Arkansas

We've had several successively nice days here in New Jersey. In my past life I lived in Arkansas and every Spring when we get our first warm spell I develop an immense longing for Arkansas. I initially moved there to go to college and ended up loving the Mississippi Delta.

Arkansas is probably nothing like you imagine. It is not full of folks walking around barefoot in their overalls speaking with a southern drawl. It's incredibly beautiful and filled with folks that:

A. Want to feed you (for a foodie like me being in Arkansas is like hitting the jackpot)
B. Want to invite you to church (Umm, not so much)
C. Hunt and fish (more food?)

Bundle all of that up with the weather and VIOLA! you've got paradise. It is the natural state, after all.

One of the things I miss most about living there is my garden. Not to brag or anything, but when given enough space I can do phenomenal things with dirt. My grandparents had a huge garden and they grew everything. The had alot of acreage with fruit trees as well and I grew up working in the garden so it was a natural fit. Thats what I miss most when we have successive nice weather days. This would be the time that I'd start putting my plants out and sowing seeds (although due to it's latitude the planting season starts a full 2 months earlier). I'd already be harvesting peas and greens by this time. My herbs would be coming in nicely and the scented geraniums would be pinched off to ensure maximum growth. I'd be foraging for fiddleheads and cat tails. I'd be cleaning all my canning equipment to prepare myself for jelly making.

I'd go through the garage and get all the rock climbing equipment ready for the season and I'd stock myself with new flies for fly fishing (ok, maybe my ex-husband would actually be doing that part, but it would get done). The grill would get dusted off and I'd experiment with new dry rub recipes. All my friends would get together and plan forays into Memphis to go to Beale Street and eat at the Rendevous. Some of the best nights of my life were spent on Beale Street.

I find myself getting antsy and wanting Mr. Little Man to hurry up and grow up so that I can take him to Arkansas and Memphis in May (a food and blues music festival - two of my favorite things). My ex-husband* has often invited us to come visit and I think sometime in the next year or two we'll head south. Maybe go camping. Hike in the Ouachita Mountains, spend some time in Bull Shoals and visit Hot Springs. Its gonna be a great trip!


*Before you lovely people email me let me assure you that there is no hope of the ex husband and I getting together. Ever again. We divorced for a reason. Thankfully we've been able to parlay our intense hatred of each other into a really great friendship. He is one of my best friends and one of the people in my life I trust most.

What I am reading: Yes, Wikipedia is one of my favorites site. It's damn addictive.
What I am listening to: The Wreckers - One More Girl. They have a lovely harmony.