"National Wear Red Day®"

Just ordered my Red Dress Pin  for "National Wear Red Day^®" on Friday, February 3, 2012. I will wear it, along with my red boots and red something or other, in order to promote national awareness of the #1 killer of women, heart disease. Because I am being treated for a heart condition that was found on a routine office visit, I feel I am one of the lucky ones. Lucky because I am aware of my condition and doing something about it. The smarter you are...the luckier you get.

BTW do you know the Heart Attack Warning Signs:

• Chest discomfort
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body 
• Shortness of breath
• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

For more information, contact your nearest American Heart Association office or call 1(800)242-8721 or online at ww.heart.org/HEARTORG/.

"^®National Wear Red Day is a registered trademark of HHS and AHA."

On A Quest For Pupusas in Central Arkansas!

No more trekking to NWArkansas to find a delicious and scrumptious pupusa! Now you are able to experience this traditional 'tortilla' from El Salvador right here in the twin city area. A super friendly and especially nice cook from the San Francisco area has brought his heirloom recipes to the Rosalinda Restaurant Hondereño at 3700 JFK Blvd in North Little Rock. These little fried masa cakes with a filling of beans or cheese are certainly to Di for! They were served with rice and beans and a cabbage type slaw and delightful sauce. All were delicately prepared and absolutely delicious as were the fried plantains (sorta like a banana but not as sweet)which were served with a creamy mayo type sauce. I hear the chicken is mouthwatering delicious as well. Hey, it's only fitting that this location (formerly Paul's Restaurant)which once served the best(and only)fried chicken in the 60s (before the Colonel came to town)is doing so again with these native Hondurans. Try it...you will love it!

This hot spot for burgers and fries is known as Mojo's Dairy Bar today, but what was it's name back in the 60s?

DiPhone Chaps My Apps

Just when I thought I had almost figured out my DiPhone(surely you have a pet name for your favorite toy), this smarty pants little treasure completely chaps my apps! It all happened the other day as I was syncing my DiPhone with my DiTunes account and low and behold the next thing you know, I had lost all my apps! A few months ago I would have gone to the hall closet and screamed my diLungs out, but because Mr. Jobs has helped me become a confident, savvy, computer/techie wizard person, I put on my thinking cap...and started reloading all the free apps I had previously downloaded...all those I could remember, that is.

The moral of this story...keep a written list of your favorite apps and if you do loose them and have to reload, be sure to check out some really cool new apps as well! I would have never found the NYTimes Scoop App (surely I'll get to NYC some day) if this unfortunate mishap had not happened. Just continuing to make lemonade out of lemons...what's your favorite app you can't do without?

On A Quest For That Doggie Rainbow Bridge In The Sky

A most traumatic thing happened to me today and I feel the need to write...

As I was taking Ruff, Hermie, and Honey for a morning walk, Ruff began to cry out, then drop down, and finally collapse upon just starting our walk. He was dead a few minutes later. I've never lost a healthy, eight year old dog like this. And, I hope it will be the last.

Ruff was a wonderful gregarious shepherd mix I found in 2003. He and Red(alive and well and sad)were playing in the parking lot of a motel I had stopped at around 9:30pm. I looked at them periodically through the night peeking out my window. Upon leaving the next morning, Ruff and Red were sleeping soundly in the motel's flower bed. I started to leave but couldn't. I then loaded the two lost and dirty but sweet and loving dogs in my car and they have lived with me ever since. All my pets are spayed, neutered, flea and heart worm free and well taken care of. I do not hoard animals...I simply have eight seven dogs who have not had a decent home until I took them in.

I love each dog I care for and all the others who have no home and all the others who do. I simply love animals and all other furry critters. As a child, I dreamed of being a veterinarian when I grew up...I guess you could say my dream came half way true because through the years I have been fortunate to be able to take care of many lost, broken, hurt, injured, and neglected animals. Ruff was one of the best... and today I'm especially on a quest for that Doggie Rainbow Bridge in the sky...

  

On A Quest For The Crystal Bridges Of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas

OMG, HTB(Heavens to Betsy), and I do declayah, RUN don't walk to the new museum, graciously given to us by The Walton's from Bentonville, Arkansas! And, special thanks to Miss Alice who seems to be the lady in charge of this huge extravaganza!! For many, her monumental task might be considered the cart before the horse,(check this link to see what I mean) however, some of us are of the philosophy if you build it, they will come! And, a whopping $1.2 billion is said to have built this project! Believe me, they weren't telling tall tales! Oh, and admission is free, just do as I did, and go to http://CrystalBridges.org to reserve your tickets today. Easy as pie!

This exclusive wonder is located just minutes from the town square where Sam Walton started it all and is nestled in a 120 acre ravine which spans the creek called Crystal Spring. Take I540N toward Bentonville, exit 86, left at the light, down to J Street and hang a right, and follow the signs. Once there you will discover a breathtaking array of 400 works by American artists which tell the story of America's history as seen by its artists. Temporary exhibitions are on display as well. Be sure to keep your mouth closed (so a bug won't fly in) and do plan on staying the entire day with elaborate amenities such as the Coffee Bar, the Museums's restaurant, Eleven, which serves an innovative twist to lunch and dinner cuisine, the Museum Store(of course), and The Library which offers a large collection of art reference materials.  Click the link for hours and details! The grounds of the Museum are just as impressive as the art inside so be sure to dress comfortably and experience the natural environment too.

I took tons of pictures but, just as I did when I traveled to The Louvre in Paris... pictures do not do justice...you have to go for yourself... anyway, here are few of my favorites which kept my jar dropping...on my day at the Museum...

Of course, Norman Rockwell(1894-1926) Rosie the Riveter, 1943 Oil on canvas

Mary Cassatt(1844-1926) Summertime, 1894 Oil on canvas

Andy Warhol(1928-1987) Dolly Parton, 1985 Synthetic polymer and screen print on canvas

Evan Penny(b.1953) Old Self: Portrait of the Artist as He Will (Not) Be, Variation #2, 2010 Silicone, pigment, hair, fabric, aluminum

Karen Lamonte(b.1967) Dress Impression with Wrinkled Cowl, 2007 Cast glass

On A Quest For the Annual Silver Tea in Eureka Springs, Arkansas 2011

Every year in December, the wonderful women from Saint James Episcopal Church in Eureka Springs, Arkansas throw a memorable event for all those who attend called The Annual Silver Tea at the Crescent Hotel. This year the event will be held Thursday, December 1, 2011 from two till four in the afternoon.

I love attending this event because the people of this exciting Ozark/Victorian city go all out to welcome everyone who attends! They dress in full Victorian costume, make delicious homemade desserts and sandwiches, and serve tea the proper English way with the finest silver service the Crescent Hotel has to offer. The event is donation at the door and always goes toward a fine project in the Eureka Springs area. Last year's beneficiary was the Carnagie Library and the year before was the Good Shepherd Humane Society of Eureka Springs.  The Christmas Parade in the downtown historic district will follow on Saturday. Check out some pics I took last year and do save the date! Will I see you there??