10/04/01
An absolutely beautiful day as we head out. Stopped on the toll bridge at the Lake of the Ozarks to take some pictures of the lake. Several large trucks went across the bridge and our Toyota starts vibrating up and down. Feels really strange! The truck motor is off, we're on the side by the rail and the truck is jumping up and down. The view is lovely and we got several good shots. Away we go, it's now off season so the toll is $1.50 and of course, the lady in the toll box got the latest JCAD brochure. Stopped at Kerr's Country Mart in Greenview and the checkout lady got a brochure, too. Wish we were off on a fun JCAD run, but, no, we're off to take me to the doctor in Springfield again. My back hurts like crazy and nothing all these doctors are doing is working and it's not healing. I'm scared and sick of doctors. As I look out the windows, the tree leaves are turning, the hickories are bright yellow and the poison vines and sumac bushes are vibrant reds. Down Hwy 5 South through Camdenton and headed towards Lebanon. Taking pictures of all the American slogans on the signs and billboards. Wish I had done this last week, but felt too bad to take care of it. Darlin' took a picture of the outstanding sun rays and clouds out his window. Can't get over how much the leaves are changing. Seems to be a bumper year for black walnuts as all the trees are loaded with them. You can really see them now that the leaves are falling. All the fields and pastures are bright green. In Lebanon, we got onto I-44 going West. We're in Webster County now and just crossed the Niangua River. There is quite the cloud front ahead of us. Just saw a sign that this section of I-44 is the Payne Stewart Highway. He was a great golfer and lived in this area. Drury University is the next exit. We don't travel this highway often as it's so busy, but see the exit for Hwy 13 is coming up in 1 mile. Hwy 13 is also Kansas Expressway as it heads into Springfield. Turned left on Battlefield and on down to turn right on National. Another painful doctor visit. I was about ready to slap the man as he kept poking me in my back and asking if it hurt. YES! It HURTS! Where is compassion? I was told to walk off the pain before I get to ride another 4 hours home. There are so many antique stores we drive by each time we come here to the doctor and I have yet had a chance to meet any of them or give them a brochure. It's quite discouraging and disheartening for our family business. Did enjoy a fine Mexican lunch and got a menu for my collection and gave a JCAD brochure to a lady in line waiting for a table. I couldn't help but hear that she's online at work and at home. Hope she comes visit the site. Heading down Hwy 13, turned onto Hwy D then later on East 64 through Rimby. Everything sure is dry here, grass yellowed, tree leaves curled, guess they have missed out on several recent rains. Left 3 JCAD brochures at the Expedition Merchandise Outlet in Louisburg. The prairie winds were blowing strong between Nemo and Preston. Headed East on Hwy 54. A lot of pretty horses out in the fields on either side and the gusty winds kept blowing off my hat, so I had to roll up the window. Ahead, several clouds are bunching up and the sky is many shades of blue. Ya'll be careful on these Missouri roads and come ride with us again soon.
10/14/01
Tiny white clouds in a brilliant blue sky. October is the best for bright blue skies in Missouri! Heading West on Hwy 54 today to pay honor to the Vietnam Veterans. The Moving Wall is at Linn Creek, Missouri and we're on our way. The wind is quite gusty from time to time, but the sunshine is very welcome. We haven't seen sunshine in many days. The trees are really pretty, golden yellows everywhere. We crossed Linn Creek and see the sign for the Vietnam Wall is the next right turn, V Hwy. Went by the Museum heading into town. Sure is something to see. A beautiful drive to the campground they choose to have the wall. It's a wonderful place, right by the lake. There was a very nice guy, Veteran, that explained things to us as we walked down the path. Darlin' is ahead of me taking pictures, I could not keep up with him. All these names are listed by chronological order by casualty days. They have diamond signs and plus signs beside the names, deceased or missing in action. So sad, so very sad, just makes you cry, especially when a flower is here for a loved one on the wall and then a printout with his picture is beside one section. A terrible loss and ultimate sacrifice for our country. They had an information booth, complete with computer to look up loved ones names. Many helpful volunteers tell the stories from their hearts. Name after name after name, it's overwhelming. Darlin' got lots of good pictures, down to the Lake of the Ozarks State Park to talk about all we've just seen and all the emotions it brings back. Sons, husbands, fathers, brothers and women, too. Still have sunshine out as we head home. Now the lake is a solemn blue. We have newly paved highways through Osage Beach, wish they would paint the lanes. It's hard to judge your lane and in the past rains, almost impossible to tell. Especially the turning lane, no one knows where to go. Factory Outlet Mall traffic is thinning. Up the hill by Wally World. It's 60 degrees at 4:52 pm. See a family all excited to be here, their car is fully loaded! Welcome to the Lake! The Osage River is mighty low, see several birds flying on the thermals. Painful ride home for me, ya'll be careful out on these roads and come ride with us again.
10/18/01
Beautiful sunshine with gusty winds as we head North on Hwy 13 from Springfield. Another painful ride for the Doctor's visit for my back. One good thing came of today's visit. As we boarded an elevator going down, a lady got on that we recognized. It's Darlin's step sister from many years ago, Wendy. Haven't seen her in several years! How wonderful. We all got off at the lobby and visited and hugged and learned about children and grandchildren! She's online and we exchanged e-mails. And now, Wendy, you're in The Back Way! Really great seeing you and now we can stay in touch. Heading out of town. Darlin' stopped at S.T.D. Flea Market and met Brenda and left a JCAD brochure, also at Frisco Flea Market and left a brochure with Alice. Traveling Hwy 13 and got to Country Classics in Bolivar and Darlin' walked the HUGE store and got update pictures while I got to meet Geraldine up front. So nice to finally get to meet you! We're so happy you are in JCAD. Welcome! The store is wonderful as always. I cannot walk and work all over the store like I use to do. Darlin' got some great pictures and we're back in the Toyota and on our way home, going down Hwy 32 towards Buffalo. The tree leaf colors are spectacular, especially the many maples and hickory trees. Had a nice lunch buffet in Buffalo at our favorite restaurant, as we were starving! It's been a long day. Hope Hattie's does real well at the antique show in Texas! Thanks for passing out our JCAD brochures. Darlin' will get the Country Classic Antiques web page updated soon. I sure do miss seeing everyone and working JCAD. Take care and travel the back way with us again soon. Be safe on these wild Missouri roads.
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