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!!