Kansas

I was fortunate to experience a fall road trip through Kansas, Nebraska and into South Dakota with my parents and sister, Diane. We made an effort not to travel interstate highways, and with the navigation skills of my Dad, stayed on scenic two lane roads. West of Enid, the tone for the trip was set with the sighting of 100 plus pink pelicans heading south to warmer waters. Marjorie reminisced about Lake Perry and the first of several Fredisms rang out from the back seat - "There's some cows"!

My people have taken their first breath, toiled at their chosen professions and lain down for their final rest in the state of Kansas. I'd like to think that they took advantage of this "country road landscape" with determination, humor and gratefulness. Towns named Pretty Prairie, Serenity and Hoxie proclaim "Good Crops, Great Families". Wind mills and farmsteads share the scene with wheat, milo and corn fields and the occasional water tower marked HOT and COLD.

Evidence of that determination cropped up north of the Oklahoma border in Kiowa. It is here that Carrie Nation "launched her career of saloon-smashing". On June 1, 1900 her weapons of choice were stones, brickbats, full malt bottles and one billiard ball. Six months later she adopted the use of the hatchet and possibly inspired my Grandma Ramsey to join the Women's Temperance Union. Grandma would be proud of daughter Marjorie, who was seen pouring out libations, but I question her granddaughter's weapon of choice!

Don't go there, Fred!
But if you do, you can atone for your sins at the First Presbyterian Church in Pratt, Kansas. The sermon title for the week was "Do you Tremble When You Hear God". Maybe you will tremble when you gaze at the gargoyles staring at you from the tower!

Lunch was a picnic at Fort Larned with a surprise lemon pie, homemade by Marjorie, in honor of my birthday. The delicious flaky crust was practically airborne thanks to the windy Kansas plains and the meringue would have made a pioneer lady proud. Fort Larned is a National Historic site of sandstone buildings restored and furnished to preserve a history of protecting travelers and commerce on the Santa Fe Trail. Marjorie shared the history of old Ozawkie with a park ranger, I appreciated the lack of utility lines on the grounds and Diane, WELL...

Fred can be seen on the porch to the right with his arms crossed, undoubtedly wondering what he has gotten himself into. Our next stop was Hays, Kansas for supper. We were only halfway to our nighttime lodgings and it was already 6:45 PM. This situation prompted the often heard Fredism - "Gotta get there before dark".

Thanks Fort Larned for protecting my people! God Bless Kansas and John Denver, may he rest in peace!