On A Quest For...

A Heloise Moment

2012-02-14T15:41:00.000-06:00

I was reading Helpful Hints by Heloise in the AR/Demo Gazette newspaper today and noticed Heloise, oops, I meant Kiah Michelle, oops, Kiah Marchelle, oops, I meant Kiah Marchelle Heloise...oh, just read the history of Heloise and her daughter for yourself http://www.heloise.com/original_heloise.html! Anyway, being an average and ordinary housewife myself, I love this column and often find many helpful hints. However, today I got a really big chuckle...

Dear Heloise: I've discovered a good use for old dishwasher racks. Use the bottom rack under a bed for shoes, etc. It rolls over carpet well. I have three under my bed, and I love them.___Ruth in Westminster, Calif.

Hmm, I must comment that anyone who is going through old dishwasher racks at this rate of speed needs to eat out more often or splurge on a top of the line model next time. And, that's my tip for the day...Heloise style. Have you got a favorite Heloise moment? You've also gotta love the original Heloise, an ordinary housewife who's tombstone read when she died in 1977, "Heloise, Every Housewife's Friend"... My friend for sure!

.

Two Of My Favorite Centenarians

2012-02-08T16:00:00.000-06:00

Guess who's turning 100 years old this year...the beloved Girl Scouts and the irresistible Whitman's Chocolate Sampler Box! I have grown up respecting (and devouring) both of these sweet centenarians through the years. Although I was never a Girl Scout (yes, I would have been a good one) I did serve as a Brownie Leader (that's what stay-at-home moms with little girls do) for four years. One of my favorite parts of the program, besides empowering young girls to build "courage, confidence, and character" in themselves, was the annual cookie sale. The cookie drive was also beneficial in helping the girls develop valuable and essential life skills such as "goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics." Wow! How sweet a deal is that? If you're considering volunteer opportunities, check them out.

Another old friend of mine, is the classic Whitman's Sampler Box. How many of these little treasure chests have I been through in my life time? And, the familiar yellow, cross stitched box always seems too elegant to toss out. I use to save them and use them as storage boxes for all sorts of things, but now I just put them in the recycle bin. Maybe if I had ever received one from a beau or husband, I might have held on to it. I did get a small, red, heart-shaped box of chocolates from a terrific guy (Garry Lamb, fourth grade) one time, which I saved and tucked away in my cherished memory box full of great and secretive stuff. Humm, wonder what ever happened to all that priceless stuff... Anyway, I still have the memory and I'll never forget Garry's wonderful gesture. Humm, wonder what ever happened of Garry?

"National Wear Red Day®"

2012-01-26T14:54:00.001-06:00

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!

2012-01-23T17:16:00.000-06:00

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?

2012-01-03T11:15:00.000-06:00

DiPhone Chaps My Apps

2011-12-09T15:09:00.000-06:00

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

2011-11-30T17:13:00.000-06:00

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

2011-11-14T16:54:00.000-06:00

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

2011-11-11T15:09:00.001-06:00

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??

On A Quest For Some Really Good Cajun Cooking...

2011-11-08T11:45:00.001-06:00

Don't you just love the way our Little Rock River Market area has progressed in the last few years? This place has so much to offer the residents of the area as well as the visitors coming in. And, they are coming in most frequently these days thanks to the many sites to see, the great places to shop, and the wonderful new restaurants! It's a great place to do some fine moseyin' however, if you want to get down with some serious Cajun eating, do check out Redbones! Loved the Red Beans & Rice, mile high Cornbread, and the Pimento Cheese just like my mom use to make!!! And, after you're full and satisfied and maybe lookin' for some learnin'...don't miss the fabulous Clinton Library.

Mermaids New Location...What Happened to Savor??

2011-11-02T17:15:00.000-05:00

Hey, don't go to the Green Acres Road address...move on down the road to the new Mermaids location! Same great food, friendly staff, and delightful drinks but wait till you see the new digs! Mermaids, now located in the old Savor building is going really strong to accommodate Fayetteville's hungry patrons and night life. We got there early and by the end of the evening all tables were full and happy. Our group had a little bit of everything and all was really good. Me and #3 stayed legal on our new vegan lifestyle with suggestions from our super waiter! The crowd at the bar looked like they were really enjoying themselves as everyone soaked up the warm, cozy, and huge new surroundings. Try Mermaids first...we've never been disappointed.

On A Quest For The Newly Refurbished North Little Rock Sea Wall

2011-10-30T13:50:00.001-05:00

Many thanks to the proud sponsor, North Little Rock Woman's Club for the fine job it does in organizing the refurbishing of our North Little Rock sea wall every ten years! Once again these ladies have succeeded in bringing together the necessary supplies, refreshments, and local artists who pitched in to make this decennial event an overwhelming success.

An appreciation coffee with special representation by NLR Mayor Patrick Hayes was held at the Woman's Club on October 28, 2011. Special recognition, awards, and many thank yous went out to the Mayor's office for contributing the supplies, the NLR Woman's Club for catering the lunches, and the local artists for delivering the talent. This combined team effort has been successful in making North Little Rock, Arkansas a beautiful place to live and visit! Do drop in to the Main Street bridge area to check out our beautiful sea wall and if that's not possible, scan the pictures below. And, be sure to mark your calendar for the next refurbishing...maybe you'll be there to help!

Leisurely Drive Through the Ozarks

2011-10-17T16:11:00.000-05:00

The leaves are not at peak just yet. In the Ozarks of Arkansas that will be the weekend of October 21st according to ozarkmtns.com. But, yesterday was a perfect day for a leisurely drive through the Ozarks and I did get some nice pictures. Beautifully gorgeous red, yellow, and brown leaves aren't the only draw to the Ozarks...

Who knew that Royal Oak Charcoal of Roswell, Georgia has a place near Kingston, AR??

This curly haired critter came up really close to say hello...he sensed and loves my new lifestyle...

going vegan.

Always a treat to see the Elk of Ponca!

The big yellow sleeping cat on the counter was not for sale...he owns the place.

Still keeping up with Clinton and the vegan lifestyle at McAlister's. Pretty tasty Veggie Chili and Spud!!

2011-10-13T11:53:00.000-05:00

Still keeping up with Clinton on the vegan diet...Veggie & Potato at McAlister's. Not bad!

2011-10-13T11:39:00.001-05:00

Di Hocut
http//:www.OnAQuestFor.Blogspot.com

Sent from my Di Phone

Returning To The Past

2011-10-11T15:57:00.002-05:00

The other day I returned to North Heights Elementary School in the Levy area of North Little Rock to deliver dictionaries to the 3rd grade students. Each year the North Little Rock Woman's Club donates and delivers these much needed books, and this year I enjoyed this privilege for the first time. The solid wood, three pane, front doors with brass handles were the same doors I use to pass through so many years ago...

Immediately to my left there was a big poster of famous Latino and Hispanic role models (such as George Lopez, Jennifer Lopez, and Sonia Sotomayor) for the students since most of the students in this area are of that origin.

There was even a big North Heights News sign welcoming me back! Well it has been over 50 years but, they really shouldn't have...

The long hallway which once housed Mrs. Tyler and my third grade class is now home to four rooms of kindergartners.

The cafeteria looked the same with the very stage we all nervously and excitedly performed our grand performances. Just think, this is where it all started for our very own Norman Snow...and, can you believe lunch costs were only two shiny dimes way back then...

And, as I walked into the office (which use to be my first grade room) I was in awe of the same stately wooden mail racks where I would often be called upon to help sort mail for the office secretary, Mrs. Burnett...

It was a very rewarding exerience, however we were saddened by the news that North Height's days were probably numbered...seems like the old lady can't house all the children anymore and it's just easier to tear it down than to keep adding on...sad but glad I got to visit before that happens...

The Cherry On Top

2011-09-20T10:37:00.001-05:00

Henry has a special fondness for Mexican food as do all My Three Grandsons. So, it seemed fitting to celebrate his birthday at the local Mexican eatery. He and the family have been regulars for the last couple of years, so when we asked for the 'sombrero birthday bash', they were all over it! So was Henry...

Happy Birthday, Henry! And, may you always have the cherry on top!

On A Quest For Some Really Good Indian Food on the North Side of the River

2011-09-06T19:02:00.000-05:00

Have been waiting for a really good Indian restaurant to come to North Little Rock and the wait is now over. Taste of India has come to the Lakewood Village area and is certainly one of the best Indian cuisines I have ever tasted. I've been there at least four times since its grand opening about a month ago!

This place is in the Lakewood Village shopping mall, right down from AT&T which is on the corner. They have a $9.00 all you can eat buffet for lunch which has plenty of vegetarian and chicken choices. The vegetable fritters are to Di for as well as the Tandoori Chicken! A creamy spinach dish is really tasty, too. Also, plenty of choices in the cool salad area. And, warm deliciousNaan (flat bread) rounds out a very fulfilling meal.

For dinner you choose from a variety of appetizers and entrees, with the Naan being extra. One night, I had an eggplant something or other which was a mixture of eggplant, nuts, spices, and oil of some sort. It was absolutely the best eggplant I have ever eaten. So simple, yet so divine! Mike got a chicken curry and it was out of the ball park delicious as well. The dishes were served in traditional copper Handi pots and came with a side of fluffy Jasmine rice.

The only thing I could complain about was the service being slightly slow. But, with all due respect the place has been slammed with lots of patrons every time we go. Seems like a lot of people have also been waiting for some really good Indian food to finally be served on the north side of the river. Oh, and if you are a true Southerner like myself, you might want to pass on the iced tea (too fruity) and stick with the large carafe of water they always bring to your table.

Taste of India on Urbanspoon

The Lost Moon Rock

2011-08-15T14:10:00.000-05:00

Seems that some past employees of the Natural State have got a lot of 'splaining' to do as to how and why they lost one of our national treasures. The "Goodwill Moon Rock," a 1,142 gram stone encased in a Lucite ball and presented to Arkansas in the 70s, has not been seen since about that time. Governor Pryor's special assistant, Richard Howell says he has no clue at to what happened to the rock after he turned it over to the governor's office way back then. Howell does remember borrowing it for some family and local school show and tells, but he always returned it. In fact, he can't imagine anyone asking him to please search his home for the prized moon rock brought back from the 1972 Apollo 11 Mission. It also appears that Pryor and other members of his past staff can't even recollect anything to do with the rock. Well, I remember it. I didn't get to see it or touch it or show and tell it, but I do remember reading about this national treasure coming to our state. Sad to see our national treasures treated so haphazardly by state stewards.

Betcha I could have kept up with the Moon Rock... like I've kept up with the bottle of volcanic ash from the monumental eruption of Mount St. Helens that killed 57 people and spewed chaos over 11 states way back in 1980. But, I give a 'hill of beans' about stately, historical stuff...and that's saying it nicely.

Making Memories in the Smokies

2011-07-19T09:33:00.000-05:00

The other week #3 and me headed to the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Really nice area to connect with the family and enjoy great adventures. Reminds me of the Branson, MO area I made memories of long ago and still enjoy visiting every once in a while. We delighted in all the tourist traps, ate delicious food, and checked out the great outdoors as we made family memories so sure to be cherished for many years to come. Our spectacular leased mountain home, nestled serenely on the countryside, was especially wonderful, as we kicked back and entertained numerous Ms. PacMan tournaments with a state of the art, antiquated video machine. And, what do you do to make memories on your family vacations??

On A Quest For Some Interesting Artwork In the SOMA Area

2011-07-08T16:09:00.000-05:00

While on my quest for the best latté in the Central Arkansas area, I have come across some very interesting artwork on South Main Street in downtown Little Rock. Or, should I say the SOMA area...which sounds a little like the ever so famous SoHo area of Manhattan, NY well known for its local artists, trendy stores, and tons of historic personality. I like it! Our very own SOMA area is cropping up on South Main and the interesting artwork I wonderfully stumbled onto is from the public (yet privately owned) art display at The Bernice Garden.

Oh, and I'm still on a quest for the best latté in the area, however The Boulevard Bread Company, located next door to The Bernice Garden, makes a pretty darn good one! Check them both out...can't wait till the newness wears off so I can get into the highly acclaimed Root Café which is right down the way...in the SOMA area...as we (in the know) now say...

On A Quest For the Best Brisket In The South

2011-06-20T09:55:00.000-05:00

My son Aaron tried the Brisket Roadies recipe yesterday and called this morning to tell me what a huge hit it was at their Father's Day table. Hey Aaron, when did I ever steer you wrong? The spices, red wine, and hours of slow cooking make this brisket the most tasty and tender meat dish ever. And, because it can be made well ahead of party time is just another reason to try this fantastic recipe. Luv sharin' it again...maybe you'll email me or comment below to tell me what a big deal it was at your next party or wing ding!

On A Quest For Some More Farkleberry Fodder

2011-06-17T14:33:00.000-05:00

A packed house at the Darragh Center, Main Little Rock Library last night with lots of reminiscent Farkleberry Follie Folks found in the crowd! The cheese, fruit, and scrumptious snacks along with pretty darn good wine and beverages were a big hit as well as the specially made Hello Folly video and distinguished panel of Farkleberry Follies skit creators, Craig Douglass, Ben Combs, and Bill Lancaster. Did I say distinguished? When asked why the Follies haven't been around for the last decade, Lancaster said, "A man can only drink so much whiskey!" Gee, Bill...why didn't y'all creative wizards switch to beer and last a few more years?? We do miss the Follies!

However, if you donate at least $25 to benefit the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies you will receive a Hello Folly video as a thank you gift so you can keep on laughing out loud for a good while. And, thanks to the Butler Center, a wide variety of materials related to Arkansas history and culture is collected (like the Leroy Donald Collection) and made available to researchers and the general public like you and me!

It's always fun to laugh and poke fun at our fine politicking people of Arkansas and, as the panel agreed last night, it's nice to reminisce but, there will always be satirizing opportunities aplenty like the Arkansas Lottery or the number of state issued vehicles to name a couple. As for me, I'm just wondering who might become the next Arnold or Weiner livin' in the Natural State.

How Many Willie Nelson Concerts Should One See In A Lifetime?

2011-06-06T13:06:00.000-05:00

Well, once is not enough...and about thirty times is way too many. So, I would venture to say that at least ten times should be just about right. So, that means I have definitely gone over the limit to see this living legend who warbles like a nightingale, plays a guitar (at 78) like nobody's business, and rocks the stage better that most!

I'm really glad that the last time (I hope) I saw Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown was Saturday night at the North Shore Park in downtown NLR Argenta area. Willie (yes, I can call him Willie) was just as cordial, exciting, charismatic, and talented as the first time I saw him back in the 70s. Temperatures in the park reached well over a hundred, the crowds were as nice and feisty as ever (#3 had to wrestle with only four rowdy dudes who were coveting our almost front-row-lawn-chair seats) but, the beer was cold and the stages were all rocking with wonderful and talented younger friends (and relatives) of Willie. I am now in love with Jamey Johnson who sings and plays just like Willie as well as Lukas Nelson who sings and plays just like Stevie Ray Vaughan.

You better hurry up and get your times to see Willie in...surely he can't keep on doing these summer long picnic tours forever...or maybe he can...all the younger pardners seem to keep this cowboy ageless.

On A Quest For the Best Chicken Salad

2011-05-23T10:08:00.000-05:00

It has often been said...Any fool can mix a salad, but a wise chef knows it's not just the mixing that matters, it's the combination of ingredients that gives one's salad that magical tasty blend!

My BFF, Becky had me over for a delicious chicken salad dish from an old cookbook she had purchased from The Vineyard. We reminisced how delightfully delicious this recipe was then, and still is today. The combination of baked chicken, sour cream, and TARRAGON take this recipe over the top and makes this the best chicken salad I've ever had!!!

Who knows where in Little Rock The Vineyard use to be located?? Please leave your answer in the comment section below. You could be a winner!

How to make Chicken Salad...Vineyard style:
4 boneless chicken breasts
Cavender's Greek Seasoning
1 pint sour cream
1 pint mayonnaise
3 ribs celery, chopped
4 scallions, sliced
1 tablespoon dried tarragon
Slivered almonds for garnish

1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Sprinkle liberally with the Cavender's Seasoning and place on a baking sheet generously prepared with a non stick spray.
2. Bake in a 325 degree F oven for about 20-30 minutes or until done.
3. Allow to cool and then dice.
4. In a large bowl, mix chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, celery, scallions, and tarragon.
5. Garnish with tarragon or slivered almonds. Refrigerate and serve cold with a gelatin salad, homemade cheese wafers, and a blueberry muffin...Vineyard style!

Brisket Roadies

2011-05-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

Going on a short road trip and want to pack a delicious lunch? How about a baggie full of Brisket Roadies...easy to make, easy to tote, and way too easy to eat a bunch of them as you head toward that final destination!

We are off to the Ranger's game...hope you have a safe and happy road trip wherever you are headed!

How to make Brisket Roadies:
Servings 16/Prep Time 10 minutes/Cook Time 4 hrs
1 large beef brisket
2 T each garlic powder, seasoned salt
1 T black pepper
2 packages onion soup mix
1 cup red wine
2 packages Hawaiian Bread Rolls
Tomato slices
Mayo/Mustard

1. Lay brisket on large pieces of folded together, heavy duty, aluminum foil (will later be completely sealed). Place in a 9x13 inch roasting pan.
2. Apply garlic powder, seasoned salt, and pepper to both sides (ending with the fat side up).
3. Sprinkle the onion soup mix on top.
4. Pour the red wine around the bottom of brisket.
5. Seal the foil completely and bake at 275 degrees F for about 3-4 hours.
6. Remove from oven and place meat on a cutting board to sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. Place meat, tomato slice, and mayo/mustard on the roll. Wrap individually in saran wrap and place the roadies in a large zip lock baggie. Keep in cooler along with bottled water, fruit, and cheese wedges! Enjoy!

On A Quest For the 2nd Annual Levy Rats Reunion Picnic

2011-05-11T11:42:00.000-05:00

So you ask..."What ever is a Levy Rat?" Well, it is usually someone with a really strong affection to the wonderful little Levy community in the thriving city of North Little Rock...

And, a common characteristic of a Levy Rat seems to be genuine Southern hospitality. So hang with the old Levy Rats or become a new one! See you at the picnic on May 21st at Burn's Park John Irvin Pavilion #1 in North Little Rock from 10am till 3pm. Check Facebook for lots more details and do check out the Levy Rat Reunion 2010 slideshow below...

Find more photos like this on Arkansite

On A Quest For The Perfect Chili Relleno

2011-05-10T19:33:00.000-05:00

Stuffed chilies or Chili Rellenos are on every menu of every Mexican restaurant I wander into, however something usually is just not right with their authentic version. I won't complain about their stuffings of cheeses and meats but have you noticed that most places make a relleno with a rubbery like coating of fluffy egg batter topped with a runny red or green enchilada sauce...no entiendo!!!

My special version has a crispy exterior coating that explodes with a crunch in your mouth along with a savory, spicy, and thick Ranchero sauce on top! Can you spot the extra ingredient that makes my batter one of a kind? Easy and delicious...why not resort to making your own!

How to make a Perfect Chili Relleno:
Serves 4/ 10 Minute Prep Time/15 Minute Cook Time
4 Poblano peppers
4 ounces (cut into 1 oz sticks or chunks) Monterrey Jack cheese (have extra to shred for garnish)
Batter:
1 cup flour
3/4 cup corn meal
1 ts baking powder
1/2 ts salt
1 cup milk
2 eggs, slightly beaten
Canola oil for frying
Topping:
1 (12 oz) jar of your favorite chunky salsa
1/2 ts each of cumin, garlic powder, oregano

1. Lay peppers in a large skillet (preferably an iron skillet), turn stove top on medium high, and let peppers char on all sides until crusty, bubbly, and black. Remove from heat and cool.
2. After peppers are cool, carefully peel off charred skin. After peeling, carefully cut a 2-3 inch slit into the top of each pepper right below the stem. With your fingers, carefully remove the seeds.
3. Cut the Monterey Jack cheese into sticks or chunks and ease these pieces equally into peppers making sure you are able to close the pepper. Set aside. Prepare oil and batter.
4. Pour about 1 1/2 inches of oil into a skillet and heat to 350 degrees F.
5. Prepare the batter by combining the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl. In another bowl, blend the milk and eggs. Then whisk into the dry mixture.
6 Carefully lay the cheese stuffed peppers into the batter and spoon mixture on all sides.
7. Fry on both sides until golden brown. Drain on paper towel. Prepare topping.
8. In a skillet heat the salsa along with the cumin, garlic powder, and oregano until hot and bubbly. Pour over the peppers and top with some shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Living Legend No. 844 aka The Little Rock Express

2011-05-05T18:03:00.000-05:00

Thanks to http://upsteam.com I now have a detailed account of the Whistle-Stops on Living Legend No. 844, the last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific Railroad which was delivered in 1944 and better known these days as the Little Rock Express.

Arkansans managed to beat out the Tuscola Turn folks by a close margin and win the "Great Excursion Adventure-You Route The Steam" contest. So, No. 844 started out in Cheyenne, WY on May 27th and will mosey on down the tracks toward cities such as Kansas City, St. Louis, Popular Bluff, Walnut Ridge, and Bald Knob before it stops to be on display June 9th behind Union Pacific at 1000 W. 4th Street, North Little Rock, AR from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Hope my Daddy will be able to travel down to the Shops that day...like he did every week day of his life for well over 40 years...working on those trains. One Living Legend checking out another...

On A Quest For Helping Our Neighbors

2011-05-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

The sun is shining over Arkansas for the first time in well over a week and my new BFFs, the local weather people, predict sunny and dry for at least the next couple of days. Quite a different forecast from what we have been tuning into lately.

Yea, our Southern communities have been right up there sandwiched in the news with the Royal Wedding and the killing of Bin Laden. In fact we have been ravaged to the hilt with deadly spring tornadoes in Vilonia to raging flash floods in numerous counties. However, at difficult times like these, it is comforting to know that we are not alone and major relief efforts have been organized with lots of food, money, and items being transported to those in need. Thanks neighbors!

Hard times like these are always gonna be with us...that's a gimme. Just keeping our cool and doing what we can to help is what it's all about...helping our neighbors in the Natural State...

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On A Quest For a Cheap Bottle of Vodka...and Some Incredibly Expensive Vanilla Beans

2011-03-28T11:30:00.000-05:00

As a baker, I usually use only the good stuff...like real butter, whole milk, and really potent homemade vanilla extract. None of those cheap imitation flavorings for my baked goodies and I don't use wire hangers either, nor did I ever fall for that breast enlargement gimmick. However, I do need a cheap bottle of vodka at the moment. Seems I only have Skyy and Grey Goose in my pantry when Smirnoff will do. I will then gather my cheap vodka and really expensive vanilla beans to make my traditional big bottle of really potent homemade vanilla extract...it's gonna be a fun day in the kitchen! Join me...

Here's the recipe for my Really Potent Homemade Vanilla Extract:

750 ml bottle of vodka

12 whole vanilla beans (I can sometimes find vanilla beans, two per bottle for $8 at Walmart or shop online for a better buy)

dark rum (optional)

1. With kitchen scissors, split the vanilla beans down the line but not completely in half.

2. Take a swig or two of the vodka (or pour some out) in order to make room for stuffing the split vanilla beans into the bottle.

3. Recap tightly and store in a cool, dark place. Periodically shake the bottle. Ready in a couple of months.

4. When ready, decanter into smaller bottles using a funnel. If you want a bigger kick and stretch for your vanilla beans, after the first decanting, pour a little dark rum into the big bottle. Shake and store till the next decanting.

Will last a long time if stored properly in a cool, dark place. Now get out there and drink more vodka...oops...bake more goodies!!

On A Quest For My Favorite ET Film

2011-03-23T16:20:00.000-05:00

I have many fond memories of Elizabeth Taylor and all her fame, as well as, humanitarian efforts. I especially admire her PASSION with the HIV/Aids cause and her perseverance for never giving up on getting that marriage thing right! As she died today at 79, I thought back a few years to remember my favorite ET film...Cleopatra.

I have this amazing saga recorded on my DVR and have been watching it in leisurely segments for a while now. However, I remember the first time I saw this infamous (can't believe it ever got finished) film back in the mid 60s on my first boy/girl date. How awkward sitting in the theater watching an epic movie with a guy's arm around your shoulder with both of us daring not to move for hours! Loved the film though and definitely loved the Lady...who didn't love Elizabeth...maybe Debbie Reynolds...but, I'm sure she too eventually succumbed to the charms of this magnificent woman, as we all have in time. What's your favorite ET film??

On A Quest For The Mystery of the Pink Tulips in the Argenta Arts District

2011-03-08T12:29:00.000-06:00

Humm...so many beautiful pink tulips appearing in the downtown Argenta area this last couple of weeks..

I did read in this months issue of Ay Magazine about P. Allen Smith having something to do with this amazing array of tulips...the Plant It Pink Tulip Festival...

The festival begins March 25 and proceeds benefit the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure starting with a reception at the CityGrove Townhomes Art Park at 5th and Main, a free spring garden discussion with P. Allen Smith at 9 a.m. the following morning with a walk down Main Street afterwards, and a "Tales from the South" feature at the Argenta Community Theater on March 29...

What a magnificent impact the Argenta Downtown Council, the Argenta Arts Foundation, the Plant It Pink Tulip Festival, and the survivors and fighters of breast cancer in Arkansas will have as they come together in this amazing historic district of North Little Rock...

And, as strong Southern ladies are often referred to as Steel Magnolias, they are now reflected in the "grace, beauty, elegance, and strength" of the beautiful pink varieties of the pink tulip in the Argenta Arts area...mystery solved...the significant question now...will you be there to support the cause...

On A Quest For An Easy and Scrumptious Cooking For Two Recipe

2011-03-03T10:05:00.000-06:00

Find yourself cooking for one or two these days? Recipes too big for your appetite, no more space in your freezer, and sick of reheating stuff you cooked a month or two ago... then try this exciting Easy Cheesy Potato Soup recipe with toasty Cornbread Croutons. It may become your next favorite meal. Forget the passé (first reader to LIKE this post with the Facebook button below and email me at diannehocut@live.com to tell me how I put an accent over the 'e' in the word passé using the alt key wins) baked potato soup with plain croutons humdrum...let's go deeper and cheesier to enhance our burnt-out taste buds with something simple, yet flavorful! I really like this delicious soup because it is super EASY and takes less that 30 minutes to prepare! Keep Cornbread Croutons in fridge at all times for easy garnishing...

How to Make Easy Cheesy Potato Soup For Two

1 large Russet baking potato, peeled or not, cubed
Water

1 ts salt

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 T olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

3 scallions, sliced

4 ounces Velveeta crumbles

2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup milk (more or less depending on your desired consistency)

1. Place potatoes in medium sauce pan and cover with water. Add salt and boil till tender. Drain, set aside.

2. Cook bacon, crumble and set aside.

3. Heat oil in frying pan, add garlic and scallions. Cook a couple of minutes till tender.

4. Add scallion mixture to hot, drained potatoes. Add milk and cheeses, stir over low heat till melted.

5. Serve in two bowls, top with Cornbread Croutons and bacon.

How to Make Cornbread Croutons

1. Start with your favorite iron skillet cornbread recipe. Cut into cubes.

2. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in sauté (oops, I did it again...first reader to LIKE this post with the Facebook button below and email me at diannehocut@live.com to tell me how I put an accent over the 'e' in the word sauté using the alt key wins)pan and cook for about 10 minutes. Salt lightly.

3. Put the croutons in a 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes for more crispness.

4. When cool, place in zip lock bag and keep in fridge for a fast, easy, and different kind of crouton.

On A Quest For the first signs of spring in Central Arkansas...yellow daffodils! Can't wait to see more blooming stuff crop up!

2011-02-28T09:44:00.000-06:00

On A Quest For...A Fun Filled Week End in Central Arkansas With No Couch Potato Weather Looming Strong

2011-02-17T12:42:00.000-06:00

Was reading the Weekend Ten in the Arkansas Democrat/Gazette this morning and Central Arkansans are in for some lively experiences this soon to be gorgeous weekend, no matter what their tastes may be.

How about the Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Division on Saturday, 7:30pm at the Verizon Arena. Or, knocking around with tons of celebrities at the "Opening Act Celebration" of the highly anticipated opening of the Argenta Community Theater. And, don't forget about 3rd Friday Argenta Artwalk where you are able to experience fabulous local artwork on just about every corner of the booming downtown North Little Rock area! The fun trolleys won't be running on schedule because of all the goings on...so plan on walking and pay parking for all these great events. And , if you still have some life in you on Sunday, check out Soup Sunday at the Embassy Suites in Little Rock which is celebrating its 30th year of ladling up scrumptious soups and fundraising for the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families!

So, whatever is on your agenda for this wonderful weathered weekend...don't allow yourself to be bored or boring...interests are boring except to the people who have the same interests...hope you have somebody to share your special interests with! I know I do!

SB119 To Create the Commission On The Status of Women

2011-02-16T09:05:00.000-06:00

If you are a woman living in the Natural State you would be most interested in the passage of SB119 which will be on the Legislative agenda today at 10 o'clock am in Room 130 at the State Capitol in Little Rock. This bill's purpose is to

Create the Commission on the Status of Women to conduct ongoing studies of matters concerning women and to share these studies with other states that have created similar commission.

Come on down to the Capitol to see for yourself...and, thanks to all the women and men responsible for getting this hopefully soon to be passed bill on the agenda!

A Taste From The 50s

2011-02-11T16:07:00.000-06:00

With all the record snow we have been having across the country and in my Southern state as well, I had this nostalgic desire for a taste from the 50s...Snow Ice Cream! I have all the ingredients, so check out just how easy it is to have a heaping bowl of delicious Snow Ice Cream in less that 2 minutes!

If I remember well, How To Make Snow Ice Cream
Go into the yard and find the cleanest pile of snow. Scoop up a big bunch in a small bowl...

Run inside like the little kid in you use to do with your freshly clean fallen scooped up snow and put it in a larger bowl and mix in about 1/2 cup of milk...I like evaporated milk that is 1/2 and 1/2 with water...

Now, add about 3 teaspoons (more or less) of sugar and stir...

Next add about a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract and/or any other flavor that suits your fancy...

Stir some more and presto...enjoy your super simple blast from the past Snow Ice Cream...

Go ahead...throw some sprinkles on it too!

On A Quest For the perfect cornbread!

2011-02-04T18:13:00.000-06:00

The Ashley-Alexander House in Scott, Arkansas

2011-02-02T11:15:00.000-06:00

Recently I had the privilege of attending Christmas Bridge Club with a terrific bunch of ladies from my church. Our gala event was held at one of Arkansas's rural historic highlights, the Ashley-Alexander House. This wonderful plantation is nestled in a lavish pecan grove just outside of Scott, Arkansas situated on five beautifully landscaped acres with ideal arrangements for both indoor and outdoor events. Owner Bitsy Davis was our gracious hostess as she gave us an educational tour, filled our glasses with sparkling mimosas, and served us a delightful lunch we are sure to remember for quite a while! For more information on planning your special event at the Ashley-Alexander House you may visit their website http://www.ashley-alexanderhouse.com or contact Bitsy Davis at (501)961-1426 or (501)231-6796. Check out the following photos for all the fun we had...I won the Deuce Prize!!!!

ZaZa's...I'm Loving This Place! And, What South Pacific Restaurant Use To Frequent This Territory?

2011-01-20T12:27:00.000-06:00

Had lunch at ZaZa's the other day with my number one daughter and we are both loving this old place made new again! This dotin' on local flavor joint had a steady stream of hungry patrons who were also loving ZaZa's specially made salads, soups, and stone oven pizzas. Also, this cute little modern cafe is located in the old Height's theater...boy, that's gonna date me. Yes, I remember when ZaZa's location use to house an old favorite called the Polyasian...gee, I loved that place too. It had the tropical theme going throughout with excellent waiters who miraculously remembered your order for four without writing anything down! Anyway, try ZaZa's and make your own memories...this place is surely gonna be around for a very long time. Quality local food, good service, and very reasonable prices!!

A Day At The Track

2011-01-13T08:28:00.000-06:00

And they're off! Another fun season at Central Arkansas' very own premier horse racing showcase of the South, Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs. Tomorrow January 14th will start another year of mile high corned beef sandwiches, humongous shrimp and oysters, ice cold beer and a few short months with your favorite fillies and colts. And the horses are pretty darn fun too!

Don't forget to take extra money for those hungry little slot machines the track now has and when it's all over at the end of the day, be sure to eat at Cajun Boilers before you safely travel on home. However, if you are lucky enough to stay the night, you can attempt a room and bath at the world famous Arlington Hotel and eat at the Pancake Shop the next morning. I guarantee that these are the best and most delicious things to do when you take in a day at the track...this creature of habit has been doing just that for the last 35 years! Tally ho!

Argenta Restaurant Week Coming Soon

2011-01-05T10:38:00.000-06:00

If you love the exciting downtown North Little Rock Argenta area as much as I do, I will probably run into you a time or two in the upcoming days. Let's not miss twelve days of fantastic food and art, Argenta Restaurant Week, starting January 10-23 where diners will be able to register for swell prizes after their prix fixe meals! For instance, if you dine at Reno's Argenta Cafe during the twelve days, just fill out an entry form after your meal and be eligible to win prizes like a $500 gift certificate from Stanley Jeweler's. How cool is that? There are other fabulous participating restaurants and great prizes as well! Can't wait to check out all the menu creations and boost my winning power...let's do lunch or dinner, soon!

On A Quest For The Best Picture of 2010

2010-12-27T13:22:00.000-06:00

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???

Fried Pies of all Kinds

2010-12-26T17:10:00.000-06:00

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!

The Coen Brothers' Remake of True Grit

2010-12-16T15:04:00.000-06:00

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...

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

2010-11-29T13:51:00.000-06:00

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!

Good Eats Before and After the Holidays

2010-11-24T14:16:00.000-06:00

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.

Gadwall's Grill on Urbanspoon

The Classic Beef Stew and a couple of others

2010-11-19T07:56:00.000-06:00

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.

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

2010-11-16T15:13:00.000-06:00

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.

The Cast of Wicked at Sway

2010-11-09T09:36:00.000-06:00

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...

On A Quest For...Name This Arkansas Architecture

2010-10-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

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!

E's Bistro, North Little Rock, AR

2010-10-25T13:10:00.000-05:00

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!

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

2010-10-18T14:08:00.000-05:00

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?

Spicy Pumpkin Chili

2010-10-14T20:02:00.000-05:00

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

10-10-10 World Zombie Day

2010-10-08T17:10:00.000-05:00

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!

Fall Splendor in the Ozarks

2010-09-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

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.

On A Quest For...The Pumpkin Church

2010-09-16T12:41:00.001-05:00

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!

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

2010-09-09T13:44:00.000-05:00

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.

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

2010-08-13T10:35:00.000-05:00

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!

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

2010-08-12T18:11:00.000-05:00

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!

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

2010-08-10T15:12:00.000-05:00

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!

On A Quest For...Little Kidz Week 2010

2010-07-27T10:09:00.000-05:00

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!

On A Quest For...Proper Razorback Attire

2010-07-22T14:57:00.000-05:00

Proper Razorback Attire

Woo Pig Sooey! The Arkansas Razorback football season is right around the corner so, do you have the proper Razorback attire for the upcoming University of Arkansas season? I think #3 and me have it covered, and I am especially excited about the new 100% Wool Red Blazer I recently found at My Favorite Thrift Store on JFK Blvd in North Little Rock. What's your favorite Razorback bling thing that you wear to the games?

On A Quest For...Some Used Golf Clubs

2010-07-22T08:16:00.000-05:00

We have a great Community Radio Station in our neighborhood...KABF at 88.3 FM. Cool station with some with some really super shows to listen to. Tune in Friday at around noon when I will meet with Roy Doyle Arkansas Showcase and present him with some used golf clubs for the Sylvan Hills High School Athletic Department. A great cause...if you have any used clubs or golf equipment...get in touch with me...will pick up in the Central Arkansas area! Thanks for your interest and remember...if you able to do something nice for someone...just do it!

On A Quest For...Whole Lotta Blaming Going On

2010-07-19T10:17:00.000-05:00

Phoned in a RX to Walgreens on Hwy 107 in Sherwood the other day, went by to pick it up and on the ride back home I noticed it was not the increased dosage my doctor had prescribed, rather it was an old RX with the lower dosage. I admit...my mistake. Immediately turned around and went back but, because I had taken the RX from the store, state law prohibits the return of medication. And, the policy of Walgreens is that they will only take the RX back if it is their fault.

My question is...whose fault was it? Mine for calling in the wrong RX number in the first place? Or, Walgreens fault because their professionals had not bothered to look through my records and notice that I had been receiving the higher dosage for a few months? After some heated discussion with Walgreens repeatedly blaming me, they then backed up and started blaming the doctor. They said the doctor should have cancelled the old RX when phoning in the new one. I say they need to quit standing there filling RXs like stone cold zombies and do a little research on the patient and RX they are working on!

A whole lotta of blame from these pharmacy professionals going on here! The problem was semi resolved when my insurance company allowed another RX of the correct dosage and I was told to use the old dosage if I take one and a half tabs. All was not a total loss, except my business to Walgreens which was immediately transferred over to a company that hopefully will double check my records when I phone in a RX, if they have them on file. From now on I will not believe all that advertising garbage on my receipt where Walgreens assures me, as a regular customer that:

Every Walgreens has your prescription records--for easy refills near or far from home.

Transfer your prescription to Walgreens. All we need is the information on your current prescription container. We'll do the rest.

All I can say, is that's a bunch of bologna, and YOU must keep up with your records that they have on file in their Walgreens store! Unfortunately, some people are not able to do this and must rely on their pharmacy professionals for help...what a pity! And, NO, Walgreens, I don't want a freaking candy bar when I'm checking out at the register!! I just want my RX filled correctly!! Won't be back! And when are you going to return my complaint request...I'm waiting!

Have you had any problems with your so called pharmacy professionals? Please leave a comment!!

Get Involved...Fashion Week in Little Rock

2010-07-07T11:46:00.000-05:00

I read one of those cute little, teeny, tiny books the other day, Hollywood Intuition by Jaye Hersh with Karen Salmansohn...all in about 30 minutes! Not much of a book, but it did have a lot to say about fashion...my greatest love since high school! And, in case you haven't heard...it is especially exciting to see Fashion Week coming again to Little Rock starting this Saturday, July 10th! According to Spencer Watson in Sync Weekly, Brandon D. Campbell, founder and producer of the second annual Fashion Week states,

“Last year, I was still in WWE mode. I'd just moved back to the city,” said Campbell, a Little Rock native and veteran TV producer of World Wrestling Entertainment, as well as work on ABC, NBC, FOX, the CW and E!, to name a few. “So we were all about getting the creativity out, and we'll always be about that.

“But we've had a whole year to focus on what makes Little Rock special — more so than any other place in the world — and it's the community.”

I couldn't agree more, Brandon! Thanks for bringing this event to our richly historic packed city and astounding community! Can't wait to check out all the happenings included in this action packed week, especially the "Way Back In The Days Party" where people are encouraged to wear clothes reminiscent of when they were in high school. Back in the 60s I loved to wear mini skirts, platform heels, and tattered bell bottom hipsters...gives me another good reason to play 'dress up' and get out of the house! Ugly Betty...move over! And, proceeds of money, clothes, and school supplies will go to Watershed, a 32 year old non profit. See you there...and FYI, I won't be the one in the poodle skirt!!!

On A Quest For...Freeing the West Memphis Three

2010-06-24T11:13:00.000-05:00

Went to the Laman Library "Meet the Author" series the other night and was impressed with the expertly researched book of award winning author, Mara Leveritt, Devil's Knot...The True Story of the West Memphis Three. The case dates back to May 5, 1993 when three eight year olds were horrifically murdered in West Memphis, Arkansas.

The chronology {of Devil's Knot} is the first time all elements of the case have been assembled in one narrative, which offers surprises, even for those familiar with the events. As such, it is a true public service. __Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Bought the book and yes, it is simply remarkable as Leveritt adeptly informs the reader of fascinating facts that, we the public, may not have been aware of at that time or even today! I am ashamed to say that although I lived in the Memphis area at the time of the murders, I had no idea of the facts, frenzy, and corruption that become associated with the case. Buy the book or check out the website associated with the West Memphis Three. Determine for yourself what many say is the injustice of these three guys and the real horror that lurks among us...our judicial system and biased critical opponents. And, heaven help any of us who are considered "different, crazy, or odd" by socially conservative do gooders! Oops, sorry... guess I was being a wee bit critical there...I always thought it was kinda nice being different from the crowd...

What is your opinion or comment on this Paradise Lost??? And, check out that "Meet the Author" series at the Laman Library!

On A Quest For...Famous Ladies of Arkansas

2010-06-23T14:24:00.000-05:00

There have been some highly respected (and some, not so respected) ladies who were born, raised, or adopted by the Natural State, Arkansas. If I could host an Arkansas Girlfriend Ball, I would love to have the honor of these special girls to drop by:

Maya Angelou Poet, Author Born 1928 in St. Louis, MO This great dancer turned writer was raised in Stamps, AR, and helped her grandmother run a small general store. She has so many awards to discuss, that I will just mention three that come to mind: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1970), Emmy award nominee for her portrayal of Kunta Kinte's grandmother in TV's Roots (1977), and reciting her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Clinton's inauguration (1993). I would just love to be Ms. Angelou's girlfriend...move over Oprah!
Donna Axum Whitworth Miss America Born 1942 in El Dorado, AR Arkansas' first Miss America, 1964! I remember watching that Saturday night, as she was crowned by Bert Parks. Actually, we might be really great girlfriends (or totally despise one another) because after reading her story, I realized that we both have a lot in common. We both graduated from the U of A in Fayetteville, both have been married three times, and both enjoy writing about beauty and inspirational messages.
Daisy Bates Civil Rights Activist Born 1914 died 1999 This fine lady fought hard for her dreams of equality to come true as she and her husband led the fight to integrate Little Rock's Central High School in 1957. What an ambitious and courageous person she was. And, to have Stevie Wonder sing at her 80th birthday bash...what an inspiration!
Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Born 1947 in Chicago, IL Hillary was one of those Damn Yankees...came to visit in the South and just would not go home! Lucky for us, she stayed. I had hoped she would have been our first woman President, but that didn't happen at that particular time. I've continously enjoyed watching her catapulsion into the limelight, and believe she deserves all those accolades and even more! We could really have fun swapping man stories!
Connie Hamzy Groupie Born 1955 in Little Rock, AR Well known for her sexual liasons with just about every rock group who played in Arkansas! From Grand Funk Railroad's 1973 hit, "We're An American Band": "Sweet, sweet Connie, doin' her act/she had the whole show and that's a natural fact." I met her a couple of years ago...at a concert. Hummm...she's still getting back stage passes.
Mary Steenburgen Actor Born 1953 in Newport, AR Great actor who has weathered the Hollywood scene, rather nicely, all these years. I must name drop...We both went to the same schools and I'm very good friends with her cousin, Van Bell... Love her movies and thought she was super great in Goin' South with Jack Nicholson (1978). Oscar winner in Melvin and Howard (1980). She has married well...both times. She is also a great advocate for many, many charities in the Natural State such as Heifer International and the Arkansas Children's Hospital. Our daddys were both railroaders!

These are only a few of the famous Arkansans who the Natural State is able to boast about...however, the world is full of many more unknown ladies who deserve to be noticed for their special contributions. What's your story...everyone has one, or at least has a special cause they support...toot your own horn...don't blow it! I would love to include you at my Girlfriend Ball...whenever that may be! All comments welcome!

On A Quest For...the best Dad ever!

2010-06-18T14:00:00.000-05:00

If you are On A Quest for the best dad ever...just check out my dad! He is one of the nicest guys around! He has always loved me unconditionally and supports everything I value or stand up for! He does this probably because I have accepted quite a bit of his values throughout my life. What are these values? Hard work, family first, avoid gossip, don't fret what others say about you, communicate clearly with everyone, and always do your best at everything you do...sure wish I had learned all those handy man things he has helped me with through the years! I always was a Paige Hemmis wannabe! Oh well...just like Paige, my Daddy always helps anyone who needs a helping hand!

Everyone loves my Daddy...and, I am his biggest fan! What values did your dad instill in you...good or bad? Love your comments...and Happy Father's Day to all out there! By the way...check out my big and oh so easy Father's Day cook out menu on Di's Cup Cakes!

On A Quest For...Rave Reviews

2010-06-10T13:22:00.000-05:00

Well, back to business...but, I did enjoy the heck out of the Real Women of Philadelphia contest...didn't win anything, but a ton of heavenly sent girlfriends! And even more friends via my Twitter account! In fact, tonight is LRTweetup Thursday... drinks, social networking, and maybe dinner at the Red Door sound really swell! The last time I visited this classy Little Rock restaurant was with my daughter, and we had a delightful meal. They had a special Spinach Artichoke Dip with Toasted Cheese Ciabatta Bread that I did make a meal out of...however, the French Onion Soup was just a little too exotic for me and my waiter noticed I was not eating it...I never complain for silly reasons such as my finicky taste buds...now, if it had been inedible, I would have said something....soooo he took it off my ticket! He didn't have to, but he was very kind and did me a favor...I like that...If You Are Able To Pleasantly Do Something Nice For Somebody.....JUST DO IT!!! Anxious to return tonight because I do love most of the dishes that nationally recognized Chef Mark Abernathy cooks up...can't wait to Tweet up, socialize out, and chow down tonight at the Red Door! Check it out and see why this place always gets rave reviews!

Oh, and speaking about rave reviews...if you want to do something nice for someone today because you are able...please go to the Best of 425 Magazine and vote for The Old Hen B & B...as Best of Hotels...be nice and JUST DO IT! ...and, thank you very much!!

Diversity and Girlfriends...Making the World a Better Place...Savannah Bound Sweethearts

2010-06-03T11:49:00.000-05:00

Chloë Agnew, Lynn Hilary, Lisa Kelly, Máiréad Nesbitt, Alex Sharpeare are the present members of Celtic Woman http://celticwoman.com/. When asked how the group members get along, member Lisa Kelly responded, "We get along because we're so different. Chloe Agnew is hip, Méav Ni Mhaolchatha (former member) is rational, Orla Fallon (former member) is angelic and Mairead Nesbitt is energetic." According to Chloë Agnew, the friendship between the vocalists is the number one question they're asked. She states, "I think people are always looking for a 'Desperate Housewives' story, that we all hate each other and nobody actually gets along. It's all for show. And the truth of the matter is, it's not. The reality is we do all get along. The five of us are like sisters, best friends."

And, that's just how the sweet sixteen Savannah Bound Sweethearts from the Real Women of Philadelphia contest are...all so diverse, yet all working toward making the world a better place with their commitment to families and individual causes! They are truly sisters and best of friends! Paula Deen, you have your plate full attempting to choose the Fabulous Philly Four from these girlfriends! Anxiously awaiting the outcome...and by the way...Soon to be announced winners are KC Quaretti-Lee and Debbie Fabre! Check out these two remarkable women and their delicious recipes, who along with all the other gals are making the world a better place! See you in Savannah, Georgia on June 30 (or catch it online) to watch the outcome!

On A Quest For...North Little Rock...Biker Friendly Bronze Award

2010-06-03T10:24:00.000-05:00

Betcha didn't know that North Little Rock earned the Bronze Award for its biker friendly environment from the League of American Bicyclists this year! Pretty good, huh? Especially, because it is the only city in the state to receive this award, and one of 87 communities nationwide that gained the league's bronze achievement. Twenty seven other communities earned silver status, 10 earned gold, and Boulder, CO, Davis, CA, and Portland, OR earned platinum status.

To obtain this recognition, a city has to respond to more that 90 questions concerning commitments to make the city more suited for people who use bikes for transportation, as well as, recreation. The application includes "an audit of the engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation efforts in your municipality." Special thanks to Mayor Pat Hays who has helped our city achieve this status and for knowing that bicycle friendly doesn't just include great bike trails (which we do have), rather it concerns building codes, re pavement of streets, and all other kinds of discernment where special attention is needed for helping us to become bikerholics!

And, about those great bike trails in the North Little Rock/Little Rock areas...I'm looking forward to checking out the proposed "Levy Spur" which will be a part of the River Trail that would shoot a foot and bicycle path across the city through many neighborhoods such as the Fort Roots trail which goes off North Military Road toward Camp Robinson. Nice to see city leaders get off their butts and on their bikes in order to make a difference with innovative lifestyles, such as these, that make our city a more pleasant place to live and raise a healthier family.

On A Quest For...Savannah Bound Sweethearts...all have a story

2010-05-31T21:33:00.000-05:00

Everyone has a story...especially everyone's sweetheart, Paula Deen.

"For all her success, the Albany, Georgia native has remained very grounded, in part due to her down home Southern upbringing. She married her high school sweetheart, became a young mom to two sons, and appeared to be living the life she desired, before a series of tragedies, from the death of her parents and the failure of her marriage to a prolonged battle with agoraphobia changed the course of her life forever."

And, golly gee has her life changed! I recently purchased Paula Deen's Savannah Style and it is a cannot put down, cover to cover, gorgeous coffee table book if I ever had one! I hope to use a lot of Paula and Brandon Branch's ideas for my new home in Little Rock! And, speaking of Savannah, there are sixteen bound Savannah Sweetheart finalists in the Real Women of Philadelphia contest who will forever be showered with Paula Power! Read on and check out each story and fantastic recipe they will be cooking with Paula:

Cathy Hazzard Shrimp Corn Chowder Harley riding mama AKA Sticky Buns & Cheesecake Lady
Jacqui Nicholson Swiss Chard Au Gratin Pasta loving nanny wanting a cooking school in Chicago
April Sladen Blue Peach Pizza Paula says "nothing hotter than a June bride", April is marrying Zach in June
Annette Gladys Philly Stuffed Mushrooms A "natural" entertainer, Realtor, mom, and empty nester
Cynthia Price Tantalizing Tilapia Talented cook loving her Mom's memory and empowering women
Shelia Cutchlow Bundles of Rice Touches your hearts with stories of her Mom and hospice cooking
Laura Vitale Super Quick Butterscotch Cannoli Young lady from Italy with her own web show
Lindsay Rudolph Oatmeal Apple Cream Pie Wife, teacher, mom, student pursing doctorate
Mandy Heaston Aspargus/Parmesan Cream Pastry Gourmet mom on the go and loves classical opera
Ann Miller-Tobin Roasted Tomato/Pepper Soup/Pesto Cream Cheese Schmutz Made soup w/ love to help her dad with his illness
Stacey Shields Breakfast Empanadas with Chipotle Cream Speech therapist, newly wed, and "bonus" mom
Caryn Ross Sassy Tailgate Sandwiches Everything 'fat and sassy' including blog and boat
Lenore Nolan-Ryan Salmon Wrapped Pastry w/Philly Cucumber Sauce Has her own cooking school
Suzanne Clark Delicious Mother of four boys and one princess who loves creativity
To Be Announced
To Be Announced
To Be Announced...the seventeenth bonus lady

You know, after checking out these ladies, their recipes, and their stories, it's not so bad being beaten by this fantastic opposition! And, each one of these Savannah Bound Sweethearts will never be the same after experiencing the good fortune of being talented, creative, driven, and chosen by the Lady and Sons, Paula Deen, Jamie, and Bobby. You gotta love that Paula Power!!

On A Quest For...Paula Deen's John Hancock

2010-05-27T16:07:00.000-05:00

I got my much anticipated book today, Paula Deen's Savannah Style and all it needs is her little John Hancock! You see, I do have a plan...Paula Deen has acknowledged this little ol Ordinary Housewife from Little Rock, Arkansas for her Twitter, blogging, and social networking efforts on the Real Women of Philadelphia website! Yes, mam...the Queen of Southern Cuisine and author of Savannah Style has made my day! You see, me and a whole lotta other girlfriends have been wrapped up in this RWOP video cooking contest since March! Paula gave the thumbs up award to me and a few other girls for doing so well sharing this event on the Web. But the bigger prize comes in late June as we are all vying for a trip to New York, a (much needed for me) make over, and then on to Savannah, Georgia to compete for Paula (and get that John Hancock!) However, just to be recognized for one's contribution in spreading a little love with this Philly contest, is more than I could have dreamed for. Thank you Paula!

And, it is nice to experience that Paula Effect! I've already received more Twitter followers and blog readers than I ever imagined! One of the other girls who was acknowledged as well, said she felt a little guilty for her accolades while others have worked equally as hard. I told her to forget that way of thinking and just enjoy the good fortune! It's like Joyce Meyer says in her new book, Eat the Cookie...buy the shoes...it's all about giving ourselves permission to lighten up and certainly not feel guilty for delighting in the benefits of our labors. I'm in, and I'm delighted! Did I say thank you, Paula?

I have three more chances to get to Savannah...two final dessert winners will soon be announced and one other gal will be picked to help with all the Savannah commotion! Will keep you posted. And, if I don't get to Savannah...plan B on that John Hancock will be standing in line when Queen Paula comes to the Verizon Arena in North Little Rock for the Arkansas Women's Show on June 12th. I will have my Savannah Style bird in hand and go for it! There's more than one way to frost a cake...right? In fact, I'm allowing myself permission via Joyce Meyer, to eat a couple of pieces of that cake, then go shopping for an outfit, purse, and a pair of shoes! Moderation? Fiddle de dee...I'll work on that another blog!

On A Quest For...A Greener Kitchen

2010-05-07T13:53:00.000-05:00

I really have been working on greening up around my home, especially in the kitchen. I recycle, reuse, and re purpose just about any time I can. For instance, I buy frozen orange juice and mix it in a reusable container, rather than purchasing a new jug each time. I bring the foods I plan to prepare to room temp before I place them in the microwave or oven. Quite often, I use a slow cooker which uses less energy than an incandescent light bulb. I use the view window on my oven door to check my baking instead of opening the door a million times, which by the way, drops the oven temperature 25 degrees F each time I open. It's a wonder I ever got anything baked before I picked up that little tip! And to help toward deforestation, I use dish towels instead of paper towels to wipe up messes. I rinse my dishes and scrape them into the trashcan before placing in the dishwasher to save water. I never let my tap water run freely at the sink! And, as I do my marketing, whenever possible...I buy locally, organically, and seasonally. Food tastes a heck of a lot better that way...

I am no Ed Begley, but these baby steps go a long way toward greener living in the kitchen. Try a few and see. Oh, and as I mentioned above, I'm especially proud of curbing excessive use of paper products in order to save trees. Just yesterday (Thursday,the day after Paula Deen announced two more winners on the Real Women Of Philadelphia Contest, and I along with a few hundred other women was not one of them) I decided to buy this nifty hard plastic, hot and cold container at Starbucks for my daily latte for under $12... just to console my feelings of discouragement for not having been chosen. I do feel a tiny bit better. And, I did use a cloth handkerchief to hold back my tears instead of a whole box of Kleenex. Don't know what I'm gonna buy myself next Thursday...maybe a brand new 2010 Toyota Prius to replace my beloved 2008 model which gets almost 50 miles per gallon and emits hardly any vapors into our atmosphere)...surely that will console my impending gloom and desperation...but, I do doubt it.

On A Quest For...The Real Women of Philadelphia

2010-04-13T15:18:00.000-05:00

I bet you might be wondering who the heck are the Real Women of Philadelphia...just ask Paula Deen and Kraft! These two power houses are on a quest to find 16 creative women all over the country who love to use that wonderful product, Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Yes, check out this great contest at Paula's site or the Real Women of Philadelphia site.

Lucky for me, I love both these great sites, and I hope to be in that lucky field of 16 women who will join Paula in latter June at her beautiful city, Savannah, Georgia to cook and compete with our favorite Philly recipes. And, prior to that Savannah event, I'm aching to catch Paula at the Arkansas' Women's Show on June 12-13 in my beautiful hometown, North Little Rock, Arkansas at the Verizon Arena. Women from all over will crash this great happening which is sure to be full of fun, food, shopping, entertainment, and tons of valuable woman information.

In fact, gotta go now...I'm signing up for that Total Makeover sponsored by the Cosmetic Surgery Center and Dillard's...gotta look my best for that Savannah trip later on in the month! Hey, Real Women is giving make overs, too...I can be twice as beautiful! Ahhhhh....the power of positive thinking...sure beats feeling like a loser...try it. And, if by some freakish chance I don't make it to Savannah...I do have a new BFF out of this whole deal...Philly Cream Cheese...don't wanna live without her!

On A Quest For...Southern Style Skillet Cornbread

2010-03-02T13:52:00.000-06:00

I make about the best Southern style skillet cornbread east and west of the Mississippi! They say practice makes perfect, so since I was in the 5th grade, I have practiced making skillet cornbread. I still use the iron skillet and Fire King mixing bowl my Nannie use to use. She taught me all I need to know about making cornbread, and if you just follow a few simple rules, you will be making perfect cornbread every time, too!

Southern Style Skillet Cornbread

Heat about 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a 10 inch iron skillet...no other pan will do!

Mix 1 3/4 cup yellow corn meal...not corn meal mix!

3/4 cup all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons sugar

2 eggs, slightly beaten

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 cup real buttermilk...not lo fat!

Water...as needed to make a pour-able batter

While the oil is heating in the iron skillet, mix together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.

Add the eggs and 2 more teaspoons of oil to the buttermilk and add to the dry ingredients.

Mix well, but do not over beat!

Add some water if the batter is too thick...must be pour-able.

Pour into the hot skillet and bake in a hot oven at 425 degrees F for about 30 minutes.

Done when you tap on the cornbread and get a hollow sound or a knife inserted comes out clean.

Enjoy!

On A Quest For...Eric Clapton

2010-02-05T14:20:00.000-06:00

Finally, a concert time, date, and location I will be able to see my favorite guitarist of all time...Eric Clapton!

Yes, on March 5, 2010 at 7:30pm in the FedExForum at Memphis, Tennessee you can see one screaming nut job, next to an embarrassed 6'6" dude, singing all her favorite songs with this legend of rock 'n roll...my man...Eric Clapton. Just got my tickets last night so, you might be able to still get yours.

I didn't get into Eric Clapton until the early 90s when he wrote his Grammy winning Tears in Heaven(a tribute to his dead son, Conor)...I missed his pain filled, addictive days dating back to the 60s when he sang of his lost loves, heroin and alcohol addiction, and deaths of family and friends closest to him. Born out of wedlock, young Ricky (that's what his grandparent's called him) was a quiet and polite child, an above average student with an aptitude for art. He was raised believing that his grandparents were his parents and his mother was his sister, to shield him from the stigma that illegitimacy carried with it. The truth was eventually revealed to him, at the age of nine by his grandmother. Later, when Eric would visit his mother, they would still pretend to be brother and sister. OMG, talk about a dysfunctional family!

However, today, Eric is married to Melia, and they have three daughters - Julie Rose (b. June 2001), Ella Mae (b. January 2003) and Sophie (b. February 2005). The couple married in January, 2002. Eric’s eldest child is his daughter, Ruth (b. January 1985). Sober since 1987 with the help of the 12 Step Alcohol Anonymous program, Clapton gives back through his Crossroads Centre, a rehabilitation facility for drug and alcohol abuse on the island of Antigua.

I am so glad he pulled his s - - - together! Forget Layla, Patti, Alana, Melia...I can't wait to finally see him...I'm sure he will be singing "you look wonderful tonight" just for me!

On A Quest For...How Not to Look Old

2010-01-26T14:57:00.000-06:00

Seems like all the articles, magazines, and blogs I read lately have to do with How Not to Look Old which happens to be the name of a book I recently bought by Charla Krupp. This lady has some wonderful tips that I think should be shared at this very time! I agree with my new BFF, Charla, as she says, "Aging sucks!" And, with that said, here are Di's Top Ten Favorite Tips From Charla:

Nothing ages you like Helmet Head hair! You know the style that your grandma probably wears...short bubble 'do' with perm. Long before I was a Nana, I would get stupid and transform my hair into a Helmet Head for about 1 day, and then I would vow never to cut or perm again. Thank goodness, I'm sticking to my vows lately. I have let my hair grow to a nice medium length, and I do believe that hair was meant to move, and that which does not, is too old ladyish for me! Check out this article, Hairstyles That Make You Look 10 Years Younger: allure.com.
Nothing ages you like outdated shades! Can't afford Lasik surgery? Then get some cool frames or better yet, some contact lenses. They are both a pain in the you know what, but really help the how not to look like an old lady look. No granny glasses for me!
Nothing ages you like the tanning bed! How can anyone be so stupid? Enough said.
Nothing ages you like a bad make up job! Something you do every day (yes, every day) should have just a tiny bit of effort put into it. No heavy foundation, no cakey eyeliner, no demarcation lines between your chin and neck...yada, yada, yada. I use my 8 minute daily KISS routine...keep it simple stupid!
Nothing ages you like yellow teeth! A great smile is a must have at any age, and I do admit this is the first thing I notice about a person...call me judgmental...that's OK. But, do have your teeth whitened by a professional or do it yourself with all the great products that are over the counter these days. I would work an extra job, if need be, just to have money for precious dental care.
Nothing ages you like age spots on your hands! You should already know to put sunscreen on your face, and now you should know to put sunscreen on the tops of your hands. This vulnerable area is just as important to protect as your face. Wish someone had told me to do this back in the 80s, because I have a few yucky age spots that I am now considering taking the laser to.
Nothing ages you like matchy-matchy dressing from head to toe! Don't you just laugh your head off when you see someone with pink dress, pink bow, pink belt, pink shoes, pink purse, pink nails? Erase these old rules from your memory. Quit trying too hard, and by all means...you have permission to wear white after Labor Day if you want to!
Nothing ages you by wearing the wrong skirt length! The best way to solve this problem is to look at the length of your outfit in a photo or video. Photos are so revealing, and I have raced to the alteration lady many times to remedy bad situations.
Nothing ages you like outdated, as well as too much jewelry! OK, so your mom or grandmom loves you and left you a wonderful diamond broach...just take it to your trusted jeweler and have it updated. And, don't make the classic old lady mistake of wearing all your nice things in one outing. Besides looking really goofy, if you get mugged you could lose every nice thing you've got!
Last but not least, the best advice I got from Charla...Nothing ages you like dark lipstick! Choose the perfect pink for your lips. The right pink lightens up the mouth with a shimmery luminosity that helps compensate for the loss of glow in our older complexions. Also, pink lipstick does not bleed through those ugly vertical lip lines (we tend to develop as we age) like dark lipstick does.

Charla has a bunch more practical guidance in this helpful book, just read it for yourself. And in closing, I must add my 2 cents worth of advice for how not to look old...lose the old lady attitude. The attitude where you give up on your appearance and inaccurately think it does not matter what you look like now that most of the world considers you over the hill. Remember, Samuel Butler said, "There's many a good tune played on an old fiddle." Just don't forget to rosin up your bow!

On A Quest For...Expert Advice

2009-12-02T15:28:00.000-06:00

Do you have someone whose advice you could rely upon? Someone who, when they whisper...you listen. Unfortunately, role models/mentors are hard to come by, especially for women and I'm a tiny bit old for Miley Cyrus, although I do agree with her on that vampire issue. So, I read...and, I listen to women who have shown a reasonable amount of wisdom in their writings or dealings concerning life. I am frequently learning from other women who have shared their challenges and overcome large obstacles with dignity, integrity, and grace. Let me share a bit of the expert advice I have gotten from some inspiring women I've never met...listen up...I'm whispering.

I had, like most people, an ongoing obsession for many years with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994). She was thrust into our lives as our glamorous First Lady at the tender age of 31. She taught us dignity in grief as we all shared the loss of her husband in 1963. In 1968 she shocked the world as she married a Greek shipping tycoon who was 25 years her senior! We thought she had lost her mind and we had lost our courageous heroine. Not so. Onassis returned and repurposed (widowed again and a whole lot wealthier) to her beloved New York, settling in as a successful working girl/super mom to two top notch kids. I admire her most for her philosophy on child rearing..."If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much." She died way too soon in 1994 at 65 of lymphatic cancer, but she will forever remain in my mind as the intelligent, cultured, elegant, First Lady/Mom of Camelot.

Another lady I love to listen to is Joy Behar from The View. I don't think she has a whisper mode, though. I do like how she seems to tell it like it is and always with a dash of humor! In a recent magazine interview, Behar states that humor is a great way of getting your ideas across to other people in our everyday life of "ridiculous behavior." I agree, because as the middle child of three girls, each three years apart, I was always using humor to juggle the "ridiculous behavior" among me and my sisters. Funny, they never appreciated the humor I dished out. I think they called it mental anguish, but, thank God the statute of limitations has run out for any civil lawsuits. Anyway, humor has remained a constant throughout my life, and now it is just one of the ways I communicate with others. Another humorist, I simply adored, was Erma Bombeck (1927-1996) who said, "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

Lastly, another woman I especially admire, heed to, and bought the tshirt from is Martha Stewart. Martha has pure business savvy in areas such as publishing, broadcasting, and merchandising. I have been listening to this mentor for many years, and long before the entire world knew who she was, I bought her first book, Entertaining, when she was justa' caterer from Connecticut. Check out my love for Martha on the October 21, 2009 post of My Life In the Natural State. MS has taught me that you can certainly prevail thru adversity by continuing to be the very best at what you love to do, and being an obsessive compulsive neurotic in the domestic diva category is a "good thing."

These are only a few of my favorite mentors...none are perfect. I respect and admire what all of these women have contributed to society. I don't put them on a pedestal, because that means I might be selling myself short. Wouldn't want to do that. Therefore, I have to believe that I can have all the wisdom, humor, and business savvy that these ladies have because I am continuously seeking knowledge...however, I do recall what Vince Lombardi had to say..."The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will." Guess it wouldn't hurt to throw a little 'will and action' into that steaming pot of knowledge I've been working on all these years.

Responsible Pet Owners

2009-11-18T11:32:00.000-06:00

This is a picture of our bossy bird dog named Lady. She came to stay with us back in 1997 when she was probably about 2 years old. I remember that day vividly, as I came home and saw her lounging in our front yard. I thought, "Oh, no, another dog for the Hocut household!" We lived in small town, rural Arkansas at that time and for some reason our street became the 'dump off your dog spot' in Beebe. Not a lot of responsible dog owners in this neck of the woods! Anyway, I took her to be spayed, dewormed, and all the usual costly vet procedures required of responsible pet owners. Yesterday I had to take Lady to the vet for the last time. She had chronic arthritis and just couldn't get around anymore. I was able to provide her with pain medication and proper care for most of her life. I don't think she had been getting that before she chose to live with us. Anyway, we are glad we were able to enrich our lives with the presence of Lady...please be a responsible pet owner. http://warmhearts.org/

On A Quest For...The Reason Why

2009-10-29T20:12:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered, why? You know, the reason why some things are the way they are and others are the way they are, too. Gosh, I have pondered the reason why, for a good part of my life. For instance, I don't understood why some people live to be centenarians and others live for only a few seconds. Or why does someone you thought to be a good friend walk right on by you at the mall without speaking? Or why does a Blue Bunny King Size Crunch with Candy Center Ice Cream Bar, that has 370 calories and 29g of Total Fat, go right to your belly fat when you eat a couple of them?http://www.bluebunny.com/products/Family_Flavors/Novelties/Bars/d/King_Size_Crunch_with_Candy_Center_Ice_Cream_Bar
Or why do the homeless people you see on the street asking for money, just don't get a job? Or why do people walk, shop, eat, and drive around with a cell phone plastered to their ear? Who are they talking to? Or why does your 'friend' never call to make plans for lunch nor accepts your requests anymore? Or why those Northwest Airline pilots just didn't pause their games to answer the control tower? Or why have some people never lived outside of a nursing home their entire life while others have had a dozen or so homes in their lifetime?

Oh well, your guesses are as good as mine for some of these questions and other baffling scenarios like them. In fact, we may never know the answer or the reason why, because we are not able to see the total picture. It would be nice to crop and fix the pictures of our lives, but we can't. And the only thing we will know for certain is what we choose to do about the situation. Not, why it is the way it is. I'm going to visit Fern today, and I know I'm not going to fly Northwest for a good while!

Calculating Estimated Time of Recovery (ETR)

2009-10-14T16:30:00.000-05:00

Brotherly Love - Earl Thomas Conley & Keith Whitley

#3 has recently lost his Bubba, and at this time, is going through an extended period of recovery. I can sympathize with him, but cannot empathize, because I have not lost a sibling as of yet.

However, I did wonder how long he would be in this painful interim of existence. Or how long it might be when he would no longer have that stabbing, tortuous thought process of realizing he would no longer be able to talk to his Bubba, as he often did, every Sunday for the last year. Actually, Bubba did most of the talking. Anyway, I then began to think about other estimated times of recovery. They say that the estimated time of recovery for having a facelift (http://faceforum.com/) is usually about two weeks. And the ETR for a stroke (http://essortment.com/all/strokerecovery) goes on in phases, and could possibly take weeks to years. This has certainly been true for my Daddy. Wonder how you estimate time of recovery on other things like the loss of a pet or surviving the loss or infidelity of a spouse or getting through the insurmountable death of a child? Gosh, I could go on and on and on...but, I won't.

Some of these things I have suffered through, others I have not, and some I hope I never will. But, a few things I do know for sure...Life's hard...so, HANDLE WITH CARE. And it's not the length of these persistent ERTs that matters, rather it's your perseverance during these hard times (and there will be many) that counts.

A Slightly Devilish Birthday Surprise

2009-10-11T16:54:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm in the mood! Tomorrow is my birthday and me and #3 are having a dinner party for a few good friends. I've been in a mischievous kind of mood lately, so for this grand event, I have a devilish little curve ball to throw...Lady Di's Strawberry Sliders! I've been making these juicy red zingers for a few years now, as I got the recipe from a good friend who seems to be a little on the wicked side, too. Love her to death, though! One time we made some of these little jewels for our bridge club, and sat back to watch, as the girls, unsuspectingly, chomped into one. They taste like plain ole strawberries at first, until whammo...it hits you all at once. Giggle, giggle! My bad? Oh, yes I am, and seem to be getting a lot more sinister in my 'old' age. Go ahead, have some fun...make these strawberry sliders and trick and treat your friends or enemies, whomever you prefer! Don't say a word as you serve this sappy treat. Just sit back and watch all the surprised expressions. And do as I do, save the juice to sip from your teacup in a most respectable way. Oh well, #3 's right again, I have always been a little bit on the strange side!

Lady Di's Strawberry Sliders

2 pounds fresh strawberries

1 cup light rum

1 cup vodka

1 cup triple sec

1 cup powdered sugar

Carefully trim the strawberries by gouging out the stem and exposing the hollow center.

Must do this to marinate properly.

Place the berries in a sealed container and sprinkle the powdered sugar all over them.

Add the rest of the tipsy ingredients, seal the container, and jostle for joy.

Refrigerate for at least two days, occasionally tumbling the fruits.

Just prior to serving gently remove the strawberries from their marinade and serve them cold.

Sit back and watch the fireworks!

My Kind of OktoberFest

2009-09-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

I can feel the excitement in the air as the days begin to shorten, the leaves start to turn different colors, and October, my most endearing month of the year, is rapidly approaching. I think Nathaniel Hawthorne said it best..."I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air." Easy for him to do with no plasma screens, computers, or FB page to to worry with. But, I believe, I do know just what he was thinking...aah, the anticipation of those indescribable October skies bring to my mind a few events I forever associate with my beloved month of October. Yes, I'm gearing up for my kind of Oktoberfest when a bountiful harvest of colorful events are brought to my table, and I am grateful for each one.

First of all, and surely the most important (to me that is), is October 12th, the day Columbus discovered America. Just kidding, that's my birth date too. I remember, as a child, having to share CC's famous date and my elementary school teachers were always asking, each year, if anyone knew what special date this was in history. The answer is not, "My birthday!" However, sometime during this exceptional month, #3 and me plan a birthday trip and this year we are headed to the Lone star state. We will spruce up our cowboy hats at Luskey's Western Stores http://luskeys.com, belly up to the bar at the White Elephant Saloon http://whiteelephantsaloon.com/, repulse all the vegans and eat a monster steak at Cattlemen's Steak House http://cattlemenssteakhouse.com , and stay at our favorite whorehouse, Miss Molly's Hotel and Tea Room http://missmollyshotel.com ...all located in the heart of the Historic Stockyards District of Fort Worth, Texas. Love this city...can't wait to see some friends who have recently moved there, too.

Another event that traditionally comes to pass in the month of October is the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net. What a whirlwind (usually 7-10 days) of carnival activities, greasy food, great music, rodeo, exhibits, competitions, and oodles of other fun things to do! One of these years, I am going to enter the pickle canning contest, although I'm sure I could never win. Well, maybe with a better attitude, I could. It's never too late to try!

Finally, another event and definitely not the least of my loves, is Halloween, my favorite national holiday. Surely, Halloween is a national holiday, right? There's been so many movies made about this event and one more obnoxious Jason movie is coming soon to a theater near you! Oh well, this is still a fun time in our household. #3 and me usually get dressed in our specially planned Halloween garb and go freak everybody out at George's Majestic Lounge on Dickson Street http://georgesmajesticlounge.com. Will post special Halloween pictures as they come in.

If you are not able to adopt some kind of 'my kind of Oktoberfest' after reading this post, then you are probably never gonna be able to have a little or a lot of fun, and I'm sorry for having to be the one to let you know this. However, thanks for letting me share my favorite time of the year with you and please do tell me yours!

On A Quest For...A Way With Words

2009-08-28T16:38:00.001-05:00

I admire people who always speak clearly and effectively. You know those people who have a way with words. I do not have this special gift and forever seem to stumble and stammer when certain occasions arise. Like talking to people. I believe that is why I enjoy writing because I am able to think then do in a more expanded time sequence. I must confess I keep my (well worn) New American Roget's College Thesaurus by my side to look up those word(s) that fail to come easily to me, but I also realize that this useful book cannot help me all the time.

I have often been taught that words are very powerful, so much that they are able to lift one up or bring one down and should never be taken lightly. For instance, the other day, Donna Bragg, NWArkansas 40/29 TV News Anchor, http://4029tv.com/was rescinding a statement (quite eloquently I might add) concerning a report in which she had said that a child had "suffered from Down Syndrome." A multitude of viewers were quick to inform Bragg that her word choice of suffer was incorrect and that these children are very happy and indeed do not suffer in any way. I was glad to learn this via Bragg's blunder, and as I researched information for this blog post, I was also inspired to find out that Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who died this week, was a relentless advocate for the National Down Syndrome Society http://ndss.org/

Anyway, among this discord I am reminded that knowing or finding the best choice of words continues to be an important thing to strive for and easier said than done. And I also know that there will probably always be someone there to help me with this difficult task. That's ok...because I really would love for my words to lift up rather than bring down and I'm always game for learning!

On A Quest For...A Few Honorable People

2009-08-20T15:38:00.000-05:00

#3 has been particularly stressed the last few days because of some in house shenanigans at his place of employment. Seems that someone at work got his personal trailer stolen by another someone at work who implicated another someone who works there as a party to the whole dilemma. Got it? The entire event appears to have been caught on tape.

Yes, it is all a bit of befuddling uproar until the police, who have been called in, decipher the whole thing and come to terms with the parties involved. I see possible arrests, lawyers, lawsuits, lost jobs and income in the near future for some people. In the meantime, the trailer has been returned to the wronged party, the so called 'thief' has not returned to work, and the implicated third party keeps denying everything.

How do we get ourselves into anarchy such as this? If these people are guilty, what were they thinking?It's easy to screw up a good part of your life in just a few careless minutes and OMG it's those consequences we must deal with for such a long time thereafter!

I found this YouTube link you might like featuring a really honorable guy, Roger Bannister as he broke the 4 minute mile in 1954. Every time I watch this link, I cry, because I realize it's not what we do or who we are, rather what really counts is striving to do the right thing and do our very best at what we do, and when we do this, the outcome really doesn't matter. Got it?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEgHhijFnEU

On a Quest For...A Joyful Hallelujah!

2009-08-13T14:59:00.000-05:00

I've lived in the NWArkanasas area for approximately seven years now, and #3 and me, by choice, do not have a local church. It's not that we didn't make an attempt. Actually, when we first arrived in this far away land (I do miss Little Rock), we joined a huge church in downtown Fayetteville (approx 3000 members), but after about one year and a small misunderstanding with the pastor's wife, we withdrew our membership.

The problem arose when, one Sunday, the brotherhood had advertised in a church pamphlet for volunteers to facilitate small group studies. I eagerly filled out the necessary form and put it in the donation plate along with our customary tithe. We really were good church people...honestly! I was so excited because I had done this type of work for my previous churches in the central Arkansas area. Then the call came...from the associate pastor...with instructions from the pastor's wife...who was in charge of these small groups. He apologetically explained that I could not facilitate a small class and couldn't give a reason when I asked him for details. In fact, he was very apologetic and embarrassed about the whole ordeal. I supposed that the other 25 years of church membership in the central Arkansas area did not count at this church and besides, I was just not from around this area. I had never been treated this way before. It really hurt...

But, there is a joyful ending to this story... I'm glad we chose not to belong to this church or other churches in the area, because I've found other ways to express my desire for giving back to the community. For instance, helping with the local Alzheimer's Association has been a great experience because the delightful people within this organization are very grateful for anxious and worthy volunteers! Ah...appreciation and love...WOW! Join us on September 12, 2009 when we have the annual Alzheimer's Memory Walk at the Arvest Ballpark on I540 and see for yourself. Check out the following website for all the details. nwawalk.kintera.org/truckerbuddies

Oh, and I'm not really 'church bashing'...just choose what is right for you...that's what we did.

On A Quest For...The Real Mexico Chiquito Hot Sauce Recipe

2009-07-30T15:37:00.000-05:00

The other day my son came in from Charlotte, NC, and the first place we immediately must visit before grandparents, before family, and before friends...you got it... was Mexico Chiquito. This great tasting cuisine (sure, you can call it that) has been a staple for me and my family since the 1960s.

I remember my tenth grade Spanish class (taught by Mrs. Bernice Hunt...oops, I meant to say Senora Hunt) visiting the original Mexico Chiquito in Rose City's, Prothro Junction (it was Protho Junction back then.) We had to order everything in Spanish, as well as, talk to each other in Spanish AT ALL TIMES. It was a very quiet meal. I remember ordering the Original Mexican Dinner which continues to be on their menu to this very day. This huge amount of tacos, enchiladas, tamale, cheeses, sauces and guacamole always has and continues to come with a special little tomato juice cocktail (LOVE IT), the wonderful, sweet, sweet, sweet (don't ever spill on your blouse because it will never come out) red punch, and a delightful little saucer of sherbet (which by the way is suppose to settle your bulging stomach.) And, all this is served with their bottomless corn, tortilla chips and famous Mexico Chiquito Hot Sauce.

I had tried for years to duplicate this hot sauce concoction (with inadequate results) until one day, my kids found the true recipe on the Internet...yes, the real McCoy..the Real MacKay...oh, whatever! It is such a simple recipe, I can't believe I couldn't figure it out myself. I always added much more stuff than was necessary. Anyway, I guess I don't know everything (SHOCK)and my kids really are able to teach me something (DOUBLE SHOCK)...if I only listen.

Also, it is nice to be able to enjoy the Mexico Chiquito experience these days in Levy on Camp Robinson Road in North Little Rock along with my other Levy Rat friends. And for those in between visits to the restaurant, here's the true Mexico Chiquito Hot Sauce Recipe (I think): In a food processor put 1 heaping teaspoon of Minced Garlic, 1 medium fresh, Jalapeno Pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon Salt. Process into a paste, then put into a bowl. Lightly process one large can of HUNTS Whole Tomatoes in the processor. Do not liquefy!! Pour the tomatoes into the bowl of paste and mix together. Refrigerate for that true MC taste. Tip: Process and sterilize in quart jars so you are able to ship to love ones who live far away. Enjoy!

On A Quest For...A Teeny Weeny, Little Bitty, Microscopic, Morsel of Courage

2009-07-17T15:45:00.000-05:00

The other night, #3 and me had dinner with the neatest couple! Did I just say...neatest? I meant to say something like...coolest or most interesting or very fascinating. Anyway, we all seemed to have a lovely time as we conversed about new and exciting things. Mainly, their interesting lives. Yes, there is a slight bit of covetousness involved here, however, the subject of this post is not to talk about other people and their interesting lifestyle, rather it is to contemplate about how my life has turned drastically dull (did I say...dull? I meant to say something like...boring or deadened or even sluggish to say the least!) and especially to talk about how I really need the courage to continue working on my Bucket List!

I know I've talked about my seasonal depression in past posts, but this is different. I have a big case of the Bucket List Blues. By this I mean, I have no courage to do the things I really want to do before I leave this wonderful place called earth. I'm even scared to get on a plane these days! How do I get this thing called courage? That's all the Cowardly Lion wanted in a place called Oz. This is not a rhetorical question...I really need to know. Where do you get your courage to do the things in life that are most important to you, when the Wizard of Oz is not around to hand out a bowl full of it for all us cowardly lions?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huxv6Etraf0

On A Quest For...The Perfect Hair Stylist

2009-06-17T17:05:00.000-05:00

This quest has been an ongoing pursuit for the last 40 years and I really don't understand why I am not able to keep a hair stylist for any length of time because I always follow Expected Salon Protocol which includes, but is not limited to the following:

make an appointment every six weeks

arrive on time or often early

whine just a little bit about my screwed up life

act a whole lot interested in their screwed up life

don't drink over three glasses of wine when offered...actually two glasses is risky behavior

always love and compliment the end results...no matter what...everything is fixable...usually

pay with good plastic money and never choke when the price is given

and make a return appointment before you leave.

So what the heck is the problem? I'm not the crazy one here, sooooo...it's gotta be them! Right?

For instance, this past year, I had been going to a really chic salon off Dickson Street...Shag. My stylist had been showing disinterest for awhile and although she did a good job, I realized our days together were numbered. A few of her annoying tactics included keeping me waiting even though I had arrived on time or early, talking on the phone while she worked on my hair, not asking how I was doing or how I have been, leaving me alone while she steps outside to visit her friends and family for extended periods, not asking me about a return appointment, and the final straw...not personally inviting me to Shag's open house (read about it in the newspaper) at their new location down the street. Yes, women do get upset over petty stuff like this!

Anyway, petty me dusted my feelings off my sleeve and found a great new salon on College Avenue...Genesis. My new stylist is Anna, and she did a great job when I recently visited. I truly hope she and I will be able to continue our relationship for a good while. I also met Bert, another stylist...who actually lives in my neighborhood! She invited me and #3 to her church and genuinely told me to stop by her house anytime! Wow, I am excited about the possibility of these new relationships...One door closes, another opens...Yea! I love real people who sincerely appreciate your business, as well as your friendship. I'm going to Genesis from now on to get my hair done because...Nice matters.

On A Quest For...

2009-04-16T15:11:00.000-05:00

Relief from this abominable depression I have had the last few months... I looked at my 'to do' list the other day and man, was that depressing! Instead of exciting entries like my lists of 'to dos' past which may have included: study for anthropology test...swim with the dolphins...Vegas this week end...get a combo (manicure and pedicure)...save the world...My present day list activity included: pick up Rx at Walgreen's...mail Dr. Shaw a check...call Monica to set up an appointment for annual pest inspection...call Mother. It's like I've confirmed Dr. Pity and Mr. Boredom as my new best friends on Facebook. Yet, again in another hideous rut!

Depression has run rampant through my life. Having a psychiatrist for a husband(#2) didn't help matters...like the dentist's kids never getting their teeth fixed. Anyway, when somber times would inhabit my body and soul, #2 would suggest that I "shrug it off." What happened to the counselling and drugs...couldn't I get some of that...especially at wholesale prices? Not really, because you see, #2 was concerned about his peers in the health care industry and how they discussed people's problems among each other and we surely did not want details of our unhealthy marriage to get around the community! Heaven forbid people think that a well known psychiatrist had troubles in his own home just like everyone else. Ugh...OK, I guess...

But, I must say, #2 was probably correct (as he usually was about almost everything). Because thru the years, I have found that usually after a long, hard, depressing winter (and that we have certainly had this year) I always experience a wonderful euphoria in April or May called spring fever and all is well in my life again. So, instead of being a depressive in need of drugs and therapy, I've self diagnosed myself with a condition called SAD or seasonal affective disorder which is a type of depression triggered by the seasons that may be related to changes in the amount of daylight during different times of the year. This explains why it comes on in the winter (shorter days - less sunlight) and leaves in the spring (longer days - more sunlight). According to http://familydoctor.org/ about 1/2 million people suffer from SAD and it is more common in women than in men. Also, this disorder decreases as you get older (yea). Some of the symptoms include craving starches (for sure), drop in energy level (a little), irritability and anxiety (#3 can vouch for this), increased sensitivity to social rejection (duh...who isn't), and avoidance of social situations and a loss in the activities you used to enjoy. So right on.

I do miss my exciting past activities that I so eagerly enjoy planning...and I am beginning to feel a tinge of motivation to make plans as spring and summer begin to creep in. Just today I noticed Kenny Chesney was coming to Alltel Arena...I think #3 and I will plan to go. And, I'm really going to work hard at spicing up my 'to do' list...because we all know that it's not what you have done in the past, but what you are doing in the now that matters! In fact, I'm promptly putting 'save the world' back on my list along with 'get a combo'. And Dr. Pity and Mr. Boredom are really gonna have to go!

On A Quest For...

2009-04-09T16:50:00.000-05:00

A Beautiful Day...Anyone living in the NWArkansas area knows that everybody, in these here hills, has been on a quest all winter long for a beautiful day! Finally, yesterday on April 8Th, we had a normal, sunny, beautiful, spring day. But, today on April 9Th we are watching and bracing for more BAD weather which includes isolated storms, tornado watches, and high winds. What is it with this crazy weather, especially the last few of years?

The Ice Storm of 2009 was hard for all of us to handle. Many people would go without power for weeks...ten days for me and #3 at the Turquoise House. The City of Fayetteville has yet to clean up all the storm's debris a couple of months later and is negotiating on having tons of tree mulch disposed of in an environmentally safe way. Good luck with that! The City of Springdale is just going to burn their debris to get rid of it. No tree huggers here. And, I read in the Fayetteville Morning News that the City of Bentonville was presented a $1.5 million bill for their debris removal much to the horror of city officials. Just a slight misunderstanding between these elected officials and the company they contracted with to remove the tree limbs. Nice to know elected dignitaries (unfortunately at the taxpayer's expense) get screwed over too, just like the rest of us happy homeowners...but, shouldn't elected officials or board members or the like be held to a higher standard of knowledge to avoid little mishaps such as these or something like that?

And it was just a year ago, to this exact date, that the Fort Smith/Van Buren area got hit with that really bad hail storm. And then another hard hail hit just a short time later for those poor folks. Although, Fayetteville was spared the baseball size hail, we did not escape the wind damage especially at the Turquoise House, where high winds and Hurricane Ike brought down plenty of 100 plus year old trees throughout all of 2008. Fortunately, no damage to house, cars, animals, or me and #3...must be living right.

Then yesterday, as the temperature rose to the 70s, and I noticed the coalescence of the bright, yellow sun with the newly, budding green foliage, I quickly called #3 and requested that he bring home margarita makings of which we promptly enjoyed on our big deck overlooking the hills of the Ozarks. Glad we got that out of our system...because tonight we could be carried away Todo and Dorothy style! So you see why it is, that all of us up in these here hills just wanted one nice day. And that appears to be all we are gonna get. Cheers!

On A Quest For...

2009-04-01T15:14:00.000-05:00

The Perfect Latte...it was not so many years ago, I recall, that I was the perfect, little housewife who always got up early with her perfect, not so little, husband and made a perfect pot of coffee before #3 went to his perfect little job and I settled into my perfect little daily housewife routine. Disastrously, these days I have become a shameless, careless, stop at nothing maniac until I get out the door and secure my daily fix...a twenty ounce skinny latte at Arsaga's Espresso Cafe in Fayetteville. Where did it all go wrong? Why am I leaving the house looking really bad with hair tangled, no make up, and frantically plotting (legal) ways to get a jump ahead of the school bus that stops well over a hundred times on Hwy 16 every school day morning? Well, maybe not that many times, but close to. What happened to my perfect little life and that cup of homemade coffee shared with my perfect husband? Hello, my name is Dianne and I'm addicted to skinny lattes.

The girls at Arsaga's relieve my habit at this phase in my life, but it has not always been an easy road to travel. In the past, I resorted to wandering into many coffee shops in the Fayetteville area in the wee hours of the morning to see if they were able to concoct a delicious, creamy, blend of two shots of espresso (perfectly pressed from the perfect fair trade coffee bean) and perfectly steamed low fat milk which is finally topped with about an inch of foam...preferably with an artistic design on top of the drink which is created from pouring the white milky froth over the dark colored espresso. This zany necessity and my road to perdition all started about three years ago when I thought it would be a neat idea to complete my bachelor's degree at the UofA.

Yes, I blame it all on the need for higher education and that 7:30am Spanish class required for my degree plan! Up at 5am, out the door by 6, to the University in heavy traffic (darn those school buses), and spend about 30 minutes on the shuttle bus that would take me from the 6Th Street Parking Lot to the Hill. How could I possibly make a pot of coffee at home with this kind of schedule? So the quest began...first coffee then I started doing the regular latte and ultimately the skinny latte...never ending, always on the move for my latte which kept me alert and kicking as I pursued my degree. #3 would now have to depend on his cup of Joe at the office and as for me, I would get my latte anywhere I could at that hour. Sometimes at Razzi's (UofA student union), or Les Maison Tartes, or a place called Gloria's on Dickson. Then they came to town...Starbucks...and they made a pretty decent latte, but one day I tried Arsaga's and here I am forever hooked! The best around in all the town of Fayetteville!

I have since completed my degree and do not have to get up so early to out maneuver the school bus, but I continue to be dependent on my early morning latte compulsion. At least I am able to couple it with my morning workout routine and all is not too bad a start for the day...if only I could manage to put on some make up and do my hair at that hour...life might almost be perfect again.