My golf girlfriends
Our R&R in Arkansas continues, as does the stormy weather! I think it has rained or stormed every day that we have been home, although I have to admit, I enjoy it.
John spent two days last week with his good friend Russ from college, who conveniently lives up the road in Mount Ida. I dropped him off in the morning, then picked him up in the evening (not unlike doggie day care) – I was treated to an excellent dinner with Russ and his wife Cathie on Thursday when I went to get John. They have a lovely place in the woods, with a complete menagerie of dogs, cats and birds, so I was in heaven. They have an especially cute puppy, Penny, who, as a stray, literally laid down in front of Cathie’s car – so Cathie, of course, brought her home. John would love to bring her home with us!
While John was visiting with Russ, Mom and I had lunch and did some shopping on Tuesday. On Thursday, I had a nice visit with my cousins at lunch at Bohemia. It was great to catch up with Kay, Ann, Julie and Melinda. It was also a treat to see Kay pull up in the Volvo – good times!
Friday morning we had an appointment in Little Rock, and made a surprise appearance at our friend John’s office for a quick tour of his offices after our appointment. Afterward, we headed to Conway for lunch at the Hendrix cafeteria with Ann and Pamela. The campus is beautiful – all of the azaleas and other flowers were blooming. I also got to say hi to one of my favorite professors ever, Mr. Kerr.
From there we headed on to Mountain Home to see John’s parents Pete and Ginger. They took us to PJ’s for an excellent steak dinner on the banks of the White River. The food was really incredible and the setting is gorgeous.
We spent the night in Mountain Home, then came back through Little Rock. After a glass of wine at By the Glass (with a quick visit with Brian), we met Doug, Deb and Daniel at Sr. Tequila in Maumelle. I got to visit with them for a bit, then Bee and Kathy picked me up to go to a very festive party with my golf girlfriends at Camille’s house. Those girls sure know how to mobilize and throw a party! They are all such sweethearts and it was fabulous to see them all: Camille, Kathy, Bee, Peggy, Liz, Carol, Kelley, Pamela (in town from northern Arkansas), Rookie, Julia, Deb, Tiffany, Candy, Frazier and Karen. John joined us later in the evening, and after much talking, laughing and dancing, we made our way back to Hot Springs.
I found one of the best masseuses ever and enjoyed an outstanding massage this morning – her name is Ilona Peterka and I highly recommend her! It was really one of the best massages I have ever had, and is in a very pastoral setting – I saw a beautiful scissor-tail fly catcher in her yard.
Click here for all the photos of our R & R.
On a sad note, we learned last Monday that John’s good friend Carla from college suffered a brain aneurysm while at our friend Chip’s house last Sunday afternoon. Within hours, she had passed away. It’s incredibly sad – she was at both of the reunion parties last weekend, and John had a wonderful time visiting with her. She was definitely in her element, surrounded by friends and laughing – she will be missed.
John with his friend Carla
With Marilyn and Julia
With Ann and Pam
With Mary
With Mr. Kerr at Hendrix