Time to roam

We will be spending a couple of weeks in Texas where it should feel like spring and be ten degrees warmer.  Join us for the fun as we travel in the right lane. Hint:  (Click on the travel link).  But keep in mind that we will be in the right lane for a couple of days.

Snow storm results

For years I have thought about clearing what is left of the woods at the top of the hill, but this year the Christmas day snowstorm seemed to get it started.  Entergy came along and cut some larger trees left under the power lines and the rest was up to us.

Leon stacked piles all along the street.

I worry the birds might miss this mess.

All the while I was whacking the vines I was thinking a chainsaw would sure work quicker.

It took weeks for the city to get around to all the cleanup but they did get it all.
I f only we could have finished the project first, but warm days are few and far between.  

Checking on the daffodils

We made a quick run out to Garvan Gardens to see if the daffodils were ready to amaze us. They were not but the peacocks gathered around the entrance were amazing. They pretty much ignored us but seemed to gather to get some of the warm air escaping from the entrance to the building.

Big Cedar

We spent a fun-filled three days at Big Cedar just north of the Missouri line. We met Ed and Becky for lunch and enjoyed a beautiful view of the lake while we ate.  

We spent lots of time visiting with Becky, my BFF, who was so gracious to invite us to join them.

I loved our media room. Only problem was there wasn't enough time to spend any in front of a tv.

This was only one of four tv's we had downstairs. Becky and Ed had four more upstairs. 

 We preferred to spend our time either watching Ed cook or eating!

What perfect weather for a walk over to the fire pit where we had a great view of Table Rock Lake. The nearby hot tub and infinity pool are closed for winter.

Chess anyone? What fun times we have when we visit our NWA friends. (northwest Arkansas for outsiders.)

We picked up a few geocaches on both the trip up highway 7 and 65 and the return down 65 and 9. I thought this fire hydrant was quite well done. I spotted it immediately but can imagine others might not.  It is made of wood and the top lifts off to reveal the cache.   

Branson Landing

It might still be winter and a hazy day but the Ozarks always look good to me. We headed north with Branson, Missouri as our destination.

Every time I cross the Buffalo River I remember fond times with friends, kayaks, fishing poles, and camping. I always vow I will return soon.

The last time we were in Branson they were planning a shopping area along the lake which would be anchored by a Bass Pro. It turned out to be a fun place to walk the shops.

We had a room with a view in the Hilton and it was only seconds from  our door to the shops and the Irish Pub. The third window to the right on the top floor facing the landing was our spot for the night.

The room offered this nice view of Lake Taneycomo and the light show on its shores.

It was a 34 degree evening with a light drizzle but perfect to enjoy the water and light show from the room.

We checked out the shows but believe it or not, this was the only show we wanted to see.  I think a lot of the performers take a vacation in February.  

A recipe for fun

Recipe for a new kitchen:

Ingredients:
Determination     Patience     Air Compressor   A good helper     Sheetrock     Tile     Can lights
Electrician           Cabinets     Appliances          Crowbar              Hammers      Caulk  Brad Nailer
Crown Moulding Grout         Spreader              Smoother             Sponge        Sheetrocker                    
Paint                     Lights

What began as a little touch up painting turned into a four month long project but oh! what fun it was - most of the time!  But we were not in a rush. I decided to tear out the kitchen cabinets at my leisure once I decided to take them out and this became our makeshift kitchen for a while.

After the wall was gone between the living room and kitchen and I had taken down part of the cabinets I knew I had to have a new ceiling! Oh how I don't miss those little square ceiling tiles.

Happiness was getting the first cabinet out almost in one piece. It would be handy for a workshop which I just happened to be helping to build in my spare time! It was the only cabinet that came out in tact. I had no idea how well built my cabinets were - built in the kitchen and not hauled in from elsewhere obviously.

We took a break from the kitchen and put up some crown molding. Right in the middle of that project Lowe's ran out of the corner pieces that I call both cheating and a life saver!  We had to wait until they restocked the shelves but eventually they did. In the meantime the electrician got the can lights installed.   Loving them!

Leon thought this was for the trash pile. To me it looks like a bird house just waiting to be made so of course I saved all the drawers! That will be a spring project.

There was a slight delay with the kitchen floor after I got a little carried away with my new tool and took out some tiles that I should have left.  I keep hearing that it is good for the brain to learn new things and I have sure been practicing.

Finally, knowing that I could not match my tile, I decided that I would put the island on it's own island once I found some tile that blended.  

I wasn't sure how this would all turn out but was quite pleased with the results.  Now for the icing on the cake!

This is my new cozy little kitchen from the "new" dining room. The southern exposure floods the area with sunlight on cold winter days. I am very pleased! It wasn't Florida, as was the original plan for the winter, but it was progress.

After mixing all ingredients the kitchen is done. It is time to sit back and relax now but I have a hard time staying out of the kitchen! I love my new gas griddle!! 

Birthday Bash

I just have the best friends and family. I thought we were going to Little Rock to meet Kay for a Sunday brunch at Ya Ya's.  Little did I know that Mel had chosen the spot and would be there also not to mention Chris, Joy, Cissy, Darla, and Jeff too along with Kay's family. What a treat it was.

Ya Ya's  provided a fine Sunday buffet with live music including Happy Birthday. The bloody Mary's were the perfect start to the meal followed by a wide assortment of fine food.

It just doesn't get any better than this!  Thanks, folks.

Winter wonderland

The snow began about mid afternoon on Christmas and while we ate and opened presents the yard turned into a winter wonderland. Never have I seen a prettier scenario. 

The quad is equipped with a new battery but where are my waterproof pants!  I finally located them but I did have to pour hot water on the ignition to get it to turn and away I went. Zoom Zoom!

Kay spent quite some time building this snow lady!

I wasn't sure why Flave was sitting by the pond watching instead of helping but he had no idea that Reid was sneaking up behind him.

There was plenty of space to run and gather snowballs. Nothing like two baseball pitchers throwing snowballs! I stayed out of the way.

Lola had the right idea!

I was so prepared after my trip to Aspen last year. I think I had enough boots, hats, and gloves to outfit the entire crew! My feet stayed cozy warm!

Jeff had a great plan and enlisted the boys' help. The plan was for the snowball to roll all the way down the hill but it didn't go quite that far.

Fun on the hilltop as always. Just couldn't get the sleds to do much. 

Always time to warm up inside!

Finally we went over the hill and Leon trimmed back some limbs.

 This hearth, snow ice cream,  and hot chocolate reminds me of past winters. I was tickled pink that Kay and her family got snowed in. Our electricity was out for one day and Flave gave up his vacation to go work 15 hour days. One week later almost everyone has electricity again and he will soon get to return home.

Reid and Flave were happy to eat at La Hacienda twice and we enjoyed some meaningful conversation.

After several fun-filled days two boys and a dog loaded up and headed home. What a wonderful holiday it was for me!