Looking for spring

Here it is the end of February and our temperatures are a good ten degrees below average. And the last nine days I have spent sitting in my chair blowing my nose! But no more! We are going looking for spring. You will soon find us in the right lane in search of sunshine and warmer temperatures. We are loaded and ready to roll out on Sunday. We think Arizona is the place to begin our search! You can ride along with us on our other blog listed in the right column:  Susan and Leon's travels. Just click on it or the "in the right lane" link above.
Cheers, m'dears!

Come on, Spring

The temperatures rose to 50 and we were rarin' to get outside. So why not go back to Cedar Glades Park and hike the green trail again so that I could set out another geocache. I had already picked my spot, or so I thought. But I decided to take a container with toys and had to locate something suitable for a little box 4x6".
Leon found a disc for the frisbee disc course while he was searching down by the creek. No, Leon, not a discus.

We were in the middle of the 18 hole disc golf course so Leon proceeded to play while I did my "work."  The woods are so beautiful this time of year. I found a nice empty stump in which to hide my cache.

He finally caught on but did not quite make par!! Not bad for his first game I guess.

Let the Good Times Roll!

I just could not let Fat Tuesday go by without a little celebration so I put together an impromptu celebration and friends gathered. Cissy, Darla and Chris gathered in the kitchen where Darla was cooking crab legs while the red beans and rice simmered on the stove. They just happen to be standing beside the platter of boudain!

I put on my Martha Stewart cap, or was it apron, and made an ice bowl decorated with beads in the traditional green, gold, and purple of Mardi Gras! I filled it with frozen shrimp and the feast began!

Kay and Lola also came as well as Kay Ekey. Leon decided that was too many women at one time and went over to the Elks' Lodge to see what was happening. Smart fellow!

Cissy got the piece of king cake with the baby in it. I guess we will be having the next party at her place! This is the proof.

Oyster Bar

Wooooeeeeeeeeeee!!! This new restaurant in Hot Springs is rising to the top of my list as a place to go for oysters.  One visit let me know the oysters were delicious and the ice cold beer complimented them nicely!  Then I tried a cup of gumbo and found it to be very good. The fried oysters and shrimp that followed were yes, fried, but in a delicate batter. I did not feel like I was eating heavy fried food. I look forward to the day they offer grilled and vegetarian fare.                             

During the 70's and 80's, Russ, the owner, had the S.O.B. (shrimp oyster and beerhause) in Little Rock. From 4 to 6 we can get Pitchers and Pounds that includes half price peel and eat shrimp. I will save that for when I am tired of oysters!

I have longed for Franke's cafeteria that once occupied this building across from the Buckstaff Bath House but for now, this will do!

Tuesday is Fat Tuesday so this will be my Mardi Gras celebration for this year! Laissez les bon temps rouler!!

 

February snow

We have had a couple of small snows in February. The first time we just got a dusting as we were on the lower edge of the line. I am sure the birds are wondering where to get a drink.

This snow was a little heavier but not much. We were at the top edge of the line. Even Tyler, Texas had 5 1/2 inches. There will be no picnic on the patio for a while.

No bar-b-q either, even though it is veggies we barbecue!

This was a really light powdery snow that was beautiful on the trees and shrubs. By noon it was all gone and I was off for Cafe 1217 to meet friends for lunch.
Four years ago Leon and I met in the desert of southern California so we had a divine dinner at J&S Italian Villa to celebrate the occasion. And then we fought to stay awake for the opening ceremony of the Oympics.