July 30, 2024
One of the projects we had been working on for awhile was to replace a set of stairs that lead from the dinning room to the side yard. There are only two doors in the dinning room. The main door goes from the kitchen into the dinning room and the other is the exterior door. The steps are in very poor condition. We had picked up the lumber for them a few weeks ago. Then we started with the rain and 90o + days. Work was put on a temporary hold. Today we finished the steps. The only thing left to do will be for Chris to paint them. We also redid the wood on a bench for the dog park.
July 28, 2024
There have always been a few factors that drive us either to home or to the next destination. What we had going for us in the beginning has changed. We felt it was time to go home because of changes in our situation. So this afternoon, after looking at schedules, we met with Chris. We explained everything to him and we all agreed on the final outcome. August is generally a slow month for the Inn. The only festival this month is the Mountains, Music, and Motorcycles. It’s 3 weeks away. We always told Chris we would not just walk out on him. We decided to leave Sunday August 4th after we served breakfast and got everything cleaned up. Between now and then we would finish up a couple of projects we had been working on. Another big factor is Nancy and her knee. She has been babying it for a few months. She’s had a few injections but they have not offered a lot of relief. The consensus is that once we get home, she will need a knee replacement. It is difficult for her to climb the stairs and just move in general. But it is indeed time. We had made other plans like to go back to Branson, MO and how to get Nancy back home for upcoming doctor appointments. Now we’ll just have to rearrange some things. Stay tuned.
July 27, 2024
This afternoon Krissa texted us and wanted to know if we had tickets to see Marty Stuart at the Ozark Folk Center tonight. I remember Marty Stuart from my younger years of watching a lot of country music shows with my parents. Nancy had never heard of him. She and Chris were not going so she brought over two VIP tickets to the show for us. The VIP tickets gives you great close to stage seats and the opportunity to do a “meet and greet”. We never expected these kind of tickets.
Once we entered the theater, we realized that there were no bad seats. However, we were the second row back from center stage. Awesome seats! The show started with the Music Roots Ensemble. These are the children who get instruments and lessons through school. It’s a great program and allows the children an excellent opportunity to learn and it does not cost them anything. Proceeds from the concert will go toward this program as well as the “tip” bucket they sent around. For us it is a worthwhile program. The youth were amazing. I believe the ages ranged from 6 to 17?
Then it was time for Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. Pictures and videos were not allowed to be taken. The performance was being recorded. Once he started playing and singing, Nancy had heard some of his music. He and the Fabulous Superlatives dress old country style. By that I mean the sequined outfits, ties, different colored shirts, large belt buckles. Old style country musician. It was awesome. The music was so great. There were 3 members of the Fabulous Superlatives. They were Cousin Charlie, Handsome Harry, and Chris Scruggs. Everyone, including Marty Stuart, played multiple instruments. There were no big drum kits, or large amplifiers. They sounded great though. Cousin Charlie played 2 or 3 different guitars including a 12 string. Handsome Harry mainly played a small drum he wore around his waist and played with what appeared to be metal brushes. He did pick up a guitar for one song. Then Chris Scruggs started with the upright bass but played a real mean guitar. They were on for about 2 hours straight. Through the show, Marty would kind of step to the background and each of the Superlatives would step up and take center stage. Toward the end of the show, the Superlatives left the stage and Marty told a story and sang a song about Mark Jones, a good friend of his he met at the Grand Ole Opry. Mark was the son of Nashville Legend, Grandpa Jones. After the tribute song, the Superlatives came back on stage and they did a couple more tunes and then did about 3 encores. Super show.
After the show the 15 VIPs were ushered to the back stage area. We waited in line for about 10 minutes. We saw Marty enter a room through a sided door. Nancy made comment that it seemed like this was a chore for him. Having never been a VIP before we did not know what to expect. We soon found out. You entered the room, shook hands with Marty and maybe said hi. Someone would take your phone and they would take a couple of pictures. You were then given a Swag Bag and an autographed poster and escorted out. The whole meet and greet was maybe 2 minutes. While it was kind of neat to meet Marty Stuart, I am so glad we did not pay that much money for that particular VIP experience. While waiting for the shuttle to take us to the parking lot, someone we knew that worked at the Folk Center handed us the set list. That’s the list of songs that Marty performed, including the “encore”.
July 24, 2024
A few days ago the check engine light came on in the truck. I went to O’Reilly’s Auto Parts and picked up an OBD II tester. I got the code and it said it was a transfer case module. I called Red River Dodge and made an appointment. Today is the day to get things checked out. However, about 2 days ago, the check engine light went off. I decided to take it in anyway. They checked it out and yes, the transfer case module needed to be replaced. I guess that also explains why occasionally I would get a message while driving that I was in the process of shifting into 4-wheel drive. Not! So they replaced the module. Unfortunately I was 2,000 miles out of warranty. However, Red River explained to me that I had 2 “forgiveness” opportunities. Basically, the dollar amount is capped at $2,000 for each occurrence. They “expire” after 5 years. I’m hoping nothing else happens for the next 2 years. In addition, there were other codes. Let me preface that by saying that once I started my journey to the dealer, I got a message that the engine was regenerating and not to shut it off. The message disappeared when I arrived at the dealer. I told them about that issue also. The culprit to a lot of regens is the air filter. Apparently most 3rd party air filters have a couple of strips through them that prevents the most air flow. The OEM filter does not. So I got a new air filter. That I did pay for. Still pricey! However, the truck is running great. The dealer was about 50 minutes away in Heber Springs. What a way to spend an afternoon.
July 21, 2024
We are going from a full house, including the Cottage to no one for the next few days. It is always a bitter sweet time. We made new friends, and had a good time. One of our guests was Sherry. She is a friend of Krissa. Sherry is deaf also but so sweet. I enjoy trying to communicate with Sherry and Krissa and love when they teach, or try to teach me, more ASL. It turned out not to be so good of a day for Sherry. She got her car loaded but it wouldn’t start. One of our guest came in and said that someone needed some assistance. It was Sherry. Tim and I and the other guest gathered some tools. We pulled off the battery terminals and cleaned the clamps and poles. Put the clamps back on and tightened them. The car still wouldn’t start. We tried a jump box and jumping from my truck. We then checked the lights. She had headlights and dash lights. However, when the key was turned, you could not hear any clicking. We believe it was a bad starter. In the meantime, Nancy texted Krissa. Krissa came and picked up Sherry and took her home. All this before noon. Before Tim and Tammy left, we got a picture or two. It is always possible that in the future our paths will cross again. We discussed some interesting places to visit in and near where they live in Louisiana and Mississippi. We have yet to explore those states as well as Alabama and Texas. One never knows.
PICTURES
July 20, 2024
What a day! I had a lot of things prepped for this morning’s breakfast and I really didn’t have to start cooking for a while. However, I opened the freezer to get the sausage it just felt like it was not as cold as it should be. I moved forward with my cooking. I reached into the fridge and it didn’t feel as cold either. I checked the thermometer. It was not where it should be. So as I am cooking I had Nancy start moving everything from the front fridge/freezer to the back unit. Tim had come out of his room for coffee and sat in the kitchen and we talked. Tim is the kind of guy that instead of sitting he jumped in to help us out. It’s great to have friends like this. Since they did not go to the Square last night, they decided to go tonight. I was tired so I stayed home.
July 19, 2024
It has been one of those days. We saw and talked to Tammy and Tim at breakfast. They had an adventure to go to today. So as they went off, we went about our work. I got done around 1:00PM and Nancy had talked to Tammy and Tim. The plan is for me to make dinner. We originally thought about doing steaks on the grill. However, we could not find decent cuts of meat anywhere so I took some pulled pork out of the freezer and got everything to make BBQ Loaded Baked Potatoes. We made a bacon Caesar salad and called it dinner. After dinner Tammy and Tim talked about going up on the Square for the entertainment. As for me, I was tired and my plan was to sit outside and work on a cold beer. Nancy had talked about going to the Square also. It turned out Tammy, Tim, and Nancy joined me and we sat outside and talked and had a nice cold beverage. So relaxing. Once it started getting dark, it was time to go inside and for me to get to bed. I have been getting up at 5:30AM this week for Music Camp. Tomorrow is the last day of camp. Sunday breakfast will move back to 8:30AM.
July 18, 2024
A really nice perk to our job here is that we meet so many really nice people. Several have told us to keep their contact information and keep in touch. They have also stated that if you are in their area, we are welcome to stay there. One couple, Tammy and Tim from Louisiana visited sometime back in April or May. We really hit it off. One evening we sat in the parlor and just talked. Since then, we have friended on Facebook and Nancy and Tammy will text each other. Recently, Nancy posted on Facebook that we will be leaving Arkansas the Monday after the Bean Festival. Well, Tammy and Tim were not scheduled to return until mid November for the Fall Bluegrass Festival. That didn’t sit well so they immediately made reservations and arrived today. It was so good to see them again. Also this week we have Youth Music Camp going on. The youth get lessons in square dancing and music and instruments and other types of dancing such as Salty Dog. It really is awesome. We had a few stay with us.
After we got our work done, I had my guitar lesson at 2:00 PM. From there, I met Tammy, Tim, and Nancy and Roxanne at the Community Center. For the next couple of hours we played Mexican Train Dominos. We had a great time. As it was almost 5:00PM, it was time for dinner. Tammy, Tim, and Nancy and I walked down the street and had dinner at PJ’s Rainbow Cafe. Of course we had to get our favorite pies to go as well. We walked back to the Inn and said our good nights. It has been a long day for all of us.
July 15, 2024
This evening is the last ASL class. It has been fun and educational. We have enjoyed learning new signs and a good refresher for what we’ve had before. There have been a few challenges along the way and we have missed a few classes. However, we get to see Krissa more and she is always willing to help us learn signs. Because of this class we now have official sign names. It’s a visual thing. It has not only been fun but we have met several folks in the community as well. A real side benefit. One of those folks is Roxanne. She volunteers at the Community Center.
July 10, 2024
Its final. Nancy is still feeling really bad and is not going to be able to take the class. I am disappointed she couldn't go. However, my situation is worse. I am feeling really bad but I still need to get up early and make breakfast for our guests. Over the next few days I’ll take lots of Day Quil/Night Quill and Ibuprofen on a regular basis. By Saturday I will be just fine and dandy.
July 7, 2024
Nancy has been searching for an instrument to learn to play. She sat at the Music Store and talked to Shay about the banjo and the fiddle. She has dabbled with the mountain dulcimer and the hammered dulcimer. Nothing is really exciting her. During her younger days she played piano. She attended a one day class on the mountain dulcimer and enjoyed it and learned a lot. Still not doing it for her. Later this week is the Ozark Roots Dulcimer Festival. They are having 3 day classes on the mountain dulcimer and the hammered dulcimer. The hammered dulcimer class is being held at the Meeting Place. The class is full but since Chris owns the Meeting Place and talked to the instructor, Nancy has a spot in the class.
The down side is that she is starting to feel bad. Head cold, sinus stuff and coughing. I’m starting to feel a head cold coming on also. Thanks Carissa.
July 6, 2024
Very sad day. The family is heading back to Colorado. After breakfast hugs and tears were exchanged. The week has flown by. But it was very good time. Carissa was feeling much better. Nancy and I stayed away from her for the most part during her illness. Time will tell, was it good enough?
July 5, 2024
Grandma had another adventure planned for today. Kayaking on the White River. Carissa was still not feeling well and I was just flat exhausted. So we did not go but Brian, Grandma and the kids had a great time. Maybe before we leave, I’ll kayak the river. I enjoyed it when we were in SD two years ago. They all came back tired and hungry. I hate that I missed the opportunity but I needed the rest.
July 4, 2024
The day started with Carissa being ill. She will not be joining us for breakfast or today’s activities. We did fix a plate for her and Georgeann took it out to her. Today’s activities start with a parade at 10:00 AM. Brian took the kids over to watch the parade. Nancy and I stayed to clean dishes and clean rooms that were being vacated. Business must go on. The kids had a good time and they had a chance to see a lot of small town things in parades that you usually don’t see in larger more urban parades. They returned from the parade in time for lunch a little down time.
We have reservations at 3:00 PM to tour Blanchard Springs Cavern. It is a one hour walking tour totaling .5 mile. Nice and easy walk in 580 F. Felt great. The cavern was really interesting. We all had a great time. We entered the cavern at one point and took an elevator ride down about 300 feet. At the end of the tour we exited to the outside and a bus picked us up and took us back to the visitors center. After getting off the bus you had to walk across a special cleaning mat to clean any bat guano off your shoes.
Back to the house we went so we could eat dinner. After dinner we went to the Music Box Ice Cream Shop for some cold sweet treats. While we were eating our ice cream we walked over to the Picking Park and found some seats at one of the gazebos. There a group of people had gathered to jam and were playing. We sat and listened and enjoyed our ice cream.
It was almost dark now. Time to find a spot to watch the fireworks. We found a spot that gave us a decent view. As it was getting late, the kids were very tired and the noise from the fireworks was starting to get to them. They made it through the entire show. Definitely time to go home.
July 3, 2024
Brian only works half a day today. So the plan is for me to take him to a couple of music places around town. Our first stop is Mountain View Music Store. It is a cool little shop where they not only repair and sell instruments, they also make fiddles and guitars from scratch. The main items for sale are fiddles, banjos, mandolins, acoustic guitars, and cigar box guitars. They have a variety of musical accessories as well. Emmeline was the only one that wanted to go with us so she had the chance to see various parts of a fiddle and guitar as they were being made. She thought that was cool.
I guess it is time for me to come clean and tell the truth. Back in March we visited the Music Store for the first time. I had decided that Mountain View was an ideal place for me to learn how to play guitar. So back in March I bought a guitar and got set up with weekly lessons from Albee Tellone. He is a great musician and teacher. It turns out he is from NJ and we had a lot of common ground. He was a roadie for Springsteen and played sax on one of Springsteen’s albums. So yes, I am slowly learning to play acoustic guitar., It is relaxing and enjoyable. Maybe one day I’ll post a video. Maybe.
After the Music Store we took a short drive to the Dulcimer Shop. Brian found this place very interesting also. The dulcimer is not an instrument you hear much about but the sound is very unique. In the right hands, it is beautiful. There are two basic types of dulcimers, mountain dulcimer and hammered dulcimer. Additionally they sell autoharps (Mother Mable Carter), and lap harps, bowed psaltery, recorder, dulci-banjo spoons and harmonicas. Yes, spoons and harmonicas are common around here. This is the folk music capital!
I had the chance to bake with the grandchildren this afternoon. I had made sugar cookie dough earlier in the day and divided it into 4 equal parts. I had purchased some patriotic cookie cutters and colored sugars. So one by one the grands would come in, and we would roll out the dough and they choose the designs. Each of them knew that they would have to give up one cookie for the guests at the Inn. We got the cookies baked and after they cooled they each chose the guest cookie and the rest of their batch got bagged up with their name. It was a fun and productive afternoon. And of course we dined in style on the pulled pork that I smoked yesterday. Everyone enjoyed it.
July 2, 2024
Today was going to be another hot day. I had started smoking a 10 pound pork shoulder early this morning for dinner tomorrow evening. This means I will be sticking around all day and night to ensure nothing goes wrong. After breakfast the three youngest grands wanted to play the hammer dulcimer. So I went into the parlor with them so they could play. Afterwards, I went and washed dishes and Carissa and Grandma and the children were off to the Ozark Folk Center State Park after. It is a very neat place. You stroll through a village and each shop is home to some type of artisan with their wares for sale. There is also a covered stage area and the norm is music is usually being played. They all had a wonderful time and got to see a lot of neat things being made. Not only is it fun but educational.
This evening we took the family to the Possum Club (the Meeting Place) for a free show. The group was 5 South. The lead is Kailee, who is a fiddle Grand Champion and the rest of the band is mostly her siblings who are also great musicians. Kailee works in the Music Store and her and her husband are in the ASL class. It was a very nice show. We had to leave a little early because we had 4 hungry and tired children. We walked across the street to Mi Pueblito for dinner.
July 1, 2024
I am not a big water person but Nancy is and the rest of the family. So she took the grandchildren and Carissa to Blanchard Springs to the local swimming area. We purchased some inexpensive float rings and they had a blast. The swimming area also has some rock ledges you can climb and dive off into the water. Emmeline and Grandma were the only two that didn’t try the rock ledge. But they all had a great time. Brian had to work. Brian plays guitar and he brought his acoustic guitar with him. He would sit out in the evening when the kids were in bed and just relax and play his guitar. He loved it.
June 30, 2024
Hooray!! The day has finally arrived when Carissa, our daughter, and her family will pull into town for the week. It was around 4:00PM when they finally arrived. We had not seen them since last July when we left Colorado to head home. So great to see them and get the hugs from the grands! We ordered Pizza Hut and sat and talked for a while util it was time for bed. Grandma has a lot planned for their visit. I also have a couple of things I want to share with them as well. However, we still have to run the Inn. So tomorrow morning I will be fixing breakfast for not only our family but for 4 guests as well. Unfortunately Brian still has to work. We set up a little office space in the Oak Room. It is a tiny room we use for singles or as a back up. It is not on the web to reserve. It has good WiFi and will be perfect for him.
June 29, 2024
Tonight is the Songwriters Roundup at the Mountain View Meeting Place. It was well worth the $15 per ticket price. Two of the songwriters, Joe Allen and David Lynn Jones, have written chart songs for the likes of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell, and Loretta Lynn to name a few. It was great to hear them relate the stories as to how they came up with the songs. In addition to these two, we heard Pam Stetser, Kevin “Tuck” Tuckfield. The neatest part was listening to Tim Crouch. He is not a songwriter but he is the number one guy for studio work in Nashville. He is so talented. It was fun to listen to the banter on stage. I believe all of these folks hail from Arkansas. These folks were also very humble and down to earth. Had the chance to speak to a lot of them during the intermission as they made their way through the audience. Tuck and his wife stayed at the Ozark Country Inn so we had a chance to talk more after they ate breakfast and before they had to leave. Nice folks.
June 28, 2024
As we are approaching July Fourth we decided we needed to decorate the Inn. We spent a few hours and this is what it looks like.