The Steamboat Arabia

Elaine took me on a tour of artifacts retrieved when the Steamboat Arabia was dug up in the late 1980's. The boat originally sank in 1856 in the Missouri River. No lives were lost except for a mule who was still tied up to the boat. But there was a vast treasure trove on the ship that to this day they are still cleaning & putting out in the museum. Much of it in great shape. Even canned food was found to still be edible. It is estimated that there are over two hundred more steamboats buried between Kansas City & St. Louis. Probably none with the supplies found on the Arabia. This one was dug up in a cornfield because the Missouri River often moved its banks years ago. A couple of photos show the water wheel. A few photos at the end are photos taken while digging up the boat. It was fun to see some clothespins among the collection. The museum is worth the trip if you are in the area.

the gift

I love having a camera on my smart phone. It came in handy when visiting my cousin, Cheryl, and her family with Butch & Elaine, her parents. Elaine had brought a graduation gift for Peter. She has made it a tradition to give the high school graduates a camera (I love that!) and a photo album. She includes photos of them while growing up. So Peter & Elaine were sitting on the couch absorbed in the photo album & David was at the end of the couch & not sitting still. Finally though even he is interested in the photos too.

St Edward

One of the small towns I passed through when I visited Amber & Marc.

Levi

Levi is a busy boy. The back yard was recently fenced in so at least Amber & Marc have him corralled when he is outside. His big blue eyes are mesmerizing. And when he gets tired his left eye droops (and he gets cranky).