I think you are right about fall color being late this year. So far everything is still pretty green. I will try to remember to remind you.
I know where you live. Lamar is the home town of President Truman, isn't it? I've been all over the state when I was a social worker for Jasper County. We would run out available foster home placements and have to look to other counties for placements. I think I've had a kid or two placed in Shelton. It can get hilly further east of you - out near the lake country.
Powell, MO is located in east McDonald County near the Arkansas state line on "E" highway. Albert E. Brumley's home town. He had a music publishing company there. He wrote "I'll Fly Away" and other country and gospel songs. When I first moved there I got to meet him and his wife Goldy. They were wonderful, simple hill folk. Their son was the post master at the little Post Office in Powell. Mr. Brumley died the next year and was buried in the Powell Cemetary. His business and the General Merchantile and gas station was all there was in Powell.
Just a wide spot in the road. I loved it but most of the folks there didn't like outsiders and most were all related. Not only was I from the West Coast but I was DIVORCED with 2 children.
As a CA/N investigator I never got close with people I lived next door to because I never knew who I was going to end up investigating. I never developed the need to socialize with my neighbors and would have welcomed their hospitality but wasn't lost without it. I spoke to people and they would nod back politely but that was the end of it. If you ever get a chance to drive thru that area it's a picturesque little town.
They have the Albert E. Brumley Hill & Hollow Folk Festival there every year about this time. There is an arts & crafts festival and good Blue Grass music on Friday night and all day Saturday. On Sunday they have Country Gospel Music. You park your car out in the pasture (watch for cow patties) and bring your own folding chairs and ice chest. No alcohol allowed.