The Things You Find

I've been cleaning my office and I'm amazed at the evidence of my work.

I've found photographs of Oral Stallings, a WWII veteran (3rd Army, 261st Division, under Patton) who lived in Branson until his death in 2008, and Evelyn Harless with the Arkansas MVPA (Military Vehicle Preservation Association). I found notes from the book she is working on.

I found photos that Bill and Mary Hobbs sent me from the 2008 Branson Veterans Week. I remember visiting the WWII reenactment camp that year in the bitter cold. Brenda Meadows was scheduled to perform but I wimped out and missed her. I did see General MacArthur (Bill Hobbs) though.

Ari Van Ryn, a Korean War veteran and prisoner-of-war, served in the US Army before he received his citizenship. I have two photos: Ari in uniform in 1951, and Ari receiving the Korean War Medal in 2002.

I have photos from Rudy Rudolph that we used in writing his book.

Ari Van Ryn

Sherri Eberhart lost her battle with cancer but her beautiful spirit will forever remain in my heart. The picture I found shows Sherri with her mother, Judy Padilla.

I found three WWII books that have been sent to me and I still need to read them.

I found all my notes from my meetings with the American Merchant Marine Veterans. The coaster on my desk (which I do not use) tells the history of the Merchant Marines from their beginning on June 12, 1775, through present times.

Lt. Col. Ruby Bradley was the most decorated frontline Army Nurse in WWII and Korea. I found a copy of an article from Graybeards in 2000.

I sifted through materials and notes from Jefferson City and Lebanon, MO, both places I fell in love with. I have information on Gulf Shores but haven't had the good fortune to visit there yet.

After I bugged Mike Schoonveld with questions about shooting a victim in my latest mystery, I found my copy of The Writer's Guide to Firearms and Ammunitions.

I found stacks of books I still want to read. I'm having a great time and I've only cleaned one corner so far! I'm so fortunate that so many wonderful people have touched my life.

Lebanon, Missouri

Friday I'm heading back to one of my favorite Missouri destinations, Lebanon, which is located on Route 66. I plan to stay at the Munger Moss Motel, an original Route 66 motel. It's filled with memories from a bygone era. We've stayed there before and loved it.

Mr. C's

I plan to visit Mr. C's Route 66 store and soak up some more local lore. If you're looking for Route 66 memorabilia, this is the place to find it. However, I have to admit that I'm going for the awesome Route 66 root beer. Yes, I have plans to bring some home with me.

I'm not sure how much time I have but I intend to pig out at Ollie's BBQ. The food is delicious and I'll probably eat too much but I'm can't wait.

If the weather warms up (which is not happening in Missouri this spring), I plan to visit Bennett Spring State Park. I'm sure it's absolutely gorgeous in the springtime. However, since the forecast is calling for in the 20s tonight, I don't have much hope.

I'll report back!

My artwork for sale on Society6

I'm excited to announce that I now have some of my artwork for sale at Society6.com. If you're looking for an iPad or iPhone case, or a print for your home or office, check it out.

I will be adding more! Please let me know if you see something you like!

http://society6.com/imagesbymcgrath

Food, food and more food

Cinnamon Roll at Bayside Cafe

Joyce Faulkner and I have more or less eaten our way through Port Isabel and South Padre Island, TX, in the last couple of weeks. In between book events, we have planning meetings with historian Steve Hathcock, author David Harry, Griff Mangan from Paragraphs, and other fun people.

If you're planning a visit, you won't go hungry. Great food is abundant on both sides of the causeway. If Mexican is your wish, we suggest breakfast or lunch at Manuel's and The Chef House in Port Isabel. If you're on the island, try The Chef's Fresh Mexican Food at lunch or La Hacienda for dinner.

Want a sandwich for lunch in Port Isabel? Try Le Sandwich Boutique for delicious soups and sandwiches. For a burger menu to tempt the hardiest eaters, you'll love Will and Jack's.

If you're in the mood for Italian, you'll love Gabriella's on the island. Many restaurants offer Gulf shrimp and fish. Pelican Station in Port Isabel is a personal favorite. Tonight we had a melt-in-your-mouth Filet Mignon at Sea Ranch on the island and of course, we topped it off with Key Lime Pie.

We've divided most of our breakfasts between Bayside Cafe in Laguna Vista and Grapevine on the island. Both have excellent omelettes and at Bayside, we can't resist the cinnamon rolls - we do share one because they are huge.

Can't believe we've been to all of those places but we've enjoyed them all. Think we've gotten any work done?

Book Event at Paragraphs

Joyce Faulkner did a reading and book signing at Paragraphs on Padre Blvd this afternoon. After discussing her books, she read two of her short stories. Each moved the audience and elicited responses.

Charles and Mary Russell Muchmore took a break from packing to meet Joyce. They are leaving for home this week. Their enthusiasm for life is always a joy.

Sally Scaman's fun-loving spirit has added to every signing she's attended.

I met George Gause at a couple of presentations about Emergence: The John Bax Story. Today we met his wife Virginia. Both have a background as librarians at the University of Texas - Pan Am. They have spent many years in the Rio Grande Valley and I think they know everyone!

Thanks to Alice Bax and Nancy Smith for attending another of our events. Janice is visiting the island from Albuquerque. She is finishing her manuscript and we enjoyed talking 'author stuff' with her.

Joyce appreciated all the people who stopped by to learn about her books. Afterwards, we spent quite a while discussing books, happenings and life in general. It was an enjoyable afternoon with great people and interesting conversation.

Thanks to Joni and Griff (owners of Paragraphs) for providing a forum for authors on South Padre Island. We always appreciate your support.

My new mystery, Murder Takes No Prisoners, will include photos of Jefferson City, Missouri. Hap Lynch meets a young girl who sees the ghost of a dead woman whose body was found on the prison grounds.
Missouri State Penitentiary regularly hosts paranormal tours. I plan to go on one.

Fog

Fog softens the world when you approach with a camera in hand. A couple of days ago I had the good fortune to enjoy a foggy morning when I took Luke for his morning walk. I raced back for my camera and captured a tiny portion of its beauty. The dew on the spiderweb was awesome.