111:365

Today we started out in Oklahoma.... and made it all the way home to Albuquerque just after midnight. My daughter did alot of the driving.... and I am very grateful. It still seemed like I felt every bump in the road.. and in that sense... it was rough. However, it was still much easier (no doubt) than if I would have done the driving as well.

Oklahoma is a very pretty state in the springtime. All along the highways were gorgeous wildflowers. The photo above shows tons of the red ones.. .I think they are a form of fire weed.... and they were stunning. We also so lots of daffodils, tulips, dandelions, wild mustard, and a few poppies.

Throughout Oklahoma and later into Texas, we continued to see lots of beautiful farmland and ranch land. We saw tons of cows, and even the occasional goat, sheep and even alpaca farms. America really is gorgeous... and it's a shame we (as a whole) don't appreciate it as much as we should.

My daughter and I had an interesting discussion revolving around Route 66. We were discussing whether there was an equivalent to that kind of thing today (not that I know of). And we were talking about how people travel alot today... but not in the same context. At least the impression I got of the Route66 fame; was that it was treated like a trip... not where the destination is completely the goal... but more of the journey being the goal. I think most people today who are driving/ traveling are more focused on getting to a certain destination... as opposed to enjoying the journey.


We got into Amarillo around suppertime, and on impulse... decided to stop at "The Big Texan" for dinner. If you've never been.... it's an iconic kind of place. The Big Texan is totally kitchy, totally cowboy... and totally everything you would expect a Texas steak house to be. There is a huge dining room full of about 100 taxidermy animals on the walls... wood floors...country style tables... even an authentic cowboy band.

There is a saloon/ bar area... a massive poker room...a gift shop.... fudge and candy area... even a game/shooting range for kids.

There is a hotel/motel right next door that is owned by the same company.... and the building looks like a row of old buildings from a historic western town.

Needless to say, I had an awesome time. The band was fabulous... the atmosphere was fun.... and I had the best. steak. ever. Seriously. I had an 8oz sirloin topped with sauteed mushrooms and blue cheese crumbles and a side of fried okra. My daughter had a cup of chili, cornbread, and a HUGE appetizer that was comprised of fried okra, jalapenos, mozzarella sticks, and rocky mountain oysters. We didn't get dessert (cuz we were stuffed)... but the portions were enormous! and everything looked fantastic. ((Total cost of the meal was just under $40 for both of us))

The following photos are from the Big Texan....(see more on this place: here)

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

40:365

I have been editing a few more photos... these are from August 2009; when I went to PA to visit family. Near my hometown is the "Black Forest Trading Post and Deer Park." Basically, it's a penned in area where several families of deer are kept in a safe environment, and are fed, etc. Alongside it is a gift shop. It's kitchy... of that there is no doubt.

And for people who grew up in the area... it seems to be sort of a freak thing. Deer are all around us.... why have them penned up? On the other hand; one of the main influxes of commerce we have in our county is during hunting/fishing seasons ... when lots of people come from areas like Philadelphia and such... and come up to "the country." This little tourist spot gives them the opportunity to see the animals in an accessible area. And of course, there is the gift shop and coffee bar...

According to some internet research; the place has been in business since 1953-- and has had only a handful of owners in all that time. The past couple of years that I have been to PA... I have stopped and visited with the owner. Interestingly, he has a relatively fabulous selection of Celtic music and jewelry that he also sells in the gift shop; along with local maple syrup and maple candy, honey, local crafts..... all alongside alot of kitchy tourist-like items. It is an interesting place.

But I must confess... I love to the see the deer. Yes, I know some local spots where I can see them in "the wild"... but here I can see them... almost touch them... and give them some treats (sold in packages in the shop). For the photographer in me... it was an awesome opportunity.... especially as so many of the young ones were still spotted. Their ears and horns were all soft with velvet...their soft brown eyes looking upward...

And yes, I come from a hunting background. In fact; most everyone I know (back home) hunts. Yes, I started going hunting with my dad when I was about 13. Yes, I can shoot, drag, and dress a deer all by myself. Yes, really. Yes, I like venison. Yes, I like the movie Bambi. Yes, I cry every time the mommy deer gets shot. Yes, it makes me sad to think of all the animals shot every year in the name of "sport." However, I also know that without the hunting associations, the local deer population would be a mess. For it is (mostly) these hunting associations that make sure the deer herds get enough food... that idiots aren't poaching... that they have enough land to roam about and raise their young. I understand both sides. It is up to the hunting community to expect and enforce high morals and standards when it comes to safe and ethical hunting practices in PA... and I am fortunate to know many hunters who are doing just that.

But for me... I will continue to "shoot" with my weapon of choice... (my camera).

(all photos by Elaine A. Russell)