SPRING - YES !

APRIL

So, finally it is beginning to be Spring - but around here - you can never believe or trust a season change to simply change!  So - it is getting warmer, no temps in the teens and then......well almost every tulip and daffodil in the state pretty much died in a couple of days with freezing nights! 

When Spring decides to start arriving - everyone gets to planting, washing their cars, thinking of the beach and vacations and everyone starts to smile MORE!!!

The skys are amazing - the grass greens up, flowers pop up everywhere and we start planning walks, hikes and day trips that include outdoor stuff!  SO EXCITING!!

The next thing you know - maybe two weeks later - every tree is laden with brand new very green leaves and the world is beautiful again!

And Easter - don't forget Easter - we do miss all the littles all the time but really feel left out on holidays!!

We went to Tulsa with sister Kathi Erin for our first day trip to visit the Tulsa Botanical Gardens.  Their gorgeous flowers had been hit by that late freeze but it was still a lovely day.  We also stopped by the port of Catoosa which is interesting in that it is a busy sea port any miles from the sea in Tulsa, Oklahoma!  We also visited the iconic Blue Whale and the largest Totem Pole in the entire world in Chelsea .  It was so much fun!  We always meet friendly, fun and interesting people on our journeys and  of course we have each other!!!

Gabi

GO AWAY WINTER....SERIOUSLY

MARCH

So on March 11th we got six inches of snow - seriously?  We LOVE weather growing up in S. California - weather is exciting and changes are always welcome - seriously?  LOL

John's (JJ's) birthday is the 28th so we took off for Oklahoma City to spend the night and visit Frontier City and some local attractions.   There is no such thing as a 'bad' amusement park as far as JJ is concerned but this one came close.  It is not well maintained and mostly the main roller coaster- DiamondBack -  was not operating and everyone was evasive as to when it might be back in service - in an hour, tomorrow, next week, June, never?  Well it looks like June was the answer - seriously? 

We did have a great time and managed to find funnel cakes so Mom was happy!

We also visited the Capitol, the Historical Memorial & Museum and had a lovely drive around the city without the distractions of people and traffic!

It was a very nice weekend away from home - out of the house - ridding ourselves of the last remains of cabin fever.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON!!!  29 - NOPE!

Gabi

Trigger Finger or Dupuytren's Contracture

Friends:

For the past two to three years I have had what was diagnosed as trigger finger on my right hand, small finger and it has continued to get worse and worse.  My finger stuck out to the side and I was unable to grip or make my hand into a fist. When we were traveling in August I took a rather bad fall in the dark at the gas station over one of those cement wheel stops and put my hands out to stop my fall and broke that finger.  So now it is bending down and broken and very painful!

I went to my new doctor and he referred me to a hand specialist and Dr. Chen has changed my life!

I was told by my doctor at Kaiser in Oregon that surgery on Trigger Finger or Dupuytren's Contracture were unreliable and often caused the condition to become much worse.  Dr. Chen explained that he could cure the problem immediately with a local anesthesia to numb the area and insert a needle to cut open the constricted section of the tendon sheath.

I had this done last month and you can see from the pictures the huge,  immediate  and virtually painless improvement I have enjoyed.  This procedure was free with my UHC insurance and it has literally changed by life!  I can type with all fingers.  I can lift a gallon of milk with my right hand.  Seriously,  my hand is back to normal!  Since I am right handed, this is huge for me and I wanted to share!!

Gabi

CABIN FEVER - DAY 5

Tuesday, February 15, 2021-HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI!!

We had breakfast and a walk along the beach and decided to drive home as a major storm was on its way and would make travel nearly impossible if we stayed out any longer.  We decided to take the ferry from Galveston Port to Bolivar and then the direct route to Bentonville which involves about 10 hours of driving.  Of course we have needs - food, bathrooms, gas , photo ops - lol so it was going to be a long day - into the night!

One of the strangest interactions any of us has had on the road occurred at the ferry.  We pulled up and the attendant (an elderly man) walked around our car, looked under it and walked back up to my window and said "3".  I asked Joe to give me $3.00 for the toll and the old guy went off.  He was lecturing me endlessly that 3 doesn't mean $3.00 - everyone always does that and if he doesn't say $3.00 why would we incorrectly assume he means $3.00.  I told him we were new here and had no idea how the whole thing works and OMG - that made it worse - he was almost inside my window so I couldn't drive away and he went on and on and on.  Anyway there is no charge for the ferry as it is part of the highway system and he wanted me to drive into Lane 3!.  LOL

They loaded the ferry quickly and the trip took about 15 minutes.  We are crazy for ferry crossings and the process they use to keep traffic moving- no wasted effort, movement or time!

We drove along the Gulf and saw the summer homes built on stilts and many that didn't survive previous weather events.  It must be horrifying to be right on the coast in a storm as the ocean comes up to and under your home!!!

They were transporting some huge tanks  that were almost 2 lanes wide with a state trooper security team  at about 35-45 miles per hour ahead of us for about an hour - we were SO happy when they turned off!

We enjoyed State Line Avenue in Texarkana running along the state line of Texas and Arkansas for 11 miles and the Post Office firmly in both states and our 'lady' providing GPS directions on the phone telling us "Welcome to Texas" , "Welcome to Arkansas", "Welcome to Texas" etc. etc.  - well we enjoyed it for awhile!  lol

That same lady instructed us to get off the highway somewhere below Ft. Smith on a dirt road for 6 miles.  JJ was driving and I was sitting shotgun when we saw our first - well, not sure Big Foot,  the Ozark Howler - whatever - even if it was a bear - we were totally freaked out and NO we did not stop to take a picture or investigate - it will FOREVER remain a mystery!

We always enjoy our trips - especially when cabin fever is involved - but we enjoy arriving home - and sleeping in our own beds too!  We are already talking about our next trip......along the Mississippi,  or to the Florida Keys or maybe the North East in the Fall??

Gabi

CABIN FEVER - DAY 4

Monday, February 14, 2021-HAPPY VALENTINES’S DAY!

Sadly , after breakfast we left San Antonio, headed through Houston and down to NASA where we were delighted to see the SPACEX rocket that landed back on earth and a mock up of a space shuttle mounted on a 747. 

Most of the day was spent on the road but it was warm and there was a lot to see.  It was especially nice to have a stop at Kemah Boardwalk in Kemah , Texas.  J had checked their web site and they claimed the roller coaster was open.  It not only wasn't open - it was partially disassembled for repairs which would have made for a very uncomfortable - death defying ride.  The ocean breeze and walk around the boardwalk was just what we needed.

Of course we found an In and Out nearby for lunch and then drove down to Galveston for our first glimpse of the Gulf from land.  We choose a hotel on the beach with a view of the Pleasure Pier.

Galveston is charming and we realized we dodged a major bullet - Galveston hosts the 3rd largest Mardi Gras Celebration in the country and it was scheduled to begin in a few days.  They were expecting 380,000 people to crowd onto the island for a major party!!!  OMG

Gabi

CABIN FEVER - DAY 3

Sunday, February 13, 2021

It was just about as cold in Dallas as it was in Bentonville so we packed up and drove down to San Antonio.

The 3 of us enjoyed a day in the sun at Six Flags Fiesta and an afternoon at the Alamo and walking along the Riverwalk.  We had dinner at Casa de Rio and watched the boats drive by and birds attempt to steal chips from the tables when people weren't watching!  There are many interesting shops, restaurants and attractions throughout the area and we just fell in love with San Antonio!

Gabi

ROAD TRIP - CURE FOR CABIN FEVER

February 11 - 15, 2021

Joe, JJ and I looked at each other and realized we had a major case of cabin fever and needed to get out of the house to somewhere warmer.  We moved to the middle of the country with the intent of exploring all of the wonderful places around us.  We did not realize how long winter is and how freaking boring it is to stay in day after day in the cold and that when you can get out - winter has a way of making everywhere look exactly the same!  SOLUTION ;  ROAD TRIP

DAY 1 and DAY 2

Friday and Saturday - February 11-12, 2021

We decided to drive down through Texas toward the Gulf of Mexico and see how far we could get and how much we could see in about a week.  Of course, JJ had a focus on visiting amusement parks and adding more roller coasters to his list.

We drove down to Dallas and after having a delicious lunch at In and Out and a stop at a Buckys for gas and snacks we navigated the very demanding freeway system to find a motel for the night.  The next morning we dropped J off at Six Flags, drove to Dealey Plaza and spent a couple of hours reliving that awful day many years ago.

Gabi

IT'S JOE-E'S BIRTHDAY !

1/30/2021

Kathi drove down and joined us for the day.....and she brought Joe-e cookies and a puzzle!!!

We went to Crystal Bridges to see the In American Waters exhibit and it was really enjoyable!  We were impressed and as it turns out were able to get in free due to Kathi's membership at the Philbrook! 

We all really appreciate the ability to paint water and were blown away with this grouping of paintings!

Then, we walked around the grounds as it turned out to be a lovely day and seriously it never gets old!

Joe wanted to eat at Red Lobster and we ordered everything on the menu - from those world renown cheese biscuits to lobster, crab, shrimp and clam chowder!  OMG!

Of course we ended up at my house for cake - hahahah!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY, MANY MORE!

Gabi

TULSA - WOODY GUTHRIE AND THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE

1/27/2021

We drove up to Kathi's and she drove us to Tulsa for a wonderful day filled with wonder!!

First we visited the Woody Guthrie Museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the American folk musician and singer-songwriter.  There was also a special exhibit of women in music that was really enjoyable!

We then visited the Center of the Universe - where you stand on a circle and hear your voice echo back much louder.  They say it is mysterious  and a sound phenomenon and since there aren't any signs it is easy to miss the mystery completely! lol

After we enjoyed a fabulous Bar-B-Q lunch we drove around Tulsa and saw where the 1921 Race Massacre occurred in Greenwood and then downtown to the city center.  There are numerous amazing churches and mansions where the oil folks called home including the Philbrook property.

No visit to Tulsa is complete for folks living in NW Arkansas without a shopping spree at Trader Joes!  We stocked up on our favorites and then headed back to Grand Lake and then home.

It was a wonderful day and of course, just being able to visit with my sister in a car trip is the best part!

Gabi

LET IT SNOW....LET IT SNOW.....LET IT SNOW!

We have had 3 snow events....so far and are LOVING IT!  We are weather monsters so we really enjoy sleet and hail and rain and snow oh and lightning and thunder too!

They seem to be very good at predicting and getting us ready for what is about to happen which makes it more fun and interesting and less threatening.  We will still be very happy to never see a tornado!

Here are some winter shots around our home this winter - SO FAR.....more expected for the next 3 days!  We are ready!!!

Gabi

NORTH FOREST LIGHTS AT CRYSTAL BRIDGES

This was the third and final year of the forest lights but our first.  We had heard that it would be cold and to bundle up.  It was WAY COLDER than that!

Jeeze - we were wearing it all and the lights were simply gorgeous but we didn't stay very long.  They should do a zoom on this thing or have it in the summer - just saying.....

Here are the 4 pix we took before we bailed!

Gabi

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2021

We just moved here in May and had decided not to go 'home' for Christmas this year but it was still tough!

Kathi  Erin and Mack went to Pam's as did Lori and Geoff,  All of the nieces and nephews live about an hour away so there were many gatherings and activities Christmas week.

My son in law was at UCLA for a bone marrow transplant so Tammy and James stayed home, ready to join him when his numbers allowed.  Unfortunately he caught Covid while in quarantine in isolation and then developed kidney stones - so his journey has been really tough.  He continues to improve and has been joined by Tammy for the next month.  Next weekend, James is making the trip to see his Dad for the first time in several months!

I have included various pix from various locations depicting our family holiday celebrations .....

Gabi

SILVER DOLLAR CITY - FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2021

December 15, 2021

Silver Dollar City is our home amusement park, located in Branson, Missouri and about an hour from our home.  We had planned a trip to see the holiday decorations but had no idea what an amazing, one of a kind experience it would be.

First of all it was in the 70s in the evening - mid December - kids were running around barefoot and in shorts and t shirts!!!  And....we have never seen such a beautiful holiday light display - anywhere - and we have seen a few!!!

We had a wonderful time.  I rode Time Traveler with J - OMG! 

We spent the night at our nearby favorite Best Western and returned home to winter the next day!

Gabi

DAY THREE PAM'S WINTER VISIT

Today, Pam and Kathi drove down to our place for a quick tour and off we went to show Pam some of the nearby sights.

We drove out to War Eagle for their highly touted breakfast, somewhat worried we couldn't get through to make a reservation and thinking we might miss out.  The breakfast was odd but provided lots of laughs as did the 3 story climb to the restaurant and the outhouse out back serving as a restroom!  We thoroughly enjoyed taking pictures and 'checking out' all of the interesting items for sale and the drive by the lake was gorgeous!

We stopped for coffee and shopping at Rogers Old Town and walked around the amazing kids park with a heavy machinery theme and the Red Ryder Museum.

Later in the evening we had dinner on the Bentonville Square at Table Mesa Bistro - always fabulous - and then walked around enjoying the beautiful Christmas decorations.  It was cold but so beautiful we hated to leave!!!

Gabi

SISTER'S DAY - DISNEY, SPAVINAW AND GROVE, OKLAHOMA

The day after Thanksgiving I drove back up to Kathi's so that we could have a sister's day and it was so much fun!

First of all we toured the shops of Disney (all 5 of them) getting our cards signed so we could win a fabulous prize.  We toured the liquor store which had a stuffed scary animal and sold 'shine'.  We then went to 918 Elevate and learned the benefits of marijuana products - lol - a bait shop where the proprietor told dirty jokes , a dress shop where we posed for an ad campaign, a little grocery store where we picked up some lottery tickets and finally - the bank!  Cute town, lovely people - and NO we did not win a fabulous prize - or any prize actually!   

We drove down to Spavinaw to Bradford's Bar-B-Q and had the most delicious pork sandwiches and mac n cheese - way too much food - even for us!!!  So delicious I can't wait to go back!

Finally, we went shopping in Grove and picked up some amazing treasures!  On the way back we stopped at a lakeside park where my nephew built an eagle enclosure for his Eagle Scout project - years ago.  What a great thing to build and donate to the community!  Great job Mack!

We laughed all day and all too soon it was time for me to drive home - full of memories and LOVE!!!

Gabi

THANKSGIVING 2021 - KATHI'S HOUSE AT GRAND LAKE, OKLAHOMA

Sister Pam flew in from LA, Mack drove in from Harrison, Mo, Glenilla, Dustin and his wife Ashley came over from their lake house and we drove up from Bentonville for a fabulous day of fun and feasting!!!

It was so good to see everyone but especially Pam after such a long time!!!

Dinner was scrumptious and we actually sat at the table but never stopped eating all day long.

The house was decorated in fall spender and it was clear and crisp outside showing off the lake to it's best advantage and perfect for an after dinner walk!

Perfect day!  Thank you Kathi!!

Gabi

FALL IS SPECTACULAR IN ARKANSAS - BUT IT IS A BIT COLD!

Coming from California (via Oregon) we love the changing seasons and amazing, extreme weather!  We just can't get enough!

We have learned to bring the cars in the garage when it is going to freeze - or when a hail storm is looming!

We have learned to constantly check the weather and to layer clothes because it always changes and it changes a lot in a day!  26 when you wake up and 76 at 2:00PM!

We have learned that cokes stored in the garage can cause a mess when they freeze and escape their containers!

We have learned to wrap the outside water faucets to avoid a freezing disaster.....and how to prep the house for a freeze before we hit the road!

We have learned and appreciated how most/many people decorate for Halloween, Thanksgiving and the Fall Season and......it is wonderful!

We have also learned that when there are high winds during the changing of the leaves you must appreciate the individual trees and not count on all of them being at peak at the same time.

But mostly - Fall is gorgeous - have a look:

Gabi

PEEL MUSEUM & BOTANICAL GARDEN

November 5, 2021

Every time we go to the Walmart Super Center (which is way too often for me) we look across the parking lot at the Peel Mansion.  We always say, "we should go over there - it really looks cool!" but never do because the sign says you need to book on line and who knows all the restrictions and requirements ??!!

So, I finally went on line - booked the free tour and we met the wonderful volunteers that man the gift shop (in the old cabin) and take you on the downstairs and upstairs tours of the Peel Family historic Italianate home.

As the story goes, Mary Emeline Berry agreed to marry Samuel West Peel if he would agree to build her dream mansion - and he did.  Along the way, she delivered 9 children and he became a lawyer and the first native Arkansan elected to the United States Congress.

The mansion is now a museum and many items have been collected from the time frame - to better demonstrate what life would have been like - living in the mansion in the 1800s. 

My favorite part was the ladder going down to a safe room under the house to store food and hide the children - if needed.  Apparently,  Mrs. Peel and the children nearly starved to death during the time of the Civil War battles in the area when everything was burned.  She wanted to ensure nothing like that could every happen to her family again!

The home is surrounded by old oak trees,  an apple orchard and botanical garden - small but lovely!

We were encouraged to come back anytime and assured no on line reservation is needed!  LOL  Live and Learn!  right?

Gabi   

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - RAZORBACKS FOOTBALL!!!

October 16, 2021

You cannot claim to be a resident of Arkansas if you have not attended a Razorback Football game - period!!!

We choose a home game before the weather got too cold but after it was too hot!  LOL  Goldilocks?

OK - the first time you do anything - there is a learning curve and today was one of those days.  We spent over an hour after we got to the off ramp in Fayetteville for the University Stadium - getting to the parking structure - only to find out we needed a parking pass!  Nice!

We were directed down the hill to a neighborhood where they had street parking available with an app only and our service (Verizon) would not load the app!  A very nice young couple paid for our parking (only $4.00 for 4 hours - wow!) and we gave them the cash!  Then.....we needed to walk about two miles to the stadium. 

We up hills and down stairs and across fields and then found out I could not take my back pack into the stadium unless it was clear plastic!  GRRRR!  We were a bit worried about our tickets on Joe's phone working since the parking app had not worked but it was a cinch!

Unfortunately, we did not have time to eat all the amazing food available at sporting events because by the time we got into our seats the game had started and the food and drink lines were about an hour each!

What we did have - was a FABULOUS TIME!  The game, crowd spirit and excitement was non- stop.   Everyone was so friendly and before we knew it we were on our feet, shouting Woo Pig Sooie and  shaking our arms with the best of them.

Regrettably, we did not win the game with Auburn this time - 38-23 but we had the best time!!!  Oh yeah, and then it was time to try to find where we left the car......

Gabi 

EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS - WOW!

October 13-14, 2021

Kathi Erin drove down to Bentonville fro Grand Lake, Oklahoma, picked us up and we drove to Eureka Springs.  Rain was expected for the entire adventure but we were not to be deterred! 

We stopped at the breathtaking Thorncrown Chapel, a sylvan church designed by E. Fay Jones and constructed in 1980.  The design brings to mind his mentor - Frank Lloyd Wright and brings the outdoors inside making it a perfect setting for the many weddings performed here.

We found the Passion Play grounds and gift shop looking for Jesus of the Ozarks and - well - it was just through the parking lot!  We sort of ran down to take a couple of pix and then found the old historic district, dealt with the impossible parking issues and then had lunch at the Cat House Lounge - attached to the Pied Piper Pub and Inn - a well know biker bar!  Food and service were great!

We checked into our motel - the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks - really good deal - very satisfied and a great restaurant in the motel for a delicious breakfast!

But we couldn't linger because we had an Underground and Downtown tour booked of Eureka Springs.  We met our guide David at the park under the flag and took off climbing thousands of stairs, steep hills and down trails with uneven stones - oh and it was raining - for the next 2 hours.  But the time flew and we learned so much about Eureka Springs - the actual springs, the people who inhabited the area and the history connected to their stories.  We ended up underground and learned as the town's roads filled up with mud in floods they kept building the town higher.  Yep,  they made the first floor the basement, the second floor the first floor and raised the road up a level and allowed the river to run under the town.  It is all very sketchy and best not to think about it too much till you are safely out of the area!

Dr. Jackson made the magic of the spring water famous when he claimed it made a blind girl begin to see!  Carrie Nation was a well known fixture of Eureka Springs and we visited a little chapel currently serving the local folks as a food bank, made out of boards from her home which did not survive a fire.

 We visited hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and met many friendly, lovely residents and tourists along the way.  The Crescent Hotel, up on the top of the hill was amazing but really old and probably not very comfortable when it's hot and the only air conditioning is a room unit in the window.  We shopped till we dropped - literally and simply enjoyed every minute of our time with sister Erin and in Eureka Springs.  We will be back soon and often!!

Gabi