Yeehaw! What a blast! Thanks, Dolly! The North versus the South in battle of observation and participation along with a nice hot meal. Everything about the stampede was a fun, energizing, and the performers were so skilled with their horses and other animals. I hope to see the show again sometime. Here are a few of my photos and a link to learn more about Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. https://dpstampede.com/
The Showboat Branson Belle is a paddle-wheeler and dinner theater on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. The ship offers outstanding views of the lake while cruising. Inside there is a huge theater for the shows and to have dinner. I can only speak for my experience, but it was excellent. The food came out hot and tasty and the entertainment included comedy, magic, and music. Would I do it again? Absolutely.
For more information visit https://www.silverdollarcity.com/showboat-branson
While in Branson, Missouri, I visited the Titanic Museum. It was surreal to step back into time and feel the iceberg, the cold air on the deck, see the grand entry, and feel the angles of the ship as it sank into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. There is so much to read and see on the ship. I would allow two hours or more to tour this wonderful museum. Here are a few photos from my visit and a link for more information. https://titanicbranson.com/
It was a great pleasure visiting the Walmart Museum, which is free, this is the location that started what we know as Walmart today. The museum also has a wonderful ice cream shop to purchase treats. Walmart has always been a favorite stop of mine because of the selection of products they offer and the friendly helpful associates especially in towns where options are few. Here are a few photos from my visit and a link for more information. https://www.walmartmuseum.com/content/walmartmuseum/en_us.html
There are many roads in the United States, and many will be missed because of freeways or flying across America. However, if you go and search, there are many beautiful sights and places to drive. The Pig Trail Scenic Byway is one of those roads. It’s known as Arkansas 23. I found it as pleasant a drive as the Smoky Mountains or the Blue Ridge Mountains. This route is known as the Pig Trail because many Arkansas Razorback fans travel it to Fayetteville for games. Wooo Pig Sooie! Enjoy the photos! See you on the road.
On my recent road trip, I was able to visit the Thorncrown Chapel which was designed by E. Fay Jones who apprenticed under the famous Frank Lloyd Wright. The design was inspired by Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, France. With all the glass windows it leaves itself to a perfect spot for prayer and weekly Sunday morning services. I found great peace and beauty there. A place where you can truly feel the holy spirit.
For more information visit their website here https://thorncrown.com/
On a recent road trip, I took time to visit this beautiful chapel. It’s located in Bella Vista, Arkansas up in the Quachita Mountains. The chapel was designed to celebrate God and his creations. The views are spectacular as it is made of glass so that you see the forest and mountains. If you see God in nature, you will feel right at home inside this magnificent piece of architecture. For more information visit this link
Hurricane Ike hit on September 13, 2008. It forever changed the landscape of Galveston, Texas and the greater Houston area for that matter. I’ll never forget it’s power. Oak trees are not native to Galveston, but many were planted over the years to provide shade and add beauty to the island. Several were wiped out by hurricane Ike. I recently discovered that many artists breathed life into the standing oak stumps by carving art into them. Some are whimsical and some have meaning but they add a beauty and leave a memory that there is always hope after the storm. Whatever storm it may be. It was a journey and adventure to locate many of them around the island but also a way to see Galveston that I have never seen before. The neighborhoods beyond the beaches and seawall. It was definitely like a treasure hunt! I won’t include all the sculptures here. They are for you to go and find! Adventure! The collection of photos here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!
This palace is palatial at every level. Contruction started in 1887 and was completed in 1893 at a cost of $250,000. It was built by lawyer and politician Walter Gresham, which is why it is also known as Gresham’s Castle. The home is made of stone and has withstood all hurricanes including the great storm of 1900. I would say the builders knew a thing or two about the Three Little Pigs. In 1923, the home was purchased for $40,500, by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston for Bishop Christopher E. Byrne with the Sacred Heart Catholic church being conveniently across the street. Bishop Byrne lived there until 1950. In 2013, the home was sold to the current owners The Galveston Historical Association. From an architectural and artistic standpoint, the craftsmanship, materials, and art throughout the home are the best for the time and even by today’s standards. It’s an incredible home as you will see by some of the photos. I hope these photos inspire your own visit to learn about the history and see the beauty of this home. For more information visit here https://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/1892-bishops-palace
It was a pleasure to finally tour the Moody Mansion in Galveston, Texas. Its opulence cannot be understated for the time in history that it was built in 1895. The home has much history and has a total of 31 rooms. Prior to the Moody’s purchasing the $100,000 home for $20,000 after the great hurricane in 1900, it was owned by Narcissa Willis. From what I read she wanted a mansion, and her husband wanted the money distributed to their ten children upon his death. She did not abide by that, had her old home demolished, and built the mansion. It cost her dearly in my view because her ten children never talked to her again and she died a widow all alone in her dream house in 1899.
For more information on tours or the Moody Mansion visit the following link www.moodymansion.org
Here are a few photos from my visit. I hope you enjoy them, and it inspires you to visit and learn history.
Albert Moyer, Jr. 