Back down the black ribbon road.

We were passing through Iowa's corn fields and they were looking healthy at the time. The weather had been on the hot side for the past few weeks. It is a good feeling to look out the window and see the crops flourishing in the sunshine. I noticed that a lot of the fields were sowed with corn that would become seed for next year. What a job that would be, if we didn't have modern technology taking all those little kernels off the cob.

As we were going into the town of Grundy the local cemetery was lined with American Flags. It was a welcome sight to behold. I don't know if it is a everyday thing or for just special occasions. But, whatever it was/is it was nice to see.

Even the homesteads were in need of repair. This one was for sale and vacant. I wonder what the family thought when they left the home, not to return again. Why was it vacant? So many questions and no answers. Maybe one day when we pass by here again there will be a family living in the home. At least there is hope.

As we were going into Illinois, up ahead was a group of motorcycle riders out for a weekend ride. It was a nice day for a ride, not too hot and not too cold

This sign was just across the bridge as we were crossing the state line into Illinois. I thought bootlegging went out with Al Capone and the likes. But, must be current according to fine that would be imposed on the bootlegger. I guess it is OK to bring liquor across the state line, just don't bring the cigs to go with the drink.

But, then as I look behind the sign there is a notice about drinking and driving. So, I guess everything is covered.

We were crossing the bridge into Quincy, Illinois and the water was high. I was surprised that is was running so high, for we had been across the Arkansas River and there was very little water running in it at the time.

The red brick building on the left is an apartment house. How many of us remember watching the old movies from the 40's and 50's that had the apartment houses that looked like this one? In a lot of these towns you can step back in time, without even a blink of an eye.

The only thing different would be the year of the cars that are parked along side the curb. Maybe you can picture a horse and buggy clip clopping down the road, instead of a car. Those were the days, so to speak.

Main street is Main Street, no matter where you go. Some are longer than others, but the one constant is, that Main Street is the pride of the town/city. Some are more inviting than others and they keep close to the bygone years.

And families are families, no matter where we are. I assume this is a family or maybe friends getting ready to go on a camping trip.

Just as we were leaving town, I looked up to the top of one of the buildings and what did I see....Granny in her rocking chair reading a book. This was a picture that I couldn't miss taking. Thank goodness there was a red light at the time I was trying to get my camera out.

For the life of me, I can't figure out why the Granny in a rocking chair on top of the building. I couldn't find anything that was related to it.

From here we are on our way to Kansas City, Kansas.  When we arrived there the weather was changing from pleasant to stormy.  The clouds appeared to be boiling in the sky.  Lucky for us there were no tornadoes predicted for the area, while we were there.

From here we are on our way to Kansas City, Kansas. When we arrived there the weather was changing from pleasant to stormy. The clouds appeared to be boiling in the sky. Lucky for us there were no tornadoes predicted for the area, while we were there.

Lucky for us that we only had to spend the night in Kansas City. Then on to Arkansas, where the back roads are interesting to say the least.

The historic "Stamps Store". Originally known as the Osage General Store, it was completed in 1898 by Wyatt Hittson after two years of construction. According to local historians, the two-and-a-half story building originally carried everything a resident might need, from the "cradle to the grave". This included a coffin room on the upper level, as well as rooms to rent. Later, the building was used as a lodge for the local chapter of the Odd Fellows. Today it is listed on the National Historic Register. One of the first steam-powered tractors in the county was owned by a farmer in Osage by the name of Mel Presley. The town was also well known throughout the county for the annual Osage Valley Pumpkin Festival.
Another interesting fact that I found out is that members from some of the families here, were members of a wagon train going west and were part of those who died as part of the Mountain Meadow Massacre, in Southern Utah, not far from where we used to live. Amazing what little parts of history can come to light.

We weren't able to go past the store, but we did pass others that were of interest.

Step back to the days of the pioneers and everything was simple. Picture a horse and buggy outside along with a few horses tied up to a hitching rail.

Leaving town and heading down the black ribbon back roads.

So, until the next time I'll see you on the otherside.