Will Calvin Hit 5000 at the Oaklawn Finish Line?

Arkansans, race horse enthusiasts, and people all over are anxiously awaiting Oaklawn's top jockey, Calvin Borel to finally hit the 5000 mark. When Borel does this mighty feat he will become the 26th jockey in North America to win 5000 races! He probably would have accomplished this milestone at the beginning of the Oaklawn season however, he broke his wrist and has been on medical leave til the present when he is now up for two mounts in the third and sixth races on Saturday, February 16. Best wishes, Calvin, and thanks for all the other wins you've given us through the years at our Oaklawn! And hoopla do, every one present will receive a complimentary, commemorative trading card on the day he accomplishes this feat. Will you be there on the rail to see it?

Congrats to Leonard Cooper $75,000 Winner on Jeopardy!

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens...what a treat

Had a great visit out to Charlotte the other day except for slipping and sliding all the way home. The weather was wonderful going out and while we were visiting but, for some reason the Weather Monster caused us havoc all the way home...

Went to Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens while we were there and I must say, I can't wait to return! If it was that beautiful this time of year...whatever will it look like come spring?? And, it was a great way to get knowledge, exercise, and sunshine into the kids for the day (as well as a break from the iPhone)! Here are some pics of our fantastic family outing...

Remember the Old Five and Dimes...

Have you ever fried raw peanuts? If you have, you probably do not buy the ones in the can anymore. Nothing like freshly fried, Spanish peanuts. A bit of cooking oil, an iron skillet, plenty of paper towels, a slotted spatula, a ton of salt, and you're good to go. Just made a jarful today and, I can't help but recall my first batch of freshly fried, Spanish peanuts...

Not at home, rather at the old (and many years closed) Sterling Store in the Pike Plaza Shopping Center in North Little Rock. My mom would shop there often when it opened in the 60s and, she always gave me a quarter plus a penny for tax to purchase a half a pound of freshly fried, Spanish peanuts. The check out lady would come to the peanut machine (sort of looked like a popcorn machine) which was located in the middle of the store and use little weights to measure and bag up my purchase. Gosh, they were fresh, hot, and delicious. Certainly not like the canned ones in the five and dimes of today...

Let It Snow

Another record of snow! Seems like everywhere we live there has to be a record of some kind set for the weather people to carry on and on about for a good while. And, for a good while in Central Arkansas we have a record snow on the ground! So, I just say...(sorry for the other 37 videos, must have been an operator error on my part when I retrieved the embed code from my YouTube account, however I am leaving them in so my kids, grand kids, and future grand kids will be able to view them here as well!)

On A Quest For a Fried Chicken Frenzy...

Had a 3 piece with fries, fried chicken wing frenzy today when I stopped in at Sharks Fish & Chicken. Only $3.99! I have been enjoying Sharks in the North Little Rock area for a couple of years and now they have at least three locations (including the Little Rock area) to Shark frenzy these days. Sharks has got the formula:

Good Food + Good Service + Reasonable Prices = Great Place to Eat!

On A Quest For A Healthier Way of Eating

Stopped in at the Root Café the other day just to get a small snack. I chose the Sweet Potato Fries for a sweet $3.50 and this really hit my snack spot! The fries were not real crispy but, that was OK, they were delicious!! This large order of hand-cut sweet potatoes with a spicy Hickory Chip mayo was to Di for. Maybe the fries lost a little healthy when they got fried, but at least it's a step in the eating better and locally direction.

The Root Café is truly a wonderful place to support. Since 2008, they have connected "individuals, families, organizations and businesses of Central Arkansas by offering a focal point for sustainable activities in the area." Going with the shop local ideology, the Root Café uses locally grown or produced items such as meats, breads, and cheeses and makes everything a delicious experience!

Stop by the old dairy bar place on South Main and experience an eclectic "turn-of-the-century" decor and a certified green roof!