Prairie Roses

 My dear  friend, June Windscheffel ( below left, photo by Topeka Capital Journal photographer Thad Alton), was honored by the American Business Women's Association last week. It was a lovely tribute to a woman that makes everyone feel like they are the most special person she has ever known. I am blessed to call her my friend! She has long been an advocate for history and came to our book launch party in February. She is a long-time member of the Westerners and is always laughing and learning! We love  you, June!!!!

Friday evening, I headed to Wichita for Lone Chimney Films next production -- The Road to Valhalla. I attended Ken Spurgeon's booksigning at Northfield School where he teaches and coaches. His book, just released by the History Press, is A Kansas Soldier at War: The Civil War Letter os Christian and Elise Dubach Isley. Ken is the best thing to happen to Kansas history since Lewis and Clark.

The Prairie Rose Chuckwagon, just outside Wichita, was the location for our filming on Saturday. Old friends Joe Houts and Paul Stuewe were the other "talking heads." It was great to visit with Joe and Noreen and they brought a bottle of wine with them as a wedding gift for Gary and me. (Yes, we have our third anniversary in May but keep the gifts coming!)

Other than being fed and feted like rockstars, the best part of this gig was visiting with the legendary Orin Friesen. We have so many friends in common and have been Facebook friends for a while, but this was the first opportunity to really visit. We talked music, music legends, cowboy movies, "Home on the Range," mutual buds -- it was a great time! Bonus: A copy of "Tales from the Trail" by the Prairie Rose Rangers. Orin's son, Jesse, proves he is his father's son with some fine picking and vocals. Kim Coslett and Jolynn MacIntyre round out this talented foursome.

While Joe and Paul were filmed in the rather cool room just off the greatroom at the Prairie Rose, the boys kindly built a fire for me. Being a girl has its advantages.