Sunday, April 29, 2018

A Bit Of The Bubbly

This is a shot of the beach houses on the southern end of Oak Island in North Carolina.  Ed and I were there and decided to take a stroll on the beach.  At sunset.  We wanted to go full force cliché so we even held hands and collected some shells. Yes, really.

The white fluffy stuff you see is not snow, as one of my mother friends asked, it's sea foam.  It was actually like bubbles you'd see in a bubble bath or a washing machine that overflowed with too much soap.   

Wikipedia describes the occurrence: Sea foam, ocean foam, beach foam, or spume is a type of foam created by the agitation of seawater, particularly when it contains higher concentrations of dissolved organic matter (including proteins, lignins, and lipids)[1] derived from sources such as the offshore breakdown of algal blooms. These compounds can act as surfactants or foaming agents. As the seawater is churned by breaking waves in the surf zone adjacent to the shore, the presence of these surfactants under these turbulent conditions traps air, forming persistent bubbles that stick to each other through surface tension. Due to its low density and persistence, foam can be blown by strong on-shore winds from the beachface inland.




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2017: 
Uphill Chug

2016: That Face, That Face, That Wonderful Face!
2015: We Both Share The Same Blood
2014: My Choice
2013: Pregnant And Dating
2012: They Really Don’t Want You Coming Through This Gate
2011: Deep Down, She Knows She’s A Princess
2010: A Three Hundred And Fifty Foot Long Dream
2009: Dillinger The Horror Hog
2008: Supernatural Hair
2007: They Must Have Been On Sale
2006: Sorry, no post on this day.
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005! 

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Man On A Pier

Ed on a pier in Southport, North Carolina.  We sat on a bench and watched pelicans dive for fish, seagulls fly overhead, and boats pass by.  A storm had just gone through so the sun came out but it was still windy and slightly chilly.  A beautiful afternoon.

I love this little town!




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2017: 
Smorgasboard

2016: Elephant Cactus
2015: 5 Foxy Links To Pass A Few Minutes
2014: Flying Through The Links
2013: It All Started With A Tweet
2012: Waiting For Summer
2011: It Should Have Been Titled Boringpants
2010: Ed Blows A 750
2009: Another Reason I Love The Great Indoors
2008: We Think The Only Thing Worth Stealing From The House Would Have Been The Fresh Baked Apple Pie
2007: Not Nearly As Appealing As Gnocchi
2006: Working The Yard
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Friday, April 27, 2018

Bathroom Essentials

I always wonder why people choose the products they do.  Is it because their family always used a certain brand?  Did they fall in love with a scent?  Did they succumb to slick advertising?  Does the item remind them of someone?  Were their choices made due to price?  As for me, I spend more money on hairspray than I do on shampoo, less on facial cleansing products than makeup.  I do have favorites, for sure.  I've listed some of them here:

SOAP
I don't really use bar soap anymore, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be the stand Ivory Soap I grew up with or anything lemon scented

BODYWASH
I don't remember when we got away from soap and into body wash, but I know for the entire time we've had this truck we've exclusively used body wash (so, almost 10 years).  I use body wash at home, too.  The only time I use bar soap in the shower is when I'm at a hotel and it's provided by them.  My favorite is Dove Deep Moisture.

FACEWASH
Facewash: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser.  I love the smell and I got Ed hooked on it so he smells delicious, too. 

MAKEUP REMOVER WIPES
I take my makeup off every night with Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes.  I I love using them when I'm in the truck or traveling.  The packet makes them easy to transport, and they remove everything, including waterproof mascara.  I swear by them.  


TOOTHPASTE
I like gritty toothpaste.  Paste, not gel.  There's something about that slight graininess that makes me feel like it's cleaning.  I use Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste.  I don't know if the whitening is doing anything, but it can't hurt, right?  In a pinch, I'll use Colgate.

MOUTHWASH
I don't use mouthwash regularly, but if I do buy it or use it, I prefer good 'ol Scope.  The green one (Original Mint), not the blue.

LOTION
For hands or body, I have a few favorites.  The one that brings me back to my childhood is Jergen's Original Scent because the Cherry Almond Essence scent reminds me of my Aunt Ronni.  She always had a bottle in her downstairs bathroom.  Then in high school, I discovered Neutrogena Sheer Oil Lotion, which I still like because of its scent.  And recently I found a tube of Mane 'n Tail Hoofmaker which works great - it's not greasy, has almost no scent, and makes a very noticeable, immediate difference.


SUNSCREEN
We should all wear sunscreen, but I don't always remember.  All of my foundations have sunscreen in them, and I'm rarely without makeup so I have protection, but I got this great, lightweight tinted moisturizer sunscreen from my dermatologist once and I love it.  It's called La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen - it's perfect under makeup (or alone) and it's got an SPF of 50.  The last time I bought it, I found it at ULTA. 

HAIRSPRAY
I've been using Paul Mitchell Free
ze and Shine Super Spray since high school, which was an extravagant purchase at that time.  More often, you'd find me using Aussie Sprunch Spray (it smells like grapes!) or Aqua Net, but today I have money to always have the good stuff on hand so I'm an exclusive Paul Mitchell girl now.  Yay, me!

SHAMPOO and CONDITIONER
I'm not loyal very in this department.  I've used everything from expensive salon shampoos and conditioners to cheap brands like Suave, which you can often get for less than $2.00 a bottle.  Typically, I don't like anything too smelly.  A strong scent is a turnoff for me.  I lean towards hair cleansing products that smell like mint or almond or coconut.  I've been known to stand in the aisle flipping lids and sniffing to find something I like.  If it offends my nose, it stays on the shelf. 


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2017: 
The Red Planet

2016: The Calm Before And After
2015: Cheese On Horseback
2014: A Life That's Good
2013: The Big Weekend Event
2012: Bringing The Sea To The Sleeper Bunk
2011: The Lonely Road
2010: Boys’ Town, Old Digs And A Non-Working Number
2009: She Needs To Wear A Bell
2008: Budding
2007: I Hate When He Does That
2006: The Toes Of Summer Are Peeking Out
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Single File Crossing

This 220-foot, single-lane bridge, built in 1920, crosses the Salt River just east of Theodore Roosevelt Lake

It's just at the beginning of the Globe-Young Highway, also known as the Desert to Tall Pines Highway.  




~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2017: 
One Of These Things Is Unlike The Other

2016: Girl Catcher
2015: Oklahoma Tin
2014: She's There Already
2013: Still Waters Run Deep
2012: The Princess Of Fruits Welcomes You
2011: I Love This Lookout
2010: There Ain’t No Rodeo On This Rodeo
2009: Covering All The Bases
2008: Ed Fantasizes Out Loud
2007: Better Late Than Never
2006: The Last Best Chance
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

You Break, You Buy

I found these gorgeous purple bottles at the Pickle Barrel Trading Post in Globe, Arizona.

There were all sizes of bottles, gas lamps, bowls, glass insulators, and more, all in shades of purple.  The display looked so pretty with the light streaming in and I stood there for a while thinking about where I needed purple glass in my house. 
There was a sign on the shelf that said glass from the early 1900s turned purple with ultra-violet light.  The manganese used in this old glass retains the ultra-violet light and turns the glass these beautiful shades of purple.  


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2017: 
Tutti A Tavola A Mangiare!

2016: Do Your Brain A Solid And Read A Book
2015: Massive Collision In Wyoming
2014: Even His Feet Are Handsome

2013: Not Evolved Enough To Clap Just Yet
2012: A Cat’s Life
2011: Not So Lucky
2010: A Capitol Idea
2009: Blooming Where The Sun Don’t Shine
2008: Eddie Wakes Up Smiling Friday
2007: Gnocchi From The Gods
2006: Blurry Super Hero
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Catfish On The Bluff

When you're stranded in small-town Arkansas, at least one of your meals is going to include fried catfish.  Well, that's what Ed told me.

We were recently in Camden, Arkansas for a few days and let me tell you, there's really not much to do.  We hit the Walmart, went to see baby chicks at Atwood's, and upon a local recommendation, went to Woods Place for lunch.

When we sat down at the table we were greeted with a basket of fresh, hot, homemade yeast rolls and hot, crispy, hushpuppies.  A bowl of butter spread and tartar sauce accompanied them.  I was perplexed by the tartar sauce - were we supposed to dip the hushpuppies in it or are they just assuming we'd be ordering fish?  I ate hushpuppies while I decided.  They were delicious.
Woods Place has been around since 1984 and has won awards for their catfish.  Ed is a huge fan of catfish so I knew that's what he was going to order.  I decided to try the fried tilapia.

The Southern-style catfish fillets were right up Ed's alley.  Nice, large pieces in that distinct cornmeal coating, served with a side of coleslaw and fried okra.  
I chose the tilapia because a light fish meal sounded like a good idea.  I picked the half order over the full and was glad I did because it came to the table with two insanely big pieces.  I only ate one piece and gave the other to Ed.  Mine came with coleslaw, fries, a lemon wedge, and slice of red onion - I think that's a Southern thing, too.  
In addition to the hushpuppies, tilapia, and french fries (jeez, can they fry anything else??), I ordered the soda that was born right there in Camden - Grapette

My impression overall was good.  The food was good, the batter on the fish was light and not greasy at all.  And Ed's catfish was great, according to him.  And although I didn't like the fries (mushy) and thought the coleslaw could have been served a bit colder, I'd go back again. 

It's obviously a hot spot because the stream of people coming through the door picking up takeout orders did not stop the entire time we were there.  

The restaurant was clean, the staff was very friendly, and the service was quick.  At least next time we're in the area we know where we can go for Ed to get his catfish fix.  That's one thing I don't (and won't) make in my house.  I made fried catfish once, over 15 years ago, and my house smelled like fish for days.  Never again.
So if you're in Camden, head over to Woods Place for a meal.  It's one of the most talked about places in town.



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2017: 
If Only Gas Were That Cheap Again

2016: Friends Don't Let Friends Exercise Alone
2015: I Would Never Mute This Commerical
2014: State Line
2013: No Pity
2012: Stop Grackling!
2011: Chicks And Kids
2010: Ultima Lavada 9:00 PM
2009: Eddie Touches Up The Old Girl Friday
2008: The Morning Sun Greets Guadalupe
2007: Starting Soon. No, Really.
2006: This Mary Doesn’t Go To Pre-School
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Monday, April 23, 2018

A Spring Moment

I wrote a few days ago how Spring was coming to the Southwest.  These purple prickly pear cactus are a perfect example.
These grow on the side of my driveway, and I only have one clump of them.  I wish there were more in the yard because the color is a nice contrast against the monochromatic shades of the desert.  
These are new pads growing, and the little nubs or "leaves" will eventually fall off.   They'll also produce yellow flowers, which look so great against the purple.  
This burst of color doesn't last long, so get out there and look at it while you can.  Before you know it, the sun will be so blazing hot you won't want to leave the house.

Oh, wait.  Maybe that's just me.



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2017: 
In The Heart Of Amish Country

2016: A Spark Of Male Bonding
2015: A-MAZ-ING
2014: Ghosts Of Retail
2013: Orange Is The Devil
2012: Sixteen Hundred Miles Makes All The Difference
2011: In Need Of Some Color
2010: 122 Years And Counting
2009: Sixteen Days Old
2008: Racism Comes With A Convenient Handle
2007: Evening Tide
2006: Glittering Pasties And Swinging Tassles
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005! 

Sunday, April 22, 2018

The Three Rs In Strawberry

The Strawberry Schoolhouse, located in Strawberry, Arizona, was dedicated as a Historical Monument in 1981 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.  It's been called the "oldest standing schoolhouse in Arizona".  
Built in 1885 of pine logs from trees that were cut and transported from the Mogollon Rim.  The interior was said to be "elegant", with wallpaper and factory-ordered individual desks rather than standard tables and chairs.
Students ages 5 to 20 were educated here and the schoolhouse had an organ that was used for social events and and church services that were held in the building.
Today the school is open to the public from May through mid-October on weekends and holidays, or you can call to make an appointment to tour on other days.
The schoolhouse is cared for by the Pine-Strawberry Archaeological and Historical Society and can be found on Fossil Creek Road, less than two miles west of Arizona Highway 87 in the town of Strawberry.
Read more details about it here.  

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2017: 
My America

2016: Addictive Retro Fun
2015: Boldface
2014: Ciudad Juárez En La Noche
2013: Live It Up!
2012: The Last Supper
2011: New York Always Stands Out
2010: Visitor Number 933 To Room 525
2009: Makes A Nice Desktop
2008: Leaning Tower Of Texas
2007: It Should Be Called “Thimble Shot”
2006: Southern Hideaway
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Lodged In The Mountains

We didn't make any hotel reservations before our trip to follow the AZBDR, we just thought we'd find something along the way.  It was mid-week, off season, so our chances were good.

I'm glad we didn't book a room because we would have wound up staying at the Forest Lakes Lodge.  I'm sure plenty of people stayed at Forest Lakes in the 35 years they've been around and liked it just fine.  But when we got there and went to look at the room - something Ed has learned we must do at sketchy-looking places - I decided it was more Murder Lodge than Lakes Lodge.  It was just old, and depressing, and run down.  There had to be another choice. 

Of course, the boys had initially planned on camping, in a tent, on the ground, so they probably would have stayed if I wasn't hanging around, and I didn't want to be a pain in the ass, but I just couldn't stay there.  No. Way.  Thankfully, they were both willing to find something else.  We thought we'd just go to Payson, but on the way there we saw a sign for Kohl's Ranch Lodge and turned in their direction. 


When we drove up and I saw the lodge exterior, I was already happier, and stepping into the lobby sealed the deal.  Look how pretty! And log cabin-y.  And lodge-like.  I was pleasantly surprised.  The front desk staff was amazing and the rate was fantastic - $80 for a studio room, right off the main lobby area and close to the parking log.  What a deal!
We were starving by the time we got there since the restaurant in Young we had planned on eating at was closed, so we decided to check in first, take showers, and eat at the restaurant on the property. 

I loved the room!  It was huge, clean, and the bed was a dream.  Crisp white sheets, four amazing pillows, a table with two chairs, and a little, enclosed patio with seating that led out to the front of the building.  

We had a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, toaster.  The lobby sold food items (frozen waffles, microwaveable meals, coffee creamer, etc.) that were just enough to supplement if you needed a little something extra. The only negative to mention was the oddly minuscule bathroom, it was child-sized.  Overall though, I'd give the place a thumbs up.

We had dinner at the hotel restaurant, called Zane Grey Country Barbecue.  They had great appetizers, amazing wood-fired pizzas, and some kickass fall-off-the-bone ribs and pulled pork.  Everything was delicious!

We slept like rocks and got an early start the next morning.  The guys headed off to Winona and I was going to mosey up to Flagstaff to meet them after they completed the next section of the AZBDR.  
Bike parking right outside our rooms.
The Kohl's Ranch Lodge is definitely a place I'd stay again.  A simple mountain lodge nestled in the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the world, at the base of the Mogollon Rim, with views for miles.

It was the perfect place to spend the night.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2017: 
Getting Your Ducks In A Row

2016: Rise Up
2015: Slide
2014: Sitting In The Sun Of The Southwest
2013: The Sunniest Black Hole
2012: A Visit From Woodland Creatures
2011: The Man I’m Spending My Nights With
2010: Let’s Hope This Industrious City Can Get Our Truck Fixed
2009: Free Range Horns And Humps
2008: The Earth Is Sending The Paper To The Folder
2007: Some People Are SAD; I Am Not One Of Them
2006: An Eye For Fashion…And Other Things
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Friday, April 20, 2018

Heading To The Tall Pines

I was in the pickup truck following the boys out of Young, Arizona, as we all headed north on State Highway 288, officially known as the Desert to Tall Pines Scenic Road

We would end the day at Kohl's Ranch, where we would stay for the night before they headed off on the rest of the AZBDR the next morning.


The Young Highway is part dirt, partly paved, and gets high up into the hills of the Tonto National Forest, taking you across the Mogollon Rim

A very scenic ride!



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2017: They Nestled The Produce On Beds Of Kale
2016: Take It To Ramon
2015: California Field
2014: Happy Easter!
2013: A Tree Grows In A Truck Stop
2012: The Herb Whisperer
2011: Turning Tables With Adele
2010: A Different Kind Of Dumpster Diving
2009: Federal Glow
2008: My Mother Is An Oxymoron
2007: The Restroom Shell Game
2006: The Pressure
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Keeping Time In The County Seat

The City of Globe Centennial Town Clock, located on Broad Street in front of the train station, was presented on May 21, 2007.

The plaque nearby states, “As our City’s 1st Centennial comes to an end and as the 2nd Centennial begins, the Historic Town Clock is dedicated in the honor of all past Mayors, Vice Mayors, Council Members, and City Staff who developed the City from 1907 to date and is now offered as a symbol of inspiration to the future generations of Globe to continue our proud journey into the next Centennial.” 
The city was incorporated twice prior to its present incorporation in 1907. 



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2017: 
On Your Mark

2016: Always Be A Moose
2015: Where The Good Girls Run Into Trouble
2014: Feed The Children Of The World
2013: Burst Of Power
2012: If This Worked, I’d Become A Cannibal
2011: How I While Away The Hours
2010: Incredibly Average, Yet Heroic If Necessary
2009: May I Take A Message?
2008: Doing The Speed Limit In Your Sleep
2007: Now I Can Go Back To Watching The Show
2006: Ten Of Life’s Simplest Pleasures
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

You Really WON'T Believe What's Inside

The Pickle Barrel Trading Post in Globe, Arizona was one of the cutest stores I'd visited during my stay.  According to their FAQs page, 25% of the merchandise in the store could be classified as antique, collectible or vintage. The remaining 75% of the merchandise is Native American Jewelry, Art and Craft, Southwest gifts, Western gifts and home furnishing.

The yard art is the first thing you see before you enter the building.  I love all this colorful metal yard art.  I think I need that rooster.

There's so much to look at in this store, from wind chimes to t-shirts, moccasins to elk hides.  And cute, colorful, leather coin purses like these.
 Home decor, kitchen stuff, and cute countryfied drink coasters.
 Antiques, old postcards, vintage glass bottles.  I spent about forty-five minutes in the store.  I walked it slowly and looked at everything.
I didn't buy anything, although I did see some artwork by Brenda Peo that I loved.  I have a hard time committing to expensive pieces unless I know precisely where they'll work.  In addition to having buyer's remorse with expensive items, I'm not good when I have too many choices.  I need to be shown two items and have someone say this? or this?

It's a great store.  It has history and great lighting inside.  It's definitely worth a visit but if you can't make it to Globe, you can shop online.  Ain't modernity great?




~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2017: 
Blue Girl

2016: Vintage Beauty
2015: Truck Yeah
2014: Break Time Selfie
2013: The Glories Of Our Journey
2012: The Herb Whisperer
2011: The Switch Between Morning Glory And Country Strong
2010: Name That Tree
2009: Getting Plowed
2008: Eddie Friday In Squares
2007: The Color Of Elizabeth’s Eyes
2006: The Result Of A Little Flax In Your Diet
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Diner For One

On our first morning in Globe, the boys ate breakfast at the hotel but I wasn't ready early enough for that (I've missed almost all hotel breakfasts in my life) so after they left I hit Hank's Diner on the main drag.

There were only three other people in the place and it was the first time I'd ever sat at a counter in a diner by myself.  It just seemed like the cool travelin' thing to do.

Breakfast for me is usually Greek yogurt and fruit as I hate cooking (or eating) a big or "real" meal first thing in the morning.  But since it was late morning and I wasn't cooking, I decided to order the works - french toast, eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and a glass of OJ.  I can't say the waitress was super friendly, but the service was quick and the food was decent. 

Hank's served up an adequate Denny's-like meal, but if I'm ever in town again I'll be going to the Copper Hen.  It was closed this trip but Ed and MacG ate there on one of their motorcycle rides and gave it two thumbs up.

And I'll be sitting at a table.



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2017: An Actual Manic Monday
2016: Sunday Reading
2015: Do You Give Good Internet? I'll Be Right There.
2014: Where Are We?
2013: Where You'd Go For Camel Repair
2012: The Color Of Happy
2011: Taking Possession Of The Sound
2010: The Bridge People
2009: Knocking Us Off One Candy Bar At A Time
2008: How To Entertain Yourself When Hanging Out With Sight Impaired Adults
2007: Is It REALLY Such A Mystery??
2006: Heading South And Going Country
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!