Garvan Gardens

The various shades of pink and white azaleas were quite prominent on our morning walk at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Eight of us strolled the paths and marveled at the rock work while enjoying the vast array of trees, shrubs, and plants. Before long the hydrangeas should make a valiant showing. The grape hollies intrigued us with their various shades of blue and purple berries. The waterfall is a favorite with Kurt!


There were many people practicing their pastel painting skills throughout the park.


Then there was the impromptu fun at the Anthony Chapel. Anyone would be impressed by the architecture and serenity of the chapel in it's woodland setting. Here Suzanne and Bill pose!



After bar-b-q at McClard's, a well known local establishment, it was back to the campground for afternoon naps, kayaking, or geocaching.

It is great to visit with Chris many mornings as she and Henry stop by for a walk or a cup of coffee. Then at night I have been running up to the liquor store to check my email. It is a good life out here.

Hot Springs tour

A 1.7 morning hike around the summit of Hot Springs Mountain in Hot Springs National Park was a good way to kick off the weeklong campout of the WINs.
It was interesting to see how the new cell phone tour works. At different spots in the national park a sign provides a number to call and code to enter.. A recording informs you of various facts about the spot. Here Jo and Mark listen intently.

After the hike Rolando's Ecuadorian food satisfied the starving hikers. We enjoyed the upper level patio nestled among the trees on the side of West Mountain.

We then toured Mtn. Valley Water Company. Not many people realize this company has been selling bottled water nationwide since 1920. From Presidents to racehorses it has long been a favorite.

In the Arlington Hotel we marveled at the luxurious lobby of the downtown mainstay built about 1923 while looking down the avenue where gangsters and gamblers once roamed the streets and casinos. Jo stopped to sample some of the hot water provided in the lobby.

We strolled over to the national park and meandered down bathhouse row to the national park visitor's center located in the old Fordyce Bath House. Here the tourists witnessed what the bathing industry was like a century ago. The bathhouses faded after the discovery of various cures for the ailments that sent so many to the hot waters to look for relief from their suffering. The Buckstaff is still open and providing facials, massages, and baths. We stopped to check the prices and hours.



We sampled the hot water and the promenade led us back north to our waiting cars so that we could view Hot Springs from another vantage point atop West Mountain. Spring had turned into summer while we toured and it must have been 89 degees. We were pleased to return to our campground after a quick stop at a kayak shop.

WINs gathering

Several of the WINs came early and others rolled in on the 21st. By the end of the day ten of us had convened on the shores of Lake Ouachita where we settled among the fishermen. We soon found ourselves at Burl's Country Smokehouse enjoying brisket and ribs while getting reacquainted or making new friends. Suzanne, Bill, Kurt, and Jo wait for supper.

It already shows promise of a fun filled week.

Crystal Springs, Arkansas

Leon took the camper out to Crystal Springs on the 16th while I took care of some business in town. Not the least was resettling the wren's nest after we borrowed her home: the kayak.

We finally got settled at Crystal Springs. While Leon took care of business in town, Suzanne, Jo and I enjoyed lunch at Mountain Harbor overlooking Lake Ouachita. We spent the afternoon geocaching and saw some wonderful historic treasures on the back roads of western Garland County.

We were excited to find the old mine nearby what should have been an easy find but we were too interested in looking at the mine to look around. We finally discovered the holly and let Suzanne retrieve the prize as we had already both scratched our arms.


Even more delighted were we to find the deserted log homeplace nestled among the trees on the side of the dirt road in rural Garland county. If only the blooming Jonquils could have shared some history with us so we left wondering who had lived there and where they had gone.


We traveled from one to another of many clever caches all around the Crystal Springs area and finally arrived back at camp in time for supper!

Night out!

Leon worked on the camper today which he took out to Crystal Springs Campground on Thursday to be set up when some of our RV friends roll into town next week. A couple of WINs have already arrived and Leon has been the perfect host: signs are posted and a pile of wood awaits. Too bad it has started raining which should last through the weekend.
While he took care of the camping and greeting the new arrivals I worked on getting utilities on and odd jobs done at the house up the hill which I bought yesterday. I love having a new project and indeed it is.
Tonight we joined Kay, John, and his daughter Caroline at Odie's House of Blues for dinner. This is the old Johnny's Event Hall and before that the Western Sizzlin' which has just recently opened as Odie's. We enjoyed a visit in the bar while listening to Chuck Dodson on the piano. It is always such a treat to visit with Caroline when she is in town visiting, which is not often enough. Dinner was quite good but Leon and I left before the blues band started playing. We had to find and check out the VFW in case the camping group would like to go next weekend. There usually are a few that want to dance and it is hard to find dancing at 7pm! We did finally locate the place and Friday about 7:30 it should be hopping with the Swing and Bop group there. They were not so crowded tonight. And as old folks usually are, we were home by 10, late for us!

Hot Springs Mountain Trail

Hiking is back on the calendar! We decided to hike the 1.7 mile loop trail around the top of Hot Springs Mountain. It was a wonderful, sunny morning and when the temps got to the low 60s we took off. The small blue violets bloomed at our feet while overhead the dogwoods shaded them from the sun. We started our hike at the overlook below the tower. The trail was hilly as we circled the mountain but not steep.

After the hike we drove up to the top overlook. Here I saw my first telephone tour sign, a new feature in the park. The sign gives a phone # and code# to call for information about that specific spot. I did not know that we were in the Zigzag portion of the Ouachita Mountains. The view to the north was full of pale lush green leaves dotted with white dogwood blossoms.

After a one hour hike we were ready for a picnic. We drove around the mountain and stopped in the gorge at the national park campground, always a favorite spot of mine. They have closed one section of the campground and eventually all camping spots will have water and electric. Hayden would have liked the doughwee, also known as a front end loader, that was parked there.

Easter

It might have rained cats and dogs on Easter but it did not dampen our spirits. Mary invited us to join her for dinner and we were quite pleased to oblige. As was to be expected, Mary was out in the rain picking fresh pink flowers for her table when we arrived.

Kelly and Sean drove in from Austin for a few days. They are delighted to be driving north at their convenience instead of flying from Chicago as had been the case for several years.


We were pleased when Julie and Will arrived from Fayetteville. It was time to eat!
We had a wonderful time visiting. It is the first time all the Littles have been together since last Easter.

John, Kay, Leon, me, Will, Julie, Kelly, Sean, Jennifer, Hayden, and Brian.

I was so pleased with myself and my serving portions. I even resisted cookies, strawberry shortcake, and the rabbit cake. But the deviled eggs just kept staring at me as if they were daring me to give in and I could not resist. I just put down 35 points in my Weight Watcher book and quit worrying.


We parted company for a couple of hours and couldn't believe it was time to eat again. Kay and John invited us to come to their house for our second round of visiting and we picked up bar-b-q on the way. Sean and Kelly left after lunch to return to Austin. Hayden had a good time playing with Nick. After dinner Brian, John, and Hayden went out to follow Nick around the yard! It looks like it was all about the food but indeed it was all about family.

LOViT

Today we explored the fairly new Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) that we only learned about a few days ago when we saw a trailhead on Hickory Nut Mountain. We drove about twenty miles west of town to Shangri La Road and went to the second trailhead. We took a fairly easy 4 mile loop near the Tompkins Bend campground (where I spent a lot of time in the 70s). The trail was very well marked and had no steep sections. Of course there were the little ups and downs since we are in Arkansas. This is also a very nice mountain bike trail but we decided we are better with all four on the forest floor. What a surprise to run into a student I had taught in 1976.

We packed a picnic lunch and were happy to see benches along the trail. The dogwoods put on a show as they seem to be at their peak and have invaded the Ouachita National Forest. The LOViT trail has recently been developed and a group of volunteers assisted in the development and maintenance in cooperation with the US Forest Service and Corps of Engineers. Twenty miles have been completed that meander up and down Hickory Nut Mountain and along the shores of Lake Ouachita. The individual Corps of Engineers campgrounds on the edge of the lake are connected along the trail. Forty miles is the planned goal.

We also checked out the Camp Charlton Forest Service campground and Charlton trail, the Shangri La Cafe, Mtn. Harbor restaurant, and again the Crystal Springs Campground. Both sides of the campground are open for the weekend.

I couldn't resist a little geocaching at both Shangri La and Camp Charlton. My feet were very tired so it is good that they were easy finds.

Stormy weather

That title reminds me of a song...and last night! There was a line of thunderstorms that crossed Arkansas which passed through Hot Springs about 9 pm. Mena, located two counties to our west, suffered 3 fatalities and major damage. We were lucky as the storms crossed overhead without the tornado. Leon stood on the porch and watched the constant and glitsy lightening display high overhead. I prefer to stay inside during a tornado warning. He was hoping to get his truck washed but pulled it into the carport opting for a dirty truck over hail damage. This morning the breezes continue with partly sunny skies and must have blown the Goldfinches into town. My feeder has been covered as they chow on the black sunflower seeds I had out for the cardinals, chickadees, and tufted titmouses.

A happening day

We had a busy day planned since we had to get home by 2 so I could visit the dentist. So off we went on a beautiful sunny 70 degree morning and left Ms. Robin in charge. She didn't look like she would be going anywhere.

Our first order of business was to stop by to visit great nephew Hayden. I had gone to see him after he arrived Tuesday and he wanted to know where is Mr. Leon. So here he is, Hayden. He seemed excited to see him although we had not seen Hayden for a year, but have visited a few times via Skype.

And it is always special to visit with Jennifer and Brian. They were all a little tired after a day of travel from North Carolina via the sky.

After Hayden entertained us by playing the piano, singing, picking up Easter eggs and praising Obama we continued west to plan our April campout.





We drove out to Crystal Springs to check on the campground where we plan to host a gathering of WINs in a couple of weeks. The dogwoods were abundant in the Ouachita National Forest as we drove west and were literally breathtaking among the fresh pale green leaves budding in the forest. We first stopped at the liquor store to visit when we saw Robert sitting out front soaking up some sun and then crossed the street to the newly re-opened Lewis Brothers General Store.

Two miles down the road at Crystal Springs Campground we were shocked to see the campground almost full and are hoping that the people are here for the last week of the race meet. There are no reservations possible until May 1 and this could create a real problem for us when all our visitors arrive in their large motorhomes. At least I know there is a large level overflow lot that would work. We drove the 9 miles up the rough yet recently graded dirt road to the top of Hickory Nut Mountain and the vista overlooking Lake Ouachita. We did not realize it was hazy until we looked at the photo. From the vista it is apparent what a large lake Ouachita is.



We stopped by the picnic area 3 miles back down the road and learned that there is a trail head here with a decent map of the Ouachita Vista trail. From here it would definitely be downhill. I must remember to tell Kelly and Sean that it is also a mountain bike trail. There appears to be a nice loop near Shangri La so we will have to investigate that another day.

We made it back home for lunch as we prefer to not eat out lately. I went to the dentist, ww, the grocery, and the realtor's office. Leon stopped by the Elk's Lodge and took in a movie. And the Robin kept everything under control while we were gone.

Shopping extravaganza

I went to Tuesday Morning today to buy a patio umbrella at a good price. It was my first time to realize that folks actually line up at the front door for the 8am opening to make a big savings based on what they have chosen from the flyer recently received in the mail. So twenty of us went in the front door and about 15 headed for the umbrellas. I chose green, paid for it, and put it in the truck.

Then the trouble started. I put a couple of lamps and other small items in my basket and went by the rugs. There I spotted just the one I wanted for my dining area and right beside it was a perfect choice for the living room. I had been wanting to replace both and I am just as pleased as punch.

Then along came Chris. She had called and I had purchased an umbrella for her as she was running late. Before long Cissy showed up just in time to voice her approval on my rug choices.

From there we managed to go to my house for show and tell, by TJ Maax, to Pier One, by Hank's Furniture, and then to Chili's where we met Joy and her boss for lunch. Joy came over to check out my mirror closet doors and Cissy and Chris went on to a used furniture store.

I went to Lowe's to get some light bulbs for my new bedroom lamps and that reminded me I needed to get a couple more bags of dirt! Yes dirt! I hooked up the quad trailer and rode the dirt to my new herb bed and finished filling it. I also added a few shovel loads of rich soil from my no longer garden.

Then my realtor called. I spent some time with Joan taking care of unfinished business. When I finally got home Leon had fixed supper.

It was a rewarding day! Meanwhile Leon stayed home all day waiting for the Direct TV technician. At 6:15 he finally arrived.

Garvan Gardens

It seemed like a magical day as we took advantage of the sunny 77 degree day to visit Garvan Gardens and check on the tulips. We began our visit with a picnic lunch and after nourishment were ready to walk the trails. It was nice to visit with Mel and Dianne from Little Rock but I was sorry Mel's back prevented her from walking down the hilly trails with us.


Kay, Darla, Mary, Chris and I stopped often to admire the myriad of spring blooms. This white camelia was at its peak and held our attention for quite a while. Darla even decided to try to find one for her yard.



The showy azaleas gave a background setting below the tall pines that are dominant in many parts of the gardens. In the background is the lake that surrounds most of the property.



And then there were the tulips in massive plantings of one color after another. They were beautiful. The rain and hail of the past week had damaged some but certainly not all.









All through the gardens there were parents taking pictures of babies and children strategically placed in front of the tulips so I couldn't resist either. I guess this will be Kay's Easter picture.

Leon was invited to go along but chose to stay home and clean the bathrooms instead! After dinner we went out in the back yard and planted the last 3 azaleas I had picked up at Lowe's. He just seems to use a pick so much better than I. This is the third time I have put azaleas in this particular spot and maybe this time they will survive. I have dismantled my garden since my tiny tiller no longer works. We loaded part of the rich compost and soil that was the garden in the trailer behind the quad and drove it up to the azaleas.

It's no joke!

Today is the day! I am actually going to join Weight Watchers. Yes, I who do not believe in diets is going to give it a try after watching fabulous results with some friends. Not only am I going, but I am going to drag some others with me. They may choose to remain anonymous!
I have already lost five pounds and want to continue. Leon has also lost weight and had to go buy new jeans! He will only be joining vicariously but he doesn't know it. I will join 3 hours after I meet my Lake Hamilton School buddies for lunch and have a nice visit. Stay tuned!

Well DRAT!

I have finally figured out why my photos will not enlarge on our in-the-right-lane blog. If you click and drag them around when you create the blog they supposedly lose their link to the original which is filed on Picasa. The strange thing is that this is not the case on my other 3 blogs! I have the code to fix it. We will see. Or will I just begin a new one? What to do...what to do...

Day at the Races

Spending a day at Oaklawn Racetrack watching the ponies run seemed like a good idea so we declared girls day out! Chris, Darla, Mary, Kay, Joy, and I collectively lost a few dollars but we did have a good time. And four of them at least got to cash a ticket after the last race. I, myself, never cashed one but the reuben sandwich and bloody Marys made up for that.

Shopping trip

Monday was a beautiful sunny, warm day for the beginning of the school people's spring break which allowed for Kay to join in on our outing. Kay, Chris, and I joined Darla in Little Rock for a little shopping flurry. Chris was looking for a new chair but probably won't get the $6,000 sofa and chair we all liked!

We had lunch at recently opened Capi's in Pleasant Ridge on the west side of town. The owner grew up in her grandparents' well-known Sam Peck Hotel which was quite the place in the 1960s. Their menu includes tapas, small servings of appetizers served on small plates and well-known in Spain.

After shopping we returned to Kurt and Allison's and had a nice visit with them and Allison's sister while being entertained by Darla's most precious granddaughter. It was a fun filled day.

Tacos anyone?

I joined Kay, Chris, Barbara, Diane and Joy for lunch Saturday in what was an old hardware store next door to Cafe 1217 the last time I drove down the avenue. Cafe 1217 owner Diana has turned it into Taco Mama. The visit was excellent and the food was good and I think it will be almost as big a hit as 1217. I couldn't resist the fish tacos.

Enjoying Spring

The daffodils are blooming all around the yard and the brilliant yellow helps to brighten the cloudy Saturday morning.
I adore this time of year which is evidenced by all my tromping around town pretending I feel great after my two week long cold/sinus infection. Wednesday began with my monthly lunch gathering to visit with our retired teacher group. We had a good turnout of about 12 at Angel's Italian Restaurant. The building was originally the Security National Bank which was built in 1923 next door to the Alvin Hotel. We enjoyed a nice long visit as the rain began to fall as if it were ordered for dessert.
After my noon outing it seemed only appropriate that we should go eat supper at the Cracker Barrel. I was just hungry for meat loaf since food did not even taste good for two weeks!
On Thursday I spent the day running all over town gathering information to be prepared for the foreclosure auction if it should happen next Wednesday. I sure have learned a lot about bankruptcy, foreclosure, and crooked realtors. More than I ever wanted to know!
Friday was a lazy day and then we joined Kay and John for dinner at Angel's in the Park. I always enjoy visiting the old Park Hotel that is pictured here. It is architecturally attractive and doesn't appear to have changed much from when it was completed in 1930. It is behind the Arlington Hotel in the heart of old Hot Springs. We had a great view of the redbud trees blooming on the mountain. It is wonderful to see so many splashes of purple in the woods and know that the dogwoods will put on their spring show soon. There were quite a few tourists downtown wandering the streets and there appeared to be a large crowd at the race track as we zipped by just before they all filled the streets. The ponies should only be running a few more weeks. Perhaps we should go one day!
Leon has been busy pulling up stumps in the yard with his 4 wheeler and ax! He is trying to get yard work done before the chiggers wake up. He has also been getting some warranty work done on the 5th wheel and is quite pleased with Razorback RV. We might go to the lake and camp except for the fact that this is spring break and kids will be everywhere!
I feel the need to go to Lowe's and find a shrub that will fit in the hole Leon left from the stump. Sure easier than digging one.

St. Patrick's Day

What a busy day it was! I had a nice skype visit with Robert. Where is my honest realtor when you need him? In North Carolina! He is doing well and sent a photo of the first snow in is new home.

I later spent time with my local realtor and two lawyers. Since August I have been attempting to buy the house next to mine. What a long story that is! After four offers, three for a short sale, it looks like it will go into foreclosure thanks to a lot of people not knowing what they are doing.

So by parade time I was ready for green beer and Mexican food! This was hailed as the First Ever Sixth Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade that travels on 98 foot Bridge Street in the heart of "old" down town. Green was the color of the day and the locals, as well as lots of tourists in town for spring break, filled the streets dressed in all manner of green. I do feel a need for some new green hair for next year! The Lyon College bagpipe band from Batesville performed and then a couple had a 90 second wedding. Why not?
The San Diego Chicken pleased the crowd as he danced up and down Bridge Street. Cliff, the well-known postman from Cheers, was the other "dignitary" invited to participate. One would think it was a Mardi Gras parade as everyone threw beads and candy, but why not, since we don't have Mardi Gras parades here. So until next March I will lookin' for that pot of gold!

Sunshine's coming

Whoa! It is already mid March. Where has the time gone? Oh, yes, I was sitting in the recliner for two weeks with what started as a cold and wound up being a bad sinus infection. Today I am determined to hit the road running. I need to go to social security office, realtor, etc. I will try to not overdo it but if the temps hit 70 and the sun shines, I can't make any promises.

I will miss winter

I will miss the cold days and nights. I don’t look forward to the heat and “Chigger Season.” It’s almost time to get out the poison for the little buggers. I finished my taxes and will spend the day looking at the rest of the hour long shows on TV that I taped while we were in Louisiana (16 in all). It was a nice two weeks we spent at Mardi Gras but the pace Susan sets is for the young at heart, not an old codger like me. She was relentless. Up at dawn and back after dark thirty. It will take a couple of weeks to recuperate. She does know her Mardi Gras though and it was a wonderful time.
Leon