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.

Do you know the way. . .

. . .to Santa Fe? We do. And it's a wonderful town full of culture and artistry. Palace of the Governors is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S., dating back to 1610. Native American artisans abound and display their work under it's portico and in the neighboring plazas. The architecture in this olde town area is mostly adobe style and is filled with cafes, galleries and museums. The perfect place for an afternoon stroll.

The Ultimate Artist

The Painted Desert in Eastern Arizona near Holbrook has more colors than a giant box of Crayolas. And nature did it all. The hues change with the sun's position, providing interest throughout the daylight hours. Another beautiful reflection of God's handiwork. . .

A Grand Time

The Grand Canyon is appropriately named: 277 river miles long, 18 miles wide, a mile deep, rock nearly 2 billion years old in the bottom of the canyon. The park's free shuttle system is really convenient and allowed us to ride to some of the overlooks or hike along the 12-mile rim trail to others. The views are awesome, but not for those with tendencies toward vertigo.

Viva Las Vegas

On our way to the Grand Canyon, we stopped over in Las Vegas at Arizona Charlie's. What happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas. No pictures. No comment.