A Soak, Scrub and a Rub: a journey to Hot Springs

A Soak, Scrub and a Rub: a journey to Hot Springs 

We started New Years off right by booking a spa day in Hot Springs NP, AR. We were trying to give the town another chance, our last visit was fun, but not quite the way we wanted to remember the place. The drive, which was about 2.5hrs, took us through some interesting farmland and small towns... the more I see the more I LOVE ARKANSAS! 

Our Spa treatment was wonderful, and was akin to a cleansing of the past year of heartache and a fresh way to start anew. However, there were things about it we didn't like. We ended the time in Hot Springs NP with a few games of pool, a burger and some wings. The night? It was just beginning. We rang in the New Year at the Legion, with more pool and lots of dancing. 

Quapaw Baths: (Spa treatment) FM 7

While the two of us loved the public soak we had back in July, the spa services were very expensive for what you were given and there was a lot of waiting around time on furniture that was less than comfortable. We were told the private soak would be 50 minutes only to find out that it was actually 20 minutes with a 30 min cool down before the massage and we were forced to sit in these little nooks that were not very conducive to relaxing. The massage and scrub were wonderful for me, yet for the HBG the masseuse seemed to be afraid to apply pressure or maybe just a bit distracted by her own life? We also didn't appreciate the way in which the tables were set, we couldn't see each other much less understand that we were enjoying our experience. We may as well have been in different rooms all together. 

3B's  FM 9

We left the pompous main street of Hot Springs NP to an enjoyable dinner and multiple games of pool. This place has tons of character! Located in a more NORMAL yet somewhat depressed neighborhood, and you get the feeling that you are walking into the wonderful neighborhood dive bar. The craft beer offerings were decent and the food was outrageous.  Dinner of 2 doz wings, burger, 4 beers and 4 games of pool, a mere 36. including the tip!  This place is a don't judge a book by its cover MUST visit if you are in the National Park.  

Loving the SOUTH again - Overton Square

I arrived in AR Christmas night and so far have been treated to a wonderfully relaxing few days filled with LOVE. We celebrated Christmas on the 26th with a meal of venison, salad, turnips and southern green beans.  We spent a nice post Christmas Saturday afternoon and early evening in Memphis. We found this small theater that had produced an incredible production of Peter Pan, something we watched together on TV a few weeks ago despite being 1200 miles apart. We went for dinner at Boscos Brewpub, which is the oldest brewpub in TN and then played pool at RP Billiards in East Memphis before heading back across the river to the Legion for more pool, live music and dancing. What an awesome way to spend any Saturday, especially a rainy one. 

Playhouse on the Square - FM rating 12+++ 

This little theatre was an incredible space and the cast, sets, production we saw filled that space to overflowing. This is a MUST see!!!

Boscos Brewing - FM rating 8

Overall the beer was ok ( some fantastic, some ehh... ) and the food edible in this classic brewpub in a tourist area. My favorite was the Alt, which was a seasonal German a style ale. 

RP Billards - FM rating 8.5 

We had fun here. Pool was $1.00 game or $8./hr. The beer on tap was somewhat pedestrian but they did have a few crafts. 

Minnie Pearl, buttermilk biscuits and mindfulness

In the past 6 months, as I navigate my new situation, I have spent a great deal of time soul searching. Mindfulness has been one of those things that I have really taken the time to develop, from meditating for an hour a day to dressing out an animal that I took the life to provide sustenance in the form of a wonderfully sexy meal.  In that time, the HBG and I have discussed family quite a bit. There is a soulfulness to our friendship that seems to remind each other of our grandmothers. My grandmother, Edith (MeMe) was a concert pianist, very much into the opera, classical music and art. His grandmother, I am told was this wonderful witty down to earth woman with an infectious personality who made these incredible buttermilk biscuits and never understood why he seemed to be attracted to girls from the Northeast. Here I am, a NYer (giggle). Somewhere in those discussions there was this quest to learn how to learn how to make biscuits. I cook a lot of things well, biscuits were something I really, really, really suck at. I mean show up at the table in goalie gear and a check for the dentist… ok, maybe not that bad, they were edible, but not flaky, and not anything like the biscuits I envisioned. My guru? He was so gracious and ate them anyway. I giggle because later that day he mentions that Minnie Pearl sifted her flour and used lard… I did not sift the flour and used butter. FAST FORWARD to tonight…

Tonight I made a very small pot of venison stew. It was just enough for dinner and to take for lunch. I would be the only one who would be eating tonight. I decided it needed some biscuits and I had some very nice leaf lard from the butcher in the fridge. I took out my own grandmother's favorite cookbook, found a recipe for buttermilk biscuits, and proceeded to make them. I thought about Minnie Pearl and what it might have been like to watch her make biscuits to learn from her. I thought about an encounter I witnessed my extremely impatient soon to be EX had with waiting in line at the mall. I told him that in he would never make it in the South, he would be ignored because of his behavior. There was no need for all that angst, it only invites more stress,  and not the results you would think. I told him to take that minute he has to wait and relish in the time he has been afforded to relax. What does what I had witnessed at the mall yesterday have to do with making biscuits? As I read that recipe, I found myself immediately making these steps in my brain on what had to be done and in what order at 10.000 mph. I was trying to rush the process, baking biscuits in a NY minute was not going to work. I had to "slow down". I did. I slowly went through the steps, followed the recipe to the T, sifting the flour 3X and remeasuring it, measuring the leaf lard using water displacement and the buttermilk with a fluid measuring cup. I thought about how when I learned to make bread correctly, it was a similar experience, slowing down and measuring/weighing exactly, the result was amazing. I rolled out the dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut the biscuits, placed them on a greased sheet, and brushed them with cream . The oven was very hot, 450 degrees and when I put them in to bake, it seemed like within minutes they were over an inch thick. Within 10 minutes I had these incredible, flaky, beautiful rounds that I could actually call biscuits and between my handmade bowl, the stew made from local ingredients and meat that I had procured myself, this meal was one of the most mindful parts of my day. I think I even feel Minnie Pearl's smile from heaven. I am beaming! I only wish the HBG could be here to taste them.

I guess I will just have to practice until then?

My holiday letter fitting for the feast of St. Lucia

I'm officially 50, shhhh don't tell anyone! My birthday celebration was 10 days long with the HBG being present for all of it and he made sure it was perfect! We went to the opera, ate at WoHop downstairs at 2AM, tooled around the village, visiting Greenwich House Pottery,  Bleeker Street Pizza, City Island, ate Oysters, went to the beach, and my kids threw me an incredible party, I spent Thanksgiving in Arkansas, picked Pecans, went to see the Christmas Story at the Orpheum, played pool in two states, got really wasted on moonshine, danced a lot, went to the Brooks Art Museum and this awesome steakhouse for dinner. Yes, I even had a sloppy version of messy sex for breakfast on my birthday (get your mind out of the gutter) before flying home first class (hey you only turn 50 once).
I am posting this letter dedicated to the HBG on the feast of St. Lucia in honor of our friendship for several reasons (some I care not to share). You see,  a few months ago we had a conversation about family heritage and traditions while discussing pierogi and how I came to know how to make them as well as my dislike of pork…except that I have been known to sneak kielbasa slices occasionally. My family is steeped in ethnic traditions, possibly because the intimate connection with Europe is still there. We are proud of both our Polish and German heritage. I learned how to polka before I was 8 and make pierogi, understand the complexities of sauerbraten (why my mom had a crock of pungent veal in the closet next to the cereal) and expected lebkuken, nuts and clementines in my stocking from the time I understood there was something to expect. I feel so fortunate that I have these traditions to hold onto. He on the other hand wishes he knew more about his Norwegian heritage. The feast of St. Lucia is big in Norway and since the Christmas dinner we have planned has taken on a Norwegian theme thanks to my favorite venison tenderloin recipe being Norwegian, I figured it was never to late to introduce someone to what they might expect. Yes I said Christmas dinner. I am sharing Wiligia (Christmas Eve) with my family at home and then after a brunch of Kielbasa, eggs, poppyseed bread and pierogis I will be headed to the airport with a few beautiful cuts of venison from my first deer frozen in my bag to spend the rest of my Christmas break in Arkansas. So on the menu, tenderloin of course, lefse, lingonberry, some kind of vegetable, a spinach salad and rice pudding (yes complete with the hidden almond - wink). The cocktail however will be German. I do like mulled wine, but can never get it to taste right so we will be having Hugos instead (perseco, st germain, and muddled mint).

 Learning to embrace traditions is only part of it, I am also dedicating this post to him in honor of his brother Tracey, who passed away a few days ago. In the past year I have learned about the importance of the relationship of siblings as I watched my children navigate their own pain as well as lean on each other while trying to figure out how to ease the pain I was experiencing. I have also realized how wonderfully insightful and important my brother is. While I never met Tracey, I felt this connection to him while watching the HBG navigate the journey of his last days.

I want to talk about my year and why the HBG has meant so much to me. Three years ago we spent a great deal of time together when our boys found themselves training together in Utah that summer and we lived with the same family. We were instant friends and talked quite frequently after that summer. Last year at this time I was getting the family ready to go to Utah to Olympic Trials, and I was so excited to have the opportunity to visit with him in person again. He joined us every day for the 10 day trip to support Chris and his effort to make the team. Shortly upon returning home, I learned that my home life as I knew it was going to change forever. My husband admitted to a double life and despite wanting to "work it out" he let me bend over backwards while he continued to play, with her. I had trouble sharing this with anyone really and became somewhat introverted. However, one day, the HBG called me to try to figure out why I was all of the sudden so distant. I broke down and cried on the phone as I was shopping for a date night dress that day in Macy's. I wanted to be sexy and beautiful, only I felt that I didn't know much about how to be a girl. He listened, as I told him what was going on, no input, just support. Then, he helped me find a dress. Over the next few months, he listened through my fear, heartache, anger, and frustration. He offered me weekend refuge when he knew I needed it. He encouraged me to believe I was beautiful, and sexy, which was something I was never told by my husband. He let me call him at 2:30 AM crying, he extended the most gentle, kind and considerate personality I have ever known from anyone. He was the one friend who ran pass interference from the start. He knew what I needed and took a risk by stepping up to help. He has seen me at my worst this year. He has helped me to find my best. My year was made manageable because of the love of a very good friend. He will forever be in my heart!!! I often feel like he has 1200 mile long arms!!!

My year has been both a challenge and a joy of firsts. I am not sure what my future single life will bring but I do know he will always be in it.

Things I am grateful for? My family, my friends (especially the HBG and his family who have welcomed me with a warm hug, wonderful hospitality, and beautiful smiles), and yes even for my soon to be ex (for releasing me from this mediocre life that I was trying to make the best of) Getting to know and love the South. A love of green tomato soup, boiled turnips and spinach salad. Learning to say PECAHHHN. Playing pool, jumping off cliffs and chasing brownies with a BUD. Having someone to share cultural things such as the opera with. Those BOOTS!

Firsts: a solo cross country drive, green tomato soup, killing and dressing a rabbit, killing and dressing a deer, learning and loving to wear dresses, real moonshine. loving myself!

OK for the FM ratings:

The Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, NYC   FM rating 12+++
Everyone should get dressed up and go to the opera at this grande opera house at least once in their life.

WoHop downstairs- 17 Mott Street, NYC FM rating 10++
This is CLASSIC Chinese at its best. Late night crowded is the plus!

Bleeker Street Pizza - 69 7th Ave, NYC FM rating 10
Seating can be an issue as this place is tiny. Pizza is great!

Greenwich House Pottery FM 12+++
Ok this is an outstanding clay center need I say more?

Orpheum Theater Memphis FM rating 10++
Not a bad seat in the house and adult sippy cups

Brooks Museum of Art Memphis FM rating 9
Small and manageable

Majestic Steakhouse Memphis FM rating 8.5
food was great but is was a bit pretentious and expensive- sit at the bar!!!

In the Valley

Standing in a hayloft, it's 28 degrees and the attire? A boyfriend shirt, some lingerie, and THOSE boots. I figured out pretty instantly what all those years on the ice trained me for, that 30minutes in the barn.

Lori made me feel so wonderful! Had so much fun with this! Check her out at http://www.shadowcatcherltd.com (FM rating 12+++)

Copious amounts:
An incredible visit with Jim and Marge that included copious amounts of alcohol to pry the tale of HIS infidelity out of me without me crying. Of course it did help that HBG seemed to be holding my hand on this one a bit. I drank so much yesterday that I thought for sure I would've felt horrible this morning but it's nothing a run couldn't handle.  We did go out at one point to the Backyard Alehouse for a tasting. I did turn Jim onto the untapped App.

I hesitated for a long while about coming to see family with all the stuff going on at home only to realize how silly a thought that was. My travels always seem to cheer me up and visiting with some of my favorite people only makes it better. 

If you're ever in Scranton checkout the Backyard Alehouse. They have an incredible selection of micro both on tap and in bottles. (FM rating 10) 

Hustlin? Not me, YET, anyway!

(Melanie and I at Jack and Jills)

There is this thing that happens when someone is so relaxed around you and so positive that they bring out the best in you and you start to radiate your own self generated happiness. You start to smile so much it hurts (SSMIH) and laugh so hard that you pee a little (LSHIPAL). You also start to get interested in new things, especially those things that seem to bring little kid joy to the person who seems to be able to make you giggle (and wiggle). Its all a process of understanding, both who they are as well as who you are. In that process you find a bit more of the self that you forgot was there, and you begin to take those pieces and run with them, like it was a 73YD touchdown in a bowl game.




The past few weeks I have been finding myself not only working out, but working hard at learning the game of pool, something I always found so difficult, that I would walk away from it more often than not. On a recent trip to AR to see that HBG (Hill Billy Guru), a more than decent pool player, I was intrigued by his coaching and how changing a few little things about the way I approached the game would make it so much less frustrating. I have played almost every day since. I am starting to love this game as much as I do my bike and looking at it in a similar manner, practice makes perfect, but only if its perfect practice. (hustlin? maybe soon, lol)


A note to the HBG, you have opened a can of worms and oh baby are you in for some competition next time I see you! (giggle)


So where have I been playing?


Jack and Jills, Brewster, NY (FM rating 12++) This place is a throwback, and the food is outrageously good!!! Play is by the hour. It's a tremendously friendly place!


Tom and Jerry's, Brewster, NY (FM rating 8.5) This is a great little pub on the outskirts of town. It even has a few craft beers on tap. Bar sized table that is great to play on when it's not busy, but when the regulars are there it can be a wait for a game. Its great if you are learning as you can get yourself into a competitive situation with random players, but it can be kinda intimidating to a newcomer.

Laboring over? (...which dress and boots to buy and what beer to drink)

I was Saratoga bound on Labor Day weekend. It finally felt so right and so normal. I had the bike in the car, the school work just in case, the clothes for every possible equation, a breakfast date with my Coici, and a picture of the H.B.G. to explain my latest thoughts to my friends. I even had $$ to spend on clothes (and one very fabulous pair of damn sexy and YES I love the SOUTH cowboy boots!!!).

My weekend started off in MACY's, dress shopping. I found three fabulous dresses, two I bought and the Lauren, it was 175. and warranted an OH, HELL NO despite looking incredible on. I made my way to Pete's for pizza. Going to Pete's is always a great thing. We have been friends for nearly 40 years yet at times it feels like he is still the chivalrous kid fending off the bullies on the playground.

I made my way to my mom's where we promptly went out to Nanola for a beer. Yes, my mom was sitting there enjoying the music and sipping a pilsner. We had a BLAST!!! The next day I started on the bike, then went to meet Alison and I went over to check out her new boat then for a light dinner and a hunt for boots. Sunday, I engaged in a hill ride, then an eventful breakfast and shopping with Coici judi and YES we discussed the H.G.B.  and found that Lauren dress for $46. !!! This was followed by a intimate Lucchese session at Saratoga Saddlery and a walk to get the dreamy Dan Post boots that I found the day before. OMG I was thinking about how incredible I would look getting off that plane in Memphis in three weeks!!!

My weekend ended at Alison and Rich's place and the nitty gritty details of my trip south. Lets just say that by the end of the night, thanks to Alison,  the H.B.G. will live on in glory!

_______________________

Just spent another weekend up there so I thought I would combine posts since they are only 2 weeks apart. This past weekend, I spent time running a 5K (insane Inflatable) and the bike with Alison (around Saratoga Lake) and a tremendous hike with Jon. I also trekked down to Hudson for Justin's gallery opening. I have to say, this was a surreal experience as the soon to be ex and I arrived separately. We have been talking a lot lately about the collapse, and there is absolutely no hope. This means arriving at the gallery was a bit awkward and dinner was even more so. It hurts, a lot, to know that he did nothing!

_______________________

The places I visited Labor Day:
Nanola - (FM rating 9.5) decent beer list, good food, great bands.

Druther's Brewing Company (FM rating 9) Decent Beer and food in an upbeat atmosphere.

Sutton Market and Cafe  (FM rating 9) A bit pricy but breakfast was good! Right near all the outlets if you are so inclined (I am not unless its with Coici Judi)

Jill's Wondering Cowboys (FM rating 8.5) Eclectic selection of western ware. THIS IS WHERE I GOT MY BOOTS!!!

Saratoga Saddlery - (FM rating 7) pricy but great selection of Lucchese boots.

______________________
Places I visited last weekend:

The Factory (FM rating 9) great food decent beer list

Asion Fusion (FM rating 5) Food was ok, service was not great. There are much better places in this hip college town.