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Monday, December 27, 2010

On A Quest For The Best Picture of 2010


Every year I make a mad scramble to catch all the best picture contenders of the current year before the broadcasts of ceremonies such as the Golden Globes, Jan 16, 2011, the SAGS Awards, Jan 20, 2011, and the Oscars, Feb 27, 2011. For these special galas, I sometimes have parties, prepare food and drink, and copy printable ballots for my friends and I to predict and vote on the upcoming winners. For 2010 I am plugging for my favorite movie of all time, True Grit to sweep away all the competition! However, there are a few other contenders in the running, and I saw a couple of them this weekend.
 

The King's Speech with Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter was absolutely outstanding in all categories. These three actors will surely be wearing out the acceptance speech pathways as the ceremonials go on. Besides the great acting abilities of this well planned trio, I loved this movie additionally because it is the true accounting of how King George the VI of England (father of the reigning Queen Elizabeth) handled his paralyzing phobic reaction to speaking as he was unexpectedly thrust to the throne with the abdication of his (wild and crazy) brother, David.


Another great pick is the (quirky like Little Miss Sunshine) favorite, The Kids Are All Right. This delightful little film is funny, well acted, and the perfect movie about a not so perfect family. It deals with heavy issues we are all able to relate to such as a loving but drifting apart couple, a pain staking extramarital affair, and tormented coming of age teenagers. PLEASE, JUST GIVE THE OSCAR ALREADY TO ANNETTE BENING!!!! EXCELLENT ACTING ONCE AGAIN FROM THE WOMAN WHO CONQUERED WARREN WHO??? I must also add that the other cast members were able to keep up with Bening rather nicely.


Movies on the weekends have always been a big part of my life, and these days are no different with a lot of special hours being spent watching gifted people making great films with gigantic messages. In addition to the movies above, I've already seen The Social Network, The Tourist, and Burlesque...will see Black Swan and The Fighter soon. But enough about what I think and do, what do you think will be the Best Picture of 2010 and the one to beat my favorite, True Grit???

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Fried Pies of all Kinds




While doing some after Christmas shopping, we stopped in for a tasty fried pie at the newly opened Original Fried Pie Shop in Jacksonville, AR. What a treat! For right at $8.04 which included tax, we shared a huge Chicken Pot Fried Pie and a Pumpkin Fried Pie which were both very delicious. And after talking to the franchise owner, we learned how hot these fried pies are becoming. Business has been steadily booming since opening day a couple of weeks ago. He said the dough is specially made for frying and not baking, making it one of the lightest and tastiest fried pies around. I can vouch for that because fried pies have often bewildered the best of Southern cooks and are pretty hard to master. In fact, my fried pies have been so heavy, it's sometimes difficult to lift one to your mouth! Not so with these scrumptious things.

Hope all works out for this franchise owner who wants to open more Original Fried Pie Shops in Conway, West Little Rock, and other surrounding Arkansas areas. I'm all for good quality food which is expertly prepared and delivered to the consumer at a very decent price!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

The Coen Brothers' Remake of True Grit


Was very excited to attend the sneak preview of True Grit the other night at the Rave Theater in Little Rock. Another big hit on the way for the kookie Coen Brothers. You gotta love these guys and their quirky sense of humor, irony, and complete brutal violence that is more often than not displayed in films such as Blood Simple, Raising Arizona, Fargo, O Brother Where Art Thou, and No Country For Old Men...just to name a few of my favorites.

From the ever so reclusive Little Rockian, Charles Portis and his powerful book, True Grit, comes Rooster and Mattie roles that Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld were born for! Oscar noms for sure, SAGS in the bag...don't know what the Golden Globes' problem is. Matt Damon was good as La Boeuf but not enough screen time as was the case with Josh Brolin as the murdering Tom Chaney. The music and cinematography were spellbinding but, my most favorite scenes were when every time straight talking, slow shooting, Bible thumping, persevering Mattie Ross would tell Rooster a thing or two and Bridges' deadpan expressions of confusedness couldn't believe what was spilling from the wise old soul mouth of a 14 year old girl.

Can't wait to see the movie again when it officially opens on December 22, however I would really Di for a star sighting of my favorite author at his favorite bar. And in my dreams, the ever so reserved, Portis, would give me the interview everyone would love to have about what he really thinks of the new True Grit...Coen style. And if that never happens, Mr. Portis could just place his comment in the box below...

Monday, November 29, 2010

A Digital Death For Celebrities on World Aids Day on Wednesday Dec 1, 2010


Will you be shocked to the point of 'waking up' on Wednesday when you see one of your favorite celebrities like Alicia Keys  or Lady Gaga lying in coffins to represent what the campaign, Digital Life Sacrifice, calls their digital deaths? On Dec 1, 2010 World Aids Day, these stars will jolt you into wondering why we care so much about one celebrity's death as opposed to the millions of others who are steadily affected by HIV and AIDS. Gaga, Keys, and many others will soon sign off their Facebook and Twitter accounts and not return until $1 million dollars is raised for families in Africa and India who are so savagely affected by this cruel disease. I doubt they will be 'dead' long...

These techno savvy personalities know how to take full advantage of the mediums they so avidly use in order to help raise lots of money for their worthwhile causes. Lady Gaga alone has over 7.2 million followers on Twitter and 24 million fans on Facebook which is sure to generate titanic action!

However, if you want to support those closer to home on World Aids Day 2010...how about giving to the Arkansas Aids Foundation which caters strictly to those in the Natural State. So, don't get emotional on Wednesday when you see the digital death of your favorite celebrity, just 'wake up' and put this disease into a proper perspective!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Good Eats Before and After the Holidays


I think we all may look forward to Thanksgiving cooking, however we certainly busy up the eatin' holes around town on the day before and after any major holiday! Lunch today at an old North Little Rock standby, Gadwall's Grill, was no exception. Always packed with hungry customers and fun duck stuff on the walls, this place is high on my list of good eats. Seems like no matter how full the parking lot...there's always room for you in Gadwall's. Also, good to see that they have weathered the storm and pulled together nicely from a fire disaster they had a while back.

Friendly and great service were on the menu today as well as the tasty Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup with Cornbread, a Soaked Salad, and the house wine of the South...refreshing Iced Tea.  All this for under $8.00! My only complaint is with the cake like cornbread.  Cooking 'real cornbread' the 'correct Southern way' via an iron skillet seems to have gone by the wayside at lots of eateries. They do have a great variety of burgers, chilies, nachos, and I hear from a few excited friends that they are even serving a fine breakfast on the weekends. Will have to 'waddle on in' some weekend soon to see what all the quacking is about.


Friday, November 19, 2010

The Classic Beef Stew and a couple of others


You remember the story of the Three Bears...one ate the porridge and it was too hot...another ate the porridge and it was too cold...finally the third bear dug in and found the stew was pretty darn good! Reminds me of how people are never satisfied. Picky, picky, picky. Always looking for something more...

Well, check out the following recipes to see if you might be a classic beef stew fanatic who throws every thing in from the bountiful harvest, or if you are a French mushroom stew connoisseur sort of  person, or maybe even a stew purist and you didn't even know it!  Whatever kind of stew guy or girl you are...check out the three recipes below. I'm sure one will be JUST RIGHT for you!
Classic Beef Stew!
Prep: 35 minutes  Bake:  4 hrs
Serves 8, about 1 1/2 cups each

2 lbs beef stew meat, 1 in cubes
4 med carrots, 1 in slices
2 med onions, cut into eighths
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans (16 oz each) whole tomatoes, undrained
1/3 cup quick cooking tapioca
1 ts dried basil
2 ts salt
Pepper to taste
1 package frozen green peas
8 small new potatoes, cut in half

1.  Heat oven to 325 degrees
2.  Mix all ingredients except peas and potatoes in Dutch oven, breaking up the tomatoes.  Cover and bake for a couple of hours, stirring 2-3 times.
3.  Stir in peas and potatoes.  Cover and bake 1 - 1 1/2 hours longer or until beef and vegetables are tender.
4.  Keep covered and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Beef Stew w/Mushrooms
Prep: 15 minutes   Cook: 45 minutes
Serves 8, about 1 1/2 cups each
2 lbs beef stew meat (sirloin cut into cubes)
2 tbs flour
4 tbs butter
2 tbs olive oil
2 whole shallots, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms
½ cup red wine
½ can beef consommé
Salt and pepper
2 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 tbs flour
1.  Sprinkle flour over meat and toss to coat. 
2.  Melt butter with olive oil and sear meat over high heat in batches.  When browned, remove to a plate and set aside. 
3.  Add shallots and garlic and sauté over medium low heat for about 2 minutes.  Add mushrooms and cook for 2 more minutes.  Pour in wine and consommé and a half can of water.  Add salt and pepper to taste and stir.  Bring to a boil and add back to the mixture the browned meat.  Reduce heat to low and add the thyme sprigs. 
4.  Cover and simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes.  Mix flour with a little water and stir.  Add to stew and allow to cook and thicken for about 10 minutes.  Turn off heat and allow stew to sit for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Irish Stew for the Purist
Prep:  15 minutes  Cook: 2 hrs
Serves 8, about 1 1/2 cups each

3 lbs good stew meat, cubed
Flour
Shortening
Salt and pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups good red wine
About 4 cups water
20 small pearl onions, peeled
4 large carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces

1.  Salt and pepper meat. Dredge in flour, coating fully.
2.  Brown the meat along with the garlic in a fair amount of shortening on the stove top in a heavy pot.
3.  Add wine to the browned stew meat.
4.  Add about 4 cups of water.
5.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer about 1/ 1/2 hours.
6.  Add pearl onions and carrots and cook for another 30 minutes. Add more water if stew is too thick. Serve this stew with mashed potatoes.
  






Tuesday, November 16, 2010

To Stuff, Or Not To Stuff, That Is The Question...

Every year at this time my family begins to think about the type of dressing our bird will sport this year. Surely this dramatic issue has crossed your family's mind a time or two in the last couple of weeks (or maybe you're just not normal like we are.) Visions of oysters, cornbread, nuts, sausage, wild rice, etc.  What will this year bring to our table? And if that isn't just too much to ponder, we then must decide where to put this dressing...in the bird or around the bird...stuffer or dresser?  What are you?

Actually in the South we abide by a couple of simple rules and if complied to, everybody goes away gorged and happy. There really is no choice as to where to stick this fabulous accompaniment...dressing (never called stuffing) always goes outside the bird for a crunchy, tasty side dish which we then drench with all that fabulous and creamy giblet gravy!  If you stuff it in the bird, it takes on too many juices and becomes way too moist and gooky for our Southern palates. Even James Beard and his faithful followers know the right thing to do in this type of sticky situation. What about you? Please leave your comment below...we won't laugh too hard if you choose to do the wrong thing this Turkey Day...gobble, gobble.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Cast of Wicked at Sway


The hot ticket was found last night at Sway Nightclub in downtown Little Rock as the Arkansas Aids Foundation raised over $27,000 with a Cabaret and Live Auction generously performed by the Cast of Wicked on their only night off while in the area!  Wickedly GenerouSways, A Witches Night Off tickets were pre-sold and long gone at $40 a pop which included complimentary cocktails, fantastic seating, and a party with the cast who spent the entire evening belting their hearts out for the dynamic and also generous Little Rock bunch! All proceeds to benefit the Arkansas Aids Foundation which has been struggling during the past couple of years with loss of grant money and the recessed economy.

Among the numerous goods and services which were donated was a Live Greening which included Wicked's chief make-up artist giving a lucky audience member an interactive live on-stage experience! And one charitable fellow bought his chance of a lifetime for a Walk on at Wicked! I am Green with envy...but come next Sunday...I'll be seeing for the first time...Wicked at Robinson Auditorium...as the cast, crew, and staff of the National Touring Company of Wicked put on a show I'm sure I will never forget! Last night was pretty special too...hope you got your tickets early...












Wednesday, October 27, 2010

On A Quest For...Name This Arkansas Architecture

While working on my Bachelor's degree at the University of Arkansas, I took a course which opened up my horizons concerning the evolution of architecture from the Stone Age to Post Modernism. It was fascinating to be introduced to the history of man's/woman's progressive fabrications. As newby Americans and Arkansans, we are limited to what we experience but, we still have ample opportunity to enjoy a wide spectrum  of architectural design right here in the Natural State.

JUST FOR FUN:  This structure which was built in 2007 has fast become an Arkansas favorite even though there were many controversial conversations leading up to its creation. For one, it meant the demise of an old familiar constitution near the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Little Rock Zoo. However, progress prevailed and the following photo alerts all patrons of exciting things about to happen as they enter the front entrance to this fun filled place... name this Arkansas Architecture...
Email me (Deadline 10:00am Friday, October 29, 2010) at diannehocut@live.com and be the first to correctly identify this structure! Winner (if there is a lucky one out there) and other fun stuff will be announced!

Monday, October 25, 2010

E's Bistro, North Little Rock, AR


Last week me and #3 went On A Quest For this cozy little bistro we had read about in the Arkansas Times called E's Bistro. Did not take long to find this jewel of a eatery in the Lakehill Shopping Center on JFK Blvd. Actually we had passed by many times before and just can't explain why we never dropped in. Oh, the power of suggestion from the Arkansas Times...

Arriving for lunch, we were seated by a friendly lady who gave us brief instructions on how to order. First check out the menu, order at the centralized table cart, serve yourself with beverage of choice, and wait for the meal to be brought to your table. OK...got it!

Was only a few minutes before we received our Chicken Salad and Pimento Cheese Sandwich...both wonderfully delicious! The Chicken Salad was heartily simple with huge chunks of chicken breast, creamy mayo, toasted almonds, whole grapes, and bits of celery. Served with a tasty herb encrusted slice of toasted bread. The Pimento Cheese Sandwich was loaded with a simple creamy spread on a fresh croissant with lots of crisp kettle chips (my request) and cute little cut up cucumbers. Plenty to eat, but as we watched the waitress carry a slice of fresh Coconut Cake to the next table we could not resist the temptation. Slightly pricey at $6 per slice, but well worth it! Light and airy thin vanilla layers loaded with fluffy frosting and topped with toasted coconut...out of this world! Total tab plus tip came to $28.25.

The food presentation, quality of service, and overall cleanliness of this adorable little cafe has us aching to experience E's Gourmet-To-Go items in the frozen food section and returning soon to see what the Sunday Brunch is all about! And did I mention the local artwork for sale on the walls?  Support your local community...yep...my kinda place!

E's Bistro on Urbanspoon

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Perfect TV Mom...Mrs. Cleaver or Mrs. Wolowitz...You Choose

Gee, I can't believe one of TV world's most perfect moms died a couple of days ago. Mrs. Cleaver was the perfect mom to Wally and the Beave and the perfect wife to Ward. I will miss every perfect thing about her...perfect bouffant hair do, perfect white pearls and snazzy outfits when she cooked her perfect meals, and perfect parenting skills to boot. There was really not much of anything that nobody didn't love about Mrs. Cleaver. I admire her for making something really spectacular out of her ordinary housewife status and especially for overshadowing that perfect jerk of a husband...check out this video...


I salute this character for pioneering the libber road long before libbing wasn't cool. Good bye Mrs. Barbara Billingsley! 

And just for fun...don't you ever wonder what could have happened to June's boys if she hadn't been such a perfect wife for Ward?  Seems like one of our favorite geek's father left his mother when he was only eleven...check out this YouTube video with Howard Wolowitz  and the Big Bang Theory nerds...Howard's Mother to the Rescue. I really like Mrs. Wolowitz as well...she may scream and yell and be labeled a "crazy old lady"...but somehow she will probably also go down in TV world stardom as one of the greatest TV moms ever and we'll never even know what she looked like. Mrs. Cleaver or Mrs. Wolowitz...which one is your favorite mom?

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Spicy Pumpkin Chili


This year we are having a cool, crisp and gorgeous fall in the Natural State and I have been On A Quest For a really scrumptious recipe to serve this Halloween season. I finally found the perfect chili recipe...Spicy Pumpkin Chili! Yes, believe it or not you inflexible fuddy duddys out there, pumpkin puree can be used in a variety of other recipes aside from the classic pumpkin pie. And we also tend to overlook the value of pumpkins as a source of nutrition. In fact, pumpkins are loaded with Vitamin A and fiber while being low in calories. So why not keep some canned pumpkin on hand in your pantry and figure out ways to add it to your collection of priceless recipes! And for that extra Di Touch...serve in cute little hollowed out pumpkin bowls!

Spicy Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 cup each beef broth and water
1 1/2 oz grated unsweetened chocolate
2 tablespoons chili paste
1/4 teaspoon each allspice, cloves, cinnamon
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon each ground cumin, paprika, pepper, salt
3 oz tomato paste
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 tablespoon wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons sugar or Splenda
Sour cream, minced onions, and roasted pumpkin seeds for garnish

Directions:
Brown the lean ground beef in a large pot. Add the onion, garlic, beef broth, and water
Stir until mixed well
Add the remainder of ingredients, stir, and cover to simmer for about two hours
Remove the bay leaf and serve in hollowed out petite pumpkin bowls
Garnish with sour cream, minced onions, and roasted pumpkin seeds




Friday, October 8, 2010

10-10-10 World Zombie Day


Don't you just love Audrey Hepburn 1929-1993? She was a wonderful actor and avid humanitarian for UNICEF. I cry every time I watch Breakfast At Tiffany's, even though it does have a happy ending.  Gee, I'm glad she found that Cat!! This My Fair Lady will Always be an inspiration to me!

What does all this have to do with World Zombie Day, you ask...well I was looking for a clever costume for the Little Rock Zombie Walk on 10-10-10 and decided to take off on Hepburn's, Holly Golightly look. I have most of the stuff I need...black dress, heels, gloves, fake diamonds, heavy makeup, black sunglasses. I predict a tiara purchase in my near future, as well.

The Little Rock Zombie Walk has a lot of great sponsors...Humane Society of Pulaski County and CARE to name a couple. I think I can swing a buck donation along with a can of pet food for the walk. There are other events in addition to the walk, so be sure and check the official link above for all the gory details! And hurry...10-10-10 is rapidly approaching! Looking forward to an opportunity to fight world hunger and animal abuse on World Zombie Day while paying tribute to Ms. Hepburn...sounds good...and as always be careful when you are out and about this spooky and zany Halloween season!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Fall Splendor in the Ozarks

You must come and visit our lovely state of Arkansas in the fall. The dogwoods are turning the most striking burgundy this year as in the photo on the right of our driveway to the Turquoise House. Beautiful, huh? There are lots of other wonderful foliage drives through the Ozark countryside...

One of the familiar routes that we are so blessed with in our lovely state has to be scenic Hwy 7. This wonderful stretch of roadway goes through the Ozark Mountains, along the Arkansas River Valley toward the Ouachita Mountains. Another well known national scenic byway is the Talimena Scenic Drive which runs along Rich Mountain near Mena. Be sure and stay at Queen Wilhelmina State Park atop the mountain http://queenwilhelmina.com/. #3 and me stayed there in the Honeymoon Suite in 2007 and what a wonderful visit we had! You can plan your  get away as well. Just call for the Arkansas Vacation Planning Kit at 1-800-NATURAL or order online at http://arkansas.com/. The Natural State has something for everyone!

Maybe the rain we have been blessed with all summer has made the hillsides more colorful this year, but whatever the case may be, the transitions of the seasons are like the constant changing of the guard ...fascinating to look at even if you have seen it a dozen times before. Today, it is especially nice to be alive and well, and roaming the scenic roadways in the Natural State of Arkansas.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

On A Quest For...The Pumpkin Church


If you have lived in the North Little Rock area for any length of time you will know what I mean when I say that I attend the Pumpkin Church! And the pumpkins will arrive this Sunday, September 26th! Yes, this wonderful pumpkin ministry is once again in full progress as The First United Methodist Church of North Little Rock celebrates Fall and the arrival of the pumpkins! Please plan on purchasing your pumpkins at our beautiful and friendly church this year...or just come by and visit...to experience all the love and friendliness for yourself!


Peace and Love and Pumpkins Aplenty to All of You!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

On A Quest For...An Official AR State Park Explorer Badge and Certificate




This summer I had the privilege to rove around the Natural State with one of my fave buds...that would be my little nomad, Noah! While we had a blast making ghostly YouTube videos to checking out the Laman Library, we especially enjoyed exploring the beautiful State Parks of Arkansas! You see, I found out about the AR State Park Explorer Badge and Certificate program (for kids from 6-14) by following @ArStateParks on Twitter and FB. This knowledgeable program is for people who care about nature, history, safety, and fun and it also helps kids (and Nana's) to...
Discover what State Parks are. Prepare to be safe. Connect your mind and heart to State Parks. Share your experience.
Noah and I are still working on his badge and certificate...maybe we will see you at one of the AR State Parks in the near future as we plan to complete the necessary activities soon.  However, there is no time limit as we journey the 52 state parks of AR at our own leisurely pace. Wanna get your badge and certificate too? Just go by any Arkansas State Park and ask for a Field Guide for the Explorer Badge and Certificate and follow these easy and fun steps:
 Print your name on the first section of this Field Guide. Complete all the activities and questions on the Field Guide. Each section has a yellow circle in the upper right corner. When you complete that section's activities and questions, fill in the circle. Sections can be completed in any order, at any Arkansas State Park(s). No time limit. When you fill in all the circles, take your Field Guide to a park official. He or she will review and sign it. You are ready to receive your certificate and badge! 
 Discover and own your Arkansas State Parks today! And who could say it better than Willa Cather, an American novelist as she wrote in O Pioneers!
We come and go, but the land is always here.  And the people who love it and understand it, are the people who own it-- for a little while.

Friday, August 13, 2010

On A Quest For...Ghouls, Ghosts, & Goblins



Are you ready to experience some eeriness, ghoulishness, and downright creepy stuff? Sounds like my kinda fun, and I'm super excited to see that Halloween season is right around the corner! If you're an Arkansan in the Natural State there are plenty of spooky shenanigans you can get into this year. And all visitors to our state...are welcome to get weirded out as well! But I first must warn you to please do so at your own risk!

A must do this season is the Crescent Hotel Ghost Tour in Eureka Springs.There are plenty of unexplainable happenings, odd noises, and strange occurrences reported by the employees and guests at this luxurious hotel which started out as a fine girl's school in 1886. Don't miss out on Dr. Baker's Famous Lounge...always fun to have a few sliders before bedtime, but be extra careful upon returning to your room... at least a couple of people have fallen down the beautiful and deadly spiral staircase of the Crescent!

Another spooky spirit to check out is the Ghost of Woodson Lateral Road. As kids in high school we would drive to the outskirts of town on this lonesome, dark road to check out this eerie urban legend. Honestly, that's all we were doing on that lonesome, dark road...anyway, check out the YouTube video my grandson Noah and I made this summer concerning this frightful hitchhiker.  Special effects courtesy of Noah!! Nice to have smart grandkids when you're shooting home videos. And check out the cool book, too...The Ghosts of Little Rock  by Alan Lowe and Jason Hall.  We got ours at Barnes & Noble.

Take a DETOUR this year and do something out of the ordinary...go On A Quest For some of the most unnatural happenings in our beautiful Natural State...Arkansas. Hope you have a safe and adventurous Halloween!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

On A Quest For...Parrot Beach Cafe on Friday the 13th

Our favorite community radio station, KABF 88.3FM in Little Rock, Arkansas is in trouble! Come show your support tomorrow night, Friday, the 13th of August at the Parrot Beach Cafe, 9611 MacArthur Drive, North Little Rock from 4pm till close. Roy Doyle and Jeff Riggs, the stars of Arkansas Showcase will be on hand as well as lots of local artists such as Mark Simpson, Gospel Outlaws, Clover Blue, Cruize Bros with Joe Pitts & Mike Dollins, and Amy Garland & Brent Lebeux! For details call (501)771-2994. Have a heart for the radio station, KABF 88.3FM...the "Voice of the People" since 1984! See you there!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

On A Quest For...44th Annual Eureka Springs Silver Tea


Save the date! Always on the first Thursday of December...44th Annual Eureka Springs Silver Tea at the Crescent Hotel on December 2, 2010. Gather a van load of friends and scoot on up to Eureka to check out the scrumptious food, elegant tea service, and warm hearts of the friendly hosts that are always on hand at this super crowded event. If you so delight, dress in your favorite Victorian finery and help celebrate with these fine residents who love to educate you on their richly historic old mountain village...Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  Proceeds go toward a well deserving charity each year! 

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

On A Quest For...Little Kidz Week 2010

What has six legs, twelve eyes, eats tons of popcorn, drinks buckets of Kool Aid, and invades Nana's house about this time every year? Not the granddaddy long legs...it's Noah, Lindy, and Wilbur! Little Kidz Week 2010 is just around the corner and it is going to be the best LKW ever! We have plenty of quality events just waiting for this Terrific Threesome!

First on the list has to be swimming at the North Little Rock Athletic Club. What a great pool for my little guests! Maybe I can hit one of the Body Pump classes while Paw Paw is doing guard duty. Another cool pool we are going to check out is the Splash Zone in Jacksonville.

And, eating at fun little kid places has to be on the agenda. I think we are still in the age range of Chuck Cheeses. I just registered for some money saving coupons online...will come in handy for these three as they play every game in the place with expertise and endless energy. 


We will also have plenty of time for playing with the dogs, shopping at the mall, meeting new friends, watching movies into the wee hours of the morning, riding on Paw Paw's tractor, and just about any other thing these little critters want to do! The only thing missing from LKW 2010 will be Henry! I tried, but Mom and Dad said, "No." However, there will be no stopping Henry and LKW 2011! 


Yes, Little Kidz Week 2010 is all about spoiling your lovable grandkids and then shipping them back home to mom and dad! Fun stuff...make time for the special kids in your life, today!