SOUTHEAST KANSAS and into SOUTHWEST MISSOURI

I am getting behind again on keeping activities posted!!  I know better, but I get bogged down and find I am not always in a mood to do it.
We moved to Linn Valley Lake RV Park in KS and caught up on laundry and relaxing.  Then moved on to a city park in Pittsburg KS in preparation to have the motorhome chassis looked at on Monday. They found it in good shape and he said that we have nothing to worry about.  So that is a relief. It was worth the $46. to be told that after what we had just been through with the tow bar.

On Monday, July 27th while in Pittsburg, we had plans to drive on south to Fort Scott for a few hours to meet up with Gary's distant cousin and his wife.  We had learned of Steve and Gary's connection when we were in N Mexico with Gary's first cousin, Mildred.

Connie, Steve and Gary

They had been to Fort Scott before so were able to make a recommendation for lunch.  A good choice!!  After a wonderful visit to get acquainted and learn some genealogy updates and a great lunch, we vowed to keep in touch and to see each other again when back in the area.
We left them and drove about town and I took a few pictures of architecture. It was way too hot to do anything else!

Time to return to Pittsburg and prepare to move on the next day.  Not much to prepare as we do not settle in much when we know we will only be there one night or two.

July 28th, Tuesday, our next stop is Coachlight RV Park just outside of Carthage MO where we will stay a week.  We have friends and relatives to connect with while here.  We went to Iggy's silver diner for breakfast on our first day, with a trip on to Downstream Casino across the border in OK. Gary always finds this relaxing and I take a book along. The second day we drove into Carthage to check out the town square and to look for the church that we attended when we were here last.  The town has a lot of interesting buildings and businesses about.  I could have taken tons of pictures, but refrained.

(Now I've seen it all!!  A couple across from us just walked their two German Shepherds. Then after washing one off and putting a pamper on it, took both dogs into the fifth wheel.)  I changed enough diapers in my day.  No more for me!!!

Ok, on with the Blog! We went to a Civil War Museum first and then stopped on one side of the town square and went into an Antique Store and an Art Emporium.
In the Museum we learned that Missouri was neither a Confederate nor Union State, however, they did have slaves. Because they were on the fence about slavery, when the war ended they had to re-write their state constitution. We are always learning!!

Andy Thomas painting
of a woman who hid the flag in her petticoat
during the war, as she revealed it after the war.

Andy Thomas mural painting

This mural was painted by Andy Thomas for the Museum.  He quit his full time job to do this and then continued painting.

The County Court House built with stone from a local quarry
in the late 1800's. This local stone was used all over the US
in famous buildings.

We love the art galleries though we know it is out of our price range!  These bronze sculptures were just two on display priced from $4,500 to $12,500.  I did not really check out the prices on the pictures.  They started the gallery with just a framing business and have added until they now have a restaurant in the back that opens on Friday evenings with entertainment and a home cooked menu.

We then wandered down a couple doors to an antique shop.

We say that we will shop the antiques shops if we ever settle down, and refurnish a little home.

We also noticed this little motel -- probably now efficiency apartments each with a car port. Interesting!!

Leaving downtown we went on to a museum built for the Power's family belongings that were left to the city by their only daughter who never had any children.. Mr. Powers was a dentist and backbone of the community, and his wife was a daughter to the man who owned the quarry.

Many quilts were on display, and furniture.

Leaving there we checked out the park across the street, which we knew Larry would appreciate as it is sponsored by Kiwanis.

Want a train ride?
They used to have a carousel in the park.

and then on to the operating Drive-in nearby.  They are said to have a line-up every weekend that will begin three to four hours before the movie starts. They show children's movies, two per evening. I guess that it can be a family affair with dinner in the car while waiting!

We continued our drive on old Route 66.  

Then we checked out the Precious Moments warehouse and store.  We had been there when we were through here before,but they were closed that time.  Gary thought that we would get a factory tour, but learned that all Precious Moments items are made in China and always have been.  News to us!

Didn't someone tell Gary that he needs a flower pot?

Tomorrow we will be checking out the George Washington Carver National Park a little south of Carthage.  When we move into a new location, we often do not know what we will do except visit with friends and relatives.  But we never seem to be at a loss for things to do.  Check back!!