On Friday morning, Linda and I got around and took off on a little drive to see the dogwoods in bloom. We had a dual purpose in mind. We wanted to see the dogwoods and redbud trees, but we also wanted to go up to Springfield to the Grizzly woodworking store to pick up a few items so I could complete my dust control system in the shop. When we left the house, we weren't entirely sure if we would stay somewhere overnight or come back home so we took along a change of clothes and a few personal items. That would give us the flexibility to do either.
Originally, we planned to drive over to Mountain Home, but we modified our plans to include Springfield. So we drove over to Springdale and kept going east on U.S. Highway 412. We stopped for lunch at Alpena, which has two pretty good restaurants. We ate at the Top Rock Drive-In, which is actually a sit-down restaurant. They serve a mean hamburger, but their catfish dinner was on special so I ordered that. Linda had their chicken club sandwich. The catfish fillets were piping hot and very tasty. The meal came with fries and sides of coleslaw and a bowl of beans. The accompanying hush puppies were just okay but, overall, I would say it was a very satisfying meal.
After lunch we continued east to Highway 65. Along the way we saw many beautiful dogwoods in bloom and, somewhat to my surprise, there were numerous redbud trees that were still at their peak bloom. The hills were all a lovely green and so many of the trees were budding out and showing such intense shades of green it was a feast for our eyes to take it all in. Linda was constantly pointing out this or that scene as we drove through the countryside.
At the junction of Highway 65, north of Harrison, we headed north toward Branson. It seemed that the redbud trees loved to take root and grow along the rocky ridges where the highway cut through the hills. In the valleys, too, the redbuds were out in force, while the wooded hills were sprinkled liberally with dogwoods in bloom. The traffic was heavier than I had anticipated, which made me wonder if it is always like this. But, then, maybe a lot of folks had had the same idea that we had of getting out to see the beautiful scenery.
We drove through Branson without stopping since our aim was to see the countryside and to get on to Springfield before it got too late. It was a perfect day to be taking a drive in the springtime with your best friend. Linda and I were both totally happy. As we came into Springfield from a different direction than usual, we got a different impression of the layout of the town. We also saw some attractions (such as a Texas Roadhouse restaurant) that we didn't know were there.
Pretty soon we came to a familiar junction and I recognized where we were. A few blocks later, and we were pulling into the Grizzly parking lot. If you have never been to the Grizzly store in Springfield, you really ought to go sometime. Especially if you are at all interested in woodworking or metal working. This store has about any woodworking tool or piece of equipment imaginable, from the smallest hand tools to huge 51-inch, double-headed, wide belt sanders and 16-inch, spiral-cutter head jointers. And, while at one time Grizzly had the reputation of producing cheap, low quality machinery, it has made real strides in this area. There was a time when I would not buy anything from Grizzly, but now I routinely shop there.
Linda walked the perimeters of the large display room for exercise while I took my time shopping. Every now and then, she would pull me away to show me what looked to her like a bargain. She gets excited with all the equipment on display almost as much as I do. In a large back room they have dented and scratched equipment for a reduced price. Linda always heads to that room to check out the bargains.
After looking over many items in the showroom, I pretty well stuck to my shopping list for some dust control pipe and flexible hose. I did, however, pick up a small square.
From Springfield, we headed west on Interstate 44 toward Joplin. I had the notion that we could stop in Joplin for dinner at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant, which Linda and I both enjoy. I kept this thought to myself for the time being. It was just a little early yet, so we stopped at Ozarkland to browse its wares. I don't know how many times we have passed that place without stopping but, Lord willing, we will pass it some more. I have to say it was a fairly forgettable experience. Most of its stuff was overpriced and looked to be cheaply made. It did have some pretty funny wall mottoes though. One that stood out said, "You have exceeded the limits of my medication." Another one said, "I could stop eating chocolate, but I'm no quitter!"
After our brief stop, we drove on to Joplin where we pulled in at a large antique warehouse that we enjoy visiting. I found an old, Stanley tri-square that was still in good shape and a book by Pearl S. Buck. I freely admit that I am a sucker for old books. But now they have to be hard covers, and books with dust jackets are preferred.
The Texas Roadhouse was busy but we were promptly seated. Linda and I both ordered grilled chicken salads. The salads were huge and both of us brought leftovers home with us. The salads were good and the drive home from Joplin was uneventful. I guess Linda had seen enough dogwood and redbud trees for the day because she spent most of the rest of her time playing solitaire on her iPhone. I suspect this girl is addicted to her little game, but I couldn't say for sure. When I pulled into the garage, it was with relief to me that we hadn't stayed anywhere for the night. But, I can say the two of us had thoroughly enjoyed our little outing.
Sam Byrnes is a Gentry-area resident and weekly contributor to the Eagle Observer. He may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 04/12/2017