Back Roads

September is here and it's a great time to get out and enjoy the cooler weather, autumn color and the quirky places that are down country roads no matter where you live. "The Pig Trail'... that's what the locals call the road that many use to go to and from Razorback games, is a breathtaking drive. Curvy roads twist and turn, around every bend the historic road passes waterfalls, rock formations and scenic mountain views! The Oark General Store sets off highway 215 in Johnson County waiting for customers to take a step back in time. Listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, the oldest store in Arkansas has been there since 1890. It serves the community with everything they might need as well as being a great place to get a bite to eat.

Sometimes you just have to turn off the main road and see where life takes you. You might just be missing out on a great place to fish or maybe a farmer who sells fresh eggs or extra veges from his garden. In Arkansas they still do that, you'll see a handmade sign nailed to a fence out front!

Daddy, his brother Walton and cousins Luster and Herman

(deer hunting season, 1949)

I inherited the love of backroads from my Dad. He knew every dirt road in Boone County and people all along those roads that he hunted with. It's almost deer season in Arkansas and hunters are getting out in the woods, placing their deer stand and feeders in anticipation of November opening day. It was my Dad's favorite time of the year and he looked forward to being in the "deer woods." There's a sereneness to the woods, just the sound of your footsteps. You are alone with your thoughts, it's a time to reflect on what's really important in your life. 

I love to take short cuts, the backroads that cut off miles or time to my trips. No matter where we have lived, I have found an easier path to the places I go most often. My trip to town now is mostly country. It takes 5-10 minutes tops to get into Rogers and then maybe another 5 minutes to the grocery store. If I go 2nd Street to Walnut there are six stoplights. If I go the back way...there is only one. I save time and gas. I like that way best!

When we lived in Springdale, it was twice that many lights if I went the path that all the other "rabbits" followed. But I didn't go that way. If I went down Silent Grove Road, by the old pump station I got to see a pretty little creek and the trees hung over the road like a lane in Merry Old England. I've never been to England, but I have seen pictures and they look just like the back way!

It won't be long and the leaves will begin their big show. The Sumacs first, turning a brilliant red. The Dogwoods follow suit shortly after, they already are covered with the red berries that will provide food for the birds and deer this winter. It's been so hot and dry, we don't really know how much color we'll see out of the oaks, maples and poplars. Normally, you can look across our mountain and see all shades of red, gold and orange. I have my fingers crossed that the recent rains will make a difference!

 No matter where you live, get the map out and plan some little day trips to the pretty parts of your state. Go down some country roads that you haven't traveled. The things you see and the people you meet add that something special that makes life interesting!

Nutty Monkey Memories

Happy 4th.... hope you are celebrating the day with something that sparkles, whether it's the people in your life or some fireworks! I can't imagine any bans this year on the poppers with all the rain we've had across the U.S.

I don't remember ever not having fireworks on the 4th when I was growing up in Springfield. We'd hit the firework stands on the way to Grandma's, my brother choosing Black Cats and bottle rockets and me... sparklers, smoke bombs and the little chicken that layed the fire eggs! You know the one, it's on everyone's "must have list." Well, maybe it's not...

Our GRANDsons make their selection and there's not a single Hen Laying Eggs or Ground Bloom Flower or Nutty Monkey. No sparklers, no Cascading Fountain. Only firecrackers and bombs. Maybe one fountain, but it's called Death Bomb Fountain or something like that. We're invited over for fireworks so I'll be nice and try my best not to complain.... I don't think anyone could hear me anyway!

Blogworthy

I think it's safe to say I cover about every subject on this blog. I love to share things that I think are Blogworthy. Looking back over the year I've yapped about Martians and Limo Rides... 

Motorcycles and Dirty Cars, 

even Wrinkle Cures and a Surefire Way to make you feel 6 again! 

I can't go a week without telling you about a Fun Place to visit or even a Great Place to eat! 

I love to share recipes, I'm always searching for something new to eat so we've visited 

Flavor Town, Super-Town and I keep my eyes open for the Good Stuff... 

things like Turtleman and Hedgeapples and Party Lines! 

Finally, I have a Facebook friend that says she loves to come to my blog and CRY... is that a compliment? She swears it is... I certainly don't intend for you to feel sad but there are posts that just tug at the old heartstrings like HOME and FAMILY and MEMORIES. 

I was thinking the other day I don't have anything to blog about... but I can see that didn't stop me this past year and it probably won't stop me in 2013 either! 

The Rail- A Pizza Company

FOOD NETWORK was in town this summer filming The Great Food Truck Race and we missed it! We were on our way to Cincinnati and didn't have a clue that they were destined to visit The Rail in Rogers. It was a surprise to owners David Davis and Shane Zimmerman too, but when they got a call that Tyler Florence wanted to film a few shots at the restaurant even though they were closed, well it didn't take them long to open the doors and roll out the welcome mat! They just ran Episode 4 (Baby Got Razorback) on September 9th and we missed that too! Bummed is the word, so when our daughter asked if we wanted to celebrate her Dad's BIG birthday (more than 60 but less than "You've just qualified for Social Security") we jumped at the chance!  

 One of Rogers' favorite local hangouts in the downtown area, it sets just off 1st Street close to the old Frisco Depot. If you are lucky, and we were, the Arkansas-Missouri train came through and gave us a reminder why the restaurant was named "The Rail!"

The Birthday Boy couldn't wait since they serve two of his favorite foods...

  

It was hard to choose, they had some great looking pies on the menu. The Thai Peanut Pizza was calling my name, but the Birthday Boy ordered the Meat Town Jones and The Dumpster. Both were a meatfest but had just enough veggies to make it a healthy choice! The crust, oh man the crust was out of this world! It was crispy and bubbled along the edge just like the one's we see on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!

The reason the crust was amazing, was the oven they use. Owners Shane and David traveled to Chicago to bring home an authentic brick oven that had cooked enough pizzas that she could almost do it all by herself!  

Our waitress Marina shared that the two owners used to be carpenters by trade. The recession took it's toll in NWA too, but they found a new profession that just may have been their true calling! They've achieved a lot of success in a little over a year. 

  

The next time we go I want to set out on their patio and try their Hog Wings, little ribs of pork that are sauced just right. 

Maybe the Cheesy Bread too... it comes highly recommended!

We've found a new favorite place to go for pizza, wings and beer. It may be the ONLY place I want to go from now on... just in case Tyler Florence drops in again!

Flavor Town

Mom used to say, "I wish there was something new to eat"... if you're the cook in the house, you know just what she meant! Well, last week The Fresh Market opened here in Rogers and they have everything I've been craving and didn't even know about! I waited a couple days after their Grand Opening, but it was incredibly busy, wall to wall people, shopping carts bumping into each other, but I have to say we all put up with the crowds just for a glimpse of this new store.


Other Fresh Markets are in much bigger areas like Birmingham, New Orleans and Cincinnati. They are a breath of fresh air in our small community that depends on Walmart, IGA or Aldi for everything we buy. That means if Walmart deems we don't "need" bean sprouts, we can't have bean sprouts. I hate to throw anyone under the shopping cart, but it's true! The Fresh Market offers an old-style butcher shop with fresh fish, in house bakery and complete delicatessen. As I made my way through the store Friday, there was picture perfect food no matter which direction you looked. Magazine pretty produce, from larger than life lemons to giant artichokes... if Food Network was here doing a show, that's where they would go to get the best of the best! 


The meat counter blew me away. We are meat lovers, please forgive me if you are a vegetarian because I'm going to go into a long spiel about the color of the meat, the size of the steaks, the huge delicious kabobs, thick pork chops and roulades of beef and chicken stuffed with spinach, basil and gourmet cheeses. You name it, they had it! 

The in-house bakery was positioned right next to the deli counter, no way could you miss that they had loaves of fresh New York rye waiting to be piled high with corned beef or pastrami. Not in the mood for a sandwich? Just a few steps and you can have sushi made to order or pick your favorites from the colorful packages of California or Dragon roll.

They have a huge selection of bulk foods, I haven't had a source since we left Texas. It's nice to be able to find nuts, dried fruits and whole grains so fresh. The cheese counter that joins the deli will be a favorite hang out for me, many of them I've only read about.

So what did I buy? I bought bean sprouts and the ingredients to make Pad Thai, one of our favorite meals! I know my way back though, I dropped bread crumbs all the way home...

I want to ride my bicycle...

Susan Branch

Every year about this time, I get that feeling. The same one when I was 7 and had summer by the tail with nothing but fun ahead of me! Maybe it's the sun that puts me in this state of mind, but I truly love the summer!   I plan simple meals, my shoes are nothing but flip flops and getting out on the lake is my favorite thing to do. 

I was driving through downtown Rogers yesterday and I saw a little boy and his Dad coming out of the bike shop on Walnut. I've never been in that shop, but in the window are fancy bikes meant for racing or off road. The little boy was pushing a new blue bike out the door with the biggest smile on his face. As I set at the light, I was transported back to my 7th birthday when this new red Schwinn was my present. For most of us, our bike was the first time we had wheels we could call our own. That first taste of independence was delicious, I would ride around the block and it felt like I was going around the world!. When I was older I rode it to school, it set in the bike rack waiting for me. We lived a whole half-block from school, it was no big deal, but it felt over the moon important! 

via flickr

I think my bike riding days are over, but that doesn't mean I can't window shop.....

America's Farmers

Fred Neveu's painting The Farmer  looks so much like my own Grandpa, even the old tractor he sets on is familiar. I can reach back in my memory and my Grandpa is there, I can hear his voice and remember his strengths. They formed me as a child and for that I'm grateful.

The farm at Lead Hill is rocky land, dotted with locust and cedar trees. When Mom was little, her Dad grew wheat and farmed the land which had to be a very difficult job. In later years, the ones I can remember... Grandpa ran cattle on the land. The tractor was Grandpa's workhorse, pulling out stumps before they robbed him of pasture. The cattle he raised depended on him for grass year round, it was a 7 day a week job.

Grandpa couldn't leave the house without me tagging along, we'd go from one field to the next bouncing along in his old International pickup.The cows would come running when they heard it, that meant hay or grain. Along the way, there would be fence to fix or gates to mend. I was the gate opener... it felt like an important job when I was 10! 

It was pretty easy to pick a recipe this week... a great new grilling cookbook by Aaron Chronister (who just happens to be an Arkansas boy) and Jason Day. Pages and pages of delicious All American barbeque for our summertime enjoyment! 

You're Welcome...

BBQ Makes Everything Better

All-American Stuffed Burger
Yield: 4 burgers

Ingredients

2 pounds ground sirloin
2 packets Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
4 slices American cheese
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
4 hamburger buns

Equipment
Grill
Spatula
Mixing bowl

STEP 1: Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl and, using your hands, thoroughly combine the ranch dressing mix with the meat.

STEP 2: Form the seasoned beef mixture into 8 even-sized patties that are about 4 inches wide. We’ll use two 1/4-pound patties for each burger, so it’s best to make them thin.

STEP 3: Place a slice of cheese on 4 of the patties. If the corners of the cheese are close to the burger’s edge, tear them off and place on the center of the cheese slice. There should be about a 1/2-inch “no-cheese zone” around the edge of the patty so that we can seal it all inside the burger.

STEP 4: Stack another patty on top of the cheese and completely seal the edges where the 2 patties come together. Be sure to seal the burger as tightly as possible, otherwise the cheese will ooze out during the cooking process.

STEP 5: Grill the burgers over direct medium-high heat until they are done to your liking.

STEP 6: Baste the burgers with barbecue sauce for the last 2 minutes of grill time. Serve on toasted buns.

Cheeseburgers in Paradise

 

 We had a wonderful rainy Sunday afternoon yesterday, my favorite. It was part of that line of storms that did damage in Oklahoma and Kansas, but we were lucky and only had showers and thunder. Hopefully it was enough rain to wash away all this oak pollen that's making our allergies so bad.

It's all Eye-Candy-Green, the lake is almost hidden now since the trees have their leaves. Weather like this brings the fishermen out, there's hardly a day goes by that I don't see a boat down in the cove. GRANDson Gavin and Papa went down to the boat dock on Saturday and "wet a line" in hopes of catching enough for lunch. Gavin has inherited the fishing gene, it runs pretty strong in our family! They didn't have any luck but there's always next time...

Late in the afternoon the sun finally came out and we met the kids at Smokin' Joe's to celebrate our SON in law's birthday. It's a great little BBQ place in Rogers with red checkered tablecloths, old fashioned booths and big round tables for families. We go mostly on Friday nights and it's always crowded. I was surprised to see a full parking lot on a Sunday night, most of the tables were full with families just like us gathering for a meal. The smell of hickory hits you as you walk in and I have a hard time ordering anything but the chopped pork, smoky and delicious. We all had our favorites; Big Boy Cheeseburgers, BBQ pork, I couldn't decide so I ordered the one thing on the menu that has it all... A GIANT stuffed baked potato loaded with BBQ, beans and cheese! I had them leave the beans off, I'm on a diet you know!

We took it easy on Ken this year, no joke gifts. Last year was the Big One, 4-0... once you get past that milestone, birthdays are painless for a while-- until you reach 5-0!

"Bunny Toes"

We lived on a small farm when our daughters were young. We had a few chickens, calves and a Appaloosa named Apache. When you have farm animals, a trip to the feed store is a weekly errand that you look forward to. Like a mix between a garden center and a hardware store, the feed store had a little bit of everything. In the spring months trays of bedding plants set outside on the front porch. Tomato, peppers, cucumber, eggplant, spinach…neat little trays in neat little rows to get your Spring Fever going! Inside Rogers Grain and Feed it had a delicious grainy smell of sweet feed. How can I explain this…like fresh baked whole grain bread, with a bit of molasses. The fresh bales of hay added another layer of fragrance to the mix.

Around Easter, they would have little pens of Bright Yellow Ducks and Baby Bunnies of all colors. I’m not telling you that you should run out and go to the closest feed store and buy a rabbit or a duck, a pet should be thought out and well planned for. There is no way you can talk yourself out of getting a bunny once you hold it, so BEWARE! Once the girls held that little white bunny in their hands and saw his cute pink nose we had to bring him home with us!

Bunny Toes was a pure white breed called a Flemish Giant. They are known to be gentle, docile and very affectionate. They do require more cage space but also make great house and yard pets. They come when called and love children. At 14 to 21 pounds they are as big as a small dog or big cat. If you want something to hug and love, these guys are it! Bunny Toes lived in a pen next to the house and was a wonderful pet, very gentle and the girls loved holding him. He ate a little pellet food made just for rabbits, but he munched on the apples and carrots, Cherrio’s and whatever the girls were snacking on. He loved to hop around the yard and he and our dog Lizzie were best of friends!

I still like to go to the feed store, but I stay away from the bunny pen!

Happy Easter to Everyone!

Last Minute Great Gifts!

13 days till Christmas... I know, I'm not finished shopping either! If I'm not careful, panic may set in and then I'm really in trouble. When that happens you drive from store to store, wandering the aisles hoping that something will "come to you." It usually doesn't and you end up buying that person a scarf that they never wear or a coffee mug that they put on the top shelf in the kitchen, back behind the fondue pot. So, let's get smart about this whole gift giving problem and use the old noggin' to think of some really great gifts. The kind that say, "I really wanted to buy you something you'd LOVE!" Not just any old gift, these gifts are Made in Arkansas, how great is that?

A gift from the new Crystal Bridges Art Museum at Bentonville is at the TOP of my list! They have a great collection of one-of-a-kind gifts, in all price ranges. Their online site isn't set up yet to order, but it is in the works! Another great place to find art in all forms is Eureka Springs. If you can't find the time to go, here's some great links to several stores and artists.

Zeek Taylor, watercolorist, Watercolors by Zeek Taylor

Edward C. Robison III, nature photography, Sacred Earth Gallery

Denise Ryan, fine art painter, Denise Ryan Studio

Michael Schwade, jeweler, Michael Schwade Designs

Doug Stowe, wood artist, Doug Stowe Woodworker

Hank Barnes, stained glass items, Heirloom Stained Glass

Mark Hughes, fashion artist, Regalia Handmade Clothing Studio

Blakley Wilson, folk art, Wilson & Wilson Folkart

At Home in Arkansas and Celebrate Arkansas are wonderful publications and a yearly subscription costs about what you'd spend on a burger and fries for two.

This is the gift that keeps on giving, Arkansas based Heifer International. We like their "Chicken Gift," for only $20 it buys a flock of chickens for a family in a poor country. That gift grows and multiplies, feeding their family, providing income and increasing in size year by year. It's a good thing. Where do I start? How about with MY favorites!

A.G. Russell Knives - The knife authority since 1964, Rogers based A.G. Russell has been designing knives since he was nine years old. In the 1960's, he started selling them out of his Springdale home where he managed the company at his kitchen table! The business has outgrown several locations now, in 2002 it moved just off Interstate 540 at Rogers. He and his wife Goldie, along with a staff of 50 turn out some of the finest knives made. They offer distinctive gifts in their various catalogs for the hard-to-buy-for person on your list!

Buffalo River Honey- Eddie and Carla Watkins operate only 100 hives at their Newton County aviary, each season bringing a harvest of honey that varies in taste and fragrance. If you're trying to give gifts made in America this Christmas, this Ozark honey would be perfect! 

Cavendar's Greek Seasoning - family owned and located in Harrison, created originally as a meat seasoning, but it's the "secret ingredient" in many other recipes. 

The Daisy Airgun Museum - located in downtown Rogers, preserves and promotes vintage products and artifacts of the historic Daisy company. Their online store offers all products, including the famous Red Ryder airgun.
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Kate Austin Jewelry and Gifts - My favorite jewelry store in NWA! Jewelry by Pandora, Firefly, Baroni Designs and a wonderful selection of faith-based gifts. It's my "go-to" place for gifts that everyone loves!

Martin Greer's Candies -- Since 1925 the Greer's have made homemade candies, hand-dipped chocolates using original recipes from Ribgy's Reliable Teacher of 1897. The fudge recipe dates to the 1820s with others dating to the Civil War. Only the finest ingredients are used. Located in the tiny NWA community of Gateway.

McClard's Bar-B-Q Sauce - Family owned and operated, McClard's Bar-B-Q was established in Hot Springs National Park in 1928. Travelers from across the country visit McClard's for a meal and a bottle of their famous Bar-B-Q Sauce. A personal favorite of former President Bill Clinton.

My Brother's Salsa - I've been on a mission to get this great product at my local Sam's Club since sampling it last year at the Bentonville location. Man oh man, is this good! Helen Lampkin is a genius, she got the recipe from her brother, hence the name, then tweaked the recipe to perfection. Go to the website for great recipes too! You can find My Brother's Salsa in Fort Smith at Jennifer's at Sparks Hospital, Creative Kitchen, Honey Baked Ham and Paul's Meat Market.

No Ordinary Broom - Handpainted and signed by artist Helen Lampkin (yes, she also operates My Brother's Salsa!), No Ordinary Broom™ is available in several original patterns in a variety of color combinations. It makes a unique gift for weddings, housewarmings, holidays or  birthdays! 

Ozark Mountain Smokehouse - an Ozark Mountain and Arkansas tradition for over 50 years; smoked hams, turkeys, cheeses, mustards, jellies; gift baskets, sampler packs.

Petit Jean Meats - one of the best-known food products in The Natural State, Petit Jean has been in business since the 1920s; hams, sausages and hot dogs.

Post Familie Wines - an Arkansas River Valley tradition since 1880; family owned and operated business produces world-class wines, juices, jams, jellies.

RoZark Hills Roasterie, Inc. - Located at Rosebud, they have coffees from Mexico, Tanzania, Panama, Kenya, Guatemala, Brazil and Columbia. Other gourmet specialties include black, Oolong, green, herbal and real fruit teas, along with chocolate covered coffee beans and chocolate covered fruits.

War Eagle Mill - The very best artisan quality organic flours and cornmeal, shipped direct to you. Stoneground flours, cornmeal, gourmet baking mixes, naturally gluten-free flours ground daily in a 170 year old working mill. Just up the road from my house on Granny Mountain!

House of Webster - Old fashioned jams and jellies. Ozark specialties like Wild Huckleberry Preserves,  Gooseberry Jam, Pear Preserves, Blackeyed Pea Salsa, Country Sorghum, Pumpkin Butter, Elderberry Jelly, Hot or Mild Chow Chow, Watermelon Pickles, Pickled Okra, Beet Pickles, Dilly Beans, Bread & Butter Pickles, Green Tomato Sweet Pickles... all just like Grandma used to make.

Wiederkehr Wines - The oldest and largest winery in the Midwest, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is  located in the Ozark Mountains. The Wiederkehr family carries on a tradition begun in 1880.

I almost forgot ArkansasRazorback.com - the mecca for all things Razorback! Everything you've ever seen, ever wanted or didn't know existed lives here on these pages waiting to be under some lucky fan's Christmas tree!

Get those fingers typing right now and wipe out a big part of your Christmas list with gifts everyone will love!

Happy Shopping!