Rainy Day in OKC

Our morning was heralded by a torrential downpour.  Joan decided that since my heel was not improving, it was time for a professional opinion.  We went to an Orthopaedic Practice and pleaded our case for an appointment today.  They were kind enough to squeeze us in at 1 pm and recommended the Crossroads Mall to pass the time until then.

We drove to the mall and had a rude awakening into the plight of middle America.  The anchor stores at each end were closed and 70% of the shops in the mall were out of business.  On a light note, both Frederick's of Hollywood on the upper level and Victoria's Secret just below it were open and selling merchandise.  At least people have their priorities straight!

We returned to see Dr. Wallace and he was super!  He understood our travel plans and need for expediency and gave my heel all he had -- x-rays, cortisone shot, prescription, as well as instructions for ice and exercise therapy.  It was an hour well spent.

We then drove north of OKC to visit  the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.  There were many exhibits covering cowboys,, native Americans, rodeos, clothing, guns, etc. etc.  One of the highlights  was a life-size replica of a frontier town at dusk, complete with bank, saloon, school house, newspaper office, and a horse barn.  Here are 2 shots from Prosperity Junction:

As a lover of western "oater" movies and John Wayne, it was exciting to see all the information and images of my heroes.  Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy......they were all there!  We even saw a statue of Ronald Reagan who appeared in several westerns back in the day.  Here's my favorite actor, the Duke:

The outdoor gardens were impecably kept and had several bronze sculptures and other items of interest.  Here are a few samples of what we saw outside:

We ran out of time and did not get to visit the capital building before it closed.  All in all, it was a nice day.