I get it.

I'm a slow person. In more than ways than one, I'm a tortoise.

When we returned from Seattle, I realized that I had fallen into the "Arkansas Vortex". It's easy to fall in to and remain forever.  And I don't mean to say it like it's a bad thing -- I know some folks who could happily live in the vortex, no problem. But, there's THE void. In exchange for a low cost of living and parking spaces and awesome camping, we suffer not having bubble tea shops, affordable/delicious coffee [Sorry, Boulevard -- you're not very accessible!], Ethiopian cuisine, and proper music venues -- to name a few. Little Rock/N. Little Rock really tries, and that's why I'm so forgiving, but sometimes I wish we didn't have to work so hard for it. One thing I can say about this town(s) is that we do not take any offerings for granted.  Having proper venues or restaurants or shops are a victory for us, even if it doesn't seem like a big deal to anyone anywhere else.  They're a big deal!

That said, when I post things, it's really a report of things I did or will do or have done.  Big deal or no, it's mostly to share with my little circle of friends, my posse. And it's for posterity.  It's wild to go back on things I've written in the past, I've changed so much!  The blog also serves to keep memories fresh as my memory fails me more & more as the time passes.  I sometimes feel sorry for the random buddy that clicks on the link to this blog. This blog is not the peak of excitement, it's slow. I'm slow! Molasses.  I love it!  It affords me the pleasure of being able to travel and still be impressed & fascinated by very little things.  

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The night before last, me & ATM drove up to Fort Roots (NLR) to get a better view of an electrical storm:

The lightning was non-stop & silent. It felt like a live being, so strange.

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Yesterday, I bought some bento "supplies".  Now I can tote around sides of mayonnaise or dressing or soy sauce or hot sauce or whatever in a cute leakproof bottle or container.  I'm really enjoying Ms. Bento, my latest obsession.  

Me & ATM went back to JTDesigns where I totally scored some new skewers!  Now, there's a little background story to this.  On Friday, we watched an ep of Good Eats, kabobs being the theme.  A. Brown said that the best skewers were nice & pointy, but most importantly, flat.  He flouted what looked like my Xmas present that I rec'd from KMHD a couple of years ago.  Up until Friday, I always thought that she got me a fancy letter opener, which I hung in my bedroom for decoration.  As we watched the t.v. show, I said to ATM, "I think I've got a skewer hanging in the bedroom!"  Totally.  Anyway, we thought it a VERY good sign to find some of similar design @ JTD, so I bought four to join the one at home.  I wrote down A. Brown's recipe for spicy kabobs, so I'm very excited to give them a try soon!  Especially if we're going to make them in the fire pit!

The one KMHD got me is on the far right.
 

We got some past-due yard work done, the exterior looks great!  You know what's missing?  A bird bath & a bird feeder.  I'd like to get those things, this neighborhood has A LOT of birds and I'd like to see them playing & eating in my backyard.  You know what's not missing?  FERNS.  We got two of them for the front porch and they look fantastic.  They really tie the house together.

So, we're going to the lake next week w/ Rett & Keiko & TBA?  I'm very excited about it, I ordered a new swimsuit.  I need a big floppy hat to go with my ensemble, mostly for sun-blocking and then for style.  Too, I need to go through our gear and see what needs to be refilled or replaced.  

I find myself wanting to have some event in our backyard.  I'm tempted to buy a kiddie pool & get a keg & just call people to come over, bring food.  And a chair.  

I found this gem @ The Fresh Market:

Friend or foe? I'm intrigued. I'm taking it to work to try w/ CK, a fellow chocolate-liker. KMHD once linked me to a photo of choco-dipped bacon. I am not afraid. Maybe one day. I guess this candy bar will serve as a primer.

Happy Father's Day, ATM!