Fun in Okmulgee, Oklahoma

Friday afternoon I spent time in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, home of the Osage Nation, with one friend; yesterday I drove about 85 miles south to Okmulgee for another friend's housewarming party. What fun!

First, a little information about Okmulgee. The population was 13,022 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Okmulgee County. The town has been the capital of the Creek Nation since the United States Civil War. Okmulgee means boiling or bubbling water in the Creek language. The site was chosen because the Creeks believed that tornadoes would not strike there.

It was a beautiful drive down Highway 75, at least until I discovered that right now, Hwy 75 doesn't go straight through, at least southbound. They're working on the road, doing something. So, I had to find my way back to the highway and with my great sense of direction (LOL!) got to the party a little late. However, no problem. Crystal's front porch welcomed me even before I went inside.



She bought a wonderful old house recently and has been making it very livable. She decided to celebrate with a housewarming party - and what a party it was!

First, let's stay outside for a few minutes and get acquainted with the chickens.

One of them managed to squeeze between the chicken wire and the fence to freedom, at least a short-lived freedom.


















I love this side yard. Even though the day was hot and muggy, this shady spot felt nice and cool.






Okay, time to go inside. Remember the old finger game we used to play as children: "Here's the church, here's the steeple. Open the door and see all the people," intermeshing all our fingers and wiggling them. That's what it was like opening the door. Lots of fun people inside, many of them talking about their interest in tropical birds. Here are some of the people.

Patti, Connie, Debbie, Jan, Kristin, Robert, Floyd, Stella











Joy (and she was definitely a joy!)





















Thelma and Crystal

















Patti, Connie, and Debbie
















Stella and Patti.
The kazoo band really didn't get going. Oh, well. The poppers did. Hadn't realized they made such a loud explosion for such little things.

















Lonnie and Crystal














Crystal and Robert














The usual suspects, plus me

















Jan made the delicious desserts.























Thank you so much, Crystal, for such a wonderful time!