HISTORIC BOXLEY GRIST MILL

 The historic Boxley Grist Mill is located in northwest Arkansas, within the boundaries of the Buffalo National River.

 The three-story mill was built in 1869 by Robert Villines.

 The mill continued to operate through three generations of the Villines family, from Newton County, Arkansas.

 This "clothes line timeline" on the barbed wire fence adjacent to the mill tells the story that by the late 1950's, demand for corn meal began to decrease, as store-bought bread became more popular, which naturally decreased the demand for services provided by the mill.

 In addition, a flood of the area during that time period caused the mill to completely shut down.

 The back side of the old mill shows that even though it is not directly adjacent to its water source, the swirling waters of a flash flood could definitely affect the soundness of the foundation.  The mill eventually was turned over the the National Park Service and was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

 Some of the old gears, rusted out by years of disuse, can be seen on the back side of the mill.

 Once you step inside the mill, you will get a glimpse of a pioneer "food factory". 

 Fortunately, for people visiting inside the mill (who do not have a clue as to the principles of a grist mill operation), there is a very helpful placard that explains the process.

 I took this photo of a placard, using the flash on my camera, mostly so that I could read it later.  There is no electricity inside the mill, so if visual acuity is important to you, you may want to take a flashlight with you in order to see or read details inside the structure, which is only lighted via the daylight coming through its windows.

 The restoration of the first floor is complete which enables the visitor to see an old turbine, old pulley system, and the hopper where mill was poured in before it was ground.  Anytime I visit a grain mill, I am reminded of the warning given to us in Luke 17:2-3.  It says "It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves."  Enough said---I get the picture! 

 In addition to the equipment shown above, there are some old flour and cornmeal  bins on display.

 The National Park Service has a notebook available for visitors to peruse, that shows photographs of the restoration process, which was started in 1984 by the National Parks service.  Thanks to a grant from the Gorgas Science Foundation ( www.gsfinc.org/work/historical-rehab/ ) historic rehabilitation will be ongoing for the next several years.

 With such limited funding, the National Park Service relies heavily on volunteers to facilitate the mill being open for viewing.  When I was a volunteer there last week, it was through the North Central Chapter of the Arkansas Master Naturalists (www.home.arkansasmasternaturalists.org ).  Likewise, the Buffalo National River Partners (www.BNRPartners.org ) have had a huge role in providing volunteer assistance as needed, throughout the Buffalo National River park locations. 

 It was gratifying to see that members of the Jasper High School Student Council were also assisting last Friday, as part of their required community service projects.  Transporting these kids to this nearby treasure right in their own "back yard" will give them a better appreciation of the blessing they have of living in the Ozarks!

 This photo of a gate adjacent to the mill is a reminder to say that if you would like to visit the Historic Boxley Grist Mill site, you need to take steps immediately to make your visit!  It is not open year round, and there are only six days left in 2012 when you can go inside.  The mill tours will be available between 10 am and 1 pm, on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, (October 26,27,28); then again between 10 am and 1 pm, on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, (November 2,3,4).

 I think we have the lovely couple shown in this photograph to thank for the renewed interest in the Historic Boxley Grist Mill!  Several years ago, two swans mysteriously appeared (to the surprise of local ornithologists!), and seemed to be quite content making their home on the old mill pond.  It was a rarity in these parts when they first came, and people were coming from all across the state to view them!  Their appearance was followed regularly in the local newspaper!

 The nice thing is, they are still there!  Since their original Newton County "debut", they have been tagged with the fashionable green "necklaces", so that their activities can be monitored and studied by appropriate wildlife biologists.

 However, decades before the swans appeared, I attended a fall session of the Ponca Photography Workshop, headquartered in the Boxley Valley.  I remember instructor, Mike Mills ( www.buffaloriver.com ) telling the participants that we must meet at an incredibly early hour the next morning, at this certain place along Highway 43, that runs through the valley.  He said with the chilly morning forecast for the next day, there would be a mist rising from the  old mill pond that would provide fantastic photo opportunities.   Guess what!!??  He was right!!  The images are still etched in my mind, even though I could not place my hands on the old 35 mm photographs I took that memorable morning!  His comments were the first to educate me that there was even an old mill back by the pond, even though I grew up in the area.  One reason for that is because there have been so many trees grow up that partially hide the mill from travelers along Highway 43.

 Another reason for getting to the Boxley Valley early in the morning, is to get to see the elk that are known to graze in the field beside Highway 43.  I took this photo of a very content-looking male elk last Friday, as he gazed over the herd of female elk grazing nearby.  To start planning your trip to enjoy the beautiful scenery available in this area, log onto www.nps.gov/buff or phone 870-741-2884.  Even if you cannot get there when the mill is open, it is definitely worth your gas money to visit this beautiful place!  The elk are there year-round, and the Elk Education Center in Ponca ( www.agfc.com ) has wonderful facilities, including picnic tables and clean restrooms!  Driving, hiking, bicycling, or ziplining the Boxley Valley will give you MILES OF SMILES so check it out!  Tricia

"OVER THE RAINBOW" EXPEDITION!

 I called this "Over the Rainbow" Expedition, because if it had not been for the word "rainbow" and an Internet search engine, I likely would never known about this charming village in the Pacific Northwest, that I will describe visiting, in this blog post.  In January, 2010, I wrote a blog about the Rainbow Arch Bridge in Cotter, Arkansas.  Around that time, a person interested in promoting tourism to see the Rainbow Bridge pictured in this photo, typed "Rainbow Bridge" into her search engine, to see how many times her town's bridge would be mentioned.  That Internet search resulted in my blog about the Cotter Rainbow Bridge coming up on her computer.  She contacted me, and said I REALLY needed to come to La Conner, Washington, to see THEIR version of a rainbow bridge!

 When I started looking into the location of La Conner, Washington, I discovered there are many ways to arrive in that area of the Puget Sound.  One of these is by sea plane, as shown in this photograph.  I passed on that option, since luggage is severely limited on such a small plane!

 Likewise, some people may come by boat.  In fact, the Puget Sound area has one of the highest ratio of "boats per person" of anywhere in the USA!  This photo shows the public launch ramp below the Rainbow Bridge.  There was a picnic table there, so my friend and I had great lunch-time entertainment, as we watched two men pull their boat out of the water.  I told my friend, that such boat/people watching at launch ramps in the Ozarks,  is about the best entertainment you can get (without an admission ticket), and this location proved to be no exception.  As the guys were pulling the boat out of the water, it mysteriously popped off the trailer hitch, and was precariously perched on the steep launch ramp, with just a small chain tying it to the rear bumper of the truck.  Seeing the locals solve this dilemma was fascinating!

 Another way to get to La Conner, Washington, is by bicycle, as shown in this photograph.  In fact, there is a big promotion going on this week for the Boneshaker Bicycle Festival, scheduled for October 26 - 27 ( www.boneshakerbikefest.com ).

 And of course, with my history of motorcycle riding across the United States, I was not surprised to see that motorcycle enthusiasts  have also discovered this picturesque village.  Many of these riders drive across the border from Canada, since it is so close. 

 La Conner is not a "newcomer" to the Pacific Northwest culture.  The fishing port dates back to the founding of a trading post in 1868.  This cabin, dated just a year later in 1869, is reminder of their past from over a century ago.

 In the more recent past, La Conner has become known as one of the Northwest's favorite artists communities.  It is home to a museum that has examples of the style of  visual art they are famous for.   For 28 years, this small community of less than 1,000 population, has sponsored the Arts Alive! festival   ( www.lovelaconner.com/arts-alive/  ).  This year's event is scheduled for November 2, 3, 4. 

 Besides having a history as a fishing village, as with most old communities in the Northwest, the timber industry was a major player.  My friend, Jan, stands in front of a "slice of timber history" that is on display in a small park along the La Conner main street.  It was actually Jan who made my "dream" of visiting La Conner a reality.  She told me that years earlier, she had worked in La Conner, and was interested in accompanying me on a trip there,  so she could visit it again.  We made our trip last month, and true to small-town reputations, Jan bumped into a friend she had worked with decades earlier!  In fact, that unexpected and fortuitous reunion, could be the subject of another blog, I have titled in my mind  as "Finding Grace in La Conner"!

 When Jan and I visited, the annual Quilt Walk was taking place.  For this event, creative quilters had their designs on display at various retail establishments throughout the town. 

 There are many dining options available in La Conner.  With a day as beautiful as it was when we visited, there is nothing like an outside deck, overlooking the water and the mountains, to bring out the true "flavor" of a local cuisine. 

 The Calico Cupboard is a local favorite, and their popularity has allowed them to also open locations outside La Conner.

 The main street was aglow with brightly colored flowers, storefronts, and shoppers, on the weekend I was there.  This scene will change in a few days, when the annual October 31  Halloween parade is held on this street.  For that event, participants and merchants dress up in costumes, and treats are handed out to the little ones.

 Not surprisingly, there are numerous art studios and galleries available for visitors.  Often, the artist who did the work, is present in the shop, to  comment on  their creations.

 Just across the channel from La Conner is the Swinomish Indian Reservation, established in 1855.  These placards describe how life was in the past for the Native Americans that populate the area.

 These pavilions, built in the style of many Northwest Native American tribal structures, provide shelter for community events and visitors strolling.

 The pavilions have wonderful wooden roofs that are a work of art , in and of themselves!   Plus, a trip across Rainbow Bridge to visit them, gives you a good view of the marina area on the opposite side of the channel.

 The festivals that this area is MOST famous for is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, held each spring.  One of the businesses we visited had a collection of the official colorful posters from past events  framed, and hung throughout their facility.   I am thankful that an Internet search engine looking for the word "rainbow" planted the seed for me to get to visit La Conner, Washington.  Likewise, I am thankful for the concordance in my Bible that tells me Genesis 9:13  has God's promise as follows:  "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."  If you would like to start planning your "Over the Rainbow" expedition to this beautiful area, just log on to www.laconnerchamber.com , for a journey that will give you miles of smiles!  Tricia

CHICAGO CULINARY CLASSES

 I enjoy taking culinary classes when I visit a new location, and had the good fortune during my recent trip to Chicago, Illinois, to take three different classes, in three different locations in downtown Chicago.  The classes were sponsored by MasterCard, in various locations around "The Magnificent Mile" shopping areas lining Michigan Avenue.  All the instructors were well-known chefs from some of Chicago's most famous and elite restaurants.  The locations included the flagship store for Crate and Barrel, a high-rise mall called "The Shops at Northbridge", and Bloomingdale's Home Store, which is a repurposed historic landmark, just a block or so off of Michigan Avenue.  Culinary Tourism has become such a fast-growing niche market that some manufacturers of home appliances have developed "customer experience" facilities that offer many different types of culinary venues.  The example shown in the photograph is the Whirlpool Corporation ( www.whirlpoolcorp.com ).  This red brick building, with its impressive clock tower, is situated along the Chicago River.  It was recently opened after extensive remodeling, to provide a world-class training and brand experience center for visitors and potential customers.  It was designed to be interactive, with state of the art appliances and environment.  There are several factors that have led to an interest in culinary classes.  One factor is there is an entire generation of Americans who never learned to cook!  Eating out in restaurants or going to a drive-thru fast food location is all they know, and they are becoming curious about what they have missed, by turning over the preparation of the majority of their food intake to strangers.  Likewise, the rise in television programming, such as the Food Network, the Travel Channel, the Cooking Channel, Iron Chef, Bizarre Foods, etc., etc., has fostered more interest in a return to the culinary basics.  In addition, statistics show that in families that have more meals together at home (vs. in restaurants/fast food drive-thrus), there is a lower incidence of obesity.  For all these reasons, plus the verse in Psalm 34:8 that says "Taste and see the the Lord is good.", I am hoping that you will try a culinary class, and that it will give you "miles of smiles"!  Tricia

Chicago Skyscraper Reflections

 Many of the travel magazines that I peruse, have indicated that a delightful way to learn about the architecture of Chicago is by taking a cruise down the Chicago River, with a guide.  Therefore, I was delighted that I was able to enjoy such a cruise last month.  There are several different operators of Chicago River cruises, but the one that I chose (and can heartily recommend!) was the one that is sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation ( www.architecture.org ).  The cruise lasted about two hours, and was so interesting, I would have been happy to continue riding on the boat indefinitely, if they would have let me!  A prominent feature of Chicago's modern skyscrapers, is their reflective glass surface, as shown in this photograph.  Because of the reflections, you can see the buildings on the opposite side of the river, from where your eyes are actually looking.  This characteristic is described in the Bible, when it reminds us that we are to reflect our LORD, by the way we live our lives.  It was one of my First Place 4 Health memory verses ( www.firstplace4health.com ) that embedded this fact in my mind:  2 Corinthians 3:18 says "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."  Anyone who knows me, can easily see I have a LONG way to go to become an accurate reflection, but at least now I know what the goal is supposed to be!  Each day I live, gives me an opportunity to polish up that reflection, while still pursuing miles of smiles!  Tricia

Hiking Expedition Souvenirs

I first saw souvenir hiking medallions when I was visiting in Europe in the 1980's.  It wasn't until several years later, that I started routinely seeing them in the United States, and started collecting them myself.  A small section of my collection is shown in this photo, with the brass medallions carefully nailed into my wooden staff, that I keep on display in my living room.  There are currently 24 of the medallions covering one side of the wooden staff, and I hope to add more to the other side with some hikes I have on my "bucket list".   The hobby of collecting medallions, similar to the ones shown in this photo,   started in the 1800's in the Swiss Alps.  The hobby allows the collector to proudly display their travels for all to see, while at the same time, creating a family heirloom.  If you are a Bible scholar, you will probably know that the practice of putting a brass medallion on a wooden staff goes back much, much further than the 1800's!  Specifically, the practice is described in Numbers 21:8-9 that says: "The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live."  So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole.  (These verses are also cross-referenced in John 3:14-15)  If collecting hiking medallions is something that interests you, but you do not have the time or money to go back and visit all the various parks and trails where the medallions are for sale, do not despair!  There is a company called Hike America ( www.HikeAmerica.com ) where you can select from hundreds of  locations, to order over the Internet, any hiking medallions that you want.  They will even custom craft a medallion, if you do not find the one you are looking for.  I first found out about their services, when I started on a quest to get a medallion to commemorate my visit to the Pacific Crest Trail.  Since there were no gift shops around selling the Pacific Crest Trail medallions, I found out that the medallions can be ordered at any time, from any location, thanks to the modern technology of the Internet!   Looking at my colorfully decorated hiking staff, I am giving  thanks for being able to visit so many beautiful hiking locations, and for the "miles of hiking smiles" I have experienced in God's great outdoors!  Tricia

 

Chicago Navy Pier Expedition

 My previous trips to Chicago took place before the massive renovation of the area known as Navy Pier, so I was "stoked" to find out that the Chicago wedding I was attending would require a trip to Navy Pier.  I read on their website ( www.navypier.com ) that the Navy Pier opened in 1916, and has had a variety of facilities that called it home.  Currently, it is home to retail shops, restaurants, museums, a Ferris wheel, botanical garden, and numerous other family attractions. 

 Navy Pier is also where the elegant yacht Chicago Spirit is moored.  As a gift to each of those attending, the bride and groom gave the guests a color print of their photo (shown here), that was taken by the cruise line photographer, as the guests boarded the boat.   My relatives' wedding took place on the upper deck of the beautiful boat, amidst a gathering of family and friends, while the boat was still moored.  Afterwards, we joined other passengers on the second deck, in enjoying a delicious lunch buffet, while we cruised around Lake Michigan.  Then to complete the festive occasion, a live band performed, as the passengers danced away the afternoon!  The Bible speaks of a wedding in Revelation 19:7 and says "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready."   The Chicago wedding I attended was also a time of rejoicing, being glad, and giving God glory---there were  "miles of smiles" on the faces of everyone present!  Tricia

WORLD VISION EXPEDITION

 I recently had the opportunity to tour the United States headquarters of World Vision, near Tacoma, Washington.  World Vision ( www.worldvision.org ) is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.  Their brochure states "Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God's unconditional love for all people.  World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender."

 I started sponsoring a child through World Vision almost a decade ago.  Her name is Stacy, and she lives in the village of Katito, Kenya.  Just as the trees at World Vision headquarters seem to be growing taller and taller, so I have seen Stacy progress from looking like a scared little three-year-old, into a tall and beautiful young woman.  I receive a color photo of her at least annually, along with a progress report to tell me how she is doing in school.  (There are photos of Stacy in a blog I published previously, which can be found in the October 7, 2009 article called "Step into Africa".)

 This bronze sculpture entitled "Jesus, The Bread of Life" is near the front door of the headquarters building, and depicts the compassion that Jesus had for little children.  The plaque beside it states that it symbolizes the worldwide holistic ministry of World Vision.

 World Vision was founded by Bob Pierce.   Bob Pierce is also the founder of Samaritan's Purse, which tells you right away that he was a remarkable man.  His daughter, Marilee Pierce Dunker ( www.marileepiercedunker.com ), has published a biography about his life, entitled Man of Vision, and is a frequent speaker at churches, women's events and missions conferences. 

 The monthly donations that I have sent in as a child sponsor, are part of a World Vision ADP, known as the Katito Area Development Programme.  This photo shows an artist's rendition of the World Vision process for reducing poverty, which is usually spread out over a ten-year period.  The main components of development include WATER, HEALTH, FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND CHRISTIAN IMPACT. 

 One of the photos that Stacy sent me from Katito, Kenya, was a photo of her pumping water from a station similar to the one recreated here in the Visitor's center.  Her photo was intended to show that her village now has a reliable and clean source of water, due to the intervention of the World Vision ADP.  My tour guide suggested this photo of me pumping water, so that I can mail it to Stacy.  (Child sponsors have the assistance of World Vision in communicating with their overseas child, through greeting cards mailed to them on their birthday, Christmas, and Easter.  We are encouraged to include a photo of ourselves with each card. I remember one of the greeting cards I mailed Stacy in Kenya in 2010, included a photo of my new daughter-in-law, who is also named Stacy.  I thought she would like to know that I now have TWO special people in my life with that lovely name!   During this past year, as a positive example of improving economic development in the Katito community, I have been able to send email messages to Stacy, which are relayed to her through the  the ADP office.

 With my background as a Registered Dietitian, I have been schooled in the importance of good nutrition for everyone, especially those living in poverty in third world countries.  That is why I am delighted that World Vision does more than just supply a sack of grain to a village.  They have an active, strategic plan for improving available food to every family by providing greenhouses for the community of Katito to grow tomatoes and other vegetables.

 It has been gratifying to see how Stacy has progressed in her writing skills.  Her last letter to me was especially revealing as she wrote out a long list of her favorite activities and a picture she had drawn.  There were also examples of what she was learning in arithmetic, including a few errors, that reminded me of arithmetic errors I have made in trying to subtract and add numbers in my check register.

 In the village of Katito, steady progress is being made to reducing the poverty level.  What started out as 70% was recently down to 42.7%.

 One of the ways that World Vision works to improve the health of a community .  For example, this photo shows me standing under one of the mosquito nets that are supplied in areas where malaria is an ever-present threat to the health and well-being of youngsters.  The simple practice of encircling the sleeping quarters of a family with such a low-tech (and comparatively inexpensive) device, has made great strides in reducing the incidence of mosquito-born illnesses.

 This photo shows yet another aspect of World Vision aid.  They supply temporary emergency housing and supplies, to people who have been displaced due to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes.

 Projects in the U.S. and certain other countries include giving a school bag of supplies for needy students.  I noticed on the World Vision Bulletin Board that several corporations in the Tacoma area had taken on the task of assembling school packs as their act of community service.

 Since access to adequate healthcare is so limited in third world countries, World Vision is addressing this problem by training and equipping locals to be mobile caregivers, that can travel from village to village by bicycle, supplying assistance to remote locations.  In the village of Katito, where Stacy lives, the epidemic of HIV and AIDs has resulted in an increased number of child headed households.  World Vision's ADP has supported 26 child headed households with entrepreneurial skills training.  They also supplied startup kits to start small scale businesses to support the siblings. 

 In addition to touring the Visitor Center, my guide also took me upstairs to the work areas of the World Vision employees that make all these efforts succeed. 

 Since World Vision has more than one million donors across America, and has projects in over 100 countries, you can assume that the logistics of this is enormous.  My guide told me that the familiar cubicle-style arrangement of their employees has resulted in the most effective use of available funds.  In recent years, World Vision overhead rate has averaged between 11 and 15 percent.  They are audited annually by an independent accounting firm and adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and they are also a member of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

 The toy Wal*Mart trucks were in the cubicle of the World Vision employee who works with corporations as partners with World Vision in their humanitarian efforts.  Since Wal*Mart is headquartered in my home state of Arkansas, and I am a stock holder in that company, I was glad to be reminded that World Vision is one of the charities that the world's largest retailer supports.   They have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to World Vision through the WalMart Foundation ( www.walmartfoundation.org ).

 My tour guide also pointed out the Heart to Heart dolls and Toms Shoes, that donate a portion of their profits to World Vision.

 I had the special blessing of visiting World Vision headquarters on a Wednesday, which is the day of their weekly chapel service, and I was invited to participate in it.  This photo shows Richard Stearns, President of World Vision U.S., welcoming the large gathering of employees that had assembled.

 The chapel service had an international theme, and was led by a vocalist from Peru, and band members from other Latin American countries.  We sang familiar hymns in both English and Spanish. 

 World Vision has partnered with several churches in my home town, to bring an exhibit (via 18-wheeler truck and trailer) called "Step into Africa".  I wrote about our town's experience with this most worthwhile project in the October 7, 2009, article mentioned previously.   Several folks in our area have been to Katito, Kenya, and have helped raise awareness of the needs of these people, who live on the other side of the world.  One of the ways we've raised awareness is the annual White River Marathon for Kenya (www.whiterivermarathon.com).  There is also a blog posted on November 21, 2009, that tells a bit more about this annual fitness promotion.  This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, November 17.  The verse in  I Corinthians 9:26 that says  "I do not run like a man running aimlessly..." is especially true of the White River Marathon for Kenya.   I have been blessed to be able to walk the 5K part of the event since its beginning, and if all goes well, 2012 will be my ninth year to participate!  Knowing that I am walking for such a good cause (all proceeds go to World Vision) will give me MILES OF SMILES!  Tricia