Broken Bow and other Tales

Happy Late Thanksgiving and Merry Early Christmas!

I hope you all ate a lot of yummy food and were surrounded by family and friends on Thanksgiving.  I sure was and it was a great day.  Now, a week later, I am finally settling down and getting ready for Christmas.

Having just moved to Oklahoma from the desert, I LOVE Oklahoma.  This state actually has seasons.  On my drive to work used to see all the trees in pretty fall colors, and then BAM, the day after Thanksgiving it got cold and rainy and now, winter, all the trees are bare and to me, "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."  I love how in my small town I drive down Main Street at night on my way home from work, and Christmas lights are on the buildings and street lights and its wonderful.  I love it.  I just love it!  The air is cool and crisp and I am able to bundle up with a warm cup of whatever and wear my hand knit warmies outside.

Speaking of fall and Thanksgiving, Bob (my husband) and I had planned this hiking trip the weekend after Thanksgiving.  I had to work that Friday after, so Bob picked me up from work and we drove to Broken Bow, OK in the far southeast corner of the state about 12 miles from the Arkansas border.  We were planning on going on this amazing 6 mile hike in Beaver's Bend, the National Park just outside of town.  But alas, we got rained out.  We could hear the thunder and rain all night long and into the morning.  So we just drove around, drove around the town and park and got some great pictures of the fall colors and lake.  We even drove in to Arkansas.

Beaver's Bend is beautiful, a true gem. It has a lake and there are so many trees.  When we were first moving to Oklahoma, I was thinking dust bowl.  Oh now, from what I have seen this state is GREEN!  Lots of hills and trees and wilderness. Beautiful all year long.

After driving around, we found a winery and wine store.  Oh yes, we HAD to stop.  But after we ate lunch across the street at the pizza place/bar "The Grateful Head"  Really good pizza and beer and Bob was more than content watching the game on the big screen.  After lunch we went to the wine store across the street.  Girls Gone Wine.  A winery and store that is HUGE and popular and they even offer tastings, when we were walking in, we almost got run over by this lady making a bee-line to the tasting bar.  I also eventually made it there and it was good wine.  I bought 2 bottles.  Yum!  Will definitely have to go there again.

When we got back in town later that day, I made a point of stopping at my favorite store in Downtown Ardmore, The 9, to get some last minute Christmas decorations including a wreath.  I made it a point because it was Small Business Saturday, if you haven't heard about it, you must do it next year and/or purchase from you local small business this holiday season.  As Small Business Saturday is just that, the Saturday after Thanksgiving where you go Christmas shopping at your local small business, which I think is a much better idea than shopping at the big box stores, because I think it supports your town better by keeping small business running fostering a sense of community.

Ok, off my soap box.  Since last weekend I have just been home, working on my gift knitting which is going good.  In addition to my gift knitting, I am also making a Chemo Cap to give to my friend to bring to our local cancer center so they my distribute them for Christmas.  I hope somebody loves it and it keeps their head very warm.

Bob and I did go into the city yesterday (Oklahoma City) and have lunch with his friend, wife and their 2 adorable kids.  We also went to my two favorite places in the whole wide world. Whole Foods and Target.  Oh civilization, I was so happy to be back.  I missed you Whole Foods!  

Ok, I have rattled on enough, as you can see I have been busy and knitting and decorating and enjoying my first Christmas season in Oklahoma.

See you all soon.