Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Lake Catherine State Park, Arkansas

We just returned from a much needed RV trip to Lake Catherine State Park in Arkansas. It's a pretty park about 15 minutes from Hot Springs.

This was the first trip in our new RV, and only the second time we've been RVing this year. Boy, were we ready!

Our quiet campsite.

The weather had cooled down to the lower 90's and was to remain that way throughout the trip. Woo-hoo!

An early morning view from 
our back bedroom window.
Tall, tall trees + me = Great Joy!

We've only been to two and were 
impressed with both for many reasons. 
Several of our friends have been to a few 
Ark Parks and they feel the same way.

A couple park roads where we 
walked the dogs each day (and us).

We met up with four 
other RV couples at the park.

When we camp together, 
sometimes we do things together 
and sometimes we don't.
Or 
Some of us go do things together 
and others don't.
It's a pretty laid back bunch.

Oftentimes, 
even when we don't start out the day
 together, we meet up somewhere 
like this scenic overlook in Hot Springs.

And The Ohio Club in downtown Hot Springs.
They have live music 7 nights a week.
It was daytime when we were there. 

We sat upstairs.

l-r, Carrie, Geo, Rick, Charlie, Sandy

It's a little hole in the wall
 with an interesting mobster background.

It's also Arkansas oldest bar. 

One evening, we all threw a 
surprise birthday party for Sandy.
Birthday Girl!

It was held in our RV.

We discovered that we were able 
to fit 10 people rather comfortably.

Of course, Miss Daisy Mae 
loved all the attention!

The next day, we rented a 
pontoon and cruised around the lake.

The temps were nice!

The shade came in handy though.
Joe, Linda & Me

Sandy & Linda

Carrie & Rick

Pretty houses dotted the banks.

The guys took turns at the helm.
Charlie used the casual steering method.

Joe employed a modern 
"Look Ma! No hands!" technique.

George was a fan of the 
smilin' while drivin' style.

And the lean forward and 
check it out form was Rick's favorite.

It's not a big lake but it 
was definitely a good time!

As you may have guessed, the entire trip was fun and we're ready to go somewhere again soon. Plans are in the works.

Until next time,
Smile On,
D~~~~

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Fun Shops

I had a mild brain storm the other day when I remembered that there was a quilt shop in Whitesboro. I turned to Google and found out that the name is Kaleidoscope Quilt Shop. Since I needed some fabric for my latest quilt project, George and I headed that way. Fabric was my focus so I forgot to take photos but I really liked the shop! 

While checking out, the two ladies asked if we'd been to a place down the street called Lovejoys on Main.  Well, no we haven't, so we wandered on down.  

They serve lunch Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00 to 2:00, and the quilt shop ladies highly recommended it. We didn't try the lunch though because we had eaten earlier. 


The old-fashioned soda fountain called our name while we were there, and we didn't resist. If I remember correctly, the soda fountain is open even when they aren't serving lunch.



George tried a chocolate malt which was quite good, and I ordered a piece of carrot cake to go. I didn't eat it until later that evening, and oh boy! It was tasty, moist and awesome!   


The friendly staff was a little disappointed that we hadn't been there before. They just remodeled and wanted to know what we thought of their new look. Too bad we couldn't help them out with that but we thought it was a charming little place! 


With pretty hardwood floors, fabulous brick walls, and lots to browse, what's not to love!?  


They carry clothing, ceramics, tea towels, and a variety of other happy and interesting items. 


After sampling the malt and carrot cake, we're more than ready to go back for lunch. See you soon Lovejoy's!


Smiles,
D~~~~