Ted and I were feeling a bit of wanderlust and since we had
to cancel the cruise we had planned because of his health,
we thought a short drive to Arkansas would be restoring.

We got a late start and stopped at Lake Tenkiller which is
the most beautiful spot in Oklahoma, about nine miles
from the Arkansas border. The foliage was green with just
a tinge of gold and it was a gorgeous drive.

We had both heard extravagant claims for the Fin and Feather
lodge and the surroundings were heavenly. Sadly, the food
was expensive, lukewarm and not very good. Our room was
tacky but we slept well and it was set in the woods.

The next morning we opted out of the breakfast buffet and
proceeded to the little town of Gore. We picked a restaurant
that was surrounded by cars and had an excellent country
breakfast. Our best meal in the whole trip.

We drove on to Van Buren, Arkansas and had a delightful
time antiquing and visiting with the other tourists.
We made a few purchases. Bling lover that I am, I got
some excellent sunglasses trimmed with Savorski crystals.
I bought a piece of folk art that I suspected was trimmed
with sterling silver and when I got it home and polished
it, my intuition was correct. It is a cross with a Mexican Madonna studded with sterling silver objects,
The wisemen, a camel etc. It is small but I think very
lovely and carefully made. Some nut had put red pencil
on her wings but I painted over it with gold and she is
restored to her former glory. I am displaying it on an
easel in our bedroom but she is going on the top of the
Christmas tree during the holidays.

I have an idea that Ted should take music lessons. I
think it may forge new connections in his brain. His
chief problem is short term memory and directions but
he is still able to socialize and our friends are
understanding.