May 2 – 6, 2011. Written May 6, 2011.
Today I left Miami, OK. It’s tucked into the NE corner, twenty minutes from Missouri, and close to Arkansas. After Eclectic’s natural beauty and laid-back style, nothing compares, so I don’t speak with as much wonder this week. (Although the brand new, white Chrysler 300 we drove was pretty solid. I felt under-dressed to drive it. We received many looks and compliments.) I had never been to any piece of Oklahoma and used the week to learn as much as possible about the NE corner. “My-am-uh” has become the headquarters for various Indian tribes including the Miami, Quawpaw, Ottawa and Modoc. I leave with many questions about interactions (or lack thereof) between these tribes and the US government. The sociologist in me wants to know the reasons for (and I know there is much research on the subject) the twelve casinos in the Miami area, their economic and social impacts for the local residents. I had never been to a casino so Marisol and I dipped into one on Wednesday after work. We walked through, gambled a few dollars, lost, and then… I got creeped out by the zombie-like people reclined, punching buttons and smoking cigarettes, so we quickly left. I think I’m okay never again visiting such a place.
The week in photos:
If you drive Route 66, you too will hang out in Miami.
Owners of best Miami BBQ: Smokin Odies. They are boo'ing the Bulls. We watched the Bulls/Hawks games here.
We took Thursday to sight see -- picnic'ing at the bottom of a this waterfall at Natural Falls State Park.
On our way through Arkansas to Joplin, MO, we stopped at an antique shop in Sulphur Springs. The sparkling owner, Karen, chatted with us for an hour, gifted us whatever piece we would like, and posed next to one of her favorite lamps. She is a gem.
Reason & Passion 