On March 20, 2020 I made an impulse purchase. It had been eight days since Mom's unexpected passing. My brother and I had decided to postpone the services due to COVID-19. Her ashes had just been placed on the fireplace, next to her Dad's mandolin and her Mom's tambourine, where they still wait for interment. … Continue reading Animal Crossing
On the way home from Missouri this weekend, I stopped for lunch in Vinita, OK. Normally, I'd stop in at Clanton's...but today I opted for the Hi-Way Cafe just west of town. I'd heard good things and the timing was right. I'm very glad I did. I pulled in to the gravel lot to find … Continue reading The Hi-Way Cafe
This weekend, I drove out to Shamrock Texas for the International Route 66 Festival, "Texas Welcomes the World." I'll have a lot to say about my time here later, but today I want to share with you a little place just on the Okie side of the border in Texola. By the time the Post … Continue reading An Oasis in Texola
After an eerily quiet night in the French Quarter last Wednesday, we went back the next day, this time to do more walking, exploring, and enjoying. I'm glad we did -- although it was still relatively quiet, it was a lot better than walking around unfamiliar streets in the dark. The trolley from our hotel … Continue reading Jackson Square and Bourbon Street
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I had one of the best in recent memory, as my Mom and brother came over to our house for the holiday. Samantha and Mom cooked together, Tyler and I played video games, and we all enjoyed a fabulous meal. The family even made it to a movie … Continue reading Crafts & Crossings
While researching my upcoming book about Lost Tulsa Restaurants, I came across a decades-old article about a Tulsa burger institution that is still going strong in the 21st century. It's one of my all-time favorite local burger joints, Claud's. I got a kick out of it and thought you all might enjoy it, too! Claud's … Continue reading Throwback Article – Claud’s Hamburgers
On May 31st, my friend Nick came to town. He wasn't coming through to geek out over neon signs like he did last time he entered Tulsa City Limits; he was part of a group of people experiencing Route 66 from a bicycle seat! Twenty-six travelers set out from Amarillo, Texas several days prior on their way to … Continue reading Bikes and Books
"We're going on a secret road trip Saturday," I told Samantha on Wednesday. She asked for a hint; I told her there was a hint in the front yard. She guessed for days. Eureka Springs? A craft show? Some obscure diner in the middle of nowhere? Nothing seemed to tie to the front yard, though. … Continue reading Strawberry Feels
The last two days in Columbia, Missouri have been work days. That being said, I made sure to maximize my time when I'm not in the office, and as I hoped I've been able to visit some of the small towns around here and experience a bit more of Columbia itself. Here are some highlights! … Continue reading Showing Myself the Show-Me State
When I hopped on the highway this morning, I didn't head to the office like normal. At least, not to MY office. My employer sent me to Columbia, Missouri to do some job shadowing at a satellite office. I love traveling for work! Though I was sad to leave Samantha behind for a few days, … Continue reading Winding Through Missouri
Rhys' Pieces 