~ Trenda
Richard has been asked to speak at a Memorial Service commemorating his dear friend, Bill Seaborn. Bill was killed the day he and Richard were flying together on a rescue mission and their helicopter was hit by AK-47 fire and subsequently crashed into the jungles of Vietnam. Before the scheduled date of the ceremony, we wanted to spend some time getting to know Bill’s family and friends and we also needed to make arrangements and check out accommodations for those in the 240th Helicopter Assault Company that will be attending the ceremony. We were in Mississippi for 3 memorable days, spending time with people that all loved Bill. Everyone was welcoming and gracious and we instantly became friends. Though we are still apprehensive about the actual ceremony (I’m sure I’ll be writing about that after it occurs!) and the heart-stirring tribute commemorating Richard’s dear friend, we are looking forward to seeing all these lovely people, again. Afterwards, we drove from Mississippi to Missouri for a much needed vacation and to spend time visiting with Richard’s family.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and look at the stunning pictures I took along our 1,384 mile road trip! As I looked at these pictures I couldn’t help but smile as the remembered words and melody that my great-uncle Woody Guthrie wrote and sang, America’s beloved folk tune “This Land is Your Land” (this proud niece can’t help but boast!) accompanied my viewing. (:
“As I went walking that ribbon of highway I saw above me that endless skyway I saw below me those golden valleys This land was made for you and me …” ~ Woody Guthrie
During the 2 1/2 weeks we were away … storm clouds chased us from state to state!
Spring tulips punctuate the deep green grass …
Old bridge over a Mill pond …
Cheerful Spring greeting …
Cascading waterfalls surrounded by cattails and Redbud Trees.
Stacked rail fence, blossoming Redbud Trees and billowy clouds.
This stunning statue is located at “Top of the Rock” in Ridgedale, Missouri. The Native American sitting on his horse symbolizes the “Trail of Tears” and standing in an Infinity Pool … appears as if the waters of the pool spill, like tears, over into Table Rock Lake, far below.
Beautiful chapel in the afternoon shadows.
Inside the chapel, a breathtaking view of the Cross looking out a wall of windows …
To the scenic Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake below.
On another day of travelling, we saw a total of 3 rainbows! The first rainbow was a double rainbow and the colors were spectacular! Our 2nd rainbow, the arch was complete and it was the first time I had ever seen where the rainbow touched the ground … no wonder all the folklore and stories of pots of gold! I was so mesmerized, I forgot to even get a picture until it had almost faded away. The shimmery vivid colors and beauty of the bow was enchanting and reminded me once again of God’s promise to Noah.
Lunch at a favorite restaurant with a dear niece on Lake Taneycomo in Branson, Missouri.
After a delicious lunch (which she “sweetly” insisted was her treat! <3) … we took her to “Top of the Rock” (named that because it is located on the highest elevation in Taney County, Missouri) to see the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum and to go to the “Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail” a 2 1/2 mile ride tour driving our own 4-seated golf cart! Along the trail are dramatic rock formations …
Majestic waterfalls … we could feel the spray of the water on our face and arms as Richard maneuvered our golf cart around this curve! (:
Caves …
… and Amish bridges spanning deep ravines.
The gray stone chapel standing regal in the purple and golden twilight reminds me of this quote from Lucy Maud Montgomery “Twilight drops her curtain down, and pins it with a star.”
And finally … back to the Bluebonnets of Texas.
“This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me.” ~ Woody Guthrie
From my cottage to yours ~ Trenda
Thank you for reading my blog! I’d love for you to “FOLLOW ME!” (:
Share this:
Cottage Green on the Lake 
The pictures turned out amazing. It was nice getting to visit with you all. Can’t wait to revisit “Top of the Rock ” it was so much fun.
Thank you so much, Debbie! It was a wonderful day … made even lovelier with the company we shared it with! ❤Trenda