Wow, what an adventure!

As always, I'm behind, but I just realized that I never actually posted about the adventure that me, Brett & Renee had one Saturday in October. It was October 4th to be exact. That was "Family Day" at Arkansas Tech. The date had been on our calendars since Brett registered for college. A big concert with 38 Special and then a football game. Unfortunately, it was just not meant for us to attend. Dale's grandfather passed away, so he was going to be in Iowa with his mom & sister for the funeral. Daddy was still recovering from his surgery and it was just too soon for him to expend that much energy. Brett didn't want to go to the game without his Papa or the concert without his dad. So here we sat on Saturday afternoon, what to do????? Well, our family has always loved going for drives, usually with no particular destination in mind. When I say "our" family, that means all of us. Dale & I both grew up going for drives with our parent's as kids. Brett doesn't know any different. Renee was not easily convinced. She just didn't understand about going for a drive just to drive. Then we decided okay well maybe we could go to Pinnacle. Then I decided, hey maybe we could go check out where Dale & I would be staying at Petit Jean. So that's what we decided to do.....

We found "The Studio" at the Winthrop Rockefeller Center with no problem. It and the view were even more beautiful than I could have imagined.




Once we got there I think Renee was pretty happy. She got the chance to take some pretty cool pics. Most all of the pictures used today are her's. (I actually copied these from her Facebook and the title of the album is "Wow what an adventure"). So now you know, I'm not afraid to plagerize!



This is actually someone's house and this sign was in the front yard. When Dale and I went back the next week, the sign was gone. Hopefully the thief brought the stuff back, and didn't steal the sign.

We explored the mountain a little. Went to Mather lodge. We actually ran into a gentleman that we had met at the hospital when daddy had his surgery. It was so odd running into him there. We had talked in the hospital cafeteria. His daughter had just had a baby, and then developed a blood clot. The baby was precious (not as precious as Eva Kate, but still precious.) Anyway, I never thought I would see him again, and had often wondered about his daughter. We had agreed to pray for her and they had agreed to pray for Daddy. I could not believe it when I saw him standing there in Mather Lodge. Thankfully, his daughter is fine! We found out that he actually has 8 daughters and now 2 grand-daughters, so he & his wife are very blessed.

After leaving Mather lodge we saw this road with the sign saying Jct. Hwy 10. We decided to take the road, it seemed like a "short cut". Yea, right.............



After we got to the end of that road we had the option of turning left (which would have taken us to Hwy 10) or going right....where the sun was setting. It seemed like we should be able to go right and then find another road to get us back home, so off we headed into the sunset. Mistake....big mistake. After driving forever, looking at the sunset, we found a place to stop to try to capture some pics. I took off running up the fire road. Yes, I said running...... The next thing I knew I was falling, I could feel myself going down but it was in slllloooowwww mmmmooootttiiioon. Brett & Renee did not know what to do (thank goodness she did not capture that on camera!!!) I jumped up and kept running. We arrived in a field that had been clear cut probably last year because there was a lot of new growth. We could see Lake Nimrod stretching out below us in the valley. Below is one of the pics that Renee got of the sunset.


After driving FOREVER, on dark, windy, foggy roads (without seeing even one deer). We finally ended up going through Hot Springs Village and then found the interstate just outside of Benton. Yes, you read that correctly, from Petit Jean to Benton. The kids may never forgive me, but WOW, what an adventure..............

Christmas Spirit

Bah humbug. I'm so tired of everyone telling me to get in the Christmas Spirit. It doesn't help that I'm sick right now. I have a nasty chest cold, and I really just want to be left alone. It wouldn't matter if it was September or February. I feel icky and that's the bottom line. Unfortunately, now it has become a "thing". Everyone is worried about me. "I'm down because of the holidays." "I just don't have any Christmas Spirit...." What does that even mean any way? Christmas Spirit? I'm excited about Christmas itself but all this commercialization of Christmas is just so out of hand. I've been seeing Christmas trees since October. They've been playing Christmas carols since before Thanksgiving. It's so sad to me. For me there are lots of things that are Christmas tradtions, and those things are gone. Losing my mom & my grandparents have certainly made things different. Brett growing up has made a big difference. I miss being able to find that perfect present that made those blue eyes dance.

Next year should be really fun. Eva Kate will be at such a fun age! I'm sure we will start some new tradtions then.

I'm so blessed to have so many friends. Last week I celebrated with some of my sisterchicks and we watched "White Christmas" shared some good food and good wine. For me Christmas is about the relationships between us. Not the biggest or best presents. Tonight I'm blessed to be spending the evening with another group of friends, The Fabulous Forty Princesses. Tiara's are optional tonight. Sick as I am, wearing something sparkly just might make me feel better.

As we lose those that we love our traditions change. Change is hard for me, but then I guess it is for everyone. I've learned that it's okay to be happy, even if you really miss those that are no longer here to share the holidays with us. Christmas Eve is spent with my dad & that side of my family and we have the big "traditional" meal. We all bring part of the meal to keep the stress from falling on just one person. The next tradition is my favorite, the the midnight service. We started a new tradtion 4 years ago with Dale's mom and her husband for Christmas Day. We both gave up cooking for Christmas. We drive to Searcy, exchange gifts and head for the local Chinese restaurant. Afterwards we watch a movie, take a nap or play a board game or cards. I must say that I really enjoy it. I think we all do. The stress is gone and we just get to visit and enjoy each other's company. Some people might think that's horrible, that's okay. It makes my family happy so that's what's important to me.

Back to my original question, what is Christmas Spirit? I think it's different for each of us. For me it's kinda low key and subdued. For others it's all out decorating and celebrating for a month. If decorations = Christmas Spirit, then Tim Bir beats all of us. (I'm not talented enough to place a link directly, but if you cut and paste this url, you can see Tim's house yourself.)

http://arkansasmatters.com/content/Holiday_news_Fulltext?cid=161311

Seeing Tim's house certainly warms my heart, and maybe it does fill me with the Christmas Spirit. Does it make me wanna decorate that much.......NO! I just think about all the cleanup. (Guess that's where having 4 boys comes in handy).

Anyway...so those of you that have been worried about me, I'm fine. I'm not depressed, I'm just a little sick. I'll be better. I'm not Scrooge or the Grinch. I love Christmas, I just don't have to do it the same way as you.

Merry Christmas

Eva Kate

I can't seem to find the time to blog anymore, but maybe the world will slow down one day soon. At night as I try to drift off to sleep, I think about all kinds of things that I would like to write about...........then morning comes and the real world is back and I just can't seem to find the time.

I just happened to have some beautiful pictures of my favorite brother and neice, so I thought I would add them.




We didn't get to spend Thanksgiving together. Jerry was with Brooke's family, and Dale & I headed down to Monroe, LA. It was still a very nice Thanksgiving. I know that Dale really enjoyed the time that he got to spend with his cousin, Brian. We also enjoyed spending time with Mona and her family. Overall it was a very good Thanksgiving. Now we are just 2 weeks away from Christmas. I can hardly believe it. Where does the time go? Christmas is going to be pretty subdued this year. After all it isn't all just about the presents. We have a wonderful "midnight" Christmas Eve service at our church. It starts at 11:30 on Christmas Eve and is surprisingly well attended. It is a tradition at our little church, and is quickly becoming a tradition for members of the community. It's simply a service where we read the Christmas story and sing appropriate Christmas hymns. As the service draws to an end, most of the lights in the sanctuary are extinguished. Each person is given a candle. We generally sing Silent Night, as we process out down the aisle and out to the church yard, but sometimes we sing Joy to the World. I love it either way. Quiet and reverant, or joy filled and exhuberant. Either way we are worshipping the birth of Jesus together. This service is Christmas for me. If you find yourself with nothing to do around 11:30 on Christmas Eve then come join us at Amboy UMC on Military road in North Little Rock!

Oh well, enough rambling for today. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. And I look forward to a very Merry Christmas.

Hurting

I've been reminded again how very fragile life is, and not to take it for granted. Heaven gained another wonderful man today, Andy Andrews. A retired NLR policeman, and a building block of Levy United Methodist church.

Yesterday was busy, so busy, perhaps too busy. We had a chili cook-off fundraiser for the youth. Hustle and bustle, decorate, make sure everything is in order. Was there enough time to hug those that I love? Did I make time to visit? No I didn't, I felt pulled in 10 different directions.

Off to a meeting at Amboy, then back to Levy for another meeting and youth group. I just ran into the sanctuary, hugged Cindy, Ms. Roberta and Ms. Dawn and right back out the door. I saw Andy earlier in the day in Ms. Bobbie's office, I saw him again in the sanctuary. I'll never see him again. I cannot even comprehend it. Not at all. He seemed so strong. You would never have guessed his age just meeting him. How ironic that today we would celebrate Mr. Goss's 100th birthday, and at the same time be mourning the loss of Andy Andrews. Again, I cannot grasp this.

I know he had a heart attack, I don't know much else. Gina called to tell me the news, I just kept saying NO! NO! NO! with each thing she said as if that would make it not true. I don't worry about where he is, I know that answer. I hurt for Dawn. They relied so much on each other. For all the years that had been married, you could still tell how much they treasured each other. One of the last things they did together was pray. How awesome!

I worry even more about Daddy now. He and Andy are so much alike. Stubborn old policeman, always with a joke or story to tell. Oh that great big smile, always looking like he's up to something.

I pray for Heidi, Laci & Josi. I know how hard this loss will be for them. Andy was the glue for his family. How do I go to Bible Study tonight with my girl's? I feel so lost myself today. Once again, I have to put it all in God's hands. I know that He will guide me and give me comfort.

Club Matthews

How do you explain "Club Matthews" to someone that has never been? You just can't.....it has to be experienced. For many years now we've celebrated the 4th of July at the home of Duane & Brenda Matthews hence "Club Matthews". They graciously open their home, their pool, the front porch, the decks etc... to friends and family (it's hard to say which we are, I guess technically friends, but we feel like family.) That's how Brenda and Duane are, they make you feel like family. There is no doubt that Hospitality is one of their spiritual gifts. (I guess that is also why they own and operate Just Like Mom's restaurant). Anyway, fall brings on new excitement. The bonfire.....it is legendary. One might think the fire below could be considered a bonfire. They would be wrong, this is the "cooking fire".


This is what the real fire is made of...as you can see it's rather large. (Duane NEVER does something halfway....)



Waiting for the cooking fire to get ready. We're having Nathan's famous hot dogs, brats, etc... YUMMY!

I tried to tell them the fire was too hot for cooking but everyone was starving.
We were afraid Mr. Bill's wheels were going to melt.
Finally Perfect!

Time to get ready for the "real" fire. Don't worry Cody is a volunteer fireman.
NOW THAT'S A FIRE! Look at the reflection in the next few pics. The fire lit up the whole sky. It was quite extraordinary!





I'm not going to name everyone but just suffice it to say that a good time was had by all!



















Duane had to get on his bulldozer and push fire back up. I'm really not sure exactly why, but I'm sure it's necessary or he wouldn't do it. (Michael seemed to think that he just wanted to show off his tractor skills.)


The fire was actually very beautiful! Although it was very easy to convince all of us on where we DON'T want to spend eternity!

Everyone's gone....the old folks, Me & Dale and Brenda & Duane were the last to leave the fire. We pretty well solved all the world's problems and we're already talking about next year.

Thanks guys for another great time!

I know, I know, I'm late as usual. It's just been so hectic that I haven't had a chance to post a lot lately. The Soulfood Sisterchicks went on our annual retreat at the end of October to Shepherd of the Ozarks (SOTO). As usual it was very beautiful! Although this year was maybe not as relaxing as past years, it was definitely a learning and growing experience. Never have I felt more that I was exactly in the place that God wanted me to be. (Although, initially some conversations were somewhat uncomfortable, I pray that God used me to help my sisters!) I have formed new friendships and feel even closer to many of my sisterchicks. Being a sisterchick is not for the faint of heart!

Mandy and I had a great ride up (along with some awesome Chik-fil-a) and even saw a great sunset. I'm not as good as Renee at taking shots from a moving vehicle through the windshield, but these make the point of how beautiful it was that night.

I had to get a picture of the door for Yaya. She's given me a new appreciation for the doors and gates that we enter in our lives. There is now a greater expectation of what's waiting for me on the other side of a new door.

Most of these shots are just kind of random. They show the girls and some of the things we did....hiking, eating, swinging, eating, more hiking, eating, horseback riding, eating, exploring the area and other cabins, eating, playing games, eating, rocking.... You get the idea















During the flooding we had this spring, the camp took a big hit. Thankfully none of the cabins were damaged, but the walking bridge was knocked out. This is a root system from a tree that ended up in the yard of our cabin. It was quite impressive.


After we got to the cabin, I realized that several of my sisters are hurting. Hurting more than I could have ever imagined. Many were facing similar troubles, just in different situations. I feel so incredibly blessed to have Dale. We've been married for nearly 20 years, and just hearing his voice still makes my heart go pitterpat. Before our weekend away, I took that for granted. I hope that I never will again. I also feel incredibly blessed to have each of these women in my life. Of course I also missed those that are usually with me and weren't. (Namely Barbara!) Pebs has come but not lately, and I wish that Karla & Lisa would join us. But I digress...I am again thankful for this opportunity to get away with my friends. Most were in the process of reading the Shack. It's been really interesting to hear each person's thoughts on the book. It seems to touch everyone differently but so far I've heard a lot of positive feedback. So thank you to whoever sent these books out to so many folks that I love.

I'm so excited because we are going to take the kids to SOTO next summer. All the kids from KCIC to college age. It's gonna be great!!! Two weeks after we get back from taking the kids to SOTO, then my family is headed for Dauphin Island! My how time flies when your having fun!

I'll leave you with another effort of me holding the camera out of the car and capturing a picture. This is just right before you come into Clinton.

Love ya, mean it!

Friends

I've posted it before but feel the need again. I am so blessed to have so many friends. I've gotten so behind in posting. In October, Renee celebrated her 18th birthday. She was blessed to have so many people there to help her celebrate. Friends and family from many generations. These are some pics from that great night!

A special thanks to all those that helped decorate. Granny Shirley provided the cake through a work friend, it was Christian's first cake for a big event. She knocked it out of the ball park! It was really beautiful, (just like the Birthday girl!)

Don't ever play Trivial Pursuit against Dale Barker!

I could not have made it through this day without Pebbles help! Cooking, cleaning, decorating, cleaning up and just overall moral support.

Renee was so precious! I am so glad that she had a great birthday and party. She deserves it!

Love ya, mean it!

Good-bye Ron Jones

I'm crying as I try to write this post. Crying for a friend that passed away before I actually got to meet him. Ron Jones of Dauphin Island, AL passed away last night in his sleep. (A truly wonderful way to go.) Even though I never actually met him, I know what a wonderful man he was; I learned that from his writing. He used to post stories on the DIBBS about his fishing trips. They were so vivid that you could smell the salt air and hear the cry of the gulls. I know that we all loved to log on and see that he had posted a story. Ron was extremely encouraging to me when I first started this blog. Writing is therapeutic for me. I really started the blog to express my feelings about Brett. Then I wanted to talk about DI, and of course my kids. I felt like my original posts were too long, but I really just felt like they were for me, so I just kept typing and posting pics. Growing up I wanted to be a writer. I still have a novel in me, I just need the time to get it out. Time that suddenly seems much shorter after this news today. Reading Ron's stories and Becky's blog, they made me want to write again, reminded me how important it is to remember my stories, and made me want to make a difference.

As I mentioned Ron often posted stories about fishing. This is a sample (note the name of the post, it shows his sense of humor).

Brief fish report

---------------------------------------------------------------
I really was in my underwear. (Sorry just read Vinces' headlines).

From my bedroom you could still see the green flashing light on the piling that marks the wreck of an old Vietnamese pogy boat a few hundred yards offshore when the four legged alarm clock went off this morning. She was barking at a kayak moving slowly along in the pre-dawn darkness toward the blinking light. The surface of the Sound was mirror smooth reflecting the first hint of sunrise that had illuminated a towering cotton candy colored thunderstorm off to the west. Normally this is when I would roll over and go back to sleep but the conditions had all the makings for a fantastic appearance of the orange orb so I got the binocs and a cup of coffee and walked out on the deck. It was a blue and white kayak the color of mixed clouds and sky. I could see that he had one rod rigged with a popping cork and another with a topwater bait with a yellow and white bait bucket in the well. It was still pretty dark but I believe he made his first few casts with live shrimp under the cork. I could see vicious strikes hitting his red and white bobber instead of the shrimp offering so he soon switched to the topwater bait. The sun still had not risen but I could see him set the hook on the topwater, possibly a spook judging from his retrieve, and reel in several what looked to be large specks in quick succession. Putting them on a stringer pretty much confirmed that supposition. And right in front of my house, too. Damn, why don't I get up early and do that some time was my thought. Because I'm too lazy, answered my thought. As the sun first peeped over the horizon I could see schools of little minnows dappling the surface everywhere I looked and an occasional explosion where some predator blasted through the schools sending out concentric circles of ripples across the flat surface . The kayaker caught a few more but when the sun topped the bridge the topwater bite seemed to stop. He switched back to the cork and shrimp combo and made a short cast, letting the incoming tide carry his offering away from his little craft. In little time the cork disappeared and he reared back on another good one. After stringing several more the heat of the rising sun made itself evident and even that bite seemed to cease. By the time I left for work about 7 it was all over and he paddled off into the now blazing sun with at least 6 or 7 very good size fish.

Moral: Be there early if you want to catch trout this time of year.

I responded to his post with, "Lovely story. I've been trying to convince Vince for a long time that sunrise is soooooo worth it. It's my favorite time on the island. I hardly ever take the time to watch the sun rise at home, but I'm up and on the beach right away at DI." and thus our friendship began. At different times, he would post or private message me that he had gotten up and witnessed a beautiful sunrise. He even blamed me for missing sleep to get up and watch the sunrise.

Like I said before I started writing this blog just as a way to express myself and I received lots of encouragement from many people, Marina, DD, Yaya, Dale and Shannon. I felt like maybe it did mean something after July 30th, when I opened the DIBBS, I had this PM from Ron. (In response to my July 26th & 27th posts).

Hi!!

I read your blog for the first time a few minutes ago and big ole gruff me teared all up. Enjoyed it very much. There is much love and compassion in your writing and your work with youth. There has to be a special place in heaven for you. It also elevated my opinion of "mean old Bruce" too to do such a thoughtful thing. Thanks for sharing.

When I first moved to the Island the year before Ivan the blue house with the green shutters was my landmark to turn onto Sehoy and then to my little house on Bridgeview. I spent many days at the Gulf beach at the south end of Sehoy by that house. The sunsets that first winter seen from there are forever etched in my minds eye. Seeing it again in your pictures brought back a flood of memories from my first year there and made me realize that I need to be very careful not to take for granted the special and wonderful experience it is to live in such a place.

Now that the sun has moved farther south it doesn't come through my bedroom window and hit me in the eyes when it rises but I often still get up to watch sunrises because of your praises of them, and I thank you for that too.

ron

The day I received that PM, it put tears in my eyes. I immediately called Dale and read it to him. It was just so nice and meant so much. I also made Kimberly (here at work) read it, and we agreed that he was indeed a special guy. Although if you ever spend much time on the DIBBS you will quickly learn that it is full of very special people with BIG HEARTS!!!! After learning of Ron's death, I posted that PM on the board (I really didn't think he would mind). Reading his words, "made me realize that I need to be very careful not to take for granted the special and wonderful experience it is to live in such a place", really made me think today.

I take way too much for granted!!! While I was away this weekend with the girl's I realized that I take my son and husband for granted. They are both truly wonderful! They are my biggest blessings. I love you guys, and I don't tell you that enough.

I actually take for granted the freedom I have to write this blog, and write about the God of all creation. The One that creates the sunrises and sunsets that I enjoy so much. While I may not live on DI (yet), I do live in a beautiful place. One way or another tomorrow I will watch the sunrise in honor of Ron Jones. I'm reminded that I don't have to be on a mountain, at the lake, or the beach, the sun rises everyday. I'm sure it will be beautiful from the end of Maryland Avenue.

Ron overcame "painful shyness" (his words) to post a lot of things on the board. His wife, Linda, is battling cancer. Please remember her as well as their daughter, Allison in your prayers, they will need them.

I'll leave you with

Ecclesiastes 3 (The Message)

There's a Right Time for Everything

1 There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:

2-8 A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to kill and another to heal,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to make love and another to abstain,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up,
A right time to love and another to hate,
A right time to wage war and another to make peace.
9-13 But in the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does? I've had a good look at what God has given us to do—busywork, mostly. True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time—but he's left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he's coming or going. I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That's it—eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It's God's gift.

14 I've also concluded that whatever God does, that's the way it's going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God's done it and that's it. That's so we'll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
15 Whatever was, is.
Whatever will be, is.
That's how it always is with God.

Prayers please

We have another joy to report. Marley is here weighing in at 6 lbs 13 ounces, her mom Sarah is doing good. Expect pictures soon.

I really feel that our Soulfood Sisterchicks retreat is under attack. So many going have had something happen to get in the way of this trip. I would ask that you pray for all those in this group going and also for those unable to attend. We know that Satan works on those working for God's kingdom. No this trip is not a "mission" per se, but there are several going that need lots of prayer support right now.

I would specifically lift up Carolyn who has just been diagnosed with cancer. Also Phyllis who has had a mammogram come back bad (she lost her mom to breast cancer). For Gina who lost her mom, dad & grandmother this year. Carolyn is a dear friend to her, and also Gina's aunt has been given just weeks to live due due to cancer.

So many illnesses. I feel overwhelmed. Also for another friend Tammy, who's husband lost his job yesterday. Her daughter, Taylor, who is suffering with depression. Another Tammy who faces uncertainity in her husband's job, a son struggling in school, a step-dad with health issues. I feel like I could go on & on. Karla whose baby just turned 21. Pebbles with all the struggles of just being a wife & mom. Carrol on the loss of a loved one. Lisa and all that she has faced and continues to face. Jan dealing with so much right now. Brenda taking care of everyone. Mona with a sick husband, and a son away in the Marines. I've had so many women say to me in the last few days. I just don't think I can take anymore. I've reached my limit. That's when we have to take it to God. But oh it is hard. Roberta who is still struggling. Lona who's precious baby is fighting for his very life, and the doctors trying to do their best but at the same time treating the symptoms not the baby. For Ann who lies in a hospital after being beaten. For Anndra who is lost but searching. For Shirley who again, tries to hold it all together for her family. For Sandi her lost her husband and best friend. For Brigit that is fighting cancer.

I almost wish I hadn't started naming names because I want to name them all. I can't, but God knows their names, He knows the hurts, He knows the pain and the joy. In Him alone we can trust. I'll go back to Ms. Hope's old saying. Whenever you're in a fix, Phillipians 4:6.

Philippians 4:6-7 (New Living Translation)
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

So I claim this weekend for that chance to bask in God's strength and His peace. I ask that God send legions of angels to comfort each of these women. I claim that Cedar Lodge will be a haven of comfort and rest. A chance to renew our spirits and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us.

Random Thoughts on Soulfood Sisterchicks

Oh yeah, you should be scared with a headline like that! I'm excited about this weekend, I'm heading off on another "Soulfood Sisterchicks" retreat. It should be fun. I'm bummed though, Tri-cord is playing for the 3rd year in a row at the McRae fire festival and I won't be there. I hate missing their performance! As a matter of fact I feel pretty guilty. But....my girl's need me. We are headed to the Shepherd of the Ozarks.

We went there last year and had a wonderful time. It should be perfect for the foliage this weekend. There is a cold front coming in the next few days. Of course I felt bad because they postponed the trip last year for Barbara and I. We REFUSED to miss a single football game. It was, after all, our baby boy's final football season! So they postponed the retreat to November. What happened? You guessed it the Bears made the play-offs. We headed to Lake Hamilton for a heartbreaking loss on Friday night. I felt doubly bad because the Manor side of my family always celebrates Thanksgiving the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Who would have thought Nov. 17th would be the Saturday before Thanksgiving???? I took over the dressing making from Memee so I didn't want them to do without. I cheated and cooked my chicken in the crockpot all night on Friday. I baked my cornbread on Thursday. So I got up early and got it all mixed together, and Renee was a trooper and agreed to bake it for me. (Brett was working, and I just didn't really trust Dale, no offense honey.) She did a great job!

Once the dressing was dropped off, I met Ann at Barbara's and we headed for Harriett, AR. It is definitely in the middle of BFE!!! We stayed in the Eagles Watch Lodge, which ironically had a Fishing theme. It was beautiful. I'm not sure exactly which lodge we will have this year. But it doesn't really matter they are all very nice.



I'm not exactly sure who I'll be rooming with this year. I've warned them all that my snoring is extremely bad this year! The first year I roomed with Pebbles, the second year I think I had my own room, last year I roomed with Mandy. It's always such a great time for developing new friendships and revitalizing old friendships.

I'll have my new camera so ya'll will have to suffer through a bunch of pictures of this year's retreat.

Monday at Petit Jean

Monday we awoke to mostly cloudy skies. I had an upset stomach, and Dale had a terrible crick in his neck. Honestly, it was probably just the dread of heading back to reality. Of course we woke up early so we headed out to watch the sunrise. This time we had it all to ourselves. Of course it was so cloudy that we didn't actually see anything, but still the view was beautiful. I love the peace you feel right at sunrise and sunset.





The other pictures were taken on the UAWRI property, and just show some of it's beauty.










These shots are from the Pallisades overlook. The road was the "shortcut" that Brett, Renee and I took a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately it wasn't a shortcut. That might actually need it's own blog. LOL




We had a great weekend "away" but we both missed Brett a bunch, so we headed to Russellville for lunch at Brick Oven Pizza. We had a nice visit, and then headed for home.

While it's great to get away, it's also nice to get home to your own bed.

My next adventure is next weekend, headed away for the annual Soulfood Sisterchick's retreat. (THEY ARE NOT GETTING ME ON A HORSE THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!)

Sunday at Petit Jean

As usual we woke up at the butt crack of dawn. (When did we get so old that 7:30 is sleeping in?????) Anyway Dale gets up around 6:15, so YEAH! we can go watch the sunrise from the overlook at Petit Jean's grave. New camera in hand, and out the door. Whoa....what's with all this haze and fog? There is no way we're going to actually see the sun rise. Oh well, we're up and out let's keep going.

Arrive at the overlook at approximately 7:05. According to all the others there (and there was a crowd in my opinion) sunrise was expected at 7:11. At 7:08 realize that my camera batteries are dead. Where are the spares? That's right the room. Where's Dales handy camera phone? That's right the room.

At 7:12 the two guys from Louisiana head to the car to head home. About the time the get their car started the first edge of the sun appears. Hopefully they could see it as they drove down the mountain. Thankfully one of the many folks watching the sun rise gave me her email address to get a couple of pics.




Off on an adventure down "Red Bluff Drive". The last time we were here was 22 years ago. That fall we came up for a picnic. I remember a beautiful, romantic fall day. What does Dale remember? He remembers that KFC left out our plasticware so we had to use the plastic lids as a scoop for our slaw & potatos. Oh well, at least he remembers the day. Some random shots from the drive. Quite beautiful.









Dale in front of the Turtle Rocks. These are way cool!




We decided to walk along the trail to the Falls Overlook and the Rock House Cave. We were told by one young hiker that it wasn't hard and just right down there. YEAH RIGHT!!!! Not hard if you're part mountain goat. After walking for quite a ways. I came to the end of my line. The trail seemed to go straight down. I handed the camera down to Dale and he carried forward. Across the valley we can see another overlook (more on that later). Dale did a good job getting some pics of the falls. Of course the one with the red post showing in the corner was taken ouside the "safety zone". A few more gray hairs on my head!














The Cave was really neat!








This looked like a giant piece of driftwood to me. To much Dauphin Island on the brain.

These shots are from the "other" Falls overlook. Which is at the end of giant wheelchair accessible ramp. Boy did we laugh our butts off. Seriously, Dale sacrifaced a lot to get those other water shots and here were clear, unobstructed views of the falls. Typical.



See Dale's platform across the valley?

A zoomed in shot. LOL



These rocks are made up of fossilized trees. They are so cool!

Bill Clinton's old mustang at the Car Museum. (Which overall was a disappointment).

More pics from the "sunrise" bluff. Yes, that is my husband the billy goat out on that rock in the distance.







I had to take a picture of our door for Yaya! She just got back from Greece. Her pictures of doors were much cooler!

We really didn't have sunset per se on Sunday. But we did have quite a show. These pics show the clouds & the sun as the moved across the valley. On Dauphin Island they were toasting to "Arkansas Fats - Eric Weiland" and "The Breadman - Tommy Sands". We did the same here at the mountain.









As I watched the clouds move across the valley it was neat to see how places went from "darkness" to "light". On the ground I'm sure the effect was not as neat. The couldn't see the light moving towards them. I guess that's how our lives are as well. Sometimes we just see the clouds, and do not see those rays of sunshine moving towards us.

Today I'll leave with the 23rd Psalm (New Living Translation)

A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever and ever.

Saturday at Petit Jean

Up early turn on the TV. Make the bed. Go out on the deck and take a picture of "sunrise". Our balcony faces west, so the sun hasn't had a chance to burn off the haze. Drive around the Winrock complex. This tree was in front of the boathouse. Back to our patio for pictures of the valley without the haze. Back to the balcony to read, take a few pics, how about a nap???? Time to make dinner. Bruce's famous bacon wrapped pork tenderloin. (Mine wasn't as good as his, but good for my first try). With dinner in the oven, back to the patio to play with the camera some more. I love sunsets!
I videotaped the sunset, it was so beautiful.

If you don't have the patience to watch the sunset (No names...Dale)or the video, then below is a frame out of the video.

It really was beautiful. This person probably had the best view. (You can actually here their motor in the sunset video.)


The pork is finally done!

Did I mention that I left the side dishes to Dale? It's a carb overload. Loaded mashed potatos, mac & cheese, homemade coleslaw, and garlic bread. IT WAS YUMMY!!! Who needs green veggies? (Well, me actually, but it was still yummy!)


Can you believe the Hogs beat Auburn??? What an awesome day!!!

I'll leave you today with Psalm 118:24

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Petit Jean

We had a wonderful time this weekend! The weather was beautiful, although it could have been a little cooler when we went hiking all over the mountain on Sunday (but that is a whole other post.)

We made out usual stop at Wal-Mart when we got to Morrilton. We couldn't make up our mind if we wanted to eat out the whole time or cook. We decided to cook but just do easy stuff. (We brought over half the groceries home). As always we went way overboard. Next time we'll definitely just eat out all weekend!

I was in the market for a new camera and they had a Kodak Easy Share on sale so my precious hubby bought it for me. It's pink and very user friendly (i.e. this blonde could actually figure it out.) He had previously purchased me a digital camera and I was just a nimrod. I never did get it figured out. The pics on this one look great on the screen, we'll have to see how they look when I download them. (Which is my next project to figure out).

Sunset on Friday night was beautiful. Unfortunately we missed part of it since we were driving up the mountain, getting checked in, etc.... I've posted a few pics taken with the camera from Dale's phone. I wish that I had the real camera ready but oh well..............at least we got to watch the beautiful sunset together.

I actually got this one from someone else, but that is also a story for another day...

We had a spectacular view of the valley. You'll see those pics tomorrow. Dale was standing on a rock, again I wish I had better clarity.

The object you can see in the lower part of the picture is actually the Petit Jean River.

Dinner was really a treat! Our appetizer was "Portobello fries". Which were exactly as billed. Portobello mushrooms sliced, breaded and fried. The were wonderful!!! Dale had a "cowboy" Ribeye and I had Lobster risotto. We ate dinner on the patio of the restaurant. The conference center has many "water" features, so they provided a nice ambience. We shared off each others plates, but my risotto was so large and so rich, we had to bring part of it home for later. Our portions were so big that we actually skipped dessert. I know can you believe it!

We were actually staying in a special part of the conference center called "The Studio". It is not usually available to recreational guests so we felt very special! Our room was huge and we had our own deck that overlooked the beautiful valley. We also had access to the downstairs meeting area. It had a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a big screen tv, conference table, a rock terrace and of course THE VIEW!!! Our bathroom was nearly as big as our front office. The bedroom itself was nearly as big as our whole office space. The bedrooms have not been re-done to match the modern look downstairs, but I found them to be very nice. Better than our accomodations at the Peabody.

Again, Dale felt a little out of place. I think he described at as blue jeans at a tuxedo ball. The other areas that are avaiable for rent are very nice. They just don't offer that spectacular view.

More on our Petit Jean adventure tomorrow.......

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is mom's birthday. It is a beautiful day!!!! I know she would have loved it. It seems so hard to believe that it's been 8 years since we celebrated her birthday together. I haven't cried yet today. Maybe it is finally starting to get easier. Probably not, maybe I'm just getting stronger. I don't know but I'm thankful that I had all the birthdays that we were able to share together. Some people don't get that pleasure!

It's also the 28th anniversary of Dale getting run over by a semi-truck. That accident could have been so much worse! I'm so thankful to have him in my life!!! When we first met he used to have horrible nightmares. He still has lasting effects from the wreck, but again it could have been worse. I don't know what I would do without him!

Dad's birthday was on Wednesday and I'm again thankful for the healing in his body.

Thank you Lord for all the many blessings in my life! I pray for all my friends traveling to the big bash on Dauphin Island. I hope that they will all have safe travel and a wonderful time!