Sunday, March 7, 2010

And when we say Yeow! A-YIP-I-O-EE-AY

We're only saying you're doing fine Oklahoma. And Oklahoma City, you're OK. It was a day filled with awe, surprise and fog. The fog. It was so heavy from Amarillo into Oklahoma that we couldn't really appreciate any of the landscape surrounding us. But as we neared OK City the fog lifted and we pulled in to see what was what. Our initial intention was to stop for a quick view of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and then move on toward Magnolia. But our quick stop soon became an extended stay. The Memorial was far more intensive and extensive that we expected. It is a very moving experience. Situated on the grounds are bronze chairs symbolizing each victim. There are baby chairs that just break your heart. Adjacent to the chairs is a reflecting pool book ended by 2 large monoliths that note the times 9:01 and 9:03. Between those two seconds the pool symbolizes the changing of the world for so many people. An elm tree that survived the explosion still stands today, its bark blackened. There is a museum on the grounds that chronicles the event from moments prior to the explosion, through the investigation and arrests, to the trial and jury decision.

We decided to stay the night and chose the Brick Town district. This is a revitalized area of OK City that includes a ball park, canal, and many restaurants, shops, etc. We ate steak at the Mickey Mantel. After all, we are in beef country.