When I was younger, all I could think about was traveling and perhaps living somewhere other than my home state of Oklahoma.

When I reached college age, all I could think about was traveling and perhaps living somewhere within the region of Oklahoma, but certainly outside of the state.  Arkansas? Colorado? I needed mountains.  Or at least really tall hills.

When I reached thirty I took our children on short trips around the state and shared information with them about what sites were, the history behind them, and meanings attached to certain landmarks.  I was glad our state had cool little places like Horsethief Canyon.  For a mere $3.00 suggested donation, you can hike all day around the place and read about the “hanging tree,” imagine horsethiefs camping out by the river, and hang out with your family – which is probably the coolest part of all.

Now that I’m 47, I can’ t get enough of Oklahoma and the people living in our state.  And stops like “Wagon Creek Creamery” in Helena, Oklahoma continue to proof this thesis for me over and over again.  Can I tell you just how cool this local dairy establishment is?  Julie and I were only there 30 minutes and I think I learned more about paddocking and the milk cow rotation processes than I’ve known all together my entire life.  Our teacher?  One of the co-owners.  The classroom?  His combination office and what looked to be a dining room of sorts.  The students?  Julie and I.  And, man did we learn stuff!

Let me back up just a bit.  We had left the Vintage Inn B&B early that morning in order to make one final stop before we headed back to the greater metropolitan life of Oklahoma City.  We were nearing the farm and pulled into a small convenience store in Helena to double check our directions.  If you ever want to find anything in any small town, just find a convenience store with booths and coffee in the morning, and you’ll find a group of locals who will get you where you’re going.  That was certainly the case this time.  I pulled up, ran in to the little place, spied a group of about 8 men crammed into two booths and a couple of them sitting on stools, ran over and said:  “Hello there, local group of citizens.  I need your help!”

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