Friday Finds and Random 5 Friday

I found Romance this week!

 

Not the

dreamy,

poetic,

enchanting,

mushy,

starry-eyed,

kind.

 

No, I found Romance, a little town nestled in the gently rolling hills near central Arkansas. Romance was first settled by Kentuckians and was supposed to be called Kentucky Valley, but the U. S. Postal service rejected that idea. According to some sources the  name Romance was suggested by local Schoolteacher, J. J. Walters,  who thought the view from the bluffs was particularly romantic. Others say it was named for a local spring that was a popular rendezvous place for couples.  Other towns nearby are named, Harmony, Joy, and Rose Bud. What else to you need for romance?

 

 

 

My facts are not all that random this week. They all center around this trip to Romance.

 

Fact #1

By now you must be wondering why I went to Romance since I wasn't looking for the "love" kind!  I wanted to mail my grandsons their Valentines from the post office in Romance. Each year a unique postmark is designed for use from Feb. 1-15.

 

 

 

Fact #2

The postmaster canceled the stamps as I watched. Before she started, she patiently waited till I ran out to the car to get my camera. I didn't hold up the line. I was the only person in line. They hand stamp thousands of Valentines each year.

 

 

 

Fact  #3

I mailed myself an envelope so I'd have the postmark, too.

 

 

 

Fact  #4

Right across the street from the Post Office is a cemetery established in 1880 and is on the registry of historic places in Arkansas. I took some time walking around looking at the very old and weathered markers. I had no idea I'd be out of the car any length of time so I hadn't taken my gloves or hat. I thought my hands were going to freeze off!  I kept taking just one more picture, until I had to get in the car! Note to self:  put extra pair of gloves and hat in the car!

 

Fact  #5

When you take a trip you get hungry. When you're hungry you start looking for a place to eat lunch. When you see the sign for The Original Fried Pie Shop in a town you're passing through,  you just have to stop!  Their chicken with vegetable fried pies are the ultimate chicken pot pie...true southern comfort food. If you have a fried pie for lunch you have to have a fried pie for dessert...coconut cream...oh, my!!!  Let's not talk about calories or fat!  This was a rare treat!

 

 

 

The day has arrived.

The day of love and kisses and hugs and romance.

I'm wishing you a wonderful Valentine's Day!

 

 

Linking with Kim for Friday Finds 

Linking with Nancy for Random 5 Friday