MISSOURI IS FULL OF POSSIBILITIES!

A FUN WEEKEND IN MISSOURI

Brian brings up a rock from 25 feet down for my flower garden……see the rock formations below them….beautiful water that day.
Thanks Brian!!!!! It is now a fixture in my garden with your name on it and the date of your scuba certification!
Congratulations on a job well done…next will be diving in the ocean with Grandpa John!!!!!!!

As we drove to the southwest part of Missouri this last weekend, I enjoyed the beautiful view of the changing of the trees. I had to remember that this drive was to do something that very few would even imagine possible in Missouri at this time of the year…..scuba diving.

Most go to the warm sunny locations of the Caribbean to partake in this sport, but not us this weekend. We traveled to the beautiful Table Rock Lake in southwest Missouri. The weather was terrific, temperature in the 70's and the water great.

The dives took place by the Table Rock Lake Dam. In some places the water was clear enough to see the beautiful rock formations below. There are so many different things that you can enjoy in this beautiful state. This weekend at Branson, which is where Table Rock Lake is located, it was the Fall Festival at Silver Dollar City. And there are a variety of shows that are located in Branson, and of course the boating and fishing.

However we chose to spend the weekend with our scuba friends, as our grandson and his girlfriend completed their scuba certification with their open water dives. It was such a delight to watch them become familiar with a sport that rates with my husband – also a scuba diver.



This was a great weekend with great friends, and of course the grandson. He did a fantastic job!

Missouri is so full of possibilities for weekend excursions….some close to home, some a couple of hours away…take advantage of them!!!!

MISSOURI AND THE COLORS OF AUTUMN

THE BEAUTIFUL FIELDS AND TREES OF MISSOURI IN THE AUTUMN

It is a beautiful fall weekend in Missouri. Colors abound… the trees shout with joy as we drive towards the southern part of the state. There isn’t a more beautiful site this time of the year than corn fields, soybean fields, and the trees turning into their beautiful gold, reds, and brown hues. I could look at the trees forever…..they are so inspiring.

Brings to mind a poem I wrote a couple of years ago about the trees….seems to fit in here as the seasons change.

A COLLAGE
I
There stands the tree,
shelter for the birds
waving its arms, waving them in
II
Can it be envy that
the tree there has, with the
color of green
III
They fall to the ground
as if they were sails, those
big leaves of the tree.
Falling, falling, falling
IV
They stand tall
soldiers of the time
shading against the heat
protecting in the rain
trees
V
Tops of sponge like color
varied shades of green
Trees fill the roadside with
rows of browns and greens
Difference in barks
gives value of distinction
VI
Seasons have changed
snow is falling
flames are abundant
the green is gone
the tree is in sections
a blaze in the pits

They soon will be bare and the snow will highlight their strength!

Poem - Copyrighted 2007

MISSOURI IN THE FALL

Colors are beginning to adorn the landscape of Missouri. Fall is in the air. Nothing is more beautiful that the fall scenery of Missouri. Take the time to enjoy it with a drive through the country side. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views!
Also great this time of the year in Missouri is the fantastic events and festivals that are held throughout this state. Beginning this weekend, Labor Day weekend, towns come alive with the smell of food being grilled, sounds of great entertainment, and arts and crafts galore.
I have put together a list of some of the things happening over the next two weeks that would make a great family adventure. Take a look and try some out. There will be more posted throughout the month! This is not by any means all of them!
September 4-6 Kansas City Irish Festival is a family festival with traditional festival food,
multiple performance stages, heritage displays, workshops and children’s
activities!
September 4-7 Santa-Cali-Gon Festival – Independence, Missouri is one of the largest arts
and crafts festivals around. It includes all the great traditional festival foods,
live entertainment and much more!
September 12 -13 Shrimp Festival – Dixon, Missouri
September 11-13, 15, 17, 18-20 39th Annual Jesse James Festival – Kearney, Missouri
September 13 Hazelwood Harvest Festival – Hazelwood, Missouri (near St. Louis)

This is just a sampling, there are many many more. This is the time to enjoy all that Missouri has to offer!

EXPERIENCING MISSOURI OFF THE BEATEN PATH

DOWN THE ROAD AGAIN

Curiosity is peaking and a road trip in the works for Sunday, where to – Kingston, Missouri. This little community is the county seat of Caldwell County Missouri. It seems to be almost a ghost town, but the county courthouse is still standing and functioning as the center of county government. Surely there has to be some tourist draw in this quaint little area. There are 287 residents in this small rural town, according the sign. So I am off to find out why people would be interested in this community as a tourist stop.

The history of this county is vast. Everything from Native Americans, civil war ties, and Mormon history comes out of this county. While there were not any “battles” here during the Civil War, there were famous skirmishes. Also during the Mormon War, fighting was fierce among the opposing sides in this county. This should be something that would draw history buffs to visit.

Kingston is the oldest city in Caldwell County, Missouri, becoming the county seat in or around 1843. The city is named for Judge King, a popular circuit judge in Richmond at that time, and later he became the governor of the state.

The courthouse that stands there today was built in 1898. The cornerstone was laid on September 2, 1898. It was completed on December 1, 1898 at the cost of $24,827. The building is still being used today for the county offices, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a beautiful building and looks as if it should be surrounded by a bustling town square. However, that is not the case.

The present courthouse is the 4th courthouse to be built in Caldwell County. Kingston was not the original county seat, but won its challenge against Hamilton to become the county seat of Caldwell County when Far West was dissolved, and is still the headquarters of the county.

My curiosity was peaked when we got to Kingston. I was extremely curious about the former county seat of Far West. So we followed the signs to what once was Far West. There is a lot of history in this area with the Mormons. The town no longer stands, but there is a beautiful monument and picnic area where Far West once stood. Well worth a drive to see…even if you are of another faith. History crossed all barriers and religions…it is the history of our country.

Although I am not a historian, I will try to provide a little background about the creation of Caldwell County. It was created in December 1836 by the Missouri General Assembly and to be dedicated to Mormon settlers. At that time the county seat was a town called Far West. Mormons who were being driven out of Jackson County gathered in Caldwell County. There was a lot of friction between the non-Mormons and the Mormons. The Mormons were run out of this area when Joseph Smith was arrested. Far West was left to fade away.

My suggestion to you if you want to know more about this intriguing area’s history do some research and then take a road trip to see it for yourself. There is a lot available online, so push ahead and look it up. Then go see it!! Step out of the box of comfort. Experience Missouri!!!!!! Experience history!

COUNTY COURTHOUSE - Kingston, Missouri

DOWN THE ROAD AGAIN - Sunday, February 5, 2012

"History is not another name for the past, as many people imply. It is the name for stories about the past." ~ A J P Taylor

Curiosity is peaking and a road trip in the works for Sunday, where to – Kingston, Missouri. This little community is the county seat of Caldwell County Missouri.

It seems to be almost a ghost town, but the county courthouse is still standing and functioning as the center of county government. Surely has to be some tourist draw in this quaint little town. There are 287 residents in this small rural town, according the sign as you enter the location. So I am off to find out why people would be interested in this community.


The courthouse that stands there today was built in 1898. The cornerstone was laid on September 2, 1898. It was completed on December 1, 1898 at the cost of $24,827. The building is still being used today for the county offices, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The present courthouse is the 4th courthouse to be built in Caldwell County. Kingston was not the original county seat, but won its challenge against Hamilton to become the county seat of Caldwell County when Far West was dissolved, and is still the headquarters of the county.

There have been some rumors of some paranormal activity surrounding the courthouse - revolving around the hangings that occurred in early years, curious visitors in the courthouse, shadow figures, items being moved,etc. This would possibly be an intriguing location for those that seek out the paranormal.

Kingston is the oldest city in Caldwell County, Missouri, becoming the county seat in or around 1843. The city is named for Judge King, a circuit judge in Richmond, and later became the governor of the state.

My curiosity was peaked when we got to Kingston. I was extremely curious about the former county seat of Far West. So we followed the signs to what once was Far West. There is a lot of history in this area with the Mormons. The town no longer stands, but there is a beautiful monument and picnic area where Far West once stood. Well worth a drive to see…even if you are of another faith.

I will try to provide a little background about the creation of Caldwell County. It was created in December 1836 by the Missouri General Assembly and to be dedicated to Mormon settlers. At that time the county seat was a town called Far West. Mormons who were being driven out of Jackson County gathered in Caldwell County. There was a lot of friction between the non-Mormons and the Mormons. The Mormons were run out of this area when Joseph Smith was arrested. Far West was left to fade away.

If you want to learn more, go to this site and read the article that was written about Caldwell County and Kingston -

http://www.fold3.com/image/#262841258


My suggestion to you if you want to know more about this intriguing area’s history do some research and then take a road trip to see the area. There is a lot available online, so push ahead and look it up. Then go see it!! Step out of the box of comfort. Experience Missouri!!!!!! Experience history!

The Peach Highway

In a rare moment, today I ventured out of my box. Returning from a quick trip to Columbia (home of the University of Missouri – my alma mater), I decided to turn up a road I had only traveled once before. Not knowing for sure where this highway connected with the road I was looking for but I took the exit anyway.

It was a pleasant drive north on Hwy 65, towards my goal of connecting with Hwy 24 West. Highway 65 started out as a four lane highway, and then dwindled down to a two lane road being resurfaced on one lane with lots of construction workers and equipment scattered along the way. This made the speed limit of 60 mph drop to 45. It was ok, as I was not in a hurry. I glanced on and off at the fields and fields of corn on each side…….noticeably absent were fences, trees, and the vegetation that is normally home to wildlife. These were all fields of what has been classified as “clean” farming. My imagination began to take over and I visualized the old homesteads that once stood in these very fields, the wagon trains that crossed the lands, and the civil war battles that left scars throughout this land.

As I approached the turn off for the highway I was wanting; I noticed a change in the crops being grown. While there were plenty of “clean” corn and soybean fields, there were also hillsides of orchards growing peaches and apples. You could smell the sweetness of the ripe peaches. I stopped counting the farmers fruit and vegetable stands after 5, as they were plentiful. Signs appeared in front of them, hawking their produce – fresh picked sugar and cream corn, Missouri homegrown tomatoes, peaches, and candy onions. I was totally full by the time I reached home…..just thinking about them.

As I continued this trip I noticed more and more signs for local wineries. They boasted in their signs of having peach and apple wine. One of my favorite wines comes from Germany and is Apfelwein. So good! I will have to make a trip back to these wineries to see if there is any comparison. That will be another story to be written.

As I got closer to my destination I thought about what I had seen on this venture today. I did get closer to the beautiful scenery of Missouri farmland, small towns and farmers hard at work. It was well worth stepping out of my box and getting to know the land around me. It put me in the mood to start stepping out more often and venturing to sites I have not seen in my own state. Stand by and travel with me, as I write about my ventures.

Topics that I will be writing about soon and often will be “Historic Downtowns” – visiting some and writing about them including pictures. Then there is a favorite of mine which I may combine with the downtowns or do those separate – county courthouses. I hope you will enjoy my writings and step out of your box to visit areas in Missouri!!!!!!

Happy Traveling!

SUMMER DAZE IN MISSOURI

It's official.......the end of the hot muggy days of summer in Missouri are drawing near. This is marked by the 2009 Missouri State Fair, being held August 13 through August 23 in Sedalia, Missouri.

This event is one of the biggest tourist draws in the state. It features a carnival, auto races, top name concerts, and the best of the best in livestock, 4-H, Missouri agriculture and more. It is a must on your calendar.

Normally Missouri is known for the hot humid days of July and August, but this year we have been blessed with milder temperatures. There are several days left to enjoy this event, so pack the kids in the car and head off to Sedalia for a fun filled day of Missouri fun!!!!!! It is easy to find.

www.visitmo.com

Other communities are also winding down this summer season with festivals, so there is lots to choose from throughout the state. Check out the Missouri Tourism web site and pick out one close by to visit.

Missouri welcomes you!!!!!!!

SUMMER FUN!!!!!!

With the economy being an issue with many family plans for the summer, make the summer experience one of fun and learning.

Take a picnic lunch and drive some of the less traveled roads, viewing the very beautiful scenic farm country, stopping at a park for a picnic lunch (dig out that picnic basket in the basement). Make the trip one of fun and learning.........visit the county seats, start a photo book of pictures of county courthouses. The older ones are beautiful structures. See how many you can visit on a one day trip. Learn about the towns around you (within an hour or so drive), see what they had to offer to the history of your location. You might be surprised!!!!!!

Learning about the area that surrounds you is fun!!!!! This time of year many communities have their annual festivals.

Stay close to home and have a wonderful summer learning about our land!!!!

Have a great summer.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWNS

Have you thought of how many signs you see that say "Historic Downtown(giving the name)" as you travel down the Interstate? Do they make you want to immediately head towards that historic downtown? Do you wonder what is historic in that town?

I challenge you to take a pad and pen with you on your next trip down the interstate and write down the signs you see, take those names back to your home and google them. Find out what is historic about that location. Then on your next trip down the highway you might be enticed to go off the beaten path and visit that "Historic Downtown".

Enjoy the sights close to home this summer. Learn about your local history. Have a good trip!!!!

Weather and Local Farmers Markets

The recent abundance of storms and extreme rains may very well hurt the crops produced by local farmers. Therefore, hurting the availability at local Farmer's Markets. Price will also be increasing.

Driving through the agricultural areas of mid Missouri recently was like driving between swollen rivers, rain has caused some flooding in the fields.

Hopefully consumers will pay attention to these facts when they purchase from their local farmer's markets who boast of locally grown produce, much of which is not even in season yet in this area. Consumers should educate themselves on what is currently in season, and ready for harvest. A lot of the produce being offered at local farmers markets is not grown by that vendor, but trucked in from other areas, grown by someone else.

Tomorrow's post will look at some of the tourism events that can be attended close to home in this time of money crunch!!!!!!!!!

The Beginning

Today is the first posting on the blog for TREPS and Unique and Yours Weddings. It has been a busy day of working with some brides, and doing research on several topics I am writing about. My interests are in Farmers Markets, Niche Museums, and Community Events. With the economy on such rocky grounds it will be interesting to see where these ventures go.

I am very concerned about Farmers Markets and how they are turning into resell markets for many vendors. A little to risky for me, I think it is important to know who grew it, where it was grown, and what was used on it. I have been venturing out as time allows to 4 or 5 markets per week. Seeing more and more non farmers bringing in produce that is not even in season in this area.........curious concept.