Let's Hear it for the Boys

We just completed our volunteer work at the United Methodist Boys Ranch located on the South end of Tenkiller Lake near Gore, OK. We've been away from good wireless speeds, so I've gotten a little behind on my blogs. Drew and I worked in the residence buildings, painting and repairing. The Boys Ranch is for "at-promise" teens and pre-teens experiencing problems which prevent them from living at home or in foster care. There is an on-site school for the boys in the residence program. After "graduating" from the residence program, those youth in the independent living program are allowed to attend public schools. An unusual component of the Ranch is the Animal Therapy Program where the boys learn to care for animals (horses, cows, chickens!) and their skills are showcased when they host an annual rodeo. You can read more about this wonderful place at: www.circleofcare.org/site/03residential/umboysranch.html. Donations always welcome!

Oklahoma--OK!

In truth, Guthrie, OK, is more than just okay. It boasts the largest contiguous district on the National Register of Historic Places, with over 400 blocks and 2100 buildings. The old downtown area's brick beauties once housed banks, bars, bordellos, and more. It's an interesting area. You can stroll down the streets and read the histories from the brass standards mounted on the sidewalks. Or you can go inside, as we did, and partake of the current proprietors' offerings.

Cattlemen's Cafe Cuisine

Steaks and stockyards--highlights of Oklahoma City. Cattle auctions are still held weekly at Stockyards City in the heart of Oklahoma City. For decades, when cattlemen and cowboys (tourists too!) come to town, they stop at Cattlemen's Cafe, which is the state's busiest restaurant. Operating since 1910 and expanded numerous times, Cattlemen's is THE place for steaks. Desserts too. Yessir, we agree. Yum.