Who can turn the world on with her smile?

Mary Tyler Moore, that's who.  Minneapolis, July 2011

Random shot along a Texas highway

Texas - Great job on your welcome center

I have to say my home state has done a wonderful job of creating a very nice welcome center.  While leaving Louisiana on I-20, we made a stop at this welcome center.  The "Welcome To Texas" sign was actually at the entrance to the center, thus reducing your chances of getting run over by a car flying by and it featured a large Star made of rocks to signify The Lone Star State.   

 

Tree in the middle of the road - Brayton, Iowa

The story of "THE TREE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD”.  A surveyor was marking the line between Audubon and Cass counties and used a slender cottonwood branch as he walked. When the line was established, he pushed it in the soft earth at the exact point where the lines crossed and where the present crossroad was to be in later years. The switch took root and it has grown into today’s tall and widespread 100 foot tree. 

It took us a while to find this landmark. We talked to several locals and finally ended up going in the right direction, driving 6 miles on an unpaved road.  Quite an adventure. 

Weekend in Louisiana

A few weeks ago I decided to take a drive to Bossier City this weekend despite the fact that I had just come back from another driving trip.  The reason for the drive was primarily to see Chely Wright at Diamond Jacks casino on July 30.  The drive up was a breeze taking only 4 hours but the drive back was a bit harder as we missed our cutoff.  However, we realized that only added about 30 minutes to our time and was not really out of our way.  The most interesting site along the way was an abandonded rest stop on Hwy. 59.  It was really strange looking with a concrete slab and dead brown grass growing over the entrance driveway.  I wish I could have gotten a photo but it went by too quick and I was driving.  Now back to Chely, another great show from her.  Upon taking the stage, she asked how many people have had an alcoholic beverage and 90% of the audience roared.  It was that kind of crowd.  A young man shouted it was his birthday so he came up and Chely sang Happy Birthday to him, then he jumped on stage to give her a kiss.  I cringed a bit at that.  His friend was a bit drunk and shouted throughout the concert.  I think Chely had had enough of him as we all had.  When it got a little ugly, Chely had to call for security to take care of it.  We didn't hear from him again.  Great comment from Chely after singing the I hope you are miserable song.....you know you're in Louisiana when a woman shouts out hell yeah, now pass the gumbo.  Chely met with everyone who wanted an autograph after the show and I was able to get my book signed (thanks SL).  She was very friendly and said to me haven't I met you before and I said yes, in KC last month.  Looking forward to staying home for a weekend, then heading the exact same direction in two weeks to see Melissa (most who know me don't need a last name). 

The kitty who shall remain nameless due to the witness protection program

The Bridges of Madison County

On my recent visit to Iowa, we made a detour by a covered bridge.  Thank goodness for google.  The Imes Bridge is a wooden covered bridge in Madison County, Iowa. Built in 1870, it was originally located over the Middle River. In 1887 it was moved to a spot over Clinton Creek, and in 1977 was moved again to its present site. It was renovated in 1997 for a cost of $31,807.