Mid America Museum

A muggy rainy day seemed perfect for a visit to the indoor Mid America Science Museum.  You are never too old to enjoy some of the more than 100 hands-on displays.

You want to fly a hot air balloon? This is the place.

A dinosaur exhibit has replaced the laser show for the summer.

Leon and his grandson, Blade, always seem to have a good time hanging out together.

A ducky day

Leon and Blade decided to tour Lake Hamilton on one of the amphibious ducks used for tourist tours. Older folks will recognize these as the military vehicles that were used so much in World War II to land troops on foreign beaches.

Shortly they were afloat on Lake Hamilton. Back in the day some people I know would ski close to the ducks and attempt to spray the passengers from their favorite slalom ski.

No mention was made of the duck that sank several years ago where 13 people lost their lives. The boat went down so fast they were caught under the canopy on top where the life jackets are stored.

They passsed by old homes such as Hamilton House which is now used for weddings. My nephew Brian got married there.  It once belonged to the owners of the local coca cola company.

Returning to town they passed by Bill Clinton's high school.  I prefer to call it mine since I was there first.

Back in town where the ride originated, the driver pointed out bathhouse row which is a part of the national park. They enjoyed the adventure except for the yackety driver who talks too much and the kids behind them who screamed too much.

July 4

We celebrated with a cookout and actually it wasn't too hot to sit outside for a while.  We did return to the a/c for apple pie. Kay, Rose, Mary, Jeff, Blade, Leon and I feasted well. It was just too dry for the neighbor to have his usual fireworks display in the woods, so we parked on the bridge across Lake Hamilton and watched the displays up and down the lake.

My granddog, Lola, waited patiently for Leon to accidentally drop food.

On the 5th, after Leon and Blade raved about the movie Toy Story they had just seen,  we challenged an afternoon thunderstorm and took the kayaks to Lake Catherine.

Check out  Grandpa's legs. I am not sure he used his paddle!

No, Grandpa, turn the other way! The thunderstorms never developed and we had a good time.

Blade was a very good kayaker for his first time.

Gallery Walk

Welcome to Hot Springs, Blade. Gallery walk is what we often do on the first Friday night of each month. Blade is here from California and Las Vegas visiting his grandpa, Leon.

We usually stop at Delores' shop first because she has the best cookies. After a German dinner at Brau Haus we were shopping for dessert. She and Kay enjoyed a visit at the punch bowl.

Blade and Leon found these glass bird nests on wood to be interesting.

Leon and Kay admire some art.

I think it wasn't long before Blade wondered about gallery walk! It was nice summer evening but a bit warm for someone who has been in Las Vegas in a "dry heat."  We passed up the fireworks display for the air conditioned comfort of home!

 

Retirement party, 1st class

Congratulations to Sandi on her retirement!!! Larry hosted a party for his harem.  After refreshments at his condo we hopped on the barge for a ride to lunch.

It was a little warm so he just happened to have some fans.

Chris, Sandi and Diane are so happy to be visiting again but not at school!

Chris, Darla, Barbara, Ronnie and Diane visit after lunch at Fisherman's Wharf. Ronnie met us for lunch and caught a ride.  Oh, what a fun day with fun friends on Lake Hamilton.

Now, to go home and rest before gallery walk.

The Singing Fisherman

We were making a quick drive around Lake Hefner, north of OKC, thinking there might be a camping area for a future visit. This elderly gentleman was urgently motioning to us to stop. It was obvious he had a fish on his line and I thought he must want someone to share his excitement.

Actually, he wanted someone to get his dip net out of the back of his truck so Leon obliged. Then he helped him net the fish.

Indeed, it was a nice sized catfish. I asked him if he had ever been on facebook. He apparently doesn't know about facebook but mentioned he had been on tv. 

As we drove away I noticed the slogan "Singing Fisherman" with a phone number on the side of his truck. I mentioned that we did not hear him sing and the opera singer gave began with "Oh what a beautiful morning" from Oklahoma. Oh what a beautiful experience it was. We were so glad we took the time to stop. We checked out his story and indeed he had been on television.

Bricktown

There is no way to know what the flight patterns are when you camp near an airforce base.  We first stayed at the Moose and did not hear the planes fly over. But when we moved to the Elks' Lodge only a few blocks away we seemed to be directly underneath. But no problem, they at least stop at bedtime.

We were only ten minutes from Bricktown, so several times we visited the refurbished old industrial area.  Needless to say, most of the buildings were built with bricks.  Leon's great grandfather actually worked in a building that was where the ball field is now.

Toby Keith grew up in Moore, a suburb of OKC and his bar and grill is in Bricktown. We enjoyed stopping by.

They have built a canal through the area on what was once a street.  In the distance is Bass Pro. The city provided the land and building to get them to build in OKC.

One night we went back for a narrated ride along the canal in one of the yellow boats. We learned they are rerouting I 40 through OKC!

The Paseo district was the first shopping district north of the downtown area. There are several blocks of brightly painted stucco buildings with interesting little shops and restaurants.

We had a quick little shopping trip there before continuing to a vegan restaurant further north.

We spotted several buffalo around town although they weren't all spotted, but I guess they do still roam.

All about Amalie

Leon's first great granddaughter was born in Oklahoma City on June 3rd. Time to go meet Amalie.

Josh, Melissa, Abbie, and Amalie are one fine family. This is Amalie's first time out for breakfast.

Leon holds her just about every chance he gets.

Abbie is visiting with Paul in his new "house."

Leon's grandson Josh is taking to being a great dad in a hurry.

Yep, on day three she still looks the same!

Amalie's g'ma, Trisha, flew in from Vegas. Josh is giving his mom some modern burping lessons.

We don't catch her awake very often. She is such a good baby and just sleeps and eats. I think that is a sign of a good mom.

Amalie tries out her new swing that G'ma got her.

Leon, Josh, Amalie and Trisha, four generations!

Summertime

While out geocaching one day I came across a patch of blackberries and realized some were already ripe! Cobbler coming soon!

Not much says summer like blooming mimosas. I observed this one closely and realized where lightning bugs hang out during the day.

And of course there is plenty of barbq. We tried to beat the rain but with no luck. Thank goodness for Leon and a big umbrella!

I have seen this car around town a few times. I like her sense of humor. Wheeee!  This day we spotted it at the hospital where we went for a cheap breakfast.  Yes, the living is easy!

Partio on the patio

Memorial Day weekend signals the beginning of summer to me! It seemed appropriate to cookout each day and visit with friends and family.
Sunday evening my friends all descended upon the patio, each bringing food to share. I was instructed to do nothing and I did that quite well. I did however have some leftovers from Tracy and Matt's visit.  Darla, Cissy, Mary, Kay, Golden, Leon and I visited while enjoying Chris' blue margaritas.  Mary grilled the burgers while Darla coordinated. It was a most enjoyable celebration.

Monday night I grilled some pork chops. Jeff and Rose came down. Another relaxing evening watching the birds in the back yard.
Summer is here!!!!!!!