It Only Takes Money - Crystal Bridges, Arkansas

We all know about Wal-Mart and the story of Sam Walton's rise to success. But I did not know how one of his daughters, Alice, the youngest, has spent some of her 21 billion on a museum in Bentonville, dedicated to American Art from the colonial age to modern time.

The Museum is in a setting of Ozark woods and streams in a building, or really group of them, that is absolutely beautiful. It opened 11-11-11.

A full-sized stainless steel tree is in front of the Museum. Don't sit under it in a thunderstorm.

And the buildings are connected to each other with windows overlooking pools of water and streams. The entrance cost was favorable... FREE, thanks to, you guessed it, Wal-Mart.

This is the dining room with prices very moderate.

The grounds are like a park with walking trails throughout.

This piece of art is so real, though a little larger than life-size. He even had grey whiskers.

Now we all know who this is...the Father of our Country, George Washington. What would you give to have him hanging around your living room? Alice gave 6.2... as in million to hang him in her Museum!

But this gem, called Kindred Spirits, was purchased by Ms. Walton from the New York Public Library for.... are you ready... hold on to your pocket books.... for...

$35,000,000! Remember that next time you shop at Wal-Mart or Sam's Club. I'm sure I must have purchased at least a leaf off the tree over the years.

Excitement in the Neighbor's Backyard

In Arkansas you can find all kinds of things to entertain yourself... even in your neighbor's back yard. First you have to get ready for the excitement making sure your glasses are on...

and making yourself a "hard hat" out of a deflated ball.

For several days we had seen these four flags in the neighbor's back yard...

and then yesterday this big truck pulled up next door. What was it? CM thought it was a giant smoker for fixing a whole hog at once.

Any other guesses? If you guessed a storm shelter, you win an all expense trip to Nail, Arkansas!

The kids had a ring side seat for all the excitement, and E wanted to make sure they were...

getting deep enough.

Finally, they lowered the storm shelter in the ground and back-filled it.

A quick trip inside to make sure it was ready to go...

and off they went for the next install. They put in 3 a day and you can order yours from Cozy Caverns from Cabot, Arkansas. It will hold 12 people seated and around 20 standing. Another reason to be nice to your neighbors!

Spring has come to Arkansas

There is nothing quite as beautiful as Spring, unless of course it is Fall. But I like Spring best. We took a quick trip to Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs National Park where the U of Arkansas maintains a beautiful natural woodland park. Of course it helps to have several thousands of tulips planted to show off their beauty. The trick to get there when most of them are blooming which of course varies from year to year.

Next to the park is Anthony Chapel and carillon... truly spectacular but I don't think it would work in North Dakota. You can rent it for weddings if you like.

The chapel from the back.

And from the front.

The rest of the shots are walking through the Gardens. God must enjoy color because He sure made a lot of beautiful ones.

I was able to snap a rare picture of the Garden Princess overlooking her domain.