Maybe you’ve been keeping up with all the rainy weather, storms, and flooding. Or maybe you’ve been ignoring the news. Or you are just possibly living on an island separated from all cares in the world. Whatever the case may be, I’ve some watery pics this week of the Missouri River out of its banks…. again.
Living in low-lying areas, bottoms as we refer to them here, one expects some flooding. But with these massive events you can’t help but to be in total awe of Mother Nature. There are so many affected this year that it boggles the mind. Our thoughts and prayers to all in these areas no matter which part of the world you’re in.
In the meantime, I hope you can enjoy the beauty found in the scenes captured by my daughter this past Tuesday afternoon.
First – The Door, and an alpaca quilt block. Daughter looks out for my best interests 🙂
And hoping this video will work.
Rocheport, Missouri June 4, 2019
Thursday Doors comes to you through Norm 2.0 every Thursday. We join him by adding our own set of doors each week. Please take a couple minutes to visit Norm and a few of the other participants for some wonderful door views from around the world.
Tightwad, Missouri is a ‘don’t blink or you’ll miss it’ town along scenic highway 7; population 64 according to 2010 census. It’s an hour drive from my home depending on the time of year. ‘Lake traffic’ is all I gotta say about that.
The attraction for me was to present to you the Bank of Tightwad. In its prime it was boasting clients from all over the world. What better way to pay off a debt than with a check from Tightwad Bank? But in actuality there were a lot more novelty accounts than big $$ accounts so it closed its doors in 2006.
The Bank Time Tightwad Bank
If you drive past the bank you can imagine how easy it was for the success of numerous robberies that occurred here. It’s a fairly remote location, on a major highway, with acres and acres of lake, access to boating ramps and docks and other side roads that lead to God’s country. Wouldn’t take a genius to figure this out. Not to mention a lack of law enforcement to deter these incidents. I mean, if I can imagine it, I’m pretty sure Anyone can.
Back Door of Tightwad BankIncinerating instead of shredding documents seems pretty good to me!Fire Department across the street
The town of Tightwad reportedly received its name from a tale of a postman that, on his route, asked a farmer to save him a watermelon that he’d pick up when he was finished delivering the day’s mail.
When he returned to collect his melon, he learned that the farmer had sold it to someone else for 50 cents more than their agreed price. Enraged, the postal carrier loudly called the farmer a “tightwad” and continued to do so every day after that.
Fire danger is rated “moderate” at the time I snapped this picture across the street from the bank.
Thursday Doors comes to you through Norm 2.0 every Thursday. We join his company by adding our own set of doors each week. Please take a couple minutes to visit him and a few of the other participants for some wonderful door views from around the world.
Returning this week to Thursday Doors posts. Just want to say I’ve missed the Thursday Doors gang but I’m glad I participated in the A to Z again just the same. Couldn’t miss its 10th anniversary now could I? If you’re curious about my contribution, you may click the 2019 AtoZ tab above to see the posts. There will be a reveal for the Reflections post that hopefully includes my sampler quilt top. Look for it May 6.
So we had a surprise birthday party for the brother-in-law. And the location couldn’t have been more charming. You might drive by it if you’re not looking goin’ down Missouri state highway 52.
German Table Entrance
FIrst View
Sidewalk View
Before the honoree arrived, I got a shot of these farmhouse style tables. Bestill my heart!! Oh, and there’s the inside door view.
The ambiance was wonderful, food was outstanding and no complaints on service. The only thing lacking was the company of a couple of our children…..my niece(& her hubby) and my eldest. But already making plans for a return when everyone is back home. Til then, I’ll share the rest of the photos for this Thursday Doors from Cole Camp, Missouri.
Did I mention the dessert??!! Bavarian Cream filled and layered German Chocolate cake. Oh my Word!! No pics to taunt you with but I’ll be trying the duplication of this one. No doubt about it!
Hopefully you enjoy the perspectives I’ve tried to display here. Doors are not always the easiest things to capture and here are some examples.
Barn Doors and Cattle Gates
It’s not uncommon to see an old farm split by a road. In this case you add a pretty good curve where they’ve clearly painted double yellow lines to remind you it’s not a good idea ever to pass, much less stop and take a door photo.
Here’s the closest you’ll get without the steering wheel or hubby’s head in the way. Not to mention the tinted side windows aren’t very conducive to picture-taking.
Barn, Garage, and Farmhouse Doors
As you can see, Houston,we have a problem. The hood is factor #1. And there’s the issue of the cracked windshield #2. The space between that home and myself is #3. Around here, you just don’t go driving up a private drive even when most folks are pretty neighborly. There are factors like Meth manufacturer’s who try finding hiding places off the beaten path to make said meth, dogs who may or may not be friendly, and shotguns owned by the farmers trying to protect themselves. So…….
Filtered and Cropped
I’ll be using the cropping (no pun intended, dear farmers) and filtering available. You see, once a few years ago before I had shared in Thursday Doors, the hubby and I were driving down a road back home and were literally chased down by a farmer who didn’t recognize us. We pulled over, showed him my camera, the child in the back seat and did some name-dropping of “my people”. Once I explained who I was related to the area we were in, and then told him I was writing a blog post about barns in the county, he simmered down…. kind of. He clearly was a bit on the mistrustful and hostile side of the spectrum.
Another farm in the creek bottoms
And you can’t tell from here, but it’s split by the road as well.
Clapboard sided farm house
It’s sometimes a choice of which side of the road you photograph. We were between destinations with not a lot of sunlight left to play with so turning around was not in the cards that day. Guess we’ll have to take another drive sometime.
A Throwback event was planned by my husband and I for our daughters. We bought them tickets for Christmas and the event was held last Friday evening in Kansas City. But as you can see from some photos below, we were kinda worried if we’d get to make it there. Ice is the worst! Can’t stress it enough. There’s nothing moving, unless it’s you falling on your rump or other body parts that happen to land first. Such as my youngest hitting her head on the pavement headed to work. So glad she wasn’t hurt badly! Scary stuff and not the best part of living in the Midwest.
Double Icicles out my back door
Twigs beaten down from wind and freezing rain
Icy View from the back porch
Shards of death as the hubby called them. A clear ‘Do not enter’ signal.
The Throwback Event as I have dubbed it was a concert to see Sara Evans who happens to be a Missouri-born country music singer in case you weren’t aware. Three of us met the eldest daughter at the Ameristar Casino to see the show. We took a couple prints of the 2002 pic below along for autographing.
Sara Evans with my girls at the 2002 Missouri State Fair.
Little did we know we’d get to take another photo or 2. They’re all grown up now clearly and this mom is feeling all sappy and stuff. My how time flies. Some song lyrics from Born to Fly: Hey, ’cause I will soar away like the blackbird I will blow in the wind like a seed I will plant my heart in the garden of my dreams And I will grow up where I want, wild and free  Who doesn’t want this for their children? Some more photos below of the fam and some doors that are the best I could do with an icy parking lot on the outside. I.Don’t. Skate.
I’m traveling back to my roots this ThursdayDoors. After a DNA test back in May of 2017, I’ve taken the deeper plunge to investigating the paper trail. But there aren’t just paper trails when it comes to these searches. There are places to visit. So the husband and I took a Sunday Drive last weekend since we had temps near 60 degrees and some sunshine. Can’t stay inside on a day like that!
First View
This is Bethlehem Baptist Church in Florence, Missouri. It was here that my Gt. Gt. Grandfather was pastor. Reverend Caleb H. Cramer ministered to this community and the surrounding area for over 50 years of his adult life. This church was home to a whole lotta family members. (You know they had a ton of kids back in the day.) Although I only live 25 minutes away, it’s my first time seeing it.
Front Door Entrance – Newer Doors
When choosing this site for the church, I’m sure the view overlooking the valley was a major deciding factor. “Build your house upon the rock” Matthew 7:24-45 is a favorite Bible verse of mine.
Original Portion of the church
From the State Historical Society of Missouri’s public pdf “Organized in 1846 in the home of Reverend B.F. Dinwiddie. The first services were held in a log building on the site of Harmony School, and the first land was purchased from Henry and Amanda Wagenknecht in 1869.”
I happen to have the Reverend Dinwiddie’s final resting place on the far left of this picture. This was a beautiful view of the valley below here.
Civil War Era Photo of my grandparents
About Grandpa,…..Born 1847 and died 1932. But the years between were a life filled with good works. I mentioned his ministry before and he also served in the Civil war in the Missouri Infantry Volunteers. Usually one thinks of most of the Civil War action beyond Missouri, but we actually had a considerable amount of action here.
Rev. Caleb and Mrs. Nancy Cramer
Wish I could see the twin doors in the background!!
Steeple View
Newer addition
Side door w/ramp
Newest addition to the back
I must say I have my husband to thank profusely. Ron, you’re my hero!! He’s been helping fill out that family tree and it is becoming huge!! Wowza! We’ve gotten back to 1621 in one branch. (I’m such a history nerd)
I found some leftovers in my photo stash that might have some merit this Thursday Doors. This will be a 2nd entry for Mexico, Missouri on my site.
Mexico, population of around 11,000, is located in Audrain County and is the location of a Veterans Home, the annual Miss Missouri Pageant as well as the Missouri Military Academy-founded 1889. It’s the county seat and most recently, was honored with the most snowfall in one occurence in the state for this year so far at 22 inches. (learned that from my husband’s dr)
Memorial Court House-June 2017
On the Square is a common term when referring to a rural downtown location. I was On the Square in the city of Mexico in June of 2017 when I took these shots. And some of the shots (confession time) are screenshots of the area from Google Earth because I felt it was necessary to go to this extent to give a better view than what I was able to get in person.
Typical town square
Built 1951
Chamber of Commerce
A place I had to refrain from entering was this music establishment.
Its OPEN 🎶
I have a knack of finding exceptional deals on 5-string banjos. My eldest daughter says I need more restraint from purchasing any more. Here’s one time I didn’t try my luck. Dear Daughter, you are welcome. 🙂
The Saturday after Thanksgiving was our final craft show for 2018. I neglected to photograph our booth for the first time in I can’t remember how long. But I definitely have a series of photos from afterwards. I’m sharing these this Thursday Doors. I hope you enjoy the simple beauty of this Missouri landscape of late November. And when you’re finished, I hope you’ll traipse on over to Norm 2.0, read his post where he’ll direct you to the rest of us door-seekers from around the globe.Â
I have rarely participated in Black Friday. I happen to think it’s a ploy to rob me. But this year was different. I actually called my mother to invite her along. Stop The Press!!
Yes there was some urgency.
Not my photo. Too rainy that day for me to worry with it.
There was a notice in our paper that the owner of this shop had passed away. And they are selling her fabric at a significantly lower price and closing shop. This local business has been a very big blessing in our area. We live an hour in any direction from the nearest big chain fabric store. (Until recently, we acquired a Hobby Lobby) But let’s get real. This was the Ultra fabric stop for serious quilters.
Mom and I decided to check out the bargains and show our support for the family. This must be difficult for them.
Below is my ‘haul’. I am planning some serious sewing this coming year.
Mom thought the blue floral reminded her of something her own mother would have used for a dress. Can I get an awwwww?! Miss my grandmother very much! So blessed to still have my momma!
This is a better look at the fat quarters.
Buy 50/ Get 50 free. And they were already reduced. An irresistable deal. Mother and I both succumbed.
A peek at the gallery will show you all the tiny ‘doors’ I found in this treasure trove. I hope you’ll, somehow, identify with this version of Thursday Doors and take time to visit Norm 2.0 for beautiful door posts around the globe.
Venice Doors
Scandinavian Doors
Log Cabin Doors
Birdhouse Doors
Amish Doors
Farm Doors
School House (no door)
Eiffel Tower Door
Doge’s Palace Doors
St. Mark’s Campanile (This one’s for Rachel)
I was neglectful in mentioning the transportation provided by my eldest daughter. Thank you Rachel for tolerating and enabling your mother and grandmother on this expedition. Love you bunches!!!
And they get stored in these extra large ice cream containers. When it gets about half full, I turn to ways to upcycle them.
Watching & waiting
More waiting
The hubby is pretty good at discovering bargains on ebay and found this Crayola Melt & Mold Factory at a decent price. It comes with a couple mold styles and looked like it would be a good way to occupy school-agers this summer.
Here is where I insert the facts. If you have only a few broken crayons, this is the way to go because this is how many (I’m being Very generous)Â you can melt in one sitting. And in one sitting I mean 45 minutes from beginning to end. I wasn’t very impressed with the results as there were air gaps in the molds in the end so you ended up with half-baked crayons. Not very sturdy for those with a firm grip.
Time to move on obviously.
My tried and true method that I have had a lot of success with are these little silicone bakers. They are great for practicing color sorting or color mixing that All ages greatly enjoy. I’m sure you can find many shapes in silicone bakeware or candy molds, but I just use the ones I already have.
My round crayons give new shape, color, and variety to the crayon bin.
Did I mention they are stackable? Quite the item to take outdoors as well. It’s pretty hard to lose these bright round disks, and even harder for them to get choked on. They make great paper weights when the wind is blowing (so you can never have too many).I have a few other ideas I’m planning with these gems for the future. I’ll have to let you know how they work out.
Hope this “Free Tip Friday” brightens the start to your weekend!
