 9 rows, one for each floor of the building and a chair for each person who died on that floor). Each bronze chair has an enclosed glass below the seat with the name of the person who died etched into the glass. At night this area under the seat is lighted.
4. A Survivor Tree (a 90 year old elm) which survived the fire and blast with a wall around it which says, "The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us." The Building behind the tree was the Journal Building which now houses the Museum.
5. The Fence which was put up to protect the site initially, but now is where people have left over 80,000 items as tokens of love and hope. Many of the items are now preserved in archives.
6. Survivor Wall which is the only remaining wall from the Murrah Building and includes the names of individuals who survived, many with serious injuries. More than 600 names are inscribed on salvaged pieces of granite.
7. Children's Area which is a wall of hand painted tiles that were sent to the city in 1995 by children.
8. Rescuer's Orchard which is a grove of trees that surround the Survivor Tree (can be seen in the photos of the Survivor Tree).
The Museum is very beautifully done and is field with many artifacts, stories, pictures, and news reports told in chronological order including a tape recording of a proceeding that was taking place in the Murrah Building when the bomb went off. Also included is information and pictures about how evidence was gathered and other information about the capture and trial of the individuals responsible. There are pictures of individuals telling their stories and a gallery of pictures of each of the persons who died along with some object of the individual such as a toy or picture or other memorabilia. Very touching and very sad. There were quite a few people in the Museum and it was probably the most quiet Museum I have ever been in with everyone reflecting on what had happened here.
Following is a quote from the Museum brochure which says it all about the Memorial. "We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this Memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity."
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Today we take a drive downtown to the Oklahoma City National Memorial which I can only say is thought provoking. It is a beautiful site with the outdoor symbolic memorial and a museum. The Memorial honors those who were killed, those who survived and those who lives where changed forever. It is a sight that changed our world forever as well.
The Outside Symbolic Memorial encompasses the following:
1. Gates of Time which frame the area that was destroyed (see pictures below showing the wall at each end of the Reflecting Pool).
2. A Reflecting Pool which was once a street and is now a shallow pool of gently flowing water.
Next to the wall on the right in the second photo is where the Survivor Wall is located (mentioned in # 6 below).
3. A Field of Empty Chairs (one for each person who died in the building and arranged in 9 rows, one for each floor of the building and a chair for each person who died on that floor). Each bronze chair has an enclosed glass below the seat with the name of the person who died etched into the glass. At night this area under the seat is lighted.
4. A Survivor Tree (a 90 year old elm) which survived the fire and blast with a wall around it which says, "The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us." The Building behind the tree was the Journal Building which now houses the Museum.
5. The Fence which was put up to protect the site initially, but now is where people have left over 80,000 items as tokens of love and hope. Many of the items are now preserved in archives.
6. Survivor Wall which is the only remaining wall from the Murrah Building and includes the names of individuals who survived, many with serious injuries. More than 600 names are inscribed on salvaged pieces of granite.
7. Children's Area which is a wall of hand painted tiles that were sent to the city in 1995 by children.
8. Rescuer's Orchard which is a grove of trees that surround the Survivor Tree (can be seen in the photos of the Survivor Tree).
The Museum is very beautifully done and is field with many artifacts, stories, pictures, and news reports told in chronological order including a tape recording of a proceeding that was taking place in the Murrah Building when the bomb went off. Also included is information and pictures about how evidence was gathered and other information about the capture and trial of the individuals responsible. There are pictures of individuals telling their stories and a gallery of pictures of each of the persons who died along with some object of the individual such as a toy or picture or other memorabilia. Very touching and very sad. There were quite a few people in the Museum and it was probably the most quiet Museum I have ever been in with everyone reflecting on what had happened here.
Following is a quote from the Museum brochure which says it all about the Memorial. "We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this Memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity."
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Fort Smith and Van Buren. AR Sites
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith, AR is located along the Arkansas River. In 1817 Major Stephen H. Long selected the site at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers as the location of the region's first fort and named it after Gen. Thomas Smith. When natural gas was discovered in a nearby area, a large and diverse manufacturing industry developed and Ft. Smith remains one of Arkansas's leading manufacturing towns today.
Today we return to Miss Laura's Visitor Center to take the guided tour of the former bordello. It is a beautifully restored three floor house located just feet from the railroad tracks and off the waterfront.and contains period pieces only two of which are original to the house. It has had numerous lives over the years and was selected in 1973 for the National Register of Historic Places. Today the house sits a few feet south of its original location as the result of a tornado that moved the entire building.
In 1903 Laura Ziegler bought the River Front Hotel and opened a brothel with money she borrowed from a respectable local banker and was able to repay him within 17 months. In 1910 times had changed and the community wanted to rid itself of the permissiveness that existed. A freak fire burned all the other brothels but Miss Laura's and the incident became known as "the night of the lingerie parade" as the ladies and their customers fled the houses. Miss Laura sold the house in 1911 and disappeared from town.
Entry Hall
Miss Laura's Bedroom
Entertaining Room
One of the "Girls" Rooms
One of the two pieces of furniture original to the house
We stop at a couple of antique stores and take some pictures of the old historic downtown
before stopping at the Fort Smith National Historic Site which is the remains of two military posts which were built to keep peace on the frontier. In the 19th century, Fort Smith was the major point of departure for pioneers, peacekeepers and outlaws via horse, steamboat and rail.
This US Marshall Mural picture is for you, Kent. Unfortunately, the Museum is still struggling to get started but thought you might enjoy this picture.
The Fort Smith Museum of History is in an old building and is a chronological history of the city with some well displayed and explained artifacts. We also found a Trolley Museum and this old church with just the very front of it remaining. Interesting. Not sure why it was left and not totally torn down.
In addition, there were some beautiful old homes.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Van Buren, AR
It is raining like mad, but we decide to drive north of Fort Smith to take in the town of Van Buren where everyone has been telling us there are numerous antique stores on the main street. We found only one "antique store" and decided that people here consider antique stores to be old buildings which have been restored and not stores selling antiques. People here have also told us that the six block historic restored downtown was covered with dirt and used in the movie called "The Blue and Gray". It includes old fashioned lamps and period storefronts. Van Buren was settled 1818 and was a steamboat landing, stage stop for the Butterfield Line from St. Louis to California, a main artery for commerce and the border between the Cherokee and Choctaw tribes.
After a short drive around, we park the car and walk in the drizzle along the streets taking in the buildings.
One of the buildings which is so interesting in looks is this old bank building called the Crawford County Bank which was listed as the epitome of Victorian elegance when it opened in 1889. Entering in, we are greeted by the owner who is in the process of turning the building into a museum. She gave us some history, told us she heard it had marble walls at one time and invited us to to enter the old safe. She is in the process of collecting pictures and other artifacts to make this old building interesting.
In addition, we found this old school house,
an Anheuser- Busch store,
the King Opera House built in 1891
and other old buildings including another bank (notice the date).
Not a great deal to see but we always find something interesting. There were a couple of places with wall murals with pictures of the community, but unfortunately they were in poor condition and not worth photographing.
Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith, AR is located along the Arkansas River. In 1817 Major Stephen H. Long selected the site at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers as the location of the region's first fort and named it after Gen. Thomas Smith. When natural gas was discovered in a nearby area, a large and diverse manufacturing industry developed and Ft. Smith remains one of Arkansas's leading manufacturing towns today.
Today we return to Miss Laura's Visitor Center to take the guided tour of the former bordello. It is a beautifully restored three floor house located just feet from the railroad tracks and off the waterfront.and contains period pieces only two of which are original to the house. It has had numerous lives over the years and was selected in 1973 for the National Register of Historic Places. Today the house sits a few feet south of its original location as the result of a tornado that moved the entire building.
In 1903 Laura Ziegler bought the River Front Hotel and opened a brothel with money she borrowed from a respectable local banker and was able to repay him within 17 months. In 1910 times had changed and the community wanted to rid itself of the permissiveness that existed. A freak fire burned all the other brothels but Miss Laura's and the incident became known as "the night of the lingerie parade" as the ladies and their customers fled the houses. Miss Laura sold the house in 1911 and disappeared from town.
Entry Hall
We stop at a couple of antique stores and take some pictures of the old historic downtown
before stopping at the Fort Smith National Historic Site which is the remains of two military posts which were built to keep peace on the frontier. In the 19th century, Fort Smith was the major point of departure for pioneers, peacekeepers and outlaws via horse, steamboat and rail.
This US Marshall Mural picture is for you, Kent. Unfortunately, the Museum is still struggling to get started but thought you might enjoy this picture.
The Fort Smith Museum of History is in an old building and is a chronological history of the city with some well displayed and explained artifacts. We also found a Trolley Museum and this old church with just the very front of it remaining. Interesting. Not sure why it was left and not totally torn down.
In addition, there were some beautiful old homes.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Van Buren, AR
It is raining like mad, but we decide to drive north of Fort Smith to take in the town of Van Buren where everyone has been telling us there are numerous antique stores on the main street. We found only one "antique store" and decided that people here consider antique stores to be old buildings which have been restored and not stores selling antiques. People here have also told us that the six block historic restored downtown was covered with dirt and used in the movie called "The Blue and Gray". It includes old fashioned lamps and period storefronts. Van Buren was settled 1818 and was a steamboat landing, stage stop for the Butterfield Line from St. Louis to California, a main artery for commerce and the border between the Cherokee and Choctaw tribes.
After a short drive around, we park the car and walk in the drizzle along the streets taking in the buildings.
One of the buildings which is so interesting in looks is this old bank building called the Crawford County Bank which was listed as the epitome of Victorian elegance when it opened in 1889. Entering in, we are greeted by the owner who is in the process of turning the building into a museum. She gave us some history, told us she heard it had marble walls at one time and invited us to to enter the old safe. She is in the process of collecting pictures and other artifacts to make this old building interesting.
In addition, we found this old school house,
an Anheuser- Busch store,
the King Opera House built in 1891
and other old buildings including another bank (notice the date).
Not a great deal to see but we always find something interesting. There were a couple of places with wall murals with pictures of the community, but unfortunately they were in poor condition and not worth photographing.
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