[Sony A700 | CZ 135/1.8 | 1/6400 @ f3.5 | ISO 640]

Col. Hannibal Smith, played by George Peppard in the TV series “The A-Team”, would often say, “I love it when a plan comes together!”  I can’t claim that yesterday evening was planned, but everything sure came together making for a very nice experience.

It all began when I walked through the door of the “Winery of the Wichitas”, a unique small business, located off Hwy. 49, atop a hill overlooking Medicine Park and just a mile, or so, from the eastern entrance to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.  It’s a winery, and as such they offer up glasses of the wines they craft; it’s an art gallery where local artists can show their work; it’s a restaurant called “Buffalo Bistro” and Mark and Randy Reeves play smooth jazz on Saturday night from 7:00 to 10:00.  Now, you must admit, that’s a combination that holds promise.

I go there often for the food, art, and music, in that order.  It’s not a place where “everyone knows my name”, but enough do to make it homey.  The  “Buffalo Bistro’s” menu is small but unique.  It was designed by executive chef, Anna Banda, who earned her credentials at Coach House.  Everything I have eaten, has been excellent, and the portions plentiful; most times, I leave food on my plate.  On this evening, the inside dining area was full, so I followed the path across the floor and through the door leading to the large split-level deck outside.  I was delighted to see the table with the brightly colored ceramic tile top empty; it’s my favorite even though it wobbles at least a half inch (I swear I’m going to fix that someday).  Located on the upper deck, in an out of the way corner, and only a table for two, it suits me perfectly.

The first thing I noticed, after taking a seat, was how pleasant an evening it was.  The temperature was just right, and there was only a mild breeze:  just enough to keep the insects away, but not enough to even lift a napkin laying unweighted on the tabletop.  The lights of Medicine Park were visible in the valley below, and to the east, the magnificent home of Muriel and Michael Fahrion is silhouetted against the sky.  Muriel is an American illustrator and created the original design for the doll, “Strawberry Shortcake” and her cat “Custard”, in 1977.  Following very successful careers, she and her husband, Michael, entered semi-retirement, designing this beautiful home that sits atop a tall hill facing the west and overlooking the Medicine Creek Valley.  Today, they are busy with their graphic arts and web design business, “Big Rock Works”, and many Medicine Park community projects.  In the distance behind their home were these magnificent thunderheads.  At the moment I first sat down, the light was not quite right, but I knew it would get better in a short time, if only the thunderheads didn’t move away too quickly.

Ah, another sign things were going my way tonight!  The light I was wanting s0on arrived and the thunderheads had not yet departed.  My camera, resting on the table, was an easy reach.  My tripod, still in my truck, was not.  However, seemingly with everything coming together, I was willing to stretch possibilities a little.  The Fahrion’s house is a good half mile away, as the crow flies, and steadiness is critical.  I cradled the camera in my hands allowing my fingers to play among the dials and buttons, making the adjustments I hoped would capture my vision.  When ready, I rested the lens barrel on top of the steel railing surrounding the deck and breathed deeply, consciously relaxing, letting all tension ease away.  Setting the focus, exhaling slowly, willing the  button to descend ever so slowly, anticipating the gentle rhythm of the mirror rising and falling, I was nowhere if not right there, right then.  Release, all cares evaporate into the gentle breeze, I am happy!  All to soon, the light changed and with it the magic of the moment. My thoughts returned along with the awareness of present surroundings and I began to scan the faces of my fellow diners on the deck.

It didn’t take long to spot Doug Kemper, a scientist and engineer.  Doug is nationally known for designing several zoo aquariums.  He lived in Lawton for some time during his youth and has returned to design, obtain funding, and oversee the construction of the “Medicine Park Museum of Natural Science”.  He’s traveled all over the world, even to Antarctica, so he has wonderful stories to tell in seemingly endless supply.  He seemed to be preparing to leave, but I caught his attention and asked if he’d like to join me for a time.  I was delighted when he accepted.

You should never be in a hurry when you visit “The Winery”; it’s just not a “rush through” place.  It was only after Doug joined my table that I placed the order for my meal:  “Everything Salad” and “Molten Lava Chocolate Cake” for dessert.  The salad fit well with my nutritional goals, while the Lava Chocolate Cake did not.  Oh well, we must have balance!  Right?  Over the next two hours, or so, while I enjoyed the deliciousness of my meal, we talked, laughed, and told stories.  The topics ran the gamut of everything from progress on Natural Science Museum and Doug’s plans for a sky lift connecting the museum to the center of Medicine park, to birds and wild flowers on the Refuge, his expedition to Antarctica, and Al Gore’s myth of Global Warming, to include the fact that the glaciers on Kilimanjaro are receding, not due to melting, but due to sublimation; A huge difference, by the way!  The only thing that shortened our evening was Tammy, a wonderful waitress, asking, “Do you guys plan on leaving from the deck or would you like to come through the Winery?  We’re locked up and going home.”

I just love it when everything comes together!

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